Tuesday NHL Morning Papers (Western Conference)
In NHL Morning Papers we break down the stories published in newspapers around the country. By reading our synopsis the average hockey fan can catch up to all the happenings around the National Hockey League.
Central
- Andrew Ladd fielded questions regarding his fight with Ryan Kesler on Sunday. Kesler called Ladd a coward following their bout. Ladd seems to handle it in stride. ”We all got a pretty good laugh at it,” Ladd said.
- The writers at The Columbus Dispatch decided to gage fan interest for the remainder of the year.
- The famous Joe Louis Arena should be on its way out. As the building turns the 30 year mark, it becomes more and more of a fossil.
- Pekka Rinne will receive his second consecutive start, which could mean coach Barry Trotz decided on a full-time starter. John Glennon of The Tennessean has the full story.
- The Blues defeated the Calgary Flames last night by the narrow score of 2-0. As Jeremy Rutherford of The St.Louis Post-Dispatch points out, both teams combined for 37 shots before Patrik Berglund began the scoring.
Northwest
- According to Ian Busby of The Calgary Sun, the boo birds are out in Calgary and appear pretty vocal. The players understand the movement and the need to improve. ”It’s tough but rightfully so,” said winger Brandon Prust.
- Avalanche goalie Craig Anderson received third star of the week honors after notching two shutouts in three games.
- Lots of exciting information regarding a new arena in Edmonton.
- Andrew Brunette took to the broadcasting booth during yesterday’s skills competition. As the author points out, Brunette will play another couple of years and continues to produce.
- The game story appeared to be all about Olympic goaltenders Roberto Luongo and Ryan Miller, leaving NHL leading scorer Henrik Sedin out to dry. To no one’s surprise Sedin made a huge difference as he scored on a breakaway. ”I rarely get a breakaway — it might have been four years ago,” Sedin said.
Pacific
- Saku Koivu began skating with the Ducks in hopes of returning shortly. He handled conditioning drills with ease, skating alongside Dan Sexton and Bobby Ryan.
- Despite Stars owner Tom Hicks selling the Texas Rangers, the teams budget should look eerily similar. ”It is challenging, but I think it’s been challenging for every GM in the league,” GM Joe Nieuwendyk said.
- Kings forward Wayne Simmonds will face his hometown Maple Leafs tonight.
- Lauri Korpikoski scored two goals against the Capitals despite the eventual 4-2 outcome. ”It was a long time since I last had a couple of goals, so it was good. It creeps into your head when you’re not scoring, it’s a mental thing,” Korpikoski said. He looks to continue his scoring tonight against the Red Wings.
- David Pollack of The Mercury News describes the success of all four Sharks penalty kill units noting their different styles.
Alexander Monaghan
NHLHS Editor
amonaghan@nhlhotstove.com
Twitter: @NHLHotStove
