Evgeni Malkin

Here are the national morning papers: It looks like Daryl Katz is once again closing in on purchasing the Edmonton Oilers, writes Dan Barnes of the National Post. Kevin Allen of the USA Today looks at the week ahead in the NHL. Here are the Eastern Conference morning papers: A bad line change swung the momentum in favor of the Oilers yesterday afternoon as they defeated the Thrashers 4-2 in Atlanta. The Bruins defeated the listless Rangers for the second time in two days, writes Kevin Paul Dupont of the Boston Globe. Bruins netminder Tim Thomas was unhappy that he gave up the shutout by allowing a goal in the final minute of the game. Sabres forward Daniel Paille is finally coming into his own, writes John Vogl of the Buffalo News. Hurricanes coach Peter Laviolette is trying to use positive reinforcement with his struggling club. After injuring himself in practice on Sunday, Erik Cole is still expected to suit up this afternoon as the Canes face-off against the Islanders. Panthers rookie Shawn Matthias is impressing more than just the coaches in Florida, writes Ted Hutton of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. Panthers winger Rostislav Olesz will be out of the team's lineup for at least two weeks with a hand injury. If you are looking for a defenseman who consistently hits the opposition and blocks shots, then Mike Komisarek of the Canadiens is your man, writes Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette. The Devils got back on track last night, holding onto a 3-2 victory over the Maple Leafs at the Prudential Center. "I don't even know who Willis Reed is," Devils forward John Madden said after his performance against the Maple Leafs. The Rangers lost 3-1 at home to the Bruins yesterday afternoon, and Brendan Shanahan was benched in the process. "So step up or step back," said coach Tom Renney after his team's loss. Both Brendan Witt and Radek Martinek will return to the Islanders lineup today as they face-off against Carolina this afternoon. Not only were the Senators dominated by the Flyers yesterday but they didn't exact any revenge on Steve Downie either, writes Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun. In positive news, Daniel Alfredsson is expected to return tomorrow night in Florida. The Flyers have now won ten of their past twelve games after defeating the Senators 6-1. With Sidney Crosby out of the lineup, Evgeni Malkin has become the center of attention on the Penguins, writes Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. The Pens will have three AHL call-ups in the lineup tonight when they face-off against the Capitals. Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune thinks the Lightning should be sellers at the upcoming trade deadline. With their three-game winning streak now a thing of the past, the John Ferguson Jr. watch is sure to ramp up after his team's 3-2 loss at New Jersey on Sunday. Tarik El-Bashir has the details behind Michael Nylander's decision to have season-ending shoulder surgery. The Western Conference morning papers are soon to follow... Not only did the Ducks lose 5-2 to the Stars yesterday, but they also lost first place in the division, writes Dan Wood of the Orange County Register. Trade winds continue to swirl around Flames winger Alex Tanguay as the trade deadline nears. Meanwhile, Adrian Aucoin won the Flames' fastest shot competition with a 102.3 mph shot, and he did it all with a wooden stick. Blackhawks rookie forward Patrick Kane has become a shootout weapon with four goals in five attempts this season. With their top three offensive players on the sidelines, the Avalanche got contributions from all over the roster to defeat Columbus 3-1 on Sunday night. After last night's victory, the Avs are now first place in the Northwest Division. "We didn't want it enough to get these two points," said Blue Jackets defenseman Rostislav Klesla after his team's 3-1 loss at Colorado. In other Jackets news, it is no sure thing that Gilbert Brule will return to Columbus from the AHL. Dwayne Roloson was a good soldier during his time on the bench and he made the best of his opportunity to play yesterday in Atlanta by leading the Oilers to a 4-2 victory. "Every game is like a playoff game for us right now," said Oilers rookie Sam Gagner. Playing their fourth game in six days, the Stars didn't use fatigue as an excuse last night, and their resiliency paid off as they defeated the streaking Ducks 5-2. Wild tough-guy Todd Fedoruk has learned to do more than just fight in the NHL, and that has allowed him to earn the trust of Wild coach Jacques Lemaire. When the Wild visit Vancouver tonight, it will be the first time that Mikko Koivu and Mattias Ohlund will be facing-off against each other since Ohlund injured Koivu with a slash to the leg. "We've got to sign him,'' said Predators captain Jason Arnott regarding the impending UFA status of J.P. Dumont. Predators center Radek Bonk will be a game-time decision for tonight's game versus division-rival St. Louis. The Coyotes host the Sabres today, and coach Wayne Gretzky sees a lot of similarities between the two teams. Currently on a four-game losing skid, the Blues realize they need to turn their game around right now if they want to make the playoffs, writes Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. As Illegal Curve's Ezra Ginsburg told readers last night, the Sharks have recalled Tomas Plihal from the AHL. For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.

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