NHL Morning Papers--Eastern Conference (Thursday Edition)

Here are the national morning papers:

• Eric Duhatschek of the Globe & Mail tells readers that Jose Theodore is enjoying life in the Rockies.
• Since getting a break from playing, Tomas Vokoun has been terrific for the Panthers, writes Mike Brehm of USA Today.
• Kevin Allen has the insider information on a number of NHL injuries.

Here are the Atlantic Division morning papers:

• The main reason the Rangers signed Chris Drury this off-season was for his clutch play, and that move paid off last night, writes Larry Brooks. Last night's victory at New Jersey gave the Rangers a 6-0 record versus their Hudson River rivals this season.
• The Flyers will have earn nine or ten points against their division rivals the rest of the way if they have any hopes of making the playoffs, writes Tim Panaccio. Instead of a day off, the Flyers were preparing for their upcoming game against the Rangers yesterday.
• Much of the Penguins' success can be attributed to Ryan Malone, writes Dave Molinari. On the injury front, Sidney Crosby is expected to miss the team's next two games.
• Not surprisingly, the Islanders' success and failure this season was directly correlated with the play of now-injured star netminder Rick DiPietro.
• The Devils continued their losing ways against the Rangers last night, writes Rich Chere. Even with their 0-3-3 record against the Rangers, the Devils really do not seem overly concerned about it.

Here are the Southeast Division morning papers:

• Ethan Skolnick of the South Florida Sun Sentinel says the Panthers have to prove they are for real to their fans tonight. The significance of tonight's contest versus Carolina is not lost on the Florida players.
• "It was embarrassing, it was ugly, and there's really just no excuse for that," said Lightning defenseman Dan Boyle after his team somehow blew a 4-1 second intermission lead. Bolts defenseman Matt Smaby is happy to be back up with the big club and is hoping to make a good impression.
• The Hurricanes got offensive production from all throughout their line up last night, in their 5-3 victory over the lowly Thrashers. Off the ice, the team is still attempting to sign young Brandon Sutter to a contract.
• Their awful performance didn't demonstrate it last night, but the Capitals are supposed to be competing for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
• Thrashers defenseman Boris Valabik made his NHL debut and was welcomed to the league by being on the ice for all five Carolina goals, writes Craig Custance.

Here are the Northeast Division morning papers:

• It looks like Zdeno Chara will be a game-time decision for tonight's game versus the Canadiens. Since returning from injury, Glen Murray has been unable to regain his scoring touch, writes Steve Conroy.
• The Sabres somehow scored six goals in the third period last night to defeat the Lightning 7-4 at the HSBC Arena.
• The Leafs are unsure of the injury statuses of their key players, writes Kevin McGran. Meanwhile, Terry Koshan of the Toronto Sun tells readers that Pavel Kubina has been doing it all for the Leafs. (Writer's note: Why do I have a feeling that Leaf fans would rather he be "doing it all" for another franchise?)
• The Senators play their last out-of-division game of the season tonight when they host the Blues. On the ice, Martin Gerber appreciates the support his coaches and teammates have given him.
• Guy Carbonneau has warned his players not to overlook the Bruins tonight.

The Western Conference morning papers will be posted soon...

For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.

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