There's a big battle on tap tonight at the Sommet Center as the Sharks come in to town to face the Predators, in a rematch of last week's tight 4-3 win by San Jose. Tonight's game will not be televised, but you still have time to get tickets - you can follow this link and use the special offer code "PREDS" to get discounted seats.

After the jump, however, we've got your morning news and notes; there's a look at how Scott Nichol and Jed Ortmeyer are wearing the teal of San Jose, news about a Columbus winger possibly heading back to Russia, and a possible goaltender controversy shaping up down on the farm in Milwaukee...

Predators News

Nashville is all about the music - Montreal Gazette
Pat Hickey writes that he's pulling for Nashville to survive as an NHL market, due in no small part to the historical ties between Music City and the province of Quebec. Hey, we'll take boosters no matter what direction they're coming from.

Central: Poile going D-first an A-plus move - NHL.com
In his weekly check on the Central Division, Larry Wigge writes that developing defensemen has been a worthy course for Nashville to take over the years.

NHL Power Rankings - TSN
The Preds make a major move upwards in TSN's latest Power Rankings.

Preds On The Glass: Predators Reborn After Slow Start
Buddy looks at the way the Preds have rebounded over the last few weeks, including quotes from Pekka Rinne, Steve Sullivan, and Barry Trotz.

Goalie Controversy Brewing? - Admirals Short Shifts
After just three professional starts, is Chet Pickard challenging for the #1 job in Milwaukee?

Around the NHL

SB Nation News Update - Defending Big D
We have a new supreme leader within the hockey ranks at SB Nation, as Defending Big D's Brandon Worley assumes the role of NHL League Manager. James Mirtle will still write at From the Rink, but his new gig as the Globe & Mail's beat writer covering the Toronto Maple Leafs demands his day-to-day attention.

San Jose Sharks newcomers jelling on third line - San Jose Mercury News
David Pollak tells how former Predators Scott Nichol and Jed Ortmeyer are fitting in quite well as San Jose Sharks.

Greatest Hockey Legends.com: Howie Morenz's Death Bed
Joe Pelletier looks at the last days of hockey's first major star (and great-grandfather of Nashville prospect Blake Geoffrion).

New Jersey Devils Outplayed by the Philadelphia Flyers, 3-2 Loss Ends Devils' 8 Game Winning Streak - In Lou We Trust
The Devils, who come into the Sommet Center on Thursday, have been as hot as H-E-double-hockey-sticks, but got cooled off by the Flyers last night.

Filatov Returning to Russia? (Puck-rakers)
Nikita Filatov, hyped as the odds-on favorite for the Calder Trophy this season in Columbus, has instead been a healthy scratch lately, and might head back to Russia to play in the KHL for the remainder of the campaign, with the intent to come back to the NHL next fall. This isn't a Radulov-type departure, but his play has been a major disappointment for the Blue Jackets.

Penguins No. 1 in the NHL in pain and suffering - USATODAY.com
As much as Nashville has had difficulty with injuries so far this season, Pittsburgh has had it worse, writes Kevin Allen. It's amazing how many high-profile NHL players have missed significant action already.

Bud Adams Fined $250K for Flipping off the Bills - Music City Miracles
Over on the other side of the Cumberland River, Tennessee Titans owner Bud Adams drew a hefty fine for giving the one-finger salute to the Buffalo Bills. I don't think we have to worry about the soft-spoken David Freeman doing the same to the Red Wings... and for your amusement, here's the video of ol' Bud: