Paul Maurice

Here are the morning papers for Thursday the 4th of December: The Ducks blew a 2-1 third period lead over Chicago last night and left the United Center with a 4-2 loss. The Thrashers lost again last night, as the Senators defeated them 5-1 keeping Atlanta at the bottom of the NHL standings. Blake Wheeler may be a natural center/right winger but he has looked like a natural playing left wing for the Bruins, writes Fluto Shinzawa. Here is some roster news for the Bruins heading into tonight's game. Drew Stafford is going to try and continue his improved play tonight as the Sabres embark on a three-game road-trip starting in Florida. The Flames are unsure of whether they will have Adrian Aucoin in the line-up for the next few games. Meanwhile, Darryl Sutter believes the media is in part to blame for the Sean Avery storylines because they continually give him a platform. Calgary's NHLPA representative Robyn Regehr was none too impressed with Avery's comments. By all accounts, Paul Maurice is going to be open to playing the high-flying style the Hurricanes utilized under former head coach Peter Laviolette. Laviollete probably couldn't have handled his dismissal in a more classy way than he did. The Blackhawks got back to scoring goals in the third period last night, as they came back from a one goal deficit in the third to register the two points. Joe Sakic is going to do everything within his power to return to the Avalanche once he is 100%. With Sakic out of the line-up, the Avs' heart and soul players are going to have to pick up the slack a bit. Rookie Steve Mason has been the story in Columbus so far this season. Columbus players will welcome the return of Stefan Legein, as long as he's serious. Here are the Blue Jackets' probable lines for tonight's game. Mike Heika says the Stars will almost certainly place Sean Avery on waivers. Waivers may seem like a good starting point, as it appears the coaches and players are sick of having Avery around. Oh yeah, the Stars played hockey last night too and lost 5-2 at Edmonton. The Red Wings took some time yesterday to pay a visit to the Children's Hospital and brighten up some youngsters' days. The CPR line is the new hot line in Southern Florida. Rob Schremp was impressive in his season debut last night for Edmonton, writes Derek Van Diest. The Oilers played well and the fans were finally happy to have something to cheer about, explains Terry Jones. Mathieu Garon also picked up the win in his first start since November 6. Alexander Frolov was benched by coach Terry Murray on Tuesday night and the two talked things out on Wednesday. Chris Foster wonders if the Kings will eventually make a trade for an impact player. Minnesota got back to playing Wild hockey on Wednesday as the team shutout St. Louis 4-0. Habs youngster Matt D'Agostini knows that he has to play a certain way if he wants to remain up with the big club. Meanwhile, Georges Laraque is one person who doesn't feel the least bit bad about what is happening to Sean Avery. David Legwand has been solid during his time in Nashville but the Predators are hoping he will get even better. Jed Ortmeyer hasn't complained at all about being sent down to the AHL. Brian Rolston is expected to return to the Devils line-up tonight. The Islanders were expected to be a strong team on the back-end this season but they just can't seem to stay healthy, writes Greg Logan. After refusing a conditioning stint in the minors, Petr Prucha proved why he wanted to stay up in the NHL last night, as he scored the trying goal for the Rangers in the third period against the Penguins. New York went on to defeat the Penguins in a shootout. Ottawa native Brendan Bell scored his first goal as a Senator last night in his team's victory over the lowly Thrashers. It has been a tough season injury-wise for Flyers forward Daniel Briere, as the center is now out for at least a month with a groin problem. The Coyotes acquired Joakim Lindstrom from the Ducks on Wednesday. For some reason the Penguins just can't seem to hold on to leads at MSG, writes Rob Rossi. "It was a frustrating loss," said Penguins defenseman Mark Eaton. The Sharks have had an amazing start to the season, but if you take away the points given for overtime and shootouts, the start hasn't been historic. While their start may not be historic, the team's power play has been very impressive this season. Speaking of impressive, the Sharks' television ratings are off the charts compared to last season. The Bolts better be ready for the Bruins when they come to town tonight, writes Erik Erlendsson. Wayne Gretzky has been impressed by what he's seen of Luke Schenn so far this season. Damien Cox thinks that Paul Maurice's return to Carolina may not be such a bad idea. The Canucks think a game in Detroit may be the motivating factor they need to get their season back on track. Capitals defenseman Sami Lepisto is getting a chance to prove he belongs in the NHL. Meanwhile, Washington Post writer Thomas Boswell has taken notice of the Capitals' success. For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.

NHL Morning Papers (Thursday Edition): The Sean Avery fallout continues, reaction to Paul Maurice’s hiring and Schremp impresses in debut

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