Tuesday Morning NHL Papers (Eastern Conference): Criticizing Glen Sather’s cap management, Marc Savard expected to sign seven-year deal and Jason Spezza says Milan Michalek has made him a better defensive player

Atlantic Division

• Rob Niedermayer is expected to return to the Devils lineup tomorrow night versus Vancouver.  In other good news, Johnny Oduya is going to practice today.
• The Islanders have set a mid-December timetable for Rick DiPietro’s return.  If you ask Islanders GM Garth Snow about his team’s injuries, he will just tell you they are a part of the game.
• “But right now we just don’t know how to win it at key times,” said coach John Tortorella after his team’s second consecutive loss to the Penguins.  Marian Gaborik needs some help on offense.  New York actually didn’t look bad, writes Larry Brooks, they just couldn’t score.  Jay Greenberg criticizes Glen Sather for poor cap management.
• Former Flyers winger John LeClair gets inducted into the United States Hockey Hall of Fame tonight.  The Flyers have been struggling as of late, so Daniel Briere’s return to the lineup is much anticipated.  In really good news, Simon Gagne was skating yesterday, although he says he isn’t close to a return.
• Sure Sidney Crosby has eight points in his last two games, but Mike Rupp stole the show last night.  Shockingly, Ruslan Fedotenko is not a fan of Sean Avery, especially after Avery jumped him from behind.  Alex Goligoski didn’t play last night.

Northeast Division

• According to Kevin Paul Dupont of the Boston Globe, Marc Savard is expected to sign a seven-year deal worth about $4.5 to $4.8 per season against the cap.  The Bruins need to continue to improve on the man advantage.
• The Leafs get a lot of shots on net, but none were getting past Vezina favorite Ryan Miller last night, writes John Vogl.  If you are wanting to see more Sabres games, the team has a very busy December schedule.
• Good news out of Montreal, as both Scott Gomez and Matt D’Agostini will return to the lineup tonight.  It looks like the Habs are considered Canada’s team.
• Senators netminder Brian Elliot was a little sore yesterday, but he’s expected to start tonight for the team’s much anticipated tilt in San Jose.  Jason Spezza says that Milan Michalek has pushed him to be a better defensive player.  The questions are coming fast and furious for the Senators about Heatley.
• Miller has stolen two games from the Leafs this season, writes James Mirtle.  Jonas  Gustavsson was actually very good last night, he just didn’t get timely goals from his teammates, explains Rose DiManno.  “I really need (Tomas) Kaberle to shoot the puck, if they’re playing really tight on Phil (Kessel),” said Ron Wilson after the game.

Southeast Division

• Timing seems to be Atlanta’s thing this season, as the Thrashers got a goal with 5.5 seconds to play to defeat the Panthers in a game overshadowed by the odd event between Keith Ballard and Tomas Vokoun.  Big defenseman Boris Valabik is ready to return to the lineup when coach John Anderson sees fit.
• “This is our 20th game when we scored two [goals] or less,” said Hurricanes coach Paul Maurice after yet another loss for his team.  Did you know the Canes have yet to win on the road?
• Keith Ballard refused to talk to the media last night after one of the most bizarre incidents you will ever see.  At least the team thinks Vokoun will be alright.  (Writer’s note: David has more on this incident from Nightly Hockey Hits last night.) The Panthers have been just a horrible team in both areas of special teams this season.
• The Lightning played on the perimeter and it cost them last night.  “Obviously, our power play pretty much lost us the game,” said Martin St. Louis after the game.  At least Mattias Ohlund returned from injury.
• Alexander Ovechkin basically injured himself yesterday by running Tim Gleason, but there will no word on his status until this afternoon.  Ovechkin wouldn’t comment on the injury after the game.

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