Denis Gauthier

Here are the morning papers for Monday the 1st of December: The Ducks scored three goals in the third period at Carolina last night and recorded a 4-1 road victory. Thrashers coach John Anderson looks like he wants to make some changes to the Thrashers line-up, so some of the team's players may not want to get too comfortable, writes Mike Knobler. Fluto Shinzawa tells readers that the Bruins have more depth than most other teams. Bruins veteran Shawn Thornton wants to make sure the team does not get ahead of itself when it comes to expectations for the season. The Sabres need more balance offensively, writes Mike Harrington. The Flames have been on fire since getting their lunch handed to them in San Jose six games ago, writes Randy Sportak. Carolina just cannot seem to do anything right these days, as they lost again last night, writes Chip Alexander. The Hurricanes aren't playing well right now, and as a result they aren't drawing good crowds either. Avalanche defenseman Daniel Tjarnqvist knows exactly how the Wild will try and play tonight. The Avalanche really haven't played that well this season but they are still right on the cusp of a playoff spot, writes Rick Sadowski. The Blue Jackets really need to improve on their struggling power play, writes Aaron Portzline. Here are the Blue Jackets' projected lines for tonight's game against Vancouver. He's been doing it for almost twenty years now, so it was no surprise when Mike Modano scored a late third period goal that lifted the Stars to a 4-3 home win over the Oilers on Sunday. With Sergei Zubov on the injured list again, the Stars made a trade for a defenseman with Tampa Bay. The Red Wings finally get to make up for all the road games they've played this season with an upcoming four-game homestand. Mike Babcock is just happy that the team has more practice time. Last night's loss to Dallas was a frustrating one for Oilers coach Craig MacTavish. At least Kyle Brodziak looks like he finally regained some confidence yesterday. Are these really the same Stars that used to beat the Oilers in the playoffs? The Panthers played a terrific game at MSG yesteday afternoon and the scoreboard demonstrated just that, writes George Richards. Is there a goalie controversy in Florida? Kings defenseman Denis Gauthier (foot) will miss tonight's game versus the Maple Leafs. The Wild team does a good job of sticking up for one another, writes Brian Stensaas. In injury news, Eric Belanger (lower body) may not be able to play tonight in Colorado. Mike Komisarek is champing at the bit to get back in the Habs line-up, but he realizes that rehabbing his shoulder to 100% is the smartest thing he can do. Meantime, here is Jack Todd's take on the Brian Burke hiring in Toronto. The Predators have taken far too many penalties that have resulted in 5-on-3 situations, and it has cost them some victories, writes John Glennon. The Devils played well with a bunch of important players on the sidelines, so now coach Brent Sutter has to make sure the returning players join the line-up and continue the team's momentum. Islanders center Mike Comrie is back on the ice trying to rehab his injured hip, but he is not sure when he can return to the line-up. The Rangers strayed away from their system on Sunday afternoon and that resulted in their first home shutout loss in a year. New York just threw up a dud at the Garden yesterday and they know it. The Rangers' schedule certainly doesn't get any easier this week. The Senators need scoring from anyone who doesn't play on the Pizza line. Alex Auld has been the Senators' MVP this season. Off the ice, Bryan Murray is trying his best to improve his roster. The Flyers have three great leaders in Simon Gagne, Mike Richards and Jeff Carter, writes Ed Moran. With a couple players returning from injuries soon, the Flyers have some decisions to make on the back-end. If people don't think Sidney Crosby is the best player on the world, they should watch tape of his play the last five games. Penguins prospect Janne Pesonen wants to prove himself with the big club. Rick Tocchet isn't hitting the panic button just yet, but he is certainly concerned about his team's performance. Steve Stamkos has played well with more ice-time and responsibility since coach Tocchet took over. The Leafs have a tough schedule of games the next week, so we will see how mentally tough this team is. Matt Stajan (flu) is not feeling well, but he's still expected to play tonight at L.A. Meanwhile, Leafs defenseman Mike Van Ryn says he is about two weeks away from a return to the line-up. For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock. **There was no podcast this week as a number of us had prior commitments on Sunday; however, fear not, we will be returning to the studio next week for a jam-packed podcast with a number of new contributors.**

NHL Morning Papers (Monday Edition): John Anderson wants to make changes, the Hurricanes are struggling on the ice and in the stands and a goalie controversy in Florida

Los Angeles Acquires Denis Gauthier