Pre-Game Report

Here are some news and notes heading into tonight's eight game slate:

• Chuck Kobasew (leg) will be out of the Bruins line up for 4-8 weeks.
• Marc Savard (back) is out for tonight's game versus Toronto, and both his team's game over the weekend.
• Andrew Ference (knee) is out tonight.
• Scott Gomez (ribs) will surprisingly be a game-time decision tonight.
• Wade Redden (knee) is out for tonight.
• Martin Gerber gets the start in net for Ottawa.
• Alexei Zhitnik (healthy scratch) is not playing tonight for Atlanta.
• Kari Lehtonen gets the start in net versus the Panthers.
• Mike Smith (knee) is out of the lineup tonight for Tampa.
• Karri Ramo gets the start for the Bolts tonight.
• Jonathan Cheechoo (head, neck) is out again for the Sharks.
• Craig Rivet (upper-body) returns to the line up tonight.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.

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.

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

NHL Morning Papers (Thursday Edition)

Here are the national morning papers:

• Globe & Mail statistical guru Alan Ryder examines whether the Senators have been unlucky this season.
• Wayne Scanlan of the National Post tells us that the Senators' success usually hinges on whether Dany Heatley scores.
• Kevin Allen of USA Today thinks the Flames made the right decision last off-season when they hired Mike Keenan to coach their squad.

Here are the Eastern Conference morning papers:

• The Leafs continued to stick around the Eastern Conference playoff race last night, with a 3-2 victory over the eighth place Flyers, writes Mark Zwolinksi. The Leafs' effort was even more impressive considering the fact that captain Mats Sundin had to leave the game early with a slight groin issue.
• The Capitals rode the backs of both Alexander Ovechkin and Olaf Kolzig to pull out a 3-2 victory over the visiting Flames on Wednesday.
• Since the trade deadline, the Lightning have seen quite the increase in production from their second line, writes Carter Gaddis.
• The Penguins played last night's game without Sidney Crosby and Marian Hossa and still managed to score seven times in their victory over Buffalo, writes Dave Molinari. The Penguins coaches have done a good job listening to their players regarding aches and pains, writes Shelly Anderson.
• The Flyers were defeated 3-2 by Toronto yesterday at home and part of their problem appears to be poor starts. Don McKee of the Philadelphia Inquirer tells readers that the Flyers are in a free-fall. As a reward to their fans for being so loyal, the Flyers have raised their season ticket prices for next season! (Writer's note: That's the way to win more fans guys. Honestly, how can these teams continue to raise ticket prices? Are the Flyers a must-see act in Philadelphia? I don't think so. And by raising the ticket prices, you only give the casual fan another excuse to find something else to do with their time.)
• The Senators face-off against the Habs tonight in a battle for first place, writes Don Brennan. Meanwhile, injured Senators forward Chris Neil can't wait to get back into the lineup and cause trouble. Martin Gerber will be in between the pipes for tonight's game.
• The Islanders continued their slide in the standings last night by losing 4-2 at Florida, writes Greg Logan.
• With the Devils paying a rare visit to Minnesota, the Jacques Lemaire interviews are in full-force.
• Here is the only Rangers article of the day. (Writer's note: The link was giving me trouble, so I wasn't able to read the article.)
• Lots of the Habs success can be attributed to the performances of their youngsters who have been called up from Hamilton, writes Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette.
• The Panthers have quietly strung together five straight victories, making the idea of a playoff spot far more realistic than it was two weeks ago.
• The Hurricanes came into Chicago last night and came away with a 3-0 victory, writes Luke Decock.
• If the Sabres are fighting for a playoff spot, you sure couldn't tell by the way they played last night in Pittsburgh, writes Mike Harrington.
• One of the reasons for the Bruins' recent slide is the team's inability to score with the man-advantage, writes Fluto Shinwaza.
• With the Thrashers out of the playoff hunt, coach/GM Don Waddell has said he will start playing more youngsters.

Here are the Western Conference morning papers:

• With the team on the fringe for a playoff spot, the Canucks sure did not give the Ducks much of a game last night, writes Iain McIntyre.
• The Coyotes have not given up on their playoff chances, writes Jim Gintonio.
• Andrew Cogliano still can't believe he has scored three overtime winners in a row, writes Jim Matheson. Not surprisingly, the Oilers' nominee for the Bill Masterton Trophy is Fernando Pisani.
• The Avalanche had injury news on some players but not others yesterday. Here is Adrian Dater of the Denver Post answering reader questions.
• With last night's 3-0 shutout loss at home, the Blackhawks may very well have kissed their slim playoff hopes goodbye, writes Chris Kuc. In injury news, Martin Havlat is set to undergo yet another shoulder surgery and is out for the season.
• The Ducks easily disposed of the Canucks on Wednesday, making it eight straight home victories, writes Dan Wood.
• The Flames made mistakes at inopportune times (is there ever a right time?), and ended up on the losing end of a 3-2 score at Washington.
• Michael Arace of the Columbus Dispatch believes the Jackets' naming of Rick Nash as team captain was the right move. Apparently Ken Hitchcock is a dreamer, as the coach still believes his team has a chance to make the playoffs.
• Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News does not understand why NHL disciplinarian Colin Campbell did not provide fans with the reasoning behind his Steve Ott suspension.
• With the Stars facing off against the Red Wings tonight, Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press says the acquisition of Brad Richards makes Dallas much deeper on offense. Chris Osgood will get the call in net tonight over the injured Dominik Hasek.
• With the Devils in town, Kent Youngblood of the Star Tribune has a feature on Minnesota native Zach Parise.
• David Legwand has more serious off-ice issues to deal with right now than just worry about his injured foot, writes Jessica Hopp.
• With the Blues in a complete tailspin, Bernie Miklasz of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch examines whether Andy Murray coached teams always fade at the end of the season.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.

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

NHL Morning Papers (Tuesday Edition)

Here are the national morning papers:

• Roy MacGregor of the Globe & Mail reviews the Senators' tumultuous season.
• The Leafs are preparing to the face the Flyers tonight, but don't expect Paul Maurice to pull out some crazy inspirational speech, writes Dave Shoalts of the Globe & Mail.
• Mark Spector of the National Post wants teams to be more honest with player troubles.
• Here is an interview conducted by Kevin Allen of USA Today with Coyotes GM Don Maloney.

Here are the Eastern Conference morning papers:

• With the troubles between Thrashers defenseman Alexei Zhitnik and GM/Coach Don Waddell, last season's trade of Braydon Coburn looks worse by the day, writes Craig Custance.
• Fluto Shinwaza of the Boston Globe believes Alex Auld will be in between the pipes tonight versus Ottawa. Auld will probably be more comfortable if his team can actually score some goals, writes Steve Conroy.
• The Sabres lost their ninth shootout game of the season last night by a score of 3-2 to the Rangers, writes John Vogl. The Sabres defensemen have picked up the slack for their injured teammates, writes Mike Harrington.
• A concussion has pushed David Tanabe to the sidelines for the remainder of the season, writes Luke Decock.
• With last night's 3-2 shootout victory over Buffalo last night, the Rangers moved to within three points of the Eastern Conference lead. According to Larry Brooks of the NY Post, if the Rangers play an outdoor game at Yankee Stadium next season, NBC wants the opponent to be the Bruins.
• Flyers goaltender Martin Biron is excited to play at the Air Canada Centre tonight, writes Tim Panaccio. Excitement aside, the Flyers don't expect an easy game in Toronto tonight, writes Ed Moran.
• Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette takes a closer look at the confusing Pittsburgh power play trends. When he's not in the box, Penguins defenseman Brooks Orpik has been great on the penalty kill.
• Damien Cox of the Toronto Star thinks the Leafs organization has misused Jiri Tlusty. The Leafs and Flyers are going to go at it tonight, in an effort to make the playoffs, writes Mike Zeisberger.
• The Lightning have told enforcer Andre Roy to take a week off, writes Carter Gaddis.
• Apparently Ray Emery feels bad about the John Paddock firing, writes Chris Stevenson. (Writer's note: Give me a break. Emery should have actually taken his job seriously, instead of consistently coming to practice late and showing up the coach on numerous occasions.) The Senators have decided to stick with Martin Gerber between the pipes.
• In some honorable news, Islanders defenseman Brendan Witt has been nominated for the Bill Masterton trophy.
• The Devils understand the importance of their remaining thirteen games, writes Brendan Prunty of the Newark Star-Ledger.
• Red Fisher of the Montreal Gazette takes a look at the Habs' upcoming four-game homestand. Mike Komisarek was the Canadiends' nominee for the Masterton trophy.
• For someone who thought his career might be over, Panthers defenseman Jassen Cullimore has really enjoyed a comeback season, writes Steve Gorten.

Here are the Western Conference morning papers:

• With Sami Paulsson's return to the lineup, the Ducks' checking line will be looking to get into a groove for the playoffs, writes Dan Wood.
• Jarome Iginla set the Calgary Flames franchise record for career goals last night, in his team's 7-3 drubbing of the Blues. On the injury front, Craig Conroy doesn't think he'll be out of the lineup for very long.
• Chris Kuc of the Chicago Tribune details Dustin Byfuglien's adjustment to the wing.
• In Colorado, the Avalanche are just having one of those years with the injury bug, writes Adrian Dater.
• The dynamic kids in Edmonton are making everyone feel younger, writes Joanne Ireland. Just because the Blues are finishing off a three week road trip and played last night in Calgary, doesn't mean the Oilers will take them easy tonight.
• Coyotes coach Wayne Gretzky has decided to put all his eggs in one basket, starting tonight versus the Ducks.
• The Canucks continued to get tremendous production from their "third line" last night in L.A., writes Jason Botchford. Former Canucks netminder Dan Cloutier made the Canucks work for their victory last night, writes Iain McIntyre.
• Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch takes a look at youngster Teddy Ruth, the player the Jackets got in return for Sergei Fedorov.
• The Stars want Marty Turco's sole focus to lie in between the pipes, writes Mike Heika.
• George Sipple of the Detroit Free Press gives an interesting behind the scenes look at the Red Wings' assistant coaches.
• The Kings blew their chance to move out of last place in the NHL standings last night, writes Dan Arritt. (Writer's note: This team has so much more talent than a last place squad. It really hasn't been reported on enough. However, on the bright side for Kings fans, a deep draft is coming up, and let's just picture the Kings with Steve Stamkos joining Frolov, Kopitar, Brown, Cammalleri, etc. (Although I expect Cammalleri to move this off-season) Pretty scary huh?)
• Michael Russo of the Star Tribune tells readers about the tough week for Wild prospect Benoit Pouliot.
• The Predators need better production from their power play down the stretch, writes Jessica Hopp.
• David Pollak gives readers an unusual behind the scenes look at the Sharks on the road.
• The Blues continued their free-fall last night, writes Jeremy Rutherford.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.

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

NHL Morning Papers (Monday Edition)

Here are the national morning papers:

• This year's version of the Leafs just makes too many excuses, writes Dave Shoalts of the Globe & Mail.
• According to Allen Panzeri of the National Post, Martin Gerber appears to have a stranglehold on the number one goaltender spot for the Senators.
• Kevin Allen of USA Today has an interesting piece on how the Lightning may be able to quickly replace Brad Richards.
• A.J. Perez of USA Today recaps the exciting Ovechkin/Crosby duel from Sunday afternoon.

Here are the Eastern Conference morning papers:

• The Thrashers have been sitting Alexei Zhitnik and playing Joel Kwiatkowski, writes Craig Custance of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
• The Bruins were playing their third game in four nights on Sunday, so they weren't displeased to earn a point in their 1-0 shootout loss at MSG. Bruins rookie David Krejci had two assists for his squad on Saturday but his performance came at the expense of his front teeth, writes Kevin Paul Dupont.
• Thomas Vanek has only one goal in his last thirteen games and will need to get going if the Sabres are going to make the playoffs. Mike Harrington of the Buffalo News believes it is eighth place or bust for the Sabres.
• Nigel Dawes had the only shootout goal, and only goal of the game, in the Rangers' 1-0 shootout victory over the Bruins. Jaromir Jagr is at peace with his pending contract situation, writes Larry Brooks. Unhappy with a penalty call, Rangers forward Sean Avery took out his anger on a water bottle, which ended up spraying a couple of Rangers fans.
• The Flyers power play has been the team's strong point all year, so it's no surprise that the team relied on the man-advantage to get out of its slump.
• The Penguins got lucky yesterday, when Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom accidentally scored into his own net with less than a minute remaining in the game. The Penguins always seem to have the Capitals' number, writes Dave Molinari.
• "That was officially heartbreaking," said Capitals coach Bruce Boudreau after yesterday's 4-2 home loss to the Pens.
• Mike Smith wasn't at his best on Sunday, as the Lightning were defeated by the Blue Jackets in Columbus. Former Bolt, Fredrik Modin has had a very frustrating season, writes Erik Erlendesson.
• The Leafs aren't giving up until they are mathematically eliminated, writes Mark Zwolinkski. The Flyers need to sweep their upcoming two-game series versus the Flyers, or their season is over, writes Lance Hornby.
• The Senators are back on the east coast and are looking to put the struggles from their recent road trip behind them, writes Bruce Garrioch.
• Rick DiPietro wasn't able to help his team in his return to the lineup, writes Greg Logan.
• The Devils feel like the team to beat down the stretch run in the Eastern Conference, writes Rich Chere.
• The Habs' laziness was their downfall in Anaheim last night, writes Pat Hickey.
• Wade Belak held a fighting lesson at practice yesterday, writes Steve Gorten.

Here are the Western Conference morning papers:

• Ryan Getzlaf knows he has to pick up the slack for injured teammate Corey Perry, and he got off to a good start last night, leading the Ducks to a 3-1 home victory over the Canadiens. Perry's replacement Bobby Ryan quietly did a solid job last night, writes Mark Whicker.
• Flames defenseman Corey Sarich is just excited to be playing in the lineup, after being a healthy scratch twice last week, writes Scott Cruickshank.
• The Blue Jackets recorded their first win at home yesterday since January 15th, writes Aaron Portzline. The highlight of yesterday's game was career minor-leaguer Derek MacKenzie's first NHL goal.
• The Stars came out with a more physical game in their rematch with the Avalanche and it paid off, as they went on to win 3-0 on home-ice.
• Nicklas Lidstrom proved how valuable he is to the Wings last night, as his return helped his team defeat the Predators 4-3 at the Joe Louis Arena. With Tomas Holmstrom out of the Wings lineup, Johan Franzen is doing his best to fill-in.
• Dean Lombardi took time yesterday to answer the questions of many of the club's season ticket holders; Lisa Dillman of the L.A. Times has the story.
• The Wild lost 3-2 in a shootout yesterday, but were happy to at least earn a point after being down a goal with less than a minute remaining in regulation. The Wild's play is improving, at least according to coach Jacques Lemaire.
• Early penalties got the Predators in a whole that was just too deep to climb out of last night, as the team lost 4-3 at Detroit. Even after yesterday's loss, the Predators finished their road trip last night with a positive outlook on their chances for the playoffs, writes John Glennon.
• The Sharks made in nine victories in a row last night, with a 3-2 shootout victory at Minnesota.
• When the season ends, the Blues are going to take a very close look at why they can't score any goals, writes Jeremy Rutherford.
• Brendan Morrison is hoping he will be able to play on the Canucks' upcoming four-game road trip, writes Ben Kuzma.
• The future looks bright in Edmonton, especially after watching the kids dominate in Chicago yesterday, writes Jim Matheson.
• The Avalanche lost yesterday at Dallas, but the team has bigger concerns on the injury front, writes Adrian Dater.
• The Hawks recorded one point yesterday versus visiting Edmonton, but that just isn't enough at this juncture in the season, writes Chris Kuc.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.

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

Fantasy Watch: Goalie Starts

March 10th-16th

Anaheim Ducks (3) – Giguere has won five of his last six starts, expect him in net for all three games this week.

Atlanta Thrashers (4) – Both Hedberg and Lehotnen have not played well, look for a split between the two.

Boston Bruins (4) – Thomas has played horrible over his past two games, but with Auld as his backup, the Bruins would be smart to stick with their all-star.

Buffalo Sabres (4) – Miller has been up and down over his past few starts and with four games on the schedule, Thibault should be making his first start of the month.

Carolina Hurricanes (3) – Expect Ward to start all three games.

Calgary Flames (4) – Kiprusoff doesn't need any rest and should appear in all four games this week.

Chicago Blackhawks (4) – Khabibulin is still day-to-day which is good news for Chicago's rookie goaltender, Corey Crawford, who should be making at least one start this week.

Columbus Blue Jackets (2) – Leclaire should be well rested to start both games this week.

Colorado Avalanche (3) – Theodore has won his last five starts and should be in net for all three games this week.

Dallas Stars (2) – Expect Turco to get both starts this week.

Detroit Red Wings (4) – Expect a split between Osgood and Hasek.

Edmonton Oilers (4) – Garon has clearly outplayed Roloson, but with a busy schedule expect Rolo to see action in one game.

Florida Panthers (3) – The Panthers are going to ride Anderson until he loses.

Los Angeles Kings (3) – With Aubin gone and LaBarbera injured the goaltending duties fall on Cloutier and rookie Erik Ersberg

Minnesota Wild (2) – Expect Backstrom to start both games this week.

Montreal Canadiens (3) – Price should be in net for all three games this week.

Nashville Predators (3) – Ellis has been better than Mason this year, but was pulled from his last start in only six minutes. Expect Ellis to receive two starts, while Mason gets one.

New Jersey Devils (3) – Brodeur should be in net for all three road games this week.

New York Islanders (3) – DiPietro should finally see some time this week, but Dubielewicz will still appear in one game.

New York Rangers (3) – Look for Lundqvist to start all three games this week.

Ottawa Senators (3) – Gerber's most recent losses can hardly be blamed on him as the Sens have failed to put up any offense in their last few games. Expect Gerber to still receive at least two starts this week.

Philadelphia Flyers (4) – With four games on the schedule, Nittymaki should make an appearance.

Phoenix Coyotes (3) – Expect Bryzgalov to start all three games this week.

Pittsburgh Penguins (3) – If Fleury continues to struggle, expect a split between him and Conklin.

San Jose Sharks (3) – Look for Nabokov to get all three starts this week.

St. Louis Blues (4) – Expect the Blues to throw in Toivonen for a game to give Legace a much needed rest.

Tampa Bay Lightining (3) – Smith will continue to split with Ramo.

Toronto Maple Leafs (3) – Toskala has played well lately and should receive all three starts this week.

Vancouver Canucks (4) – Sanford may make a rare appearance due to four games this week.

Washington Capitals (3) – Expect Huet to get two starts to Kozlig's one.


For Illegal Curve, I'm Jonny Remis

Afternoon Roster News

Here are some tidbits that may be of interest to poolies and fans:

• Tim Connolly (hip) is a game-time decision for tonight's game versus Toronto.
• Michael Ryder (healthy scratch) will be out for tonight's game at Florida.
• Stephen Weiss (flu) is a game-time decision for tonight's game against Montreal.
• Carey Price will start between the pipes tonight for the Habs.
• With Dominik Hasek (hip) still hobbling, Chris Osgood will start for the Wings at home versus Columbus on Friday.
• Martin Gerber is starting tonight for the Senators in New Jersey.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.

NHL Morning Papers (Monday Edition)

Here are the national morning papers:

• Steve Yzerman has once again been named GM of the Canadian men's squad for the World Hockey Championships this spring.
• The NHLPA has hired an accountant to take a closer look at the NHL's books, writes Rick Westhead of the Toronto Star.

Here are the Eastern Conference morning papers:

• Even though they lost to the Red Wings on Saturday, the Bruins are quite pleased with their 2-1 record since the All-Star break. Stephen Harris of the Boston Herald reminds readers of how far the Bruins have come since all the pre-season predictions.
• After defeating the Habs 5-3 at the Bell Centre on Sunday, the Rangers have now won three straight road games and have undergone an extreme makeover, writes Larry Brooks of the NY Post.
• Paul Holmgren is still unsure of the whether Peter Forsberg will come back to the NHL at all, writes Tim Panaccio of the Philadelphia Inquirer.
• While may not be as heralded as Sidney Crosby, Devils forward Zach Parise has turned into a special player in New Jersey, writes Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Even with the aformentioned Crosby out of the line up, the Devils are not going to change the way they play versus the Penguins.
• Even with their yelling match on Saturday, there are no hard feelings between Brent Sutter and Jamie Langenbrunner, writes Rich Chere of the Newark Star-Ledger.
• With a couple of the team's players having been hit by the flu, Islanders coach Ted Nolan is considering who he wants to call up from Bridgeport of the AHL.
• Mark Zwolinski of the Toronto Star has been impressed with the Leafs' youngsters. "That's why I don't take putting on this jersey for granted. It is a privilege," said new Leafs forward Dominic Moore.
• It'll be Martin Gerber back between the pipes for the Senators tomorrow night when they face-off against the Habs. Senators coach John Paddock wants to see improved play from his defensemen, writes Don Brennan of the Ottawa Sun.
• The Habs thought they had the Rangers beat with a 3-0 lead on home-ice, but before they knew it the game was tied, and they eventually lost 5-3, writes Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette. Hickey's colleague Herb Zurkowsky was impressed with the play of super-pest of Sean Avery yesterday.
• With all the injuries to the Panthers' roster, their affiliate in the AHL is having even more problems filling spots for their call-ups, writes Steven Gorten of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
• Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune thinks it is likely that the Bolts will trade Dan Boyle prior to this month's trade deadline.

Here are the Western Conference morning papers:

• Instead of giving his players a much-needed day off, Ducks coach Randy Carlyle decided to call practice and have his team play a fun game of shinny to take their minds off their current six game losing streak, writes Dan Wood of the Orange County Register.
• Jarome Iginla's goal-less drought is now his longest since 1999, writes Jean Lefebvre of the Calgary Herald. Flames coach Mike Keenan said new goaltender Curtis Joseph will start his first game this week.
• If the Blue Jackets are going to get back to their winning ways, they need Rick Nash and Nikolai Zherdev to turn up their game a few notches, writes Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch.
• Mike Ribiero has decided his game needs to become more physical, writes Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News.
• The Wings know it is a difficult task, but they have not discounted the possibility that they could break the NHL wins record this season. Meanwhile, Wings defenseman Chris Chelios would relish the opportunity to play more minutes for the Red Wings.
• The Wild will get a good opportunity to measure their in-season progress on Tuesday when the NHL leading Red Wings come to town, writes Michael Russo of the Star Tribune.
• Jessica Hopp of the Tennessean tells readers that enforcers need to have some hockey skills too.
• Since being given an ultimatum by coach Andy Murray, Blues forward David Backes has responded at an almost point-per-game clip.
• The Avalanche are hoping to have Paul Stastny back in their lineup near the end of the week, writes Adrian Dater of the Denver Post.
• Alberta native Curtis Glencross is looking forward to his Edmonton Oilers debut tonight, writes Joanne Ireland of the Edmonton Journal.
• Coyotes coach Wayne Gretzky has been pleasantly surprised with the play of Joel Perreault, writes Jim Gintonio of the Arizona Republic. Off the ice, Coyotes coach Rick Tocchet will be re-instated to the NHL and will be behind the bench Thursday for the Coyotes.
• Apparently Lukas Krajicek's shoulder injury is more serious than first believed, only adding to the Canucks already depleted blue line corps. Meanwhile, Canucks GM Dave Nonis is on a scouting trip in Sweden looking to add more firepower to the team for this season and beyond.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.

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

NHL Morning Papers (Friday Edition)

Here are the national morning papers:

• With all the young talent on Washington's roster, the future looks bright for NHL in the United States capital.
• Pierre Lebrun of the Canadian Press looks back on Gary Betman's fifteen years of work in the commissioner's office.
• Peter Forsberg is one step closer to returning to the NHL, writes Michael Traikos of the National Post.
• Kevin Allen of USA Today provides readers with ten reasons why the Coyotes should make the playoffs this spring.

Here are the Eastern Conference morning papers:

• The Thrashers are hoping that Ilya Kovalchuk only misses two games with the knee injury he sustained Wednesday night versus Pittsburgh.
• Even though the Bruins defeated the Eastern Conference leading Senators 4-1 last night, coach Claude Julien wasn't overly happy with their play. The Bruins were lucky that P.J. Axelsson returned from injury a game early last night, because just prior to the contest Marco Sturm came down with the flu and was unable to play.
• The Hurricanes almost gave away a victory last night, but prevailed over the Maple Leafs 3-2 in overtime and made it four wins in their past five games.
• The Sabres face-off against an Atlanta team tonight that has revenge on its mind due to the 10-1 loss they suffered at Buffalo in January. In injury news, it looks like Maxim Afinogenov should be able to return to the Sabres line up tonight.
• The Rangers were a different bunch last night in Philly than they have been in a while, as they churned out a dominating 4-0 performance over the first place Flyers. "That was probably one of our best games of the year," said Rangers goaltender Stephen Valiquette who picked up his first career shutout.
• "They were the better team tonight," said Flyers coach John Stevens after his team's 4-0 loss to the Rangers. Meanwhile, the Flyers' managment is shifting their focus to the Peter Forsberg situation.
• Marc-Andre Fleury is going to return to practice today to test out his ailing ankle, writes Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
• "I broke my nose, I have stitches, I score four goals. Everything go to my face. It's the fifth time I broke my nose. It's okay," said Alexander Ovechkin after his ridiculous four goal game in his team's 5-4 overtime victory over Montreal. Mike Wise of the Washington Post says it is going to be hard for the casual fan in Washington to stay away from the newest version of the Capitals.
• Roberto Luongo is returning to Miami for the first time since being traded to Vancouver in the summer of 2006, and he has no clue what the response will be from the fans, writes Steve Gorten of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. Meanwhile, Panthers captain Olli Jokinen is questionable for tonight's game with the flu. George Richards of the Miami Herald evaluates how the Luongo trade worked out for the Panthers.
• The Canadiens were happy to be able to at least get one point against the Capitals last night as they trailed 3-0 midway through the second period and ended up losing 5-4 in overtime. Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette was very impressed with Alexander Ovechkin's ability to not only score, but give and take in the hit department.
• The Devils are expecting to get Jay Pandolfo back into their line up after the weekend, writes Rich Chere of the Newark Star-Ledger. The Devils are hoping to crack the scoresheet tonight versus the Rangers, as the team has only scored three goals in four games against the Blueshirts this season.
• The struggling Islanders officially dropped out of the top eight in the Eastern Conference last night with a 3-1 home loss to the Kings.
• An angry John Paddock called out Jason Spezza after last night's 4-1 home loss to the Bruins. Sticking to his win and you're in policy, the Senators will be starting Ray Emery on Saturday night after Martin Gerber lost yesterday.
• The Lightning/Canucks game last night was enjoyable for John Tortorella not just because his team was victorious 4-3, but because the game was actually an enjoyable game to watch for the fans, players and coaches alike.
• The Leafs lost their composure last night in Raleigh, as they lost 3-2 in overtime to the Hurricanes. In other Leafs news, Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun tells readers that Hurricanes owner Peter Karmanos will not hold back Jim Rutherford from taking the Toronto GM position if offered.

Here are the Western Conference morning papers:

• Doug Weight and the Ducks visit St. Louis tonight to take on Andy McDonald and the Blues for the first time since the two players traded places earlier this season.
• The Blue Jackets lost 4-2 last night in Nashville, and Rick Nash believes part of the reason for their struggles against the Predators is that they give the them too much respect. In other Jackets news, GM Scott Howson plans to chat with defenseman Adam Foote today to guage Foote's interest in staying in Columbus past this season.
• Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News has a very interesting piece about the culture of hockey in Edmonton. (Writer's note: I suggest you read this article.)
• Just because of one family faked their children's sickness does not mean the Red Wings are going to scale back their work with sick children, writes George Sipple of the Detroit Free Press.
• The Wild's Nicklas Backstrom is beginning to display his 2007 form, writes Kent Youngblood of the Star Tribune.
• With last night's 4-2 victory over Columbus, the Predators now find themselves in the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference. The Arnott-Dumont-Radulov line has been leading the Predators as of late, especially last night. (Writer's note: Arnott left last night's game with a charley horse but is expected to be ready to play on Saturday night.)
• Doug Weight is not going to air his dirty laundry in public, but it is fairly evident that he was unhappy with the way his trade went down from St. Louis, writes Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Dispatch.
• Denis Savard says the Blackhawks need to cut down on their turnovers if they expect to turn their fortunes around. "I'm not shopping him at all," Hawks GM Dale Tallon said in reference to the recent Martin Havlat rumors.
• "The wrist is getting worse. I'm just trying to focus on the games," said Oilers winger Ales Hemsky about his injured wrist. Hemsky isn't the only Oilers star with an injury, as Shawn Horcoff is nursing a sore shoulder. John MacKinnon of the Edmonton Journal thinks something needs to give in this trading gridlock.
• Even though they blew a third period lead on Wednesday at Detroit and lost 3-2, the Coyotes proved they can play with the NHL's top team, writes Jim Gintonio of the Arizona Republic.
• The new Canucks line combinations didn't work out so well in the team's 4-3 loss at Tampa last night, writes Ben Kuzma of the Vancouver Province. "We were down by one goal after two. We didn't give them much in the third, but their first chance ended up in the back of the net," said Canucks coach Alain Vigneault after last night's game.
• Peter Budaj will be back in the net for Colorado tonight versus Detroit because Jose Theodore is on the mend with back spasms.

Note: The Calgary and San Jose papers were not updated as of this post. Also, the Kings don't have a beat writer on their current road-trip so that is why their articles have been omitted.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.