Carolina Hurricanes Ward, Staal brothers shine in 4-1 win over Leafs

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1 SPORT-SCAN Anaheim Ducks Ducks unleash the power in 2-1 win over Sharks Fasth gives Ducks happy sendoff Whicker: It's rise and shine for Souray, Ducks Ducks Fasth: We re an elite team too Ducks' Fowler sits out with upper-body injury Boston Bruins Bruins forward Daniel Paille returns to practice Ryan Spooner recalled from Providence Daniel Paille back, Shawn Thornton improving Shawn Thornton back on skates Ryan Spooner recalled Thornton, Paille back on the ice Buffalo Sabres Sabres lack balance in scoring Sabres summon Pardy from Rochester to help ailing, struggling defense Ruff: 'I'm a little above disbelief' Red-hot Vanek named NHL's First Star of the Week Calgary Flames Hudler using hockey as therapy ahead of first meeting against old team Johnson: Lidstrom-less Wings will be a most unfamiliar sight for Flames Jackman sporting 18 stitches as war wound after Saturday fight Flames' shootout woes continue Hudler excited by Detroit reunion Carolina Hurricanes Ward, Staal brothers shine in 4-1 win over Leafs Chicago Blackhawks Blackhawks at Sharks Blackhawks' Bolland expects return to lineup Hawks' Emery isn't giddy over stellar performance Bolland could return to lineup on Tuesday Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville searches for elusive third man in shootouts Hawks GM, coach like Shaw s presence Colorado Avalanche Hawks GM, coach like Shaw s presence Matt Hunwick making most of long-awaited opportunity with Avalanche Avs fall to Dallas Stars; Milan Hejduk scores in his 1,000 game Columbus Blue Jackets Blue Jackets' Boll packs more punch after work with ex-mma fighter Blue Jackets notebook: Call-ups aid defense s depth Michael Arace commentary: Davidson is finally at home in Columbus NHL 2/5/2013 DAILY BRIEF Dallas Stars Brenden Morrow on line with Jamie Benn, Jaromir Jagr vs. Colorado Stars-Avalanche, 8 p.m.; Why this nationally-televised matchup is spooky Aging former teammates Jaromir Jagr, Milan Hejduk face off tonight Stars coach Glen Gulutzan: Jamie Benn in 'battle form' Brenden Morrow earns a star, but Benn's breakout game takes the night Heika: Brenden Morrow finds his hands, Dallas Stars find back of the net in win over Colorado Avalanche Jamie Oleksiak seeing similarities in transition to NHL Kari Lehtonen, Richard Bachman, Cristopher Nilstorp making things crowded in the crease, and that s a good thi Benn's two goals help Stars edge Avalanche Detroit Red Wings Red Wings' Brendan Smith out 3-4 weeks with sprained right shoulder Red Wings add Tomas Tatar to jump-start offense; goalie Petr Mrazek also called up Nicklas Lidstrom headed back to area Red Wings' Tomas Tatar will play tonight; Petr Mrazek up, too Red Wings' Brendan Smith out 3 to 4 weeks with sprained shoulder Wings call up goalie, forward Datsyuk sues over sale of clothes bearing his likeness Red Wings' Darren Helm not showing improvement, will have further tests on ailing back Red Wings defenseman Brendan Smith out 3-4 weeks; Ian White expects to return Tuesday Red Wings hoping for a spark from Tomas Tatar; Petr Mrazek practices, but NHL debut undetermined Construction on Detroit Red Wings new arena could begin before end of the year, according to report Confident, excited Tomas Tatar brings offensive instincts and energy to Red Wings Red Wings Smith could miss 3-4 weeks; Tatar recalled to provide instant offense Wings Smith out 3-4 weeks; White likely in lineup Tuesday Edmonton Oilers MacKinnon: Oilers post-season hopes rest on winning the close ones Canucks rally for overtime win against Oilers Oilers Notebook: Injured Eager to be back in action soon Edmonton Oilers scratch Ryan Whitney for tilt with Vancouver Canucks Oilers not so quick on the draw Ryan Whitney will watch Canucks game A lot of good went bad in Edmonton Oilers loss to Vancouver Canucks Vancouver Canucks ride late tying goal to overtime win against Edmonton Oilers Edmonton Oilers forward Ryan Jones's eye injury convinces him to wear visor Edmonton Oilers Ryan Whitney upset over being healthy scratch versus Vancouver Canucks

2 Florida Panthers Florida Panthers Kris Versteeg hopes success vs. Winnipeg Jets continues STEEGER AND THE JETS: Panthers' Kris Versteeg Loves Playing Winnipeg... Erik Gudbranson on Way Back to Bigs Florida Panthers Kris Versteeg hopes success vs. Winnipeg Jets continues Parros adds punch to Panthers lineup Preview: Panthers at Jets, 8 p.m. Tuesday Los Angeles Kings Kings' Drew Doughty holds the blue line with two key defensemen out Quick and the art of logging minutes Tightening up defensively Minnesota Wild Thoughts on Mike Rupp trade, what this means for Matt Kassian Powe, Palmieri traded to the Rangers for enforcer Mike Rupp Wild holds player-only meeting after latest loss in Arizona Wild-Phoenix game recap Seeking size and grit, Wild deals for Rupp Another road loss ramps up urgency for Wild Minnesota Wild trade Darroll Powe, Nick Palmieri for Rangers' Mike Rupp Minnesota Wild: Rookie Charlie Coyle's debut Monday night Minnesota Wild grasp for answers after another close loss Coyotes 2, Wild 1: Minnesota still looking for first road win Montreal Canadiens Canadiens blast out of starting gate powered by 5-on-5 defence Dave Stubbs: P.J. Stock no expert on P.K. Subban Pat Hickey: Habs balanced on offence 'Wardrobe malfunctions' plague Subban on return Pacioretty helps Habs sweep weekend Habs edge Sens for weekend home sweep Well-deserved day off for Habs on Monday Nashville Predators Nashville Predators' Pekka Rinne under pressure with shootouts Preview: Predators at St. Louis Blues Matchups with Blues have helped define Predators season thus far New Jersey Devils For Lundqvist, Question Gets Old but Rivalry Doesn t Stefan Matteau anxious to watch Devils-Rangers in Newark Devils' playoff victory over Rangers was better than Stanley Cup for some Devils have optional practice as first meeting with Rangers awaits Devils notes: Rangers are up next NY Rangers will face NJ Devils for first time since last season's NHL Eastern Conference finals New York Islanders Islanders put Martinek on IR Islanders making line changes to improve at even strength New York Rangers Seeking Offense and Depth, the Rangers Trade a Fighter NY Rangers will face NJ Devils for first time since last season's NHL Eastern Conference finals NY Rangers recall J.T. Miller and Brandon Mashinter from Connecticut Whale, send Benn Ferriero back to AHL NY Rangers trade Mike Rupp to Minnesota Wild for forwards Darroll Powe and Nick Palmieri to address forward de Ryan Callahan skates with NY Rangers for first time in six days since injuring left shoulder against Philadelp Rangers trade Rupp to Minnesota Wild in exchange for Powe, Palmieri Rangers face Devils in Newark for first time since Eastern Conference finals Rangers Blog: Callahan participates in practice Andrew Gross: Taylor Pyatt solid addition, but Rangers still tweaking roster Rangers trade Mike Rupp to Wild RANGERS RECALL FORWARDS J.T. MILLER AND BRANDON MASHINTER Eight games (one-sixth) into the season, the Rangers reshuffle (updated) Rangers trade Mike Rupp to Minnesota, get Darroll Powe, Nick Palmieri Ottawa Senators Da Costa is Da Latest Call up from Binghamton NHL officiating boss defends disallowed Ottawa goal against Canadiens Wayne Scanlan: Rivalries could get lost in torrent of games Senators defenceman had summer job at St. Albert cheese factory Da Costa joins Senators, likely to play Tuesday vs. Sabres Philadelphia Flyers Rob Zombie will attend Tuesday's Flyers game Flyers' Simmonds out for Tuesday Tell The Flyers Today is Saturday Flyers look to rookie to fill injury gap Flyers need players like Max Talbot to step up offense Bryzgalov playing like a new man McGinn making things happen on Flyers' first line McGinn impressing new linemates Briere and Giroux Flyers wives scramble to pull off 36th Carnival McGinn makes immediate impact Phoenix Coyotes Phoenix Coyotes defeat the Minnesota Wild, win second straight Game Day: Wild at Coyotes Pittsburgh Penguins Penguins notebook: Kunitz s goal total receives a boost Penguins Despres picks up playing time piecemeal Little time to reflect in Penguins shortened season Orpik's shot-blocking on the rise for Penguins

3 San Jose Sharks San Jose Sharks suffer first regulation loss, 2-1 to Anaheim Ducks Battle of the backups as Ducks host Sharks Sharks-Ducks at a glance Sharks notes: Greiss staying sharp PK hot, but power play costs Sharks in Anaheim Kurz's Instant Replay: Ducks 2, Sharks 1 St Louis Blues Tarasenko named NHL rookie of the month Blues turn to Elliott with Halak out Blues-Predators matchup box Halak's injury leads to another opportunity for Elliott with Blues facing busy schedule Blues' Tarasenko named NHL Rookie of the Month; Blues preparing for some home cooking Tampa Bay Lightning Marty St. Louis, Cory Conacher form a big bond Lightning seeks boost on the road Lightning's Lecavalier sore but will play Lightning captain Vinny Lecavalier (foot) still expects to play Tuesday against the Flyers Tampa Bay Lightning's physical play faces test in Philadelphia Fennelly: More highlights to come from Stamkos Lightning at Flyers preview capsule Lightning's Lecavalier sore but will play Toronto Maple Leafs Home ice still no advantage for struggling Leafs Mirtle: Maple Leafs blueline looking thin minus Gunnarsson Leafs' Scrivens waits his turn Ex-Leafs enjoying life with Canes Leafs/Canes game sheet will be a prized memento for Brothers Staal Referees no help in Maple Leafs loss Down on farm, Marlies emerging Maple Leafs call up Korbinian Holzer Leafs struggles at home continue with loss to Hurricanes Leafs new goalie coach has James Reimer playing like a legitimate No. 1 Vancouver Canucks Chris Tanev makes his first NHL goal a big one as Canucks rally to defeat Oilers in OT Canuck Cory Schneider s agent hopes Roberto Luongo trade comes sooner rather than later Game Day: Canucks, Oilers both look for offensive spark Opportunity knocking for Schroeder? Canucks, uh, backup named NHL s third star of the week Canucks: The Provies Nightly Awards Tanev tallies first NHL goal as Canucks pull off 3-2 OT win over Oilers Canucks: Luongo finds his comfort zone Canucks preview: Focus follows Luongo as 'backup' goalie gets fourth straight start against Oilers Canucks goaltender Roberto Luongo named NHL's third star of the week Washington Capitals For Washington Capitals, it s still early, but it s getting late Caps hope remedying special-teams issues will lead to more wins John Erskine on suspension: I don t think it was a reckless play Caps switch up lines again One-timers: Oates sees positives in Caps loss to Penguins Special teams killing Capitals early in season John Erskine: 'I don't think it was a reckless play' For Capitals, not a Super effort against Penguins Capitals' John Erskine not happy with suspension Penguins goalie Tomas Vokoun: Caps were already a step behind Caps forward Alex Ovechkin better, but needs results Capitals' John Erskine not happy with suspension Websites ESPN / Need to know: Weekend edition NBCSports.com / Report: NBA agents want Fehr to head NBPA NBCSports.com / List: Top 10 forwards who haven t scored a goal yet Sportsnet.ca / Spector on Canucks: An enviable position USA TODAY / Rangers trade Rupp to the Wild for two players USA TODAY / Will players consider wearing skate boot shields? Wall Street Journal / The Rangers Are Being Overpowered YAHOO SPORTS / Maple Leafs face bigger questions than Phil Kessel's scoring slump Winnipeg Jets Byfuglien not expected to play in Jets game Tuesday Jets: Project 11 will honour Rypien, bring awareness to mental-health issues True North Foundation introduces 'Project 11' Struggling club can't wait to be re-buffed Time to take care of business Zach Redmond fitting right in on Winnipeg Jets blue-line Jets without Dustin Byfuglien for third game Winnipeg Jets rugged forward Chris Thorburn laments penalty problems Winnipeg Jets going extra mile with Hockey Talks and Project Winnipeg Jets need to find on-off switch fast SPORT-SCAN, INC

4 Anaheim Ducks LA Times: LOADED: Ducks unleash the power in 2-1 win over Sharks Sheldon Souray scores the winning goal on a 100-mph slapshot with 6:39 left. Anaheim improves to and hands San Jose its first regulation loss of the season. By Lance Pugmire 11:00 PM PST, February 4, 2013 Sheldon Souray's 100-plus-mph slapshot makes hardened NHL players skate for cover in practice. Souray, a defenseman for the Ducks, launched his barely seen flying weapon at a crucial moment Monday, burying a goal past the glove of San Jose goaltender Thomas Greiss to give Anaheim a 2-1 victory and hand the Sharks their first regulation loss of the season. Viktor Fasth, the Ducks' rookie backup goalie, preserved the victory by stopping 25 of 26 shots against a team that had scored 30 goals before Monday. Fasth, who kept the Sharks (7-1-1) scoreless in the second and third periods, called the effort the Ducks' best of the season. "The guys battled incredibly in front of me," Fasth, now 3-0, said. "We're an elite team too. Every day it goes, I feel better and better." Headed to a six-game trip starting Wednesday in Colorado, the Ducks improved to and concluded a sweep of Minnesota, the Kings and the Sharks in four days. "The big picture" of the trip "can be overwhelming," Souray said. "We'll just have to play it like we have these three, just as they come." Souray's game-winner with 6 minutes 39 seconds left came on a pass from Francois Beauchemin, the Ducks avenging a shootout loss to the Sharks on Jan. 29 in which they gave up a late third-period goal. The win "shows we can compete against every team in the league," Souray said. Ducks center Saku Koivu tied the score with 16:07 left in the third period, collecting a San Jose pass that bounced off the boards behind the goal directly in front of Greiss rather than wrapping behind the goal to Sharks teammate Brad Stuart. "If you keep pushing and working, you've got to believe those breaks will happen," Koivu said. "Those things don't happen very often once every couple of years." Fasth preserved the lead following a Ducks penalty seconds later, stopping Martin Havlat's effort up close, then rejecting a shot by Marc-Edouard Vlasic. The Ducks had what appeared to be a golden opportunity, a two-man advantage later in the third, but after a Souray shot was denied, the Sharks actually had two of their own scoring chances stopped by Fasth. A breakaway by Patrick Marleau was stopped by Fasth poking his stick onto Marleau's in front of the goal. The intensity between the Pacific Division rivals was high even in the scoreless second period, with the Ducks firing 14 shots at Greiss. Fasth held up to close-range shots by Tommy Wingels and Marleau, the NHL's leading goal scorer, with nine. Through two periods, the Ducks had 17 scoring chances to the Sharks' nine. The Ducks' Andrew Cogliano nearly scored on an open rebound of a Daniel Winnik shot, but San Jose defenseman Jason Demers turned and blocked the puck to save the goal. The Ducks killed off all six of the Sharks' power plays. The Sharks opened the scoring with center Logan Couture's sixth goal. Couture, positioned at the crease, slapped the puck by Fasth on an assist by Andrew Desjardins and Wingels with 1:52 remaining in the first period.

5 Anaheim Ducks Fasth gives Ducks happy sendoff By ERIC STEPHENS / ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER ANAHEIM Viktor Fasth has announced his arrival in the NHL and the Ducks might be doing the same in this lockout-affected sprint of a hockey season. Fasth stopped 25 shots in his third consecutive strong effort and Sheldon Souray snapped a third-period tie with 6:39 left in regulation to give the Ducks a 2-1 victory over the San Jose Sharks on Monday night. In front of an announced 14,324 at Honda Center, Souray got a pass from Francois Beauchemin at the blue line and teed up a rising shot that flew off Scott Gomez's stick and past the glove of Sharks goalie Thomas Greiss. Fasth took it from there with his best outing so far as he made several key stops in the third period as he continues to push incumbent starter Jonas Hiller for playing time. "He's played unbelievably," Souray said. "He's just shown so much poise and confidence from the first day." Fasth credited the work of his teammates, saying "everybody was playing great in front of me." "You just go in there and try to play," he said. "Try to help the team as best as you can. The team helps me out a lot out there. I'm just trying to do my best every day." The Ducks (6-1-1) have points in seven of their eight games as they set to go on a six-game, 12-day trip. San Jose (7-1-1) suffered its first regulation loss. Playing their third game in four nights, the Ducks were not sharp and had trouble finishing their chances as Greiss made 30 saves. It took a crazy bounce early in the third period for the Ducks to finally break through. Sharks forward Tommy Wingels was trying to swing the puck around the end boards behind his net when it took an unexpected turn toward the front of the net. As Greiss had his turned to his left to anticipate a puck that never got to its intended destination, Saku Koivu jumped on it and put in a backhand for a 1-1 tie at the 3:53 mark. Orange County Register: LOADED:

6 Anaheim Ducks Whicker: It's rise and shine for Souray, Ducks By MARK WHICKER COLUMNIST / ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER ANAHEIM They say Nolan Ryan's fastball never really rose. It just appeared or sounded that way to the blinded batter. The puck that won Monday night's game, off the blade of Sheldon Souray, also seemed to reach a higher gear as it neared San Jose goalie Thomas Greiss. It whooshed past him with 6:39 left, and the Ducks moved on up to a 2-1 victory that leaves them with one-sixth of this HO-scaled season already gone. Is it real or imaginary? The answer is (A) undetermined and (B) irrelevant. The points are real, as are victories over the Sharks, Kings and Canucks. "We feel we can beat any team in the league," said Souray, a 36-year-old free agent defenseman whom the Ducks signed to snipe from the point and to body up the top forwards in the West. "You've got to credit (Francois) Beauchemin for having the patience with the puck to find me," Souray said. "And then there are the guys in front of the net. Ninety-nine percent of the time, the goaltender makes that save if it's just me and him. I saw him move over a bit and it gave a side of the net to shoot at. "I really wanted to score that one because I'd had some chances before and hadn't done that. As long as guys aren't jumping in the way of my shot, I've got a chance. But credit the guys for standing there. I've hit a couple of guys already, and that's not fun." In four nights the Ducks have been visited by Minnesota, which made the deepest free-agent investments; the Kings, who were the last team standing last June; and the Sharks, who had not lost a game in regulation all year and had the hottest line in the league. They won all those games. And Monday was far different from Saturday, when they simply outscored the Kings. This time they had to overcome their own sluggishness and they rode goaltender Viktor Fasth, who, like Souray's bomb, started strong and kept rising. Saku Koivu scored on a gift bounce to tie it, but the moment of truth was a 5-on-3 situation that the Ducks absolutely butchered. The Sharks had better chances than Anaheim did, and suddenly there was Patrick Marleau on a breakaway, honing in on his 10th goal. Fasth did not shrink or hunker down or panic. He came out strongly and challenged Marleau, who had to hold the puck and skate behind the net. "If they score on that, that could have really taken the wind out of our sails," Souray said. "That was ugly. But (Fasth) showed a lot of confidence there." And, again, Souray and Beauchemin kept Marleau, Joe Pavelski and Joe Thornton out of the box score. Souray is plus-4 and Beauchemin plus-3 on the season, and they both played more than 22 minutes. "Our games are similar," Souray said. "He's a guy you've got to watch for when you cross the blue line. That was my job all season (in Dallas), playing with (Stephane) Robidas, a selfless, team-first guy like Beauch is. Beauch is making the game real easy right now." The Ducks came in as the third-highest scoring team in the league (goals per game), just ahead of San Jose. They also had totally obliterated their previous record for most goals in the first seven games of a season. One very large key to this season was, and still is, the issue of young guys jumping into holes that the offseason had left. Kyle Palmieri was leading that effort with four goals and an assist. Palmieri came in with the head start of 33 games at Norfolk, in the American Hockey League, but he wasn't the only one. "He's been a proven goal-scorer for 2 1/2 years in the AHL," said David McNab, the Ducks' senior vice president. Palmieri actually started his AHL career as an 18-year-old in Syracuse. He turned 19 during that season and wound up with 29 goals. Last year he scored 33 there, with 13 more at Norfolk this year. "That's a tough league for a young player," McNab said. "It's actually a tough league for anybody. They play three-games-in-three nights a lot. You learn how to handle yourself when you're tired. In Kyle's case he was going against the best defensemen on every team, either top young prospects or veterans who had NHL time. So he's just carrying over what he was doing. It's early, but I don't think anyone in our organization is surprised." On Nov , Norfolk played at Binghamton (N.Y.), Springfield (Mass.) and Albany (N.Y.). While riding buses. Now he's in a league with single rooms, chartered flights and pillow mints. And a rising elevator. Orange County Register: LOADED:

7 Anaheim Ducks Ducks Fasth: We re an elite team too February 4th, 2013, 11:37 pm posted by Eric Stephens, Staff writer Quite frankly, they re in first place, Boudreau said. And I know it s early and all but you want to stay up in the pack. This was a big game for us. We were emotionally into it. San Jose is another California team and they ve been known to be great for many years, so it s not hard to get up for them. Orange County Register: LOADED: ANAHEIM Maybe it is the years of experience gained while starring in his native Sweden. Maybe it is the calm and poised game that he has already displayed in just three NHL starts. Viktor Fasth has proven to be a quick study and a welcome presence in the Ducks dressing room. The 30-year-old goaltender has only been with his new team for a few weeks but is talking like a confident, 10-year veteran. Fasth starred on Monday night, making 25 saves and standing tall in the end to preserve the Ducks 2-1 victory over San Jose to deal the Sharks their first regulation loss. Asked about beating an elite team in the early going, the two-time goaltender of the year in the Swedish Elite League didn t blink. We re an elite team too, Fasth said with stone-faced look. We want to win every game. That s why we play. It doesn t matter which team we beat. Fasth is presenting Ducks coach Bruce Boudreau with an interesting dilemma as they begin a six-game road trip. Both he and Jonas Hiller figure to play with two sets of games on back-to-back nights but what assignments will Fasth get with Hiller off to a shaky start? Confidence certainly isn t a question. In the third period, Patrick Marleau took the puck from Ducks defenseman Sheldon Souray and steamed in for a shorthanded chance to snap a 1-1 tie. Fasth stared down the NHL s leading goal scorer and then charged at him with a pokecheck that knocked Marleau off stride. The play he made today on that five-on-three, the confidence he showed to go out and do a pokecheck, it s like Wow. He s in it. said Souray, who later delivered the game-winning goal. He s engaged. He wants to stop the puck. He s not sitting there going, Oh, [no]. I m going to make a move on this guy. Patrick Marleau. The leading goal scorer in the league by a mile. It just showed a lot of oomph. He s played well. He s talking. Stuff you guys don t see or hear. He s talking to us back there. It s just thank you. Fasth said he s been feeling better and better every game and concurred that it was the best of the three he s played to date. But he was also good at dishing the credit out as well. They had some power plays and got a lot of opportunities there, he said. But we kept them outside, I think. The guys battled so hard in front of me. It was incredible to see. I don t know how many shots Beauch [Francois Beauchemin] blocked today. Shelly. Everybody was playing great in front of me. They made it easy. I could see almost every puck. The Ducks didn t have a reliable backup last season and rode Hiller for 73 games. Now they have two who could be fighting for the No. 1 job. I think, especially with the schedule this year, when you have two goaltenders that can pretty much give you a chance to win every night, it s a huge plus, center Saku Koivu said. Going into the season, we didn t know much or what to expect from him. But right now, he s playing great. It really shows that he s more experienced, more mature. He s seen a lot of hockey in his life, even though not in the NHL. Right now he s calm and confident and playing well for us. The Ducks are now in their last nine games against San Jose. They dominated the season s first meeting in San Jose last week but a late goal by Logan Couture against Hiller got the Sharks to overtime and then a shootout where they pulled out a win. But one difference this time around was Fasth didn t allow that late goal. In fact, it was Fasth who denied Martin Havlat from in close three times and swallowed up shot after shot as the final minutes were ticking off the clock.

8 Anaheim Ducks Ducks' Fowler sits out with upper-body injury "Oh yeah, I've been waiting here," said Staubitz, who took the place of Devante Smith-Pelly on the fourth line. "Getting anxious. It's nice to be playing. Get back in and get in the groove of things. Contribute to these wins." Orange County Register: LOADED: By ERIC STEPHENS / ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER ANAHEIM Considering how he was helped off the ice after being drilled by the Kings' Jarret Stoll, it was no surprise that Cam Fowler didn't dress for the Ducks in their home game Monday night against San Jose. Now the pertinent question: How long is Fowler going to be sidelined? Coach Bruce Boudreau said the third-year defenseman might not be lost for too long after talking with him. The Ducks are listing Fowler as day-to-day with an upper-body injury. But it was clear Saturday night that Fowler suffered an apparent head injury after being sent into the boards by Stoll early in the second period of the Ducks' 7-4 victory. Boudreau said, "When he's ready to play, he'll play." Asked if could be something that keeps him out for a longer term, Boudreau said: "There's no sense of that right now. So we'll see as time goes on, as this week prolongs." Fowler's absence put rookie defenseman Sami Vatanen back into the lineup after sitting out Saturday. Vatanen acquitted himself well in his NHL debut against Minnesota, getting a shot on goal and logging some powerplay time in nearly 14 minutes. The Ducks have been eager to work the mobile Vatanen into the blue-line mix, and now he'll be having a larger role, at least until Fowler gets back. "I think as he gets more comfortable, I think he'll probably take more risks," Boudreau said. "Because he did do that, whether it be in Finland or whether it'd be in Norfolk. "Right now he's been playing pretty close to the vest. But he's mobile. He's fearless. Those are the kind of guys you win with." Those around the Ducks have noted how calm Vatanen is on the ice and that he took his first game in stride. The 21-year-old defender said playing in Finland's top pro league for three seasons prepared him for North America. "I trust myself on the ice," Vatanen said. "It's, like, just hockey. You do your best and after that you can (look at) yourself in the mirror and said you did what you had to do. "I don't think I've been too nervous ever on the ice. Just enjoy the time when you're there and try to get better." Meanwhile, Boudreau was surprised and rankled that Stoll's hit did not warrant a hearing in the eyes of the NHL. "My view is it was a hit from behind," he said. "He even had a hold of his jersey. Even though Cam tried to stop, he followed through with the hit. The referees couldn't see it on the ice, they were all preoccupied. "It is what it is. We're not going to cry over spilled milk. We'll just move on with it." WHAT PENALTIES? Boudreau is annoyed by the lack of power plays the Ducks have had in comparison with every other team in the league. His team had a league-low 21 entering Monday but had three in the first two periods against San Jose. "We could dive like a lot of other teams do to get them," he said. "I don't know. We're averaging a whole whopping three a game. I don't know what else you could ask for. That's pretty sarcastic. "Some teams have 40, 45 power-play opportunities. We're at 21. I was watching the Leafs game the other night. They had their seventh five-onthree of the season. We've yet to see that." STAUBITZ SIGHTING Right wing Brad Staubitz was in the lineup for just the second time in the team's first eight games. The only other game for Staubitz, who signed with the Ducks last July as a free agent, came Jan. 26 against Nashville, a fiveminute stint in a 3-2 shootout victory.

9 Boston Bruins Bruins forward Daniel Paille returns to practice By Fluto Shinzawa WILMINGTON Daniel Paille had gotten his chance. Thursday night, after playing six games alongside usual linemates Gregory Campbell and Shawn Thornton, Paille was promoted to the third line. In the second period, Paille assisted on Rich Peverley s goal. Paille, Peverley, and Chris Kelly appeared to have instant chemistry. Paille s luck didn t last long. In the third period, Buffalo behemoth Tyler Myers raked Paille across the face with an errant high stick. Paille didn t return for the rest of the game, nor did he dress against Toronto Saturday night. Paille s misfortune appears to be short term. Monday, Paille returned to practice at Ristuccia Arena. He could be cleared to play against Montreal Wednesday at the Bell Centre. At first, I was a bit worried about what could happen, Paille said. But I was lucky that it s not serious and I was able to come back right away. Paille practiced on the fourth line Monday with Lane MacDermid and Jamie Tardif. Paille did not participate in a three-on-three battle drill. The area around his left eye appeared bruised and slightly swollen after practice. Paille played with Kelly and Peverley against Buffalo in place of Chris Bourque, who was a healthy scratch. Paille s speed and jam around the net gave the line the jump it needed. I felt great with Kells and Pevs, Paille said. We definitely created a lot of energy. They re definitely players I can relate to in terms of how they play their style. I ve learned just to take it shift by shift. That s how I m going to take it from now on. I feel I work a lot better that way. However, because of injuries, Paille most likely will return to the fourth line against the Canadiens if he s cleared to play. Bourque, back on the third line against Toronto, scored the game s only goal in the Bruins 1-0 win. Bourque practiced with Kelly and Peverley Monday. Paille has the speed and check-first approach to play on either line. The Bruins don t consider Bourque a fourth-line player. They prefer him to play as a skilled wing instead of an energy forward. Thornton improvingthornton (concussion) took a solo skate before practice. Sunday, Thornton rode the stationary bike. Thornton didn t practice Monday and is considered very doubtful for Wednesday s game. But coach Claude Julien was encouraged that Thornton is symptom-free. He was diagnosed with a concussion after his fight last Thursday against John Scott. The Bruins originally estimated Thornton to be out between 7 and 10 days. Things are going well, Julien said. But obviously there s a protocol to follow. We re certainly going to follow that to the letter. Marchand, Krejci sit Neither Brad Marchand nor David Krejci practiced. Marchand was injured in the second period of Saturday night s game when he tumbled into the end boards. He finished the second period but didn t return for the third. Julien didn t say whether Marchand will practice Tuesday before the team s departure for Montreal. Campbell practiced in Marchand s spot alongside Patrice Bergeron and Tyler Seguin. Campbell also rode on the second line in Saturday night s third period. With Tyler on the right side with high-end offensive skills, I think Bergy can benefit from a guy who s a good two-way player as well, Julien said. Where Gregory sometimes doesn t get enough credit is when he s got players like that to play with, you re going to see him go to the front of the net. You re going to see him grind it out. He s going to give that line some offense. This is certainly not a guy who s not going to give offense. He s capable of doing it. Krejci missed his second straight practice because of an undisclosed injury. He didn t participate in last Friday s tuneup before the team left for Toronto. Krejci will practice Tuesday, Julien said. Jay Pandolfo centered Milan Lucic and Nathan Horton Monday. Pandolfo remains with the club on a professional tryout agreement. He can sign a standard contract with the Bruins or with any other team. He s a guy with lots of experience, Julien said. He s a guy who s here because we respect that part of it and what he can bring. Maybe we can work something out that will get decided with time. Right now, he s happy to be here with us. He gets a chance to practice with an NHL team. There s no doubt we d never hold him back. At the same time, we don t have him here just to do him a favor. He s a guy who s earned the right to be here. He s certainly a player you might see with us down the road. Spooner recalled The Bruins recalled rookie center Ryan Spooner from Providence Monday on an emergency basis. It is Spooner s first NHL recall. He could play Wednesday against Montreal if Marchand is unavailable. Spooner, one of the team s two second-round picks in 2010, has nine goals and 21 assists for Providence. The 21-year-old participated in the Bruins shortened training camp last month. Spooner is scheduled to practice with the Bruins Tuesday at the Bell Centre. Boston Globe LOADED:

10 Boston Bruins Ryan Spooner recalled from Providence By Fluto Shinzawa, Globe Staff The Bruins have recalled Ryan Spooner from Providence on an emergency basis. This is the rookie center s first NHL recall. The transaction indicates that Brad Marchand might not be available for Wednesday s game against Montreal. Marchand was injured in the second period of Saturday s 1-0 win over Toronto when he crashed into the end boards. Marchand didn t practice today. In 35 games for Providence, Spooner has nine goals and 21 assists. Boston Globe LOADED:

11 Boston Bruins Daniel Paille back, Shawn Thornton improving By Fluto Shinzawa, Globe Staff WILMINGTON Daniel Paille practiced today at Ristuccia Arena for the first time since being high-sticked by Buffalo's Tyler Myers last Thursday. Paille didn t play against Toronto on Saturday because of precautionary reasons. The area around Paille s left eye is swollen and bruised, but the left wing said he s feeling better. Paille, however, has not been cleared to play on Wednesday against Montreal. Paille did not participate in battle drills today. Paille practiced on the fourth line. Shawn Thornton took a solo skate before practice this morning. It was the first time Thornton was on the ice since suffering a concussion during his fight with John Scott on Thursday. Thornton rode the stationary bike Sunday, according to coach Claude Julien. Thornton is symptom-free. Thornton remains very doubtful for Wednesday s game. David Krejci and Brad Marchand didn t practice. Krejci is expected to practice tomorrow. Julien did not say the same about Marchand. Today s lineup: Milan Lucic-Jay Pandolfo-Nathan Horton Gregory Campbell-Patrice Bergeron-Tyler Seguin Chris Bourque-Chris Kelly-Rich Peverley Daniel Paille-Jamie Tardif-Lane MacDermid Zdeno Chara-Johnny Boychuk Dennis Seidenberg-Dougie Hamilton Andrew Ference-Adam McQuaid Aaron Johnson Tuukka Rask Anton Khudobin Boston Globe LOADED:

12 Boston Bruins Shawn Thornton back on skates Steve Conroy WILMINGTON In the immediate aftermath of Shawn Thornton s fight with Buffalo s John Scott last Thursday, which left the Bruins enforcer with a concussion, several teammates said that, knowing Thornton, they didn t think he d be out too long. Well, that appears to be the case. Thornton, whom the B s expected to miss 7-10 days, skated yesterday for the first time since the concussion. While coach Claude Julien termed him very doubtful for tomorrow s game in Montreal, he said all signs are positive. Thornton skated with strength coach John Whitesides before practice. He s feeling really good, said Julien. He s been symptom-free for a few days now. He rode the bike (Sunday), he skated (yesterday) and things are going well. But obviously there s a protocol to follow and we re going to follow that to the letter. Thornton s linemate, Daniel Paille, who missed Saturday s game in Toronto after taking a stick under his left eye, appears closer to returning than Thornton. Paille practiced yesterday, though he stayed out of the 3-on-3 battle drills and is still awaiting medical clearance to play against the Canadiens. After a couple of days off, I wanted to get the legs back in order and I don t feel too bad, said Paille, who didn t suffer any eye damage or broken bones. Paille had a nice night cut short because of the injury. Usually on the fourth line with Thornton and Gregory Campbell, he was skating with Rich Peverley and Chris Kelly, and seemed to fit in well. In that game, Peverley scored not only his first goal of the year but the third line s first goal. In Toronto, Chris Bourque was back on that line and produced the game s only goal. I felt great with (Kelly and Peverley). We definitely created a lot of energy and they re definitely players that I can relate to in terms of how they play the style, said Paille, who skated yesterday with Lane MacDermid and Jamie Tardif. But I ve learned to take it shift by shift and that s how I m going to take it from now on. I feel like I work a lot better that way. Filling in While Thornton and Paille are on the mend, Brad Marchand, who crashed into the Air Canada Centre end boards in the second period on Saturday and sat out most of the rest of the game, did not practice yesterday. Julien said he s progressing well but his status for tomorrow s game is still up in the air. Presumably, Marchand s questionable status caused the B s to recall center Ryan Spooner from Providence. Spooner is tied for the lead in points on the farm with totals in 35 games. He s been hot with totals in 12 games. David Krejci also did not practice, but Julien said it was simply a maintenance day and he was expected to practice today. He was also given last Friday off for maintenance, so that may bear watching. Campbell, meanwhile, skated in Marchand s place on the left wing with Patrice Bergeron and Tyler Seguin in practice. I see an opportunity to expand my game and fill a role that s needed right now if Marchy ends up being out longer than we expect, said Campbell. Wherever I m playing, I want to contribute, whether it be with Bergy and Segs or (Thornton) and (Paille), whoever it is. The roles differ a little bit. Sometimes it s more of an energy role, sometimes it s more of a defensive role. But I just want to contribute, so wherever I am, that s fine with me. In Marchand s absence Saturday, Campbell wound up playing a seasonhigh 14:21. I just have to make sure I m responsible. Different positions ask for different responsibilities, and I have to complement Bergy and Segs, said Campbell, who usually centers the fourth line. Marchy brings a lot to the table and I m not trying to do his job. But a game like the other night was tailor-made to my game. It was a 1-0 game, a tight-checking game, and that s how I like to play. Fight night MacDermid got in his first two bouts of the season, both against Mark Fraser, in Saturday s win. The first was kind of spur of the moment and the second one he thought I was trying to line up (Phil) Kessel there. He wanted to stick up for his teammate, said MacDermid, who put Fraser on his back in the second bout. MacDermid was playing every game in Providence and now he s trying to get acclimated to playing, and fighting, more sporadically. You always feel rusty that first time, but I think I ve done it enough to be able to do it when the time comes, long break or not, he said.... The B s will not practice in Wilmington today; instead they ll fly to Montreal and practice at the Bell Centre. The team said the switch was due to a potential travel conflict. Boston Herald LOADED:

13 Boston Bruins Ryan Spooner recalled Monday, February 4, Steve Conroy With Daniel Paille (eye) and Brad Marchand (upper body) both questionable for Wednesday's game in Montreal, the Bruins have recalled first year pro Ryan Spooner on an emerency basis. Spooner, in his first full pro season, has had a hand hand of late, notching totals in his last 12 games. He would be making his HL debut if he gets in. The B's have changed their plans for tomorrow, flying out in the morning and practicing at the Bell Centre in the afternoon. Boston Herald LOADED:

14 Boston Bruins Thornton, Paille back on the ice Monday, February 4, Steve Conroy Shawn Thornton, who suffered a concussion in last Thursday's game in a fight with the Buffalo Sabres' John Scott, skated with strength coach John Whitesides prior to today's practice at Ristuccia Arena and coach Claude Julien said he was doing well. Though he didn't rule him out for Wednesday's game in Montreal, Julien termed him "very doubtful." "But he's feeling really good. He's been symptom-free for a few days now. He rode the bike yesterday, he skated today and things are going well. But obviosuly there's a protocol to follow and we're going to follow that to the letter," said Julien. Daniel Paille, who missed Saturday's game after taking a high stick in the Buffalo game, practiced with the team, though he didn't take part in the 3- on-3 battle drills. He hasn't yet been cleared to pay, though Julien didn't rule him out. After crashing into the end boards on Saturday night and suffering some sort of upper body injury, Brad Marchand did not skate today but Julien said he was "progressing very well." "Right now, there's nobody that's a definite 'no' moving forward for the next game, but we'll make those decisions tomorrow before we leave," said Julien. David Krejci was given a "maintenance" day for the second time in as many weeks. He was given last Friday off as well. Jay Pandolfo, still on a professional tryout contract, took Krejci's spot between Milan Lucic and Nathan Horton. Gregory Campbell, meanwhile, took Marchand's spot on the left side with Patrice Bergeron and Tyler Seguin, just as he did in the third period of Saturday night's win in Toronto. "I see an opportunity to expand my game and fill a role that's needed right now if Marchie ends up being out longer than we expect," said Campbell. "Wherever I'm playing, I want to contribute, whether it be with Bergie and Segs or Thorty and (Paille), whoever it is. The roles differ a little bit. Sometimes it's more of an energy role, sometimes it's more of a defensive role. But I just want to contribute, so wherever I am, that's fine with me." The B's have one more day of practice before jetting off to Montreal for Wednesday's first tilt against the 6-2 Habs. Boston Herald LOADED:

15 Buffalo Sabres Sabres lack balance in scoring Top line doing all the offensive work BY: John Vogl / News Sports Reporter at BuffNewsVogl OTTAWA Lindy Ruff and assistant coaches James Patrick and Kevyn Adams had solid, lengthy NHL careers. They were not snipers, however. They combined for 313 goals in 2,511 games, which works out to a goal every eight outings or so. That didn t stop Ruff from joking the trio might provide scoring punch to the struggling Buffalo Sabres. Ruff, Patrick and Adams spent much of Monday s practice in First Niagara Center anchoring a power play. So after the extended workout, is the trio ready to play on the road against the Ottawa Senators tonight? We might have to, Ruff said. There are plenty of secondary scorers who would be candidates to come out. Drew Stafford, Jochen Hecht and Nathan Gerbe are among the Sabres still looking for their first goal. Marcus Foligno, Steve Ott and Mihkail Grigorenko head another lengthy list of players who have only one. That s our biggest issue right now, Ott said. Our second, third and fourth line have not produced at all. The Sabres will enter Scotiabank Place having won just one of their last seven games. Though they ve also been a mess defensively, the inability to complement the torrid scoring pace set by Thomas Vanek, Jason Pominville and Cody Hodgson is the main reason for their losing skid. Buffalo needs more scorers, plain and simple. It needs to happen, and it needs to happen right now, Stafford said before flying to Canada s capital. Ruff had a one-on-one chat with Stafford and showed video to other players. The message was about scoring and burying chances. If you look at some of the point-blank opportunities, I would shake my head, Ruff said. I m a little in disbelief. He s not alone. Most of the Sabres have shown the ability to score in the past, but they re all in a drought. Of Buffalo s 27 goals, 18 have come from Vanek, Pominville and Hodgson. You do well and you lose games, it doesn t feel good, said Vanek, who was named the NHL s First Star of the Week for putting up five goals and 10 points in four games. Advancements in technology have allowed coaches to chart and map out scoring areas. Ruff doesn t see his players getting there, particularly Stafford. You ve got to get in that prime area, that little square area in front of the net, Ruff said. You can t go by the net. You ve got to stop around the net, and there s a few situations where the puck s gone to the net and he s watching and going wide where we ve got to go inside. We have something special that we have a line that, as they say in Spanish, en fuego [on fire]. Everybody else would be jealous of that line right now. But now we don t have the secondary, so we re jealous of the secondary around the league. The inability to stop opponents is another cause for concern. The Sabres have allowed 18 goals in the last four games, including the final three Sunday as Florida rallied for a 4-3 victory. We have some things to clean up, defenseman Tyler Myers said. A 3-1 lead, there s a way you have to play, and we gave up too much to let them get back in the game. The Sabres likely will alter their defense tonight. They have recalled Adam Pardy from Rochester, though it s unclear who will come out of the lineup. Pardy, acquired from Dallas over the summer and waived at the end of training camp, had one goal, three points and a plus-3 rating in five games with the Amerks. The 6-foot-4, 226-pounder has played in 183 NHL games with Calgary and the Stars. There s a chance defenseman Christian Ehrhoff could miss the game. Five players skipped Monday s optional practice Pominville, Hodgson, Hecht, Ott and Ehrhoff and Ruff said there are a couple guys that are nicked up that may be doubtful. Only Ott missed time Sunday, sitting for the final seven minutes. Whoever plays needs to help the Vanek line at both end of the ice. We ve got to start winning some games, Hecht said. We can t rely on Thomas, Pommer and Cody scoring every night. We need all four lines to contribute. So far, it s only that line that s done the damage in the games. It s up to the other lines to come forward. Buffalo News LOADED:

16 Buffalo Sabres Sabres summon Pardy from Rochester to help ailing, struggling defense February 4, :45 PM By John Vogl OTTAWA -- Adam Pardy, who has played 183 NHL games, hoped to start the season with the Sabres. There wasn't room then, but there is now. With Buffalo's defense corps ailing and struggling, the Sabres have recalled Pardy from Rochester. He had a goal, three points and plus-3 rating in five games with the Amerks. The 6-foot-4, 226-pounder likely will play Tuesday when the Sabres visit the Ottawa Senators. It's unclear who will come out of the lineup. Pardy will provide reinforcement for a blue line that is missing Robyn Regehr and Andrej Sekera. There's a chance Christian Ehrhoff is also banged up. Coach Lindy Ruff said two of the five players who skipped the optional practice today in Buffalo -- Jason Pominville, Cody Hodgson, Steve Ott, Jochen Hecht and Ehrhoff-- are doubtful for Tuesday. Ehrhoff, though, played the entire game Sunday against Florida, including the last shift of the game. The Sabres have given up 33 goals in their nine games, so they could use defensive help. Buffalo News LOADED: