NHL Morning Papers--Eastern Conference (Wednesday Edition)

Here are the national morning papers:

• Dave Shoalts of the Globe & Mail wonders if it is worth it for the Leafs to bring back Mats Sundin.
• Ken Hitchcock was hired as the head coach for Canada's World Championships entry on Tuesday; Eric Duhatschek has the details behind the move.
• The Senators are in serious choking territory, writes Roy MacGregor of the Globe & Mail.
• Joe Thornton has been extremely dominant over the past month, writes Mike Brehm of USA Today.
• Kevin Allen of USA Today provides readers with a list of players who have committed to play for Team USA at the World Championships.

Here are the Southeast Division morning papers:

• Last night's 3-2 loss to the Panthers may have been Johan Hedberg's final start for the Thrashers, writes Craig Custance. On the scouting front, Thrashers GM Don Waddell has been impressed with UND prospect Andrew Kozek who was the team's second round pick in 2005.
• The Hurricanes saw their lead evaporate in the Southeast Division last night as they lost 4-1 at Washington; however, the team still controls its own destiny, writes Luke Decock. Justin Williams' return to the line up lasted less than a period, as the feisty winger threw out his back in the first period.
• The Capitals recorded a huge victory on Tuesday, in what was arguably the team's most important game in five years. Meanwhile, Mike Wise of the Washington Post has high praise for Alexander Ovechkin & Co.
• Lightning President Ron Campbell defended Jay Feaster in response to his last place rankings in the Hockey News' GM rankings.
• Most of the Panthers may be planning their respective tee times, but not Craig Anderson, writes Steve Gorten. In sad news, it appears Chad Kilger is considering retirement.

Here are the Atlantic Division morning papers:

• "It's nice to not have to think about (clinching a playoff spot) and to take care of our own business. We're in the playoffs now and we move on to bigger things," said Martin Brodeur after his team's overtime victory over the Islanders last night. Meantime, coach Brent Sutter has been unhappy with the play of Andy Greene at times this season.
• Joey MacDonald was the only reason the Islanders recorded a point last night, writes Greg Logan.
• If the Rangers have secured a specific slot in the Eastern Conference standings, coach Tom Renney is unsure of whether he would rest his players. John Dellapina tells readers about the progress displayed by Christian Backman.
• The Flyers have three games left on the schedule to decide their fate, writes Ed Moran. In fact, the Flyers can finish as high as fourth in the Eastern Conference standings or as low as tenth.
• The Penguins have demonstrated to their opponents that Mellon Arena is a difficult place to play, writes Dave Molinari. In injury news, rugged winger Gary Roberts is shooting for a Sunday return to the Penguins line up.

Here are the Northeast Division morning papers:

• The Sabres won a tight game last night at Toronto to keep their slight playoff chances alive; however, if both Boston and Philadelphia win tonight, the Sabres will be eliminated. With Teppo Numminen coming back from open heart surgery, Lindy Ruff has a tough decision on his hands when it comes to playing time.
• The Bruins will get Andrew Alberts back in their line up tonight for the first time in three and a half months, reports Fluto Shinwaza. On the injury front, it appears that Marc Savard will miss the remainder of the regular season with a back injury but the playmaker is shooting for a postseason return.
• The Habs guaranteed themselves at least the second spot in the Eastern Conference last night, writes Pat Hickey.
• "We just have to stay positive. We can't pout or feel for ourselves," said Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson after his team's 3-0 loss to the Habs last night. If the Senators do make the playoffs, Don Brennan of the Ottawa Sun wants to see them face-off versus the Habs.
• Paul Hunter of the Toronto Star wonders if Mats Sundin has played his last game. However, if you ask Cliff Fletcher he has a feeling the captain will return.

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

For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.

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