Thursday Morning NHL Papers (Western Conference): Blackhawks embarass Sharks, Ken Hitchcock frustrated at his team’s inconsistency and Pierre-Marc Bourchard looked forward to talking to Patrice Bergeron

Central Division

• Marian Hossa scored two goals in his Blackhawks debut, as his team dominated the Sharks in San Jose by a shocking score of 7-2.  “Hopefully we can stay together a lot of years and do some damage,” said Patrick Kane about the Toews-Kane-Hossa line.
• Ken Hitchcock’s Blue Jackets are demonstrating the fact that they are the youngest team in the NHL with inconsitent play all season long.  The Blue Jackets need better play from Mike Commodore.
• Mike Babcock knows his team is frustrated at the lack of offensive production but he thinks that attitude is counter-productive.  If you look at the numbers, just about every player on the Red Wings is having a slump.
• It looks like the Predators’ arena is going to change names again, explains Brad Schrade.
• “We got what we deserved tonight,” said Blues coach Andy Murray after his team’s win over Dallas.  Is Andy Murray’s job in jeopardy?

Northwest Division

• The Flames got a big victory before embarking on a six-game road trip.  Rene Bourque remains injured for Calgary but he was back on the ice yesterday.
• “We’ve just got to be ready to play. We’ve got to be better than that in the first period,” said a visibly frustrated Joe Sacco after his team lost in overtime to Nashville.  In other news, T.J. Hensick was placed on waivers on Wednesday.
• Of course it was Matt Greene who stuck it to the Oilers last night with a late third period goal in the Kings’ 2-1 victory at Rexall Place.  Edmonton players were very unhappy with Michal Handzus, as he hit Ales Hemsky from behind and Hemsky didn’t return to the ice.  Having once been a member of the Kings, Patrick O’Sullivan talks about the media differences between Edmonton and Los Angeles.
• The Wild played last night one skater short, so getting a point may not have been the worst result, explains Michael Russo.  Pierre-Marc Bouchard was looking forward to speaking to Patrice Bergeron about his concussion issues.
• Alain Vigneault had some nice things to say about defenseman Sami Salo on Wednesday, writes Jason Botchford.  (Writer’s note: Jason Botchford was on the IC Radio Show last night and that will be available on IC this afternoon.)

Pacific Division

• Jean-Sebastien Giguere made it two wins a row, as the Ducks defeated the Hurricanes 3-2 at the Honda Center.  The Ducks were just happy to beat Manny Legace, a player who always seems to have their number.
• “It was just a sloppy game,” said Stars forward Brad Richards about his team’s 4-3 shootout loss at St. Louis.  Dallas is beginning to notice just how important an efficient power play is.  Last night Brett Hull was honored by both teams.
• The Kings won at Edmonton last night.
• The Coyotes lost in Calgary in much the same way the Kings won at Edmonton.
• “That whole night — we should be embarrassed with the way we came out, with the way we played. That was ugly,” said Sharks defenseman Dan Boyle after his team was embarassed at home.  Sharks forward Brad Staubitz has to stop partaking in tip-in drills.

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