Morning Papers: Timonen Injury is a Big Blow to the Flyers

• Kimmo Timonen had never been more disappointed as a hockey player, when he discovered he would be out for the playoffs with a blood clot. If he did play, and got hit in the same spot again, his toes could be amputated. It's best he sit this one out.
• While the Flyers' have sustained many injuries this year, none will have more impact than losing 25 minute per game Timmonen. Jaroslav Modry or Ryan Parent will replace him in the lineup.
• Phil Sheridan introduces the Flyers' to new hockey fans, calling Mike Richards the Chase Utley of the Flyers and Braydon Coburn the Flyers' best defensemen since Mark Howe.
• Dave Molinari gives an in depth breakdown of the series. The Pittsburgh writer calls for Penguins in six.
• The Penguins have overcome bankruptcy and four consecutive last place finishes (leading to several number one overall draft picks) and are 4 wins away from the cup. The Penguins are capturing Pittsburgh's under 30 fans and are better role models than the NFL's steelers.
  
• The Battle of Pennsylvania has a bit of a history.

NHL Morning Papers: Playoff Teams (Monday Edition)

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

Montreal versus Boston:

• With last night's overtime winner, Marc Savard turned the Bruins/Habs match up into a series, writes Pat Hickey. The Habs have now been outplayed in back-to-back games, writes Jack Todd. If the Habs get into must-win territory later in this series, expect Saku Koivu to try and suit up.
• With a delayed penalty being called, Peter Schaefer admitted that he had a chance to try a move he usually wouldn't and that move led to the game-winning goal. Marc Savard grew up in Ottawa with his dad always watching Habs games, so last night's goal was that much more special. Tim Thomas stole the show in overtime last night, writes Fluto Shinwaza.

Pittsburgh versus Ottawa:

• The Penguins are not going to take their 2-0 series lead for granted. The Penguins' goal is to take the Ottawa crowd out of the game early on, writes Dave Molinari. The Penguins wouldn't be surprised if Daniel Alfredsson returned for the Senators tonight.
• Jason Spezza has a leg injury but he is still expected to suit up tonight, writes Bruce Garrioch. As if the Penguins did not have enough motivation to beat the Senators, the Scotiabank Place has provided them with more motivation. Chris Kelly (foot) is about a week away from returning.

Washington versus Philadelphia:

• The Capitals were outworked last night, writes Mike Wise. "He made some good saves; he stopped me in the first, and he stopped in the third," said Capitals winger Matt Cooke about Flyers netminder Martin Biron. Alexander Ovechkin played over 26 minutes in Sunday afternoon's game.
• The game plan did not change very much, just the execution of the Flyers did, writes Sam Donnellon. Martin Biron pitched a shutout and then had a child soon after, writes Rich Hofmann. The games won't be any easier at home, warns Kimmo Timonen.

New Jersey versus New York Rangers:

• It is a good thing that John Madden watches television, writes Rich Chere. All three games have now been won by the road team. Martin Brodeur dislikes Sean Avery and his tactics.
• The Rangers are not going to let last night's tough bounce deflate them, writes Jay Greenberg. The Devils have finally joined the first round battle, writes Larry Brooks. Scott Gomez says Game 4 is the time for the Rangers to respond.

The morning papers for the Western Conference playoff match ups are soon to follow...

For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.

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

Fantasy Watch: Scouring the Waiver Wire

D Kimmo Timonen, Philadelphia Flyers
Timonen may have been drafted in your league due to his strong past performances with Nashville, but was probably dropped within the first month based on his early season performance with the Flyers. Scoring only five points in the first month of the season, Timonen had fallen off the fantasy radar only to reappear in the New Year, after busting out with eight points in his last eight games. With two three point nights in the last week, Timonen has regained fantasy value as a defensive option and may reach the 50 point plateau with a few more strong months.
Fantasy Take: Timonen is on fire right now, scoring seven points in his last three games. He is an important piece on Philadelphia's power-play unit, which should continue to give him several scoring chances throughout the season.

F Michael Peca, Columbus Blue Jackets
Peca was a popular early season pickup after scoring six points in his first eight games with Columbus. Soon after his surprising start, the forward found himself on the IR and has battled with injuries throughout the season. Finally healthy, Peca is again showing why he was such a popular early season pickup, scoring six points this January. He has been a force on the power-play, registering a point on the pp in each of his last three games. Although Peca won't give you many goals, he has been an excellent setup man in Columbus, and should continue to be a great complement to Rick Nash.
Fantasy Take: Although he has battled inconsistency this year, Peca can be a reliable lower end fantasy starter if he can stay off the IR.

F Daniel Paille, Buffalo Sabers
Paille has given Buffalo a much needed scoring boost over the past month, notching five goals in his last seven games. Although his recent scoring outburst hasn't done much for Buffalo in the standings, the third year forward is slowly making a name for himself on the fantasy radar. Appearing in 42 games this year, Paille has registered 12 goals and 10 assists. Although his totals aren't very high, its important to note that half of Paille's points have come within the last 12 games.
Fantasy Take: As of now, Paille is only a good start in deeper leagues, but keep an eye on him over the next few years, as he has the talent to become a great player in this league.

F Robert Nilsson, Edmonton Oilers
After only appearing in only four games for the Oilers last season, Nilsson has been a regular in the lineup this year playing in 40 games. The forward has scored six goals and 22 points, which is a new career high for the former Islander. With three goals and seven points this month, Nilsson has proved to be a capable scorer on an Oilers team desperately looking for offense.
Fantasy Take: Currently riding a three game point streak, Nilsson can be a valuable pickup for those looking for help on the wing.


For Illegal Curve, I'm Jonny Remis