NHL Morning Papers--Eastern Conference (Sunday Edition)

Here are the Atlantic Division morning papers:

• The Rangers got great news yesterday, when they found out that Scott Gomez's ribs were only bruised and not broken. Even so, Gomez is still unlikely to play Tuesday against the Flyers.
• Kimmo Timonen will be in the line up today as his Flyers take on the Islanders.
• The Penguins pasted the Devils and Evgeni Malkin eclipsed the 100 point mark in a great day for Penguin hockey. Even better, Sidney Crosby may return to the line up tomorrow. Meanwhile, apparently Max Talbot does not mind giving his opinion.
• The Islanders have yet to speak to Ted Nolan about a contract extension, writes Greg Logan.
• "The reality is in the last dozen games or so we're a .500 hockey team," said Devils coach Brent Sutter after his team's 7-1 loss to the Penguins last night. Andy Greene had some trouble in his return to the line up.

Here are the Southeast Division morning papers:

• The Panthers know every game is must-win from here on out and they played that way in their 4-2 victory last night over Tampa Bay.
• After last night's loss, the Lightning are now tied for last overall in the NHL with the Kings. In injury news, Vincent Lecavalier is not overly concerned with his sore wrist.
• As Luke Decock tells us, both Justin Williams and Chad Larose took part in an optional practice yesterday.
• Alexander Ovechkin reflects on reaching the 60 goal mark in this morning's Washington Post.

**There were no Thrashers articles this morning**

Here are the Northeast Division morning papers:

• The Bruins were disappointed they didn't win the shootout last night in Montreal, but at least they earned one point, writes Fluto Shinwaza. In positive news, Patrice Bergeron foresees a return to the line up, whether it be this season or next. P.J. Axelsson proved a lot to his teammates last night, writes Steve Conroy.
• Here are some details behind the Sabres and Rochester Americans relationship. The Sabres' power play has been awful lately, writes John Vogl.
• With last night's 3-2 shootout victory, the Habs went a shocking 8-0 versus the Bruins this season.
• The Senators blew a two-goal lead at home and lost to the rival Maple Leafs 5-4. After last night's loss, Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun suggests Ray Emery is a candidate to start the Senators' next game.
• With last night's impressive comeback victory, and Boston's shootout loss to the Habs, the Leafs are only four points back of the playoffs right now. Terry Koshan of the Toronto Sun says the odds were against the Leafs last night, but they still overcame them to come out on top.

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

For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock

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