NHL Morning Papers--Eastern Conference (Saturday Edition)

Here are the national morning papers:

• Roy MacGregor has a terrific profile on Alexei Kovalev in this morning's Globe & Mail.
• Senators coach Bryan Murray, in an effort to solve his team's chemistry problems, is going to try Chris Neil on his team's second line today, writes Dave Shoalts.

Here are the Atlantic Division morning papers:

• It is hard to get a more exciting first NHL goal than Kyle Okposo did last night, writes Greg Logan.
• The Devils' record versus both their New York rivals may cost them home-ice advantage in the playoffs, writes Rich Chere.
• As Larry Brooks of the NY Post explains, last night's shootout loss at Philadelphia was overshadowed by the loss of Scott Gomez to injury.
• The Flyers were resilient last night versus the Rangers, and ended up pulling out an extremely important 4-3 shootout victory. "We felt like we were the better team, and we carried the play," said Flyers coach John Stevens after the contest.
• Today's Devils/Penguins tilt is just a huge game, writes Shelly Anderson. In injury news, Sidney Crosby remains sidelined with an ankle injury.

Here are the Northeast Division morning papers:

• The Bruins need scoring from their forwards says head coach Claude Julien. Forget beating the Canadiens for revenge, the Bruins need tonight's game to remain in playoff position, writes Stephen Harris.
• John Vogl of the Buffalo News wonders whether last night's 4-1 loss to the Leafs at home will be the loss that will put the Sabres on the outside looking in. On the injury front, the Sabres have lost Tim Connolly for the season. Meanwhile, Teppo Numminen practiced with the team yesterday, but is still a ways away from returning to the lineup.
• This defense-first hockey is really working for the Maple Leafs, writes Mark Zwolinkski. The Leafs still aren't out of the playoff race after last night's victory in Buffalo, and are possibly getting Mats Sundin back in the line up tonight.
• Chris Neil can't wait to get after it tonight in his return to the Senators line up.
• In Montreal, Guy Carbonneau believes that Alexei Kovalev deserves consideration for the Hart Trophy.

Here are the Southeast Division morning papers:

• The Hurricanes only have six games remaining on the schedule, which will give them some time to rest prior to the playoffs.
• Never mind the fact that Alex Ovechkin tallied his 60th goal of the season last night, but more importantly his team came away with a comeback victory over Atlanta and moved into ninth place in the Eastern Conference.
• The Thrashers have nothing to play for and it is evident in their play, opines Craig Custance.
• Olli Jokinen knows his team cannot take the Lightning too easily tonight. The Panthers pretty much have to run the table to have a chance at the playoffs.
• It looks like the Lightning have lost defenseman Paul Ranger for the remainder of the season.

The Western Conference morning papers will be posted soon...

For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.

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