NHL Morning Papers: Stanley Cup Finals Edition (Tuesday)

Here are the morning papers for the Stanley Cup finals which resume on Wednesday night...

Detroit Red Wings (1) versus Pittsburgh Penguins (2):

• Last night's loss has sent many Wings fans into a panic, writes Michael Rosenberg. Anything can happen now, opines Mitch Albom. Drew Sharps tells readers that the Penguins rained on Chris Osgood's parade. Bob Wojnowski has it right when he says that Marc-Andre Fleury stole that game for the Penguins last night. The Detroit News provides readers with the fan perspective before last night's game.
• Last night's game sure was not a 60 minute formality, writes Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Detroit does not look so invincible anymore, writes Ron Cook. Game 5 was an epic contest, writes Gene Collier. As Shelly Anderson writes, all the Cup talk during the third period was premature.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.

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NHL Morning Papers: Stanley Cup Finals Edition (Sunday)

Here are the morning papers for the Stanley Cup Finals which resume Monday night...

Detroit Red Wings (1) versus Pittsburgh Penguins (2):

• Drew Sharp of the Detroit Free Press does not think the Finals will last past Monday. Chris Osgood was terrific last night, writes Helene St. James. Mitch Albom writes about how important the Red Wings' 5-on-3 penalty kill was in the third period last night. That 5-on-3 penalty kill would not have been possible without the unbelievable play of Henrik Zetterberg. Here is a the story of a sneaky Red Wings fan.
• Last night's loss was the Penguins' first home-loss of the playoffs, writes Dave Molinari. Ron Cook of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette is wondering why Gary Roberts received more power play time last night than Petr Sykora and Jordan Staal combined? Max Talbot was visibly down after last night's tough defeat. Even though they are losing the series 3-1, it will be cool for the Penguins to be playing hockey in June.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.

Email any thoughts, ideas or suggestions to illegalcurve@gmail.com

NHL Morning Papers: Stanley Cup Finals Edition (Friday)

Here are the NHL morning papers for the Stanley Cup Finals which resume tomorrow night...

Detroit Red Wings (1) versus Pittsburgh Penguins (2):

• The Red Wings certainly are not feeling down after losing Game 3 on Wednesday night. If Mike Babcock has a question about something, he just asks Scotty Bowman. The Wings need better performances from Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk, writes Damien Cox of the Toronto Star. One thing is forsure, Chris Osgood is a real bargain between the pipes for the Red Wings organization. In injury news, Tomas Holmstrom does not feel so good, however, he is still expected to suit up for Game 4 on Saturday night.
• The Penguins believe they can improve on their Game 3 performance, writes Dave Molinari. Brooks Orpik is sure raising his off-season contract expectations with his play in the playoffs. Not only does Sidney Crosby score, but he does the little things too. Detroit coach Mike Babcock wants his top line to lower their average time per shift.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.

Email any thoughts, ideas or suggestions to illegalcurve@gmail.com

NHL Morning Papers: Stanley Cup Finals Edition (Tuesday)

Here are the morning papers for the Stanley Cup Finals which resume tomorrow night:

Detroit Red Wings (1) versus the Pittsburgh Penguins (2):

• The Red Wings are destroying the NHL's dream match up with their dominant play, opines Bob Wojnowski. Apparently Johan Franzen thinks he kind of deserved Gary Roberts' hit to the face. Meanwhile, Michel Therien thinks that Chris Osgood is a good diver. The Penguins' line up changes did not work, writes George Sipple of the Detroit Free Press. Here is Mike Babcock's post-game interview.
• It is not looking good for the Penguins right now, writes Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Gene Collier wonders where all the Pittsburgh superstars have been hiding? Meantime, Ron Cook of the Post-Gazette wonders if he can select the Wings to take the series in three games? Finally, Georges Laraque was not happy that he was healthy scratched for Game 2, however, the big winger was professional about it.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.

Email any thoughts, ideas or suggestions to illegalcurve@gmail.com

NHL Morning Papers: Stanley Cup Finals Edition (Monday)

Here are the morning papers for the Stanley Cup Finals which resume tonight at 8pm EST:

Detroit Red Wings (1) versus Pittsburgh Penguins (2):

• The Red Wings want to make sure they continue to play well on the penalty kill, writes Helene St. James. In injury news, Johan Franzen is expected to suit up for the Wings within the week. Bob Wojnowski profiles Chris Osgood's road back to the Wings. The NHL has to be happy with the television ratings from Game 1. It was so loud at Joe Louis Arena during Game 1 that Wings coach Mike Babcock said, "I thought we were in Canada."
• The Penguins have changed their lines for Game 2 tonight. The Red Wings just controlled the middle of the ice and the neutral zone for most of Game 1, writes Shelly Anderson of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. The Wings' penalty killing attack seemed to have thrown off the Penguins a bit on Saturday night. Things are looking up for Mario Lemieux these days, writes Chuck Finder.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.

Email any thoughts, ideas or suggestions to illegalcurve@gmail.com

NHL Morning Papers: Stanley Cup Finals Edition (Sunday)

Here are the NHL morning papers for the Stanley Cup Finals which began last night:

Detroit Red Wings (1) versus Pittsburgh Penguins (2):

• Detroit really seemed like Hockeytown again last night, writes Michael Rosenberg. If you did not know before, Mikael Samuelsson loves to score goals. Chris Osgood was terrific in the first period last night. Last night's game made one thing apparent, Tomas Holmstrom is a marked man. Here is the video of Marc-Andre Fleury's hilarious fall out of the Pittsburgh bench when coming onto the ice.
• Even after last night's game, Gene Collier of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette thinks the Red Wings are beatable. Last night's game would have been different had the Penguins capitalized on their first period power plays. The Penguins may have their hands full with Zetterberg and Datsyuk, but they are not going to let the media bother them. Apparently Gary Bettman is happy the Penguins stayed put in Pittsburgh.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.

Email any thoughts, ideas or suggestions to illegalcurve@gmail.com

News You Can Use Late in the Day

1. There is still playing time for grabs in Team Canada's lineup.
2. TSN is reporting that the Leafs have asked the Canucks for permission to speak to Dave Nonis.
3. The 3rd edition of the Sportsnet Playoff Magazine.
4. The Stars owe their 4-OT win to...pizza?
5. Mike Toth wonders about the timing of Paul Maurice's firing.
6. Fabian Brunstrom...blah, blah, blah...zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.
7. Looking back on the Dustin Penner signing.
8. Check out this Art Gallery of Nova Scotia page, featuring hockey art.
9. The Chicago Blackhawks are raising ticket prices.
10. Evgeni Malkin is old-timey.
11. Darren Eliot credits coach John Stevens with the Flyers resurgence.
12. In a move that should surprise no one, a Quebec publisher want the Canadiens to play more French language music at the Bell Centre.
13. Dany Heatley has been the show at the World Championships thus far.
14. In upset news, the Swiss defeated the Swedes and Norway downed Germany.
15. Jacques Lemaire, perhaps unable to find a new way to trap, may not coach the Wild next year.
16. Philly vs. Pittsburgh: The Tale of the Tape.
17. Damien Cox reminds us that the MLSE is still in charge in Toronto.
18. Darryl Reaugh butchers a Fergie song.
19. Jamie McClennan's Top Ten moments from Japan.
20. Chris Osgood is still looking to prove himself after all these years.
21. Ed Willes says the writing is on the wall for a Burke-Nonis reunion in Toronto.
22. Adam Thompson of the Wall Street Journal notes that hockey is back in a big way.
23. TSN is reporting that the Leafs have been denied permission to speak to Doug Wilson.
24. The New York Islanders have signed Robin Figren, who was impressive for Sweden at last year's World Juniors.
25. Ten NCAA teams to watch in 2009.

NHL Morning Papers: Playoff Teams (Friday Edition)

Here are the morning papers for the second round playoff match-ups:

Eastern Conference:

Montreal (1) versus Philadelphia (6):

• The Canadiens used the magic of their past and came back to defeat the Flyers 4-3 in overtime, writes Pat Hickey. Alexei Kovalev was the Habs' first star last night as he scored two huge goals for the club. They may have won, but the Canadiens were not the better team on the ice last night, opines Red Fisher. A couple of breaks went Montreal's way last night and that was the difference.
• Phil Sheridan of the Philadelphia Inquirer has the game report. "It was our third game in 4 nights and I was really, really happy with the way we responded here tonight," said Flyers coach John Stevens after last night's 4-3 overtime loss at Montreal. The Montreal fans are not making a good impression around the NHL. In injury news, it appears doubtful that Mike Knuble (hamstring) will return for this series.

Pittsburgh (2) versus New York Rangers (5):

• Dave Molinari has in depth analysis of the all facets of the game for the Penguins/Rangers series. Heeee's back, writes Shelly Anderson about Jaromir Jagr. The Penguins are going to make sure they protect Marc-Andre Fleury from the over-aggressive Rangers. Thinking back, the Penguins probably wouldn't be here without Ty Conklin.
• Larry Brooks suggests the Rangers do not try and match a checking line with Sidney Crosby's line. Brooks also breaks down both teams and gives his prediction for the series. The Rangers will surely be fresh for tonight's game, writes John Dellapina.

Western Conference:

Detroit (1) versus Colorado (6):

• Chris Osgood shut the door when he had to last night, writes Helene St. James. If you are a Detroit fan, there was a lot to like about Game 1. Last night's game was a good one, but it did not really bring back memories of the late 90's. Meanwhile, Johan Franzen continues to impress.
• Terry Frei takes a closer look at Joel Quenville's line-up changes last night. Jose Theodore clearly wasn't sharp last night, writes Woody Paige. Peter Forsberg pulled his groin during the game-day skate and that is why he did not suit up last night.

San Jose (2) versus Dallas (5):

• Mark Purdy of the San Jose Mercury News likes the Sharks in 6. Sharks winger Ryane Clowe explains how to deal with Steve Ott. Here are the results of the Sharks/Stars games from the regular season. Meantime, the Sharks brass is hoping that Milan Michalek regains his scoring touch this series.
• Steve Ott is apparently giving Sean Avery a run for his money in the pest of the year contest. This series sure won't lack emotion, writes Mike Heika. Marty Turco is a changed goalie from the one earlier in his career, writes Tim Cowlishaw. Here is a preview of tonight's Game 1.

I am not able to post the non-playoff team morning papers today. They will return bright and early tomorrow morning.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.

Email any thoughts, ideas or suggestions to illegalcurve@gmail.com

NHL Morning Papers: Playoff Teams (Monday Edition)

Here are the morning papers for the Western Conference playoff match ups:

Detroit versus Nashville:

• Nicklas Lidstrom used his old slapshot trick from 2002 to lead Detroit into the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Now that the Red Wings defeated the Predators in the first round they can breathe a big sigh of relief, writes Drew Sharp. Chris Osgood is heading into the Red Wings' next series versus either Colorado/Calgary as the team's starter.
• The Predators' storybook season came to an end yesterday afternoon, writes John Glennon. Jason Arnott sat out the Predators' final two games with a concussion he received on a celebratory hit from teammate Alexander Radulov. Even though they were defeated, the Predators sure impressed the Red Wings.

San Jose versus Calgary:

• After last night's performance, it is fair to say the Sharks left their game in San Jose, opines Mark Purdy. The Flames were desperate and the Sharks were not, it is that simple, writes David Pollak. Jeremy Roenick took the news that he was benched last night like a pro.
• The Flames were the dominant team last night, writes Scott Cruickshank. As George Johnson writes, the Sharks themselves admitted that they weren't competing at necessary levels. Bruce Dowbiggen wonders if Mike Keenan can win Game 7 against the Sharks? Give Kristian Huselius credit, he answered the bell.

Minnesota versus Colorado:

• The Wild is going to look a lot different at training camp than the team does now, writes Michael Russo. Jim Souhan thinks it would be foolish for the Wild to trade Marian Gaborik. Sid Hartman provides readers with GM Doug Risebrough's thoughts on the Wild's season.
• The Avalanche's disciplined game was one of the main reasons the team is playing in Round 2. If the Avs want to keep advancing, they will need Jose Theodore to continue playing at this elite level.

Anaheim versus Dallas:

• Dallas was the better team in the Ducks' six-game defeat, writes Dan Wood. It is no surprise what cost the Ducks the game in the third period last night, writes Helene Elliot. The Anaheim players were very impressed with the play of Stephane Robidas.
• The Stars ended their three-game power play drought at just the right time last night. The Stars did this all with three rookies on defense, writes Mike Heika. Stephane Robidas was the best defenseman in the series. Meanwhile, Mike Ribiero is thankful Bob Gainey traded to him to an organization like Dallas.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.

Email any thoughts, ideas or suggestions to illegalcurve@gmail.com

NHL Morning Papers: Playoff Teams (Saturday Edition)

Here are the morning papers for the Western Conference playoff match ups:

Detroit versus Nashville:

• The Wings didn't lack for shots on net last night, writes Mitch Albom. Detroit rebounded from a heart-breaking late third period goal to score within the first two minutes of overtime. The Red Wings got a huge break last night when Jason Arnott was pulled out of the Game 5 line up with a mystery illness.
• After last night's tough defeat, the Predators have their backs up against the wall for a must-win Game 6 on Sunday. They sure did not lose because of their goaltending as Dan Ellis turned aside an astounding 52 shots last night. Barry Trotz is hoping to have both David Legwand and Jason Arnott back for Game 6.

San Jose versus Calgary:

• Ryane Clowe has been that good for the Sharks in their playoff series versus the Flames, writes Ann Killion. There has been no word on the status of Kyle McLaren for tomorrow's Game 6.
• Jarome Iginla has been absolutely tremendous but he needs some help if the Flames want to play a Game 7, writes Eric Francis. Here are some of the stats for the Flames' "secondary" scorers, courtesy of Randy Sportak.

Minnesota versus Colorado:

• Marian Gaborik knows the pressure is on him to extend this series, writes Michael Russo. Jim Souhan of the Star Tribune says the Wild's fighters have helped the team win fights but not games. The Wild doesn't play well with the lead, so maybe they are in the perfect situation.
• The Avalanche have to treat tonight's game like their own Game 7, writes Dave Krieger. The Avs need to continue their strong play on the power play.

Anaheim versus Dallas:

• The defending Cup champs are sure not going out without a fight. J.S. Giguere put any goaltending controversy to bed as he was the best Duck on the ice last night. Here is a minute-by-minute recap of last night's game.
• The stats sure didn't mean much after watching last night's game, writes Tim Cowlishaw. The Stars are hoping some home-cooking at the American Airlines Center will be the last they see of the Ducks this season.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.

Email any thoughts, ideas or suggestions to illegalcurve@gmail.com

NHL Morning Papers: Playoff Teams (Thursday Edition)

Here are the morning papers for the Western Conference playoff match ups:

Detroit versus Nashville:

• Once again, quick goals led to Detroit's downfall last night, writes Helene St. James. After last night's performances by Dominik Hasek and Chris Osgood it looks like we have a full-fledged goaltending controversy on our hands in Detroit. Steve Schrader of the Detroit Free Press wonders why the same script happens to the Wings every year?
• With last night's impressive 3-2 home victory, the Predators have turned this series into a best-of-three, writes John Glennon. With the offensive production the Predators have been getting from their defensive corps, who needs forwards? Quick goals are the Predators' specialty.

San Jose versus Calgary:

• With his grit and determination, Patrick Marleau has proven to the hockey world why he is the captain of the Sharks, writes Ann Killon. Meanwhile, the San Jose defense wants to continue doing what it's doing, as the team kept the Flames to a meager ten shots on goal in Game 4. Apparently a lot of the Sharks did not even know about Evgeni Nabokov's post Game 3 comments.
• Robyn Regehr thinks some of his teammates have more to give on the ice, writes Erik Duhatschek. It is fairly simple, the Flames need to get more shots on net, writes Randy Sportak. The frustration in Calgary boiled over yesterday, as assistant coach Rich Preston and Jarome Iginla got into a bit of a yelling match.

Minnesota versus Colorado:

• The Wild has only led for four minutes in their entire series with Colorado, yet the series is tied at two with a big Game 5 tonight, writes Michael Russo. The Avalanche are not in this series to fight, writes Kent Youngblood. Furthermore, any talk of the Avalanche looking for revenge in Game 5 is unfounded.
• Jordan Leopold picked just the right time to get into coach Joel Quenville's good books, writes Terry Frei. Look for Game 5 to be a physical affair. Beware Wild fans, Mark Kiszla is back for more!

Anaheim versus Dallas:

• The Ducks know the key to their series with Dallas is to not cross the line. Anaheim looks like it'll be getting a huge boost with the expected return of Corey Perry to the team's line up for Game 4.
• Dave Tippett couldn't care less that the Stars have a poor home record in the American Airlines Center. Mike Heika has covered the Stars all season long but he says he does not have a clue what to expect from this team. In a more serious story, hockey is surely not the most important thing on Joel Lundqvist's mind, writes Heika.

The morning papers for the teams that did not qualify for the playoffs are soon to follow...

For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.

Email any thoughts, ideas or suggestions to illegalcurve@gmail.com

NHL Morning Papers--Western Conference (Saturday Edition)

Here are the Northwest Division morning papers:

• After last night's embarrassing 4-0 loss at Minnesota, the Canucks find themselves in ninth place in the Western Conference. Even after taking a huge hit from Derek Boogard on Friday, Canucks defenseman Kevin Bieksa still expects to be in the line up on Sunday.


• Patrick Reusse of the Star Tribune thinks that the Wild is peaking at just the right time. The Wild are going to remove one stressor from Kurtis Foster's life, as GM Doug Risebrough has said that he will qualify the defenseman in the off-season. (Writer's note: Classy move by Risebrough.)


• Randy Sportak of the Calgary Sun calls out the Flames brass on their mismanagement of the Kristian Huselius situation. Moving closer to the playoffs, the Flames are hoping to make the Saddledome an extremely hard place to play.


• The Oilers lost a heartbreaker last night in Colorado, however, the team thinks it may actually help to get right back to business tonight in Calgary, writes Joanne Ireland. "We could have used the second one but it's over with," said Jarret Stoll after the contest. Dan Barnes of the Edmonton Journal wonders how good Ales Hemsky can become.


• Joe Sakic has not lost any of his magic, writes Rick Sadowski. "So-so, I think. I don't think we played as good as we wanted. Their skilled forwards had a little too much time, I think, and got to do a little too many moves. But we battled and we came back. We came back a couple times; we tied it up 3-3 and 4-4, so just overall it's a great win for us," said Peter Forsberg after last night's huge victory.

Here are the Pacific Division morning papers:

• The Ducks lost the game, the division and a ten game home winning streak last night versus the Sharks, writes Dan Wood.


• "It's obviously a good feeling, but I think it's the first step in the process that we have in our minds right now," said Jeremy Roenick after his Sharks clinched the Pacific Division title on Friday night.


• Kings coach Marc Crawford has more than just today's game versus Dallas to worry about, writes Eric Stephens and Lisa Dillman.


• The Stars understand the importance of today's afternoon tilt with the Kings, writes Mike Heika.

**There were no Phoenix Coyotes articles this morning**

Here are the Central Division morning papers:

• Mike Babcock made the sentimental decision of putting the Grind Line out to start yesterday's game versus St. Louis, writes Helene St. James. Chris Osgood proves that he is the ultimate team guy by telling reporters that Dominik Hasek is the number one in Motown.


• The Predators defeated the Blue Jackets 2-0 last night and now control their own destiny, writes John Glennon. And to think Dan Ellis' job was in jeopardy only days ago.


• Jared Boll more than proved his worth as a teammate last night, writes Tom Reed. In light of last night's adventures, Predators enforcer Darcy Hordichuk said the Blue Jackets need a tough guy.


• The Blues won their first game in overtime on Friday night when Brad Boyes popped his 40th marker of the season past Chris Osgood. Off the ice, the Blues have had an extremely successful season at the box office.


• After Denis Savard's comments earlier this week about the Blues, you can expect a heated rematch today, writes Chris Kuc of the Chicago Tribune.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.

Email any thoughts, ideas or suggestions to illegalcurve@gmail.com

Fantasy Watch: Goalie Starts

March 17th - 23rd

Anaheim Ducks (2) – Expect Giguere to start both games and then enjoy time off until the 26th.

Atlanta Thrashers (3) – Lehtonen is still struggling so expect to see Hedberg appear in one game.

Boston Bruins (2) – Look for Thomas to start both games for the Bruins this week.

Buffalo Sabres (2) – Miller has a relatively easy week with only two games on the schedule.

Carolina Hurricanes (2) – Ward should be in net for both games this week.

Calgary Flames (3) – Kirpusoff has struggled lately but should receive all three starts this week.

Chicago Blackhawks (3) – With Khabibulin still hurting, the starting job goes to both Crawford and Lalime.

Columbus Blue Jackets (3) – Look for Leclaire to be in net for all three games.

Colorado Avalanche (3) – Winning five of his last six starts, Theodore should get the nod for all three games this week.

Dallas Stars (2) – Expect Turco to be in net for both games this week.

Detroit Red Wings (3) – Hasek is currently day-to-day with a sore back, so Osgood will be the #1 guy until Hasek returns

Edmonton Oilers (3) – Garon has gotten hot winning three of his last four starts.

Florida Panthers (2) – Vokoun has won his last two starts and should be in goal for both games this week.

Los Angeles Kings (3) – Ersberg has been inconsistent in his rookie season but expect him to be in net for all three games this week.

Minnesota Wild (4) – Backstrom has piled on the minutes over the past few games, so expect Harding to start once during this busy week.

Montreal Canadiens (3) – Look for Price to appear in all three games this week.

Nashville Predators (3) – Ellis has clearly outplayed Mason this season and should get at least two starts this week.

New Jersey Devils (3) – Expect Brodeur to start all three games.

New York Islanders (3) – DiPietro should get the nod for all three games this week.

New York Rangers (3) – Look for Lundqvist to receive all three starts.

Ottawa Senators (2) – Gerber has won his last three starts and should be in net for both games this week.

Philadelphia Flyers (3) – Expect Biron to start all three games this week.

Phoenix Coyotes (4) – With no reliable backup, expect Bryzgalov to receive all four starts.

Pittsburgh Penguins (3) – Look for Conklin and Fleury to continue to split starts.

San Jose Sharks (3) – Expect Nabokov in net for all three games.

St. Louis Blues (3) – Legace hasn't won since March 4th, but should get a chance to turn things around with three games on the schedule

Tampa Bay Lightining (3) – With Smith struggling expect Ramo to steal one start.

Toronto Maple Leafs (3) – Toskala should receive all three starts this week.

Vancouver Canucks (3) – Look for Luongo to start all three games.

Washington Capitals (3) – Expect to continue to see a split between Huet and Kolzig.


For Illegal Curve, I'm Jonny Remis

Fantasy Watch: Goalie Starts

Nov 26th – Dec 2nd

Anaheim Ducks (4) – Giguere owners no longer have to worry about Bryzgalov stealing starts.

Atlanta Thrashers (3) – With Lehtonen still on the shelf, Hedberg has been the #1 guy, winning his last four starts.

Boston Bruins (3) – Expect to see more of Rask with Fernandez still on the IR.

Buffalo Sabres (3) – Look for Miller to receive all three starts this week.

Carolina Hurricanes (3) – Ward has struggled over his last few games, but still should receive all three starts this week.

Calgary Flames (3) – Kiprusoff has started all 21 games for the Flames this season.

Chicago Blackhawks (3) – With only three games this week, expect the Blackhawks to start Khabibulin in all three.

Columbus Blue Jackets (3) – Look for Leclaire to receive all three starts this week.

Colorado Avalanche (3) – Theodore hasn't performed well enough to take over the #1 job, so expect to see Budaj start two games, with Theodore making at least one appearance

Dallas Stars (4) – Smith should receive one start this week with Dallas playing back-to-back games.

Detroit Red Wings (3) – Look for Osgood to appear in two games, while the Dominator will probably receive the other start.

Edmonton Oilers (3) – Garon is slowly taking over the starting role, but Roloson is still in the picture. Expect Garon to appear in two games to Roloson's one.

Florida Panthers (3) – Vokoun should receive all three starts this week.

Los Angeles Kings (2) – Look for LaBarbera to start both games this week.

Minnesota Wild (3) – Expect Harding to start every game until Backstrom is ready to return.

Montreal Canadiens (3) – Huet is still #1 in Montreal, so look for him to receive all three starts.

Nashville Predators (2) – Expect Mason to receive both starts for Nashville this week.

New Jersey Devils (3) – Expect Brodeur to start all three games this week.

New York Islanders (4) – Dubielewicz has only started one game for New York, so there's no reason to think that DiPeitro won't be in net for all four games this week.

New York Rangers (2) – Lundqvist has been a workhorse for the Rangers and should start both games this week.

Ottawa Senators (3) – Gerber is clearly the #1 guy in Ottawa, but will yield a start to Emery this week with back-to-back games.

Philadelphia Flyers (3) – Look for Biron to start all three games this week.

Phoenix Coyotes (3) – Expect newly acquired goalie, Ilya Bryzgalov, to appear in all three games this week.

Pittsburgh Penguins (2) – Fleury has struggled all year but should receive all three starts this week.

San Jose Sharks (2) – Nabokov should receive both starts this week.

St. Louis Blues (3) – With three games on the schedule, expect to see Legace start all of them.

Tampa Bay Lightining (3) – Holmqvist should see action in all three games this week.

Toronto Maple Leafs (3) – Toskala is the starter in Toronto and should appear in all three games.

Vancouver Canucks (3) – Luongo gives Vancouver the best chance to win and should start all three games this week.

Washington Capitals (4) – With four games on the schedule, Johnson will probably steal a start from Kolzig this week.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Jonny Remis

NHL Morning Papers

Here are the national morning papers:

• ESPN analyst Barry Melrose has apologized for comments he made about the area around the newly opened Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.
• Alan Maki of the Globe & Mail has the details of superfan Steve Williamson's journey across North America to catch 30 hockey games in 30 days.
• Peter James of the National Post profiles soon-to-be Hockey Hall of Fame inductee Al MacInnis.
• The USA Today has a Q & A with Kings' forward Michael Cammalleri.
• Rick Westhead of the Toronto Star touches on the possibility of the NHL returning to Winnipeg.

Here are the Western Conference morning papers:

• Chris Osgood is slated to get the start in net tonight for the Red Wings when they face off against the Predators. For our Michigan readers, February 16th has been proclaimed Hockey Day in Michigan.
• Wild defenseman Kurtis Foster finally scored his first goal of the season earlier this week but, overall, he has been frustrated by his lack of offensive output.
• Predators' coach Barry Trotz has yet to name a starting goaltender for tonight's contest versus the Red Wings, believing that both of his goaltenders will be better prepared when unaware if they are starting or backing up. It looks like Martin Gelinas will return to the lineup after missing a few games with a shoulder injury.
• The Blues still have three games left in David Perron's "trial" to decide if the rookie winger is going to stay up in the NHL all season or be sent back to juniors.
• For some reason, the Blackhawks are far more successful on the road than they are at home and they are hoping to change that starting tonight versus Columbus. Here is the stat line for both teams.
• Avalance off-season signing Scott Hannan has the worst plus/minus on the team with a -7 rating, however, Avs' coach Joel Quenville doesn't put too much stock in short term plus/minus ratings.
• Blue Jackets enforcer Jody Shelley has been a healthy scratch in ten of the team's first thirteen games, but he is not going to become a distraction for the team writes Michael Arace of the Columbus Dispatch. David Vyborny has struggled out of the gate this season, however, his lack of offensive production has been a lot easier to take with the team finally winning on a consistent basis. Here are the Blue Jackets' projected lines for tonight's contest.
• Flames' defenseman Dion Phaneuf missed practice yesterday because of an aggravated leg injury and his status for the team's game on Thursday is up in the air.
• The Stars record short-handed this season is incredible writes Mike Heika in the Dallas Morning News. Here is Heika's preview of the Stars' game tonight versus the Sharks.
• Craig MacTavish lit into his team yesterday in practice and questioned their heart and desire. The coach needs Jarret Stoll to bust out of his season-long slump and help contribute offensively and improve his defensive game.
• Coyotes' coach Wayne Gretzky says he excited about the NHL schedule change next season which will see a return to the format of every team playing each other at least once a season.
• Evgeni Nabokov has been a horse for Ron Wilson and the Sharks; the 32 year old netminder has started every game for San Jose this season writes Mark Emmons of the San Jose Mercury News.

Here are the Eastern Conference morning papers:

• Wholesale line changes by coach Glen Hanlon helped the Capitals put forth an improved performance last night in comparison with their dud on Monday night, however, it was not enough as the Caps fell 2-1 in overtime to the Thrashers in Atlanta.
• The Leafs, once again, lost to the Senators last night by a score of 5-1 and excuses aside, the Senators are just flat out better than Toronto.
• Dan Boyle is going to be lost to the Lightning for quite a while, which is why Bolts' coach John Tortorella is not going to harp on the injury and is only looking forward to other people stepping up and carrying the load.
• After winning all eight games against the Flyers last season, the Penguins are ready to face a totally different Flyers squad tonight. Expect Dany Sabourin to be between the pipes tonight versus the Flyers.
• The Flyers have switched their lines up, flipping Mike Richards and Daniel Briere for tonight's game.
• Everything is rosy for the Senators right now with only one loss on the season. Don Brennan of the Ottawa Sun wonders if it is too early to start comparing this season's version of the Senators to the 1976/77 Canadiens. Hugh Adami of the Ottawa Citizen looks at the Senators cap structure and analyzes their ability to keep defenseman Wade Redden.
• It took the Islanders two periods, but they finally broke the Lundqvist code and scored three times in the third to win the Battle of NY 3-2 on home ice.
• The Rangers wore down in the third period, with last night's game being their third in four nights, and they didn't have the necessary mental focus to put the game away. Unnoticed by many, has been the fact that the Rangers are winless on the road to start the season.
• The Devils have sent veteran defenseman Richard Matvichuk down to the minors. It is fair to say that Jamie Langenbrunner probably would have preferred to pick another day for his first practice, as the veteran winger had to pay the price for the team's lackluster effort versus Pittsburgh on Monday in practice yesterday.
• The Canadiens have gained confidence from their recent homestand and are hoping to take that confidence out on the road writes Dave Stubbs of the Montreal Gazette.
• According to the Miami Herald, Panthers' defenseman Bryan Allen will miss tonight's game versus the Lightning.
• With Niclas Wallin lost to the Canes with an injury, defenseman Dennis Seidenberg is getting the opportunity to strut his stuff.
• Bucky Gleason of the Buffalo News says that team are starting to adjust to the Sabres skating/free-wheeling style and that means less scoring chances and more adjustments for the coaching staff.
• Bruins' winger Glen Murray says that Boston has to start out-working opposing penalty-killers if they want to score on the powerplay because the talent is there.
• The Thrashers pulled out a big 2-1 win in overtime last night after Ilya Kovalchuk, who has been carrying the team in recent games, left the game with back-spasms.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.