Mikael Backlund

Here are the morning papers for Monday the 12th of January: The Ducks only took two penalties on Sunday night and played solid defense, on their way to a 4-3 home victory over the Devils. The Thrashers have named Ilya Kovalchuk captain. Newest Thrasher Rich Peverley is excited that he is getting a fresh start in Atlanta. Patience has been important for Bruins goaltending prospect Tuukka Rask. He didn't make the Young Stars game, but Matt Hunwick's play this season merited an invitation to that event, writes Steve Conroy. With the Wings next on the schedule, the Sabres know Detroit's focus is on one thing and that is winning games. Calgary Flames co-owner Doc Seaman passed away on Sunday. Seaman was a man that everyone respected. Prospect Mikael Backlund is now on his way to Kelowna of the WHL. Here are the results of the Flames' skills competition. The Blackhawks returned home on Sunday and recorded a much-needed victory over the offensively challenged Predators on Sunday. Terry Frei of the Denver Post takes issue with the negative reports out of Columbus about Adam Foote's departure from the Blue Jackets. There may be a goaltending controversy in Colorado, writes Jim Benton. Ken Hitchcock has been very impressed with his team's willingness to compete all season long. With all their injuries, one of the keys to the Blue Jackets' season has been the play of the team's youngsters. Bob Hunter isn't surprised the NHL didn't name Steve Mason to the All-Star team like it should have. The Stars have been dominating in the shot differential deparatment as of late, but it hasn't resulted in as many victories as the team would like, writes Mike Heika. The Red Wings will take their fathers along on a part of the team's upcoming six-game road trip. The Red Wings actually have the exact same amount of points at the half-way point of the season as they did in 2007/08. Gilbert Brule tallied his first marker as an Edmonton Oiler on Sunday, in his team's 2-1 home victory over St. Louis. Ryan Potulny didn't need any rest heading into his first game since being recalled from the AHL, as the former Flyer tallied two assists. Terry Jones writes that sophomore Sam Gagner appears to be heating up at the same time he did last season. The Oilers' penalty kill was much improved on Sunday. The Panthers' power play has certainly improved since the beginning of the season, writes George Richards. Josh Harding understands that Nicklas Backstrom will pretty much define what his role is in the NHL next season, writes Michael Russo. Krys Kolanos is trying to become a regular in the NHL once again. At the halfway point of the NHL season, the Habs are the hottest team in the NHL and heading upwards in the standings, writes Pat Hickey. Both Sergei Kostitsyn and Tomas Plekanec are both starting to get going at the right time. One shift decided last night's game for Nashville, writes John Glennon. Dan Ellis feels better about his game lately, but he is frustrated he can't help the team record points in the standings. On the injury front, Jason Arnott is listed as questionable for Tuesday's game. Scott Clemmensen isn't sure the goal that swung the momentum of last night's game in Anaheim was actually in. Captain Bill Guerin says his team's lack of success is really bothering him. Tom Renney is very excited that the Rangers have clamped down on the defensive end. Rumors out of Ottawa suggest Martin Gerber may get waived today, writes Chris Stevenson. Ed Moran wants the Flyers to make sure Luca Sbisa stays with the big club all season long. Martin Biron has been terrific over his past ten games. The Coyotes have a four-game road trip beginning in Minnesota and they want to ensure they record at least four of a possible eight points. Dave Molinari suggests the Penguins look seriously at re-signing Petr Sykora. On the ice, the Penguins are still trying to figure out what the heck is wrong with the team's play. Brad Lukowich will be out of the Sharks lineup for three weeks with a sports hernia. Ryan Malone is finally getting comfortable in Tampa Bay. Here is the Lightning's mid-season report from the Tampa Tribune. Brian Burke says the offers he has received as GM of the Leafs have been "garbage." Mike Van Ryn is currently recovering from a concussion and is actually going to attend a concussion conference in London, Ontario to learn more about them. Here is a short mid-season review of the Leafs. It is expected that Roberto Luongo will return to the Canucks lineup this week.

NHL Morning Papers (Monday Edition): Leafs not getting any good trade offers, Senators could waive Gerber and Ilya Kovalchuk is named captain of the Thrashers

On the Beat: Backlund staying in North America

NHL Morning Papers (Thursday Edition): Predators are on pace to miss out on revenue sharing, the Senators should blow it up and is Sundin going to get $6 million offer from Rangers?

Afternoon Delight

Afternoon Delight

Flames prospects looking forward to proving themselves at development camp