Nathan Paetsch

Here are the national morning papers: It is a long shot for the Maple Leafs to make the playoffs, but it is a shot nonetheless, writes David Shoalts of the Globe & Mail. Gary Thorne, writing a special to USA Today, tells readers which storylines to consider as the playoffs near. Kevin Allen of USA Today calls for the NHL to adopt sentencing guidelines. Here are the Atlantic Division morning papers: With a number of injuries up front, it looks like Petr Prucha will get his chance to return to the Rangers' line up. Daniel Briere's line was the catalyst for the Flyers' 4-1 win over the Islanders on Sunday. With last night's victory, Martin Biron became the third goalie ever to go 6-0 versus the Islanders in one season. Even though the Islanders are in a free-fall, that does not mean the Penguins will take them lightly, writes Dave Molinari. In injury news, the Penguins are hoping to have Gary Roberts back for the playoffs. The Islanders played last night's game with a roster that included very few regulars, as they were easily defeated by the Flyers. The Devils will be looking for revenge tomorrow night, as they host the Penguins at the Prudential Center. Here are the Northeast Division morning papers: With the team's fortunes falling fast, Bruins coach Claude Julien has been implementing a few line up changes. Meanwhile, Steve Conroy of the Boston Herald breaks down what the Bruins need to do to make the playoffs. Mike Harrington of the Buffalo News has a touching story on Sabres defenseman Mike Weber. On the injury front, Nathan Paetsch has been cleared to play on Tuesday versus the Senators. The Habs can clinch a playoff berth tonight if they defeat the Ottawa Senators, writes Pat Hickey. Hickey's colleague Dave Stubbs runs down the main reasons for the Habs' success this season. The Senators have lost Chris Kelly to a hairline fracture of his left leg for three weeks. Off the ice, the Senators have come to terms with former collegian Jesse Winchester. Damien Cox of the Toronto Star says that Matt Stajan is ready to be the Leafs' next captain. The Leafs have to defeat the Bruins twice in regulation this week, writes Paul Hunter. Here are the Southeast Division morning papers: Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune does not think it will be long before the Lightning are playoff contenders once again. Craig Custance lists five Thrashers with something to play for. The Panthers need to play a lot better against the Lightning this time around than they did last game, writes Steve Gorten. In roster news, Panthers defenseman Noah Welch is back healthy and waiting for his chance to get into the line up. **There were no Washington Capitals or Carolina Hurricanes articles this morning** The Western Conference morning papers will be posted soon... For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock. Email any thoughts, ideas or suggestions to illegalcurve@gmail.com

NHL Morning Papers–Eastern Conference (Monday Edition)