Tuesday Morning NHL Papers (Eastern Conference): Talk of a second NHL team in Toronto, Lightning won’t make any panic moves and Rick DiPietro may not return quite yet

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Atlantic Division

• Martin Brodeur is at a point where he can just play a game and set a new record.
• Rick DiPietro may have had a setback in his rehabilitation and won’t start on Tuesday for Bridgeport of the AHL.  Lucky for the Islanders only about 10,000 fans were on hand last night to watch the team get embarrassed at home by Florida.
• The Rangers played well last night and outshot the Thrashers, but couldn’t secure the victory.  The return of Brandon Dubinsky did help, but not enough.  Larry Brooks talks about just how bad Marian Gaborik is in the shootout.  At least Sean Avery was efficient last night.
• The Flyers played a full 60 minutes last night and it resulted in a rare victory, explains Sam Carchidi.  Daniel Carcillo returned to the lineup last night and played on a line with Mike Richards and Jeff Carter.  People need to realize how tough Kimmo Timonen is.
• The Penguins unveiled a new top power play unit at practice yesterday in an attempt to improve their poor play with the man advantage.  Is Matt Cooke the most surprising name on the new unit?  Even with his hot start, Michael Rupp is starting to see his ice-time lessen with some of his teammates returning to full health.

Northeast Division

• “We don’t like to lose two in a row around here. That’s kind of been our slogan since Claude’s been here. This one stings,” said Marc Savard after the Bruins lost 3-1 to Philadelphia.  Dennis Wideman left yesterday’s game with an apparent injury.  Ray Bourque would love to have been able to play in a game like the Winter Classic.
• There was almost a massive clock controversy for the Sabres in Montreal last night, explains John Vogl.  Olympic talk was on the mind of many a reporter in Montreal yesterday.
• Yesterday’s Ottawa Toronto game wasn’t exactly the most exciting, writes Allen Panzeri.
• Penalties have been killing the Habs as of late and that includes last night’s game.  Jacques Martin thought the Habs out-chanced Buffalo and carried the play at even strength.  Forget the Habs, here is a pretty incredible story about one brave Quebec youngster who was hit from behind and is using his positive attitude to ensure that he will walk again.
• The Leafs won a game that featured two teams heading in different directions in the standings, writes James Mirtle.  Ron Wilson is proud of his team and not afraid to talk playoffs.  Meanwhile, during the Olympics Brian Burke expects to keep a low profile, as he knows he will be an enemy to his usual fans.  Expect the talk of a second NHL team in Toronto to be spoken about at the Board of Governors meeting, writes Dave Shoalts.

Southeast Division

• In Carolina, Rod Brind’Amour doesn’t get any more motivation from being scratched by coach Paul Maurice.
• Florida flat out dominated the Isles at Nassau Coliseum last night.  Nathan Horton quietly has 32 points this season.
• Just because the Lightning is struggling and cannot score, do not expect a panic move from management.
• With Michael Nylander in the minors, the Capitals have cap room but right now they do not expect to use all of that room.

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