NHL Morning Papers--Eastern Conference (Monday Edition)

Note: Starting today, I am going to break up the Eastern Conference and Western Conference papers into two separate posts. Additionally, I have received some requests to split up the papers into divisions, so as to make it easier to read. Let me know your thoughts on the new format via email or in the comments section of this post.

Here are the national morning papers:

• Eric Duhatschek of the Globe & Mail says the NHL has a double standard when it comes to handing out discipline.
• Dave Shoalts of the Globe & Mail tells Leafs fans not to worry about missing the playoffs because they still have the 2008 entry draft to worry about.
• Bruce Arthur of the National Post says the Leafs just were not good enough to make the playoffs.

Here are the Southeast Division morning papers:

• The effort was there yesterday for Atlanta, however, it was not enough, as they were defeated 3-1 by the streaking Panthers. Off the ice, Don Waddell says he is not currently focusing on re-signing any of his pending restricted or unrestricted free agents.
• Joe Corvo tallied a hat trick against his former club yesterday, as the Hurricanes defeated the visiting Senators 5-1. With all their injuries, the Hurricanes are playing high level hockey with makeshift forward lines, writes Luke Decock.
• The Capitals rode the impressive performance of newcomer Cristobal Huet en route to a 2-1 shootout victory over the Bruins on Sunday.
• Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune warns Bolts fans of the drawbacks of winning hockey games right now.
• The Panthers recorded their seventh straight victory last night, and have now become a serious threat to make the playoffs, writes Steve Gorten. Ethan Skolnick of the South Florida Sun Sentinel says Stephen Weiss deserves more credit than he has received. Here are some tidbits about the Panthers, courtesy of the Miami Herald.

Here are the Atlantic Division morning papers:

• Even though the Rangers gained points in thirteen consecutive games before playing in Florida last weekend, they are no shoe-in to make the playoffs, writes Brett Cyrgalis. Brendan Shanahan wants the Rangers to react differently to disappointment than they did last season, writes John Dellapina.
• After another disheartening loss for the Flyers yesterday, it is fair to call it gut-check time in Philadelphia, writes Tim Panaccio. In injury news, the Flyers are going to have to make the playoffs without Derian Hatcher who is out for the season with a right leg fracture.
• The Penguins scored seven goals in consecutive games and managed to play lock-down defense too, writes Dave Molinari. The Penguins may start bringing their dads along more often, writes Shelly Anderson.
• The Devils understand that some people may be surprised that they are sitting in first place, but the Devils themselves are not surprised at all.
• As Greg Logan of Newsday tells us, Kyle Okposo has been called up by the Islanders and will make his NHL debut on Tuesday night.

Here are the Northeast Division morning papers:

• Cliff Fletcher has been scouting youngsters for the upcoming entry draft, however, that does not mean he has given up on the Leafs' post-season hopes. Bill Lankhoff of the Toronto Sun talks about how much the Leafs miss Mats Sundin.
• Sabres coach Lindy Ruff has a very hard roster decision on his hands when it comes down to what he should do with Tim Connolly, writes John Vogl.
• If not for Alex Auld's performance on Sunday, the Bruins may not have recorded a point at all, opines Fluto Shinwaza. The Bruins thought they deserved a better fate, but they were satisfied to at least record three of a possible four points over the weekend. According to Stephen Harris, the Bruins got their identity back this weekend.
• Jaroslav Halak is not sure why he plays so well in Montreal when he gets the chance. Pat Hickey takes a look at the numbers surrounding the Habs, and they are all quite impressive.
• The Senators took too many penalties yesterday in their 5-1 loss at Carolina, writes Don Brennan. In other news, don't expect Bryan Murray to be both coach and GM next season.

The Western Conference morning papers are soon to follow...

For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.

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