Thursday Morning NHL Papers: Eastern Conference

Atlantic Division

• Jacques Lemaire switched his lines around last night and it paid off, as his team continued streaking in the right direction with a win over Washington.  In injury news, Rob Niedermayer left yesterday’s game and may not be able to play this weekend.
• The Islanders came into their game against Buffalo having won four straight, but the Sabres were looking for revenge and they got it.
• Dane Byers was suspended and John Tortorella was fined for Byers’ actions in Vancouver.  “Yes, we have interest in Forsberg,” said Rangers GM Glen Sather.
• The Flyers have no interest in Forsberg, reports Frank Seravalli.  The flu has hit the Flyers team and limited their practice numbers on Wednesday.
• Maxime Talbot is back at practice for the Penguins and is quite happy about it.  Meantime, Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review talks with former Penguins defenseman Rob Scuderi.

Northeast Division

• Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe sayst that David Krejci has to step up for the Bruins.  You could argue that the Bruins’ best forwards after Patrice Bergeron have been their fourth liners.
• The Sabres beat the Islanders yesterday meaning they continue to avoid losing two games in a row so far this season.  Meantime, Jhonas Enroth could see game action soon in net for the Sabres.
• Habs coach Jacques Martin focused strictly on defensive positioning at yesterday’s practice.
• It appears Jason Spezza will make an early return to the Senators lineup tonight, writes Chris Stevenson.  Here are some predicitons on tonight’s tilt with Tampa Bay.  Lots of important Senators scorers have yet to post a goal this season.
• After an impressive debut, Phil Kessel may be getting new linemates, writes James Mirtle.  Coach Ron Wilson wants his players to start picking corners.  Off the ice, the Leafs deny they received any H1N1 shots improperly.  Speaking of H1N1, Leafs prospect Tyler Bozak came down with that very flu.  You may hear Tomas Kaberle’s name in trade rumors, but make no mistake, he wants to remain a Leaf.

Southeast Division

• There doesn’t appear to be any Thrashers news in this morning’s AJC, so here’s yesterday’s news about Kari Lehtonen’s injury.
• Not only did the Hurricanes lose their tenth game in a row last night, but they found out Eric Staal may be out for 2-4 weeks.
• Tomas Vokoun recorded his second consecutive shutout and was especially impressive in the first period, explains George Richards.  Give Nathan Horton credit for picking up his game as of late.  Stephen Reinprecht has also been hot, recording his ninth goal in eight games last night.
• Antero Niittymaki is winning, so as a result, Rick Tocchet says he will keep on playing.  Luckily for the Bolts, Mike Smith has a good attitude about it.
• The Capitals took terrible offensive zone penalties last night and it cost them, writes Corey Masisak.

To add IC on Twitter, click here.