Wednesday Morning NHL Papers (Eastern Conference): Milan Lucic and Marc Savard nearing returns, Sean Avery is back to being himself and Ron Wilson doesn’t want to be known as a “loser” coach

Atlantic Division

• Some coaches would have given the Devils Tuesday off, but not Jacques Lemaire.  Meanwhile, here are Lou Lamoirello’s comments on Brendan Shanahan’s retirement from the NHL.
• Islanders coach Scott Gordon likes young defenseman Andrew MacDonald’s game.
• Both the Rangers and Capitals have superstar goal scoreres, the problem for the Rangers is they don’t have many more scoring threats after Marian Gaborik.  Sean Avery finally returned to his classic form last night.  Theoren Fleury was once made a healthy scratch by John Tortorella in New York and he looks back on that decision in bewilderment.
• The Flyers must brace for a busy schedule over the next few weeks and it begins in Los Angeles.  The Flyers have scored the first goal in 14 of the team’s 17 games.
• Probably 99 percent of hockey fans could not name the new half of the Penguins defense.  As a result of all these new defensemen, the other half of the team’s defense that fans probably can name have added responsibilities.

Northeast Division

• Milan Lucic was cleared for contact yesterday and he says his finger feels pretty good.  In more good news, Marc Savard hopes to be back in the lineup tomorrow night versus Atlanta.
• With Toni Lydman set to comeback into the lineup, Sabres coach Lindy Ruff has a good problem and that is too many options on defense.  Drew Stafford (hip) will be back in the lineup tonight against the Panthers.
• The Habs won last night thanks to strong play from Carey Price and a late goal by Andrei Kostitsyn.  The Habs are now 8-0 in games that go to overtime or a shootout.  Here is an interview with Habs’ AHL bench boss Guy Boucher.
• Pascal Leclaire has been getting some bad press so far this season for his poor play but last night he proved why the Senators traded for him.  Don Brennan admits Leclaire was good but has an issue with the first goal he allowed.
• “I’m frustrated at some people … that they don’t get what we’re talking about with turnovers … neutral-zone turnovers led to all three goals,” said Leafs coach Ron Wilson after last night’s game.  Ron Wilson doesn’t want to be known as a “loser” coach.  Toronto Sun writer Lance Hornby gives readers an update on the whereabouts of all old Leafs players, coaches, etc.

Southeast Division

• Nikolai Antropov’s adjustment back to center has probably played a factor in his zero goal output.
• No surprise, the Hurricanes found a way to lose last night’s game at Montreal.
• Victor Oreskovich is a great story down in South Florida, here are some details from George Richards.  The Panthers are 4-2 in shootouts this season but it isn’t something coach Peter DeBoer talks about much.
• No Lightning players are quite sure why Paul Ranger took a leave from the team, but they are all hoping for the best for their teammate.  Meanwhile, the Lightning team is hoping the added scoring on Monday is the start of an offensive turnaround.
• To say Alexander Ovechkin gave the Capitals a boost over the Rangers last night would be an understatement.

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