NHL Morning Papers (Monday Edition)

Here are the national morning papers:

• Leafs fans have had few things to cheer about this season, but one of the lone bright spots has been the play of Vesa Toskala, writes Dave Shoalts of the Globe & Mail.
• Recently fired Senators coach John Paddock says he would have done a few things differently, writes Alan Panzeri.
• Kevin Allen of USA Today commends Bob Gainey for his "best guess."

Here are the Eastern Conference Morning Papers:

• Pascal Dupuis was excited to be traded to a contender like Pittsburgh, but he had mixed feelings about the trade because his wife is due any day now with their third child. The Thrashers made it seven losses in a row yesterday with a 3-2 shootout loss at Pittsburgh.
• Zdeno Chara has quietly been tremendous this season and should be considered for the Norris Trophy, writes Fluto Shinwaza. In other Bruins news, the team has been very pleased with the production of their second line.
• Buffalo only played 22 minutes of solid hockey last night, and that was surely not enough to defeat the Red Wings. The Sabres weren't able to defeat their former netminder Dominik Hasek last night, writes Mike Harrington.
• The Rangers recorded a 5-4 shootout victory over the Flyers on Sunday afternoon, thanks in large part to the goaltending of Stephen Valiquette who came in to replace Henrik Lundqvist after he played a poor first period. "That was just a track meet," said Rangers coach Tom Renney after yesterday's exciting contest.
• Flyers youngster Jeff Carter has been terrific as of late, writes Tim Panaccio of the Philadelphia Inquirer. "I think it's a trying time for everybody, and Jeff's name had been thrown into the [trade rumor] hat. He should be flattered [that] every team that considers a deal with us wants him," said Flyers coach John Stevens about Carter.
• Kris Letang hasn't recorded a point in eleven games, but he contributed with a big shootout winner yesterday in the Pens win over the Thrashers.
• If the Capitals have any chance of making the playoffs, the team needs to become more consistent, writes Tarik El-Bashir.
• Paul Hunter of the Toronto Star wonders if the Leafs can actually make the playoffs. Meanwhile, Garth Woolsey tells readers that Vesa Toskala hasn't been overplayed as compared to his fellow NHL netminders.
• With a possible ownership change on the horizon, the Lightning organization could be undergoing more changes soon.
• The Senators are playing the Ducks tonight in a rematch of last season's Stanley Cup Finals.
• The Islanders had an impressive 53 shots on goal yesterday versus Florida, but were stifled by the play of Craig Anderson and lost 1-0 to the Panthers. Sunday's game was overshadowed by the Islanders' Stanley Cup reunion that took place at center ice.
• The Devils really miss Paul Martin on their back-end, and are hoping to get him back in the lineup later this wee.
• Dave Stubbs of the Montreal Gazette takes a closer look at the Habs' newest number one goaltender Carey Price.
• The Panthers have Craig Anderson to thank for the two points they earned on Long Island yesterday, writes Steve Gorten.

Here are the Western Conference Morning papers:

• The Ducks want to make sure they match the intensity of the Senators tonight, as they know Ottawa will be seeking revenge for the last year's Cup Finals.
• The Blue Jackets fell 4-3 to the Oilers in a shootout last night, and the team thinks shootouts may be the reason that the Jackets don't make the playoffs. Ken Hitchcock always enjoys coaching back in Western Canada, writes Tom Reed.
• The Stars don't have many games in the next month, so they have to make sure they maintain their focus, writes Mike Heika.
• The Red Wings ended their four-game winless streak yesterday on the back of Dominik Hasek's first victory in Buffalo since he left town in 2001. Before Sunday's game, Ryan Miller addressed all the rumors that he would eventually return to his home state of Michigan to play net for the Wings.
• The Kings lost 2-1 in overtime last night to the Wild on home ice.
• The Wild continued their streak of winning games by one goal last night with a big overtime victory at L.A., writes Kent Youngblood of the Star Tribune. When everyone is healthy, Wild coach Jacques Lemaire has decided to go with a three center rotation.
• The Predators definitely gained some confidence from their road victory at Dallas on Saturday, writes John Glennon.
• The Sharks are excited about the home debut of Brian Campbell, writes David Pollak.
• The Blues traded away two veteran defensemen at the deadline, and have made it clear to their youngsters that the defensive tryouts have already begun.
• The Hawks did their best impression of the Cubs last night in their 4-1 victory over the Canucks.
• According to Adrian Dater of the Denver Post, Ryan Smyth and Marek Svatos won't be returning to the lineup anytime soon.
• The Oilers won yet another shootout last night, with a 4-3 victory over the visiting Blue Jackets.
• The Canucks put forth one of their worst efforts of the season last night, writes Gordon McIntyre of the Vancouver Province.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.

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Fantasy Watch: Goalie Starts

Feb 4th - 10th

Anaheim Ducks (4) – Giguere has been struggling lately and should give a start up to Hiller

Atlanta Thrashers (3) – Hedberg should get one start this week.

Boston Bruins (3) – Look for Thomas to start all three games this week.

Buffalo Sabres (4) – With four games on the schedule expect Thibault to steal a start.

Carolina Hurricanes (3) – Ward should receive all three starts this week.

Calgary Flames (4) – Kiprusoff has a busy week ahead of him but don't be surprised to see him in all four games.

Chicago Blackhawks (3) – Expect Lalime to steal a start this week.

Columbus Blue Jackets (4) – Norrena should make an appearance this week with four games on the schedule

Colorado Avalanche (3) – Theodore is day-to-day, making Budaj the undisputed starter.

Dallas Stars (3) – Turco should get all three starts this week.

Detroit Red Wings (4) – Expect Osgood and Hasek to split the starts this week.

Edmonton Oilers (3) – Roloson has been awful in the games he's played in, so look for a steady dose of Garon this week.

Florida Panthers (4) – Vokoun should get all four starts this week.

Los Angeles Kings (4) – With a busy schedule Aubin may make an appearance this week.

Minnesota Wild (4) – Backstrom has gotten hot and will continue to start on a regular basis until he falters.

Montreal Canadiens (3) – Huet should get all three starts this week.

Nashville Predators (4) – Look for Ellis to receive at least one start during this busy week.

New Jersey Devils (4) – Brodeur rarely gets a rest and should be ready to go for all four games this week.

New York Islanders (3) – Expect DiPietro to start all three games this week.

New York Rangers (4) – Valiquette recently gave Lundqvist a rest, so expect Lundqvist to start all four games this week.

Ottawa Senators (3) – Emery has struggled recently and will probably get one start this week.

Philadelphia Flyers (4) – Biron and Nittymaki have been splitting time.

Phoenix Coyotes (4) – Tellqvist may steal a start during this busy week.

Pittsburgh Penguins (4) – Sabourin and Conklin will continue to split starts while Fleury remains
sidelined.

San Jose Sharks (3) – Nabokov should get all three starts this week.

St. Louis Blues (3) – Look for Legace to start all the games this week.

Tampa Bay Lightining (3) – Ramo and Holmqvist will continue to split the starts.

Toronto Maple Leafs (3) – Expect to see Toskala in net for all three games this week.

Vancouver Canucks (4) – Luongo is back and should get all four starts this week.

Washington Capitals – Johnson may steal a start with four games this week.


For Illegal Curve, I'm Jonny Remis

Fantasy Watch: Goalie Starts

Jan 28th – Feb 3rd

Anaheim Ducks (3) – Giguere should be well rested for back-to-back games this week.

Atlanta Thrashers (3) – Hedberg may steal a start due to back-to-back games.

Boston Bruins (3) – Look for Thomas to start all three games this week.

Buffalo Sabres (3) – Miller should be ready to go for all three games.

Carolina Hurricanes (3) – Ward will be looking to get back on track after the all-star break.

Calgary Flames (2) – Kiprusoff will get a much needed rest and should be back between the pipes for both games this week.

Chicago Blackhawks (2) – The Blackhawks haven't fully given Lalime the starting job, but if Khabibulin keeps struggling expect him to be out of the picture sooner than later.

Columbus Blue Jackets (3) – Leclaire has been stellar all year and should start all three games this week.

Colorado Avalanche (3) – Theodore recently took over the #1 position and should continue to hold onto it after the all-star break.

Dallas Stars (3) – Smith may steal a start due to back-to-back games this week.

Detroit Red Wings (3) – Look for a split between Osgood and Hasek.

Edmonton Oilers (2) – Garon should get both starts this week.

Florida Panthers (3) – Expect Vokoun to start all three games this week.

Los Angeles Kings (3) – LaBarbera hasn't been great but is still the starter in L.A.

Minnesota Wild (2) – Backstrom should get both starts this week.

Montreal Canadiens (4) – Huet will have a busy week with four games on the schedule.

Nashville Predators (3) – Look for Ellis to steal a start this week.

New Jersey Devils (3) – Brodeur will be busy during all-star week but should be ready to go for all three games this week.

New York Islanders (3) – Expect DiPietro to receive all the starts this week.

New York Rangers (4) – Lundqvist should be well rested for four games this week.

Ottawa Senators (3) – Gerber and Emery have both struggled as of late and will be looking to regain their early season form.

Philadelphia Flyers (3) – Nittymaki has been playing well this month and should steal a start this week.

Phoenix Coyotes (3) – Newly resigned Bryzgalov should receive all three starts this week.

Pittsburgh Penguins (3) – Conklin and Sabourin will continue to receive the starts while Fleury remains on the IR.

San Jose Sharks (3) – Nabokov has started all but one game for San Jose and should be ready to go post all-star break.

St. Louis Blues (3) – Legace struggled to close out the first half, but will be looking to get back on track after the break.

Tampa Bay Lightining (3) – Holmqvist will be looking to continue his hot-streak post all-star break.

Toronto Maple Leafs (3) – Toskala has won four of his last five games and should start all three games this week.

Vancouver Canucks (3) – After skipping the all-star game, Luongo should be ready to go for all three games this week.

Washington Capitals (3) – Look for Kolzig to start all three games this week.


For Illegal Curve, I'm Jonny Remis

Fantasy Watch: Goalie Starts

Jan 21st - 27th

Anaheim Ducks (2) – Expect Giguere to start both games in this short week.

Atlanta Thrashers (2) – Lehtonen is healthy again and should get both starts this week.

Boston Bruins (2) – Look for Thomas to receive both starts this week.

Buffalo Sabres (2) – Miller's last win was on December 22nd, so the Sabres may turn to Thibault for one start this week.

Carolina Hurricanes (2) – Ward should be between the pipes for both games this week.

Calgary Flames (1) – CuJo will need some time to get into game shape before he gives Kiprusoff a much needed rest.

Chicago Blackhawks (2) – After two straight wins with Lalime in net, the Blawkhawks should give him the nod for both games this week.

Columbus Blue Jackets (2) – Since returning from injury, Leclaire has won his past four starts.

Colorado Avalanche (2) – Theodore has gained full control of the #1 spot and should start both games this week.

Dallas Stars (2) – Look for Turco to start both games this week.

Detroit Red Wings (2) – Expect a split between Hasek and Osgood for these games.

Edmonton Oilers (2) – Roloson had his first start this month, giving up four goals in an OT loss Expect the Oilers to return to Garon for the next two games.

Florida Panthers (2) – Vokoun has been mediocre this season but should get both starts this week.

Los Angeles Kings (2) – LaBarbera has won his last three games and should receive both starts this week.

Minnesota Wild (2) – Harding missed his last start with a groin injury, so until he returns Backstrom will carry the load.

Montreal Canadiens (2) – Expect Huet to start both games this week.

Nashville Predators (3) – Mason hasn't been great lately and should yield one start to Ellis.

New Jersey Devils (2) – Brodeur should be in net for both games this week.

New York Islanders (3) – DiPietro has had a rough month thus far, but should receive all three starts this week.

New York Rangers (2) – Expect Lundqvist to start both games this week.

Ottawa Senators (2) – Look for Emery and Gerber to split the starts this week.

Philadelphia Flyers (2) – Nittymaki has gotten the bulk of the starts this month and should receive both this week.

Phoenix Coyotes (2) – Look for Bryzgalov to start both games this week.

Pittsburgh Penguins (2) – Conklin has been fantastic while Fleury has been sidelined and should get both starts this week.

San Jose Sharks (2) – Look for Nabokov to shake his losing streak this week.

St. Louis Blues (3) – Legace is currently day-to-day with a forearm injury, making Toivonen the #1 guy.

Tampa Bay Lightining (2) – Ramo has struggled this season and will continue to split starts with Holmqvist until he can prove to be a reliable starter.

Toronto Maple Leafs (2) – Toskala has won his last two games and should get both starts this week.

Vancouver Canucks (2) – Luongo should receive both starts this week.

Washington Capitals (3) – With back-to-back games, expect Johnson to steal a start.


For Illegal Curve, I'm Jonny Remis

Fantasy Watch: Goaltender Starts

October 29th – November 4th
# of games in brackets

Anaheim Ducks (2)– With two games on the schedule expect a split between J.S. Giguere and Ilya Bryzgalov

Atlanta Thrashers (3) – Lehtonen is still on the IR with an injured groin, so expect to see more of Johan Hedberg, but Ondrej Pavelec may steal a start or two.

Boston Bruins (3) – Tim Thomas has outplayed newcomer Manny Fernandez early on making his case for the #1 job.

Buffalo Sabres (2) – Miller has struggled to begin the season, and with two games back-to-back, look for Thibault to start one of them.

Calgary Flames (3) – With no reliable backup, expect Kiprusoff to get all the starts.

Carolina Hurricanes (2) – Ward has not lost a game in regulation this season.

Chicago Blackhawks (3) - Khabibulin is #1, but playing back-to-back games will allow Lalime to steal a start.

Columbus Blue Jackets (3) - Leclaire has been quite a surprise thus far, already compiling four shutouts.

Colorado Avalanche (2) – Budaj is slowly putting to rest any controversy in Colorado.

Dallas Stars (3) – The Stars may give Turco a rest this week.

Detroit Red Wings (2) – Osgood should be given both starts as Hasek is day-to-day with a sore hip.

Edmonton Oilers (2) – Although Roloson is struggling, he's still #1.

Florida Panthers (3) – Playing on Friday and Saturday should give backup Craig Anderson a
start.

Los Angeles Kings (3) - With several goaltenders vying for the #1 job, your guess is as good as mine.

Minnesota Wild (3) – Backstrom has Minnesota fans forgetting all about Manny Fernandez.

Montreal Canadiens (3) – Huet is allowing Montreal a chance to bring Price along slowly.

Nashville Predators (4) – Mason has struggled recently and with four games on the schedule expect backup Dan Ellis to get a start.

New Jersey Devils (3) – Weekes should see action as the Devils play back-to-back games.

New York Islanders (4) – Expect Dubielewicz to receive a start during this busy week.

New York Rangers (3) – Lundqvist has started every game thus far.

Ottawa Senators (3) - Gerber is still red hot and should continue to see plenty of starts come his way.

Philadelphia Flyers (3) – Biron is leading the Flyers back into contention.

Phoenix Coyotes (3) – No clear #1 as of yet

Pittsburgh Penguins (3) - Fleury will most likely receive all the starts.

San Jose Sharks (3) – Nabokov has lead San Jose to first place in the Pacific Conference

St. Louis Blues (4) – With back-to-back games, Toivonen should steal a start.

Tampa Bay Lightining (4) – Holmqvist has performed well thus far, but with four games, Denis may make an appearance.

Toronto Maple Leafs (3) – Toskala is slowly emerging as the #1 guy.

Vancouver Canucks (2) – Luongo has played poorly, but expect him to turn it around sooner than later.

Washington Capitals (3) – Backup Brent Johnson should see some playing time as Washington will probably opt against using Kolzig on back-to-back games.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Jonny Remis