Tuesday Morning NHL Papers (Western Conference): Miikka Kiprusoff will go to the Olympics but there is a catch, Brent Burns has more concussion woes and Jarome Iginla sets a good example for youngsters

Central Division

• It looks like Marian Hossa will be in the Hawks lineup on Wednesday.  “We feel we have a good shot to go all the way this year, no matter how young we are,” said Patrick Kane.
• “We were light on the puck. Our top players weren’t very good. You’re just not going to win that way,” said coach Ken Hitchcock after his team’s bad loss at MSG.  Mathieu Garon gets the start tonight in his home province.  Here are the Blue Jackets’ projected lines for tonight’s contest.
• “We had lots of opportunity. I thought Rinne was real good in net for them. We were unable to finish at their net,” said Wings coach Mike Babcock after his team’s loss at Nashville.  Newcomer Drew Miller scored last night and was actually promoted to the top line.  Nashville defenseman Shea Weber still feels bad for knocking out Andreas Lilja last season.
• Last night’s win, was the Predators’ fourth straight victory over the Red Wings.  It looks like Martin Erat may finally be coming around offensively.  By the way, if Nashville gets a power play tally this season, so far they are undefeated.
• Andy Murray is getting sick of continuing trends in St. Louis, as his team lost 4-2 at home to Boston.

Northwest Division

• Miikka Kiprusoff would be happy to represent his country at the Olympics, but only if he was the team’s starter.  Calgary felt good about its game last night, so the team will take a point for the shootout loss.
• Paul Stastny finally broke out of his slump, as the Avs defeated the visiting Flyers 5-4.  All eyes were on Ian Laperriere yesterday as the long-time Avalance forward returned to his old home.
• The Oilers responded to a team meeting on Sunday with a 4-0 home win over the Coyotes.  Last night when Shawn Horcoff scored a late goal at the end of the second period it counted.  Pat Quinn wants his team to commit to playing hard and check.
• The Wild made a trade on Monday, but also received word that Brent Burns is out for a while with a concussion.
• Pavol Demitra is champing at the bit to get back into the Canucks linuep and hopes to be back around the new year.

Pacific Division

• Jean-Sebastien Giguere backed up his talk with a strong performance last night to lead his team to a 3-2 shootout victory over Calgary.  Giguere was especially key in the third period when the Ducks were clearly outplayed.  Meantime, Jarome Iginla talks about being an influential minority for other players hoping to make it in the NHL.
• The Stars won on Monday thanks to Marty Turco and Brenden Morrow, writes Mike Heika.  The Stars could use more consistent offense.
• Steve Yzerman comments on the play of Ryan Smyth and Drew Doughty in regards to their Olympic chances.
• The Coyotes have fired the head coach of their AHL affiliate.
• In San Jose, Torrey Mitchell is hoping to be back in the lineup by tomorrow night.

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