U.S. National team

Here are the morning papers for Thursday the 9th of April: Andrew Ebbett has quietly been very productive for the Ducks since being called up from the AHL, writes Billy Witz. A number of the Thrashers players are heading to the World Championships. Add Chuck Kobasew to the list of Bruins players that are injured, explains Kevin Paul Dupont. Even though Boston has clinched first place in the conference, they will be geared up to face the Habs tonight. With yesterday's victory at Toronto, the Sabres stayed alive in the playoff race. Sure they stayed alive, but after reading Bucky Gleason's article this morning, you will realize they have no chance of getting in. At least the future looks bright, as Sabres prospect Nathan Gerbe has won AHL rookie of the year. The Flames are aiming to 'get that swagger back'. Eric Francis tells us the Flames are banking on the return of Rene Bourque and maybe even Rhett Warrener, with all the injuries they have sustained. It is clear from listening to the Flames players that their goal is the Stanley Cup or bust. Calgary has had its cap issues, but if you are wondering, no team can go over the cap. Little known Chad LaRose has been a bargain of an impact player for the Hurricanes. The Blue Jackets denied the Hawks' bid to clinch the fourth spot in the Western Conference. With the Hawks leading more games, Adam Burish has been involved in less fights. Peter Budaj may be having a difficult season numbers wise, but his attitude is certainly respected in the room. "I don't know if it has quite sunk in yet,", said Rick Nash after his team clinched the first ever playoff spot in team history. The fans are just as excited as the players are about the team's first ever playoff birth. Meanwhile, coach Hitchcock wants Jiri Novotny to continue to play hard. The Stars must take a hard look at themselves. J.J. Taylor guaranetees Mike Modano's return to Dallas next season. Learn more about Stars rookie Ivan Vishnevskiy here. In Detroit, the Wings are expecting Andreas Lilja to miss the start of the playoffs. If we are talking matchups, it appears the Wings are hoping to duck Anaheim. In contract news, the Wings have tabled an offer to Johan Franzen. Disappointment was the catch phrase around Rexall Place on Wednesday. With the Oilers out of playoff contention, Dwayne Roloson is finally going to get some rest. Sam Gagner is taking the Oilers' struggling finish to heart. At least they can bring over Linus Omark....maybe not. Florida Panthers coach Pete DeBoer said he is going to make his decision on whether he starts Vokoun or Anderson today. In Los Angeles, Kings owner Phil Anschutz should take the Kings' fate personally. Concussions have been an issue in the Wild room this season and a serious one continues to keep a frustrated Brett Burns off the ice. The youngsters' struggles in Minnesota may be the reason the Wild is probably going to miss the playoffs. Bob Gainey is searching for a winning lineup in Montreal. Tough economy or not, there are many suitors who are aiming to purchase the Habs franchise. Consecutive wins may not be enough for the Predators to make post-season play. At least Nashville is not intimidated by Detroit, their matchup tonight. David Legwand's hopes of returning for the team's final two regular season games was taken away when doctors told him his injury is still too fresh. The up-and-down Devils can clinch the Atlantic Division title tonight. Martin Brodeur admits that it is tough getting in a groove when you've missed most of the season. Bill Guerin has been grateful for the opportunity to move from the Island to Pittsburgh where he has a chance to compete for the Cup. If the Rangers defeat the Flyers tonight, they make the playoffs. The Rangers know they control their own destiny. The Senators players were happy for coach Cory Clouston on Wednesday, as he was allowed to smile upon signing a two-year contract extension. Is Alex Auld going to stick around with Clouston? Flyers coach John Stevens gives you his take on a possible matchup with Carolina. Daniel Carcillo is moving in the right direction. Former Flyers center Keith Primeau is doing his best to help further concussion research. Petr Prucha has been excited about getting more ice-time in the desert as compared to NY. Next goal for the Penguins: Some rest, tuning up for playoffs. Should the Pens have locked up Sid and Geno longer? Ruslan Fedotenko has really found his game as of late. Patrick Marleau and Ryane Clowe are expected to return to the Sharks lineup tonight. Ray Rotto lays down the gauntlet for the Sharks, saying it is Cup or bust. Injury prone defenseman Jay McKee's turnaround has really given the Blues a boost. The Blues are close to throwing a big party, writes Bernie Miklasz. The Lightning organization is not any more stable than it was last summer. Martin St. Louis is a great team guy. Cujo, May record milestones, as Leafs fall 3-1 to Sabres. One Leafs milestone was celebratory, one wasn't, writes Lance Hornby. Could the Marlies be getting help from the Leafs for the AHL playoffs? In Vancouver, the Canucks are getting back to basics. The Canucks have to ensure they don't have a letdown against the Kings, with the division yet to be wrapped up. Caps' Rookie Goaltender Simeon Varlamov wins confidence From Boudreau. The Capitals have some nice organizational depth between the pipes. Lastly, here is an update on injured hockey player, Derek Zike from the NAHL, who appears to be recovering well. **The IllegalCurve.com Radio Show archives of yesterday's show with Dan Wood of the OC Register and Eric Duhatschek of the Globe & Mail should be posted on the website early this afternoon** **Also, special thanks to David who gave a nice helping hand for the morning papers**

NHL Morning Papers (Thursday Edition): Wings hoping to duck Anaheim, Owner Phil Anschutz should take Kings’ fate personally and Blue Jackets make club history