Thursday Morning NHL Papers (Eastern Conference): More reaction to the story about Brian Burke’s son, Tim Thomas close to returning to Bruins lineup and where has Jason Spezza been?

Atlantic Division

• Patrik Elias scored his first goal since returning from injury and the Devils ended a three-game losing streak with a victory over Ottawa.  Yesterday was Jacques Lemaire’s 400th game as Devils coach.
• The Islanders couldn’t beat the Flyers last season and this season nothing has changed so far, writes Katie Strang.  It looks like Rick DiPietro lost weight since last season.
• The Rangers’ young defensemen earned yesterday’s win with Marc Staal playing over 30:00 minutes and Michael Del Zotto playing over 28:00 minutes.  “I thought we played well in all facets of the game,” said Rangers coach John Tortorella.
• After challenging Mike Richards and Jeff Carter to be better, both players responded with big game yesterday against the Islanders.  Brian Boucher playing last night had nothing to do with Ray Emery being pulled the game before.
• The Penguins know how the Habs feel with so many injured players on the roster, but they didn’t take it easy on them registering a 3-1 home win.   Penguins trainer Chris Stewart is a favorite of all the players and members of the Penguins organization.  Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby are back on different lines.

Northeast Division

• The Bruins didn”t play their best but they recorded an important victory nonetheless, writes Fluto Shinzawa.  This year’s version of the Bruins is really starting to develop some chemistry.  In injury news, it looks like Tim Thomas is close to returning to the lineup.
• It has been the story of the Sabres’ year, a lack of goal scoring, and it reared its ugly head again last night against Washington.
• Pat Hickeyof the Montreal Gazette recaps the Habs’ loss on the second half of back-to-back games.
• Brian Elliot played well in his first game since Pascal Leclaire’s injury but a couple bounces went the other way and his team lost 3-1 in Newark.  Where has Jason Spezza been lately?
• Players on both the Lightning and Leafs are wondering why Brian Burke’s son’s sexual orientaiton is even being talked about. (Writer’s note: Totally agree.)  On the ice, Carl Gunnarsson made a very good impression against the Bolts last night.  “I want to be clear on this: We paid a heavy price but I don’t feel we have to replace those picks,” said Brian Burke about his trade for Phil Kessel.

Southeast Division

• The Panthers recorded a point last night for the eighth straight game but came out on the losing end.
• Lightning coach Rick Tocchet wants his team to play a more simple game instead of always trying to make something out of nothing, writes Damian Cristodero.  Last night’s loss was still only Tampa Bay’s second since November 2.
• Alexander Ovechkin scored the game-winning goal and then was tossed from the game last night for an alleged hit from behind.  It was actually Ovechkin’s best post-injury performance before he was ejected.

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