Friday's notes: who says 51 is too old for hockey?

by Dirk Hoag on Dec 11, 2009 10:19 AM EST in Breakfast Links Comment 3 comments

The shootout win last night over the Blue Jackets has lifted the Preds to an 11-3-1 record over their last 15 games, fueling lots of good feelings around Music City these days. Even the offense seems to be humming, averaging 3.6 goals per game over the last 5 contests. Can they keep this momentum rolling?

Reaction to last night's win can be found from Preds On The Glass, Brandon Felder, and the Nashville City Paper for starters. After the jump, we've got word of a a living legend returning to the ice, attendance concerns in Tampa, and a glove-full of goalie stories for you...

Predators News

Nashville Predators Contests - NashvillePredators.com
The Preds are offering a contest where you can win a chance for a pre-game "meet & greet" with country music's Chris Young, along with two tickets to the 12/26 game against Chicago.

Futility in Nashville reaches 13 in row | The Columbus Dispatch
The Preds played Lucy to the Blue Jacket's Charlie Brown, swiping the football away at the last second once again...

Around the NHL

Fetisov, 51, to return to the ice - From The Rink
If he can still play at all, this is a great story. Slava Fetisov, the anchor of the Russian Five from the late-90's in Detroit and one of the greatest defensemen to ever lace up the skates, is going to fill in with CSKA in the KHL on an emergency basis. Yes, I'm a big Fetisov fan. The only jersey I have with a player's name on it is a #2 Fetisov from his Red Wing days.

Cleary out for up to four weeks...great - Winging It In Motown
Another key injury hits Detroit, making Saturday's game all the more critical for Nashville to win.

Holding On Too Long: The Mike Modano Story - Hockey From the Cheap Seats
Has the veteran Dallas center drawn out his playing career a bit too long?

Down Goes Brown: Road woes: NHL players vs. moving vehicles
DGB sets the "Brendan Witt vs. SUV" incident within proper historical context.

How to kill a franchise in 535 days - From The Rink
Wow, I knew attendance had declined from the glory days in Tampa, but Mirtle's got a nasty-looking graph.

The Max (Afinogenov) Factor - The Globe and Mail
Might the revival of Max Afinogenov's career help the Atlanta Thrashers retain Ilya Kovalchuk, who is in the final year of his contract?

Goalie Brian Elliott making most of opportunity with Ottawa Senators - ESPN
Pierre LeBrun gives every hockey fan a good reason to pull for Brian Elliott as he tries to stick with the Sens.

Brodeur tells Bettman he wants to roam again - NHL.com
Devils goalie Martin Brodeur redirects a discussion on the Olympics to make his point in favor of removing the trapezoid that takes away his freedom behind the net.

Price / Halak - The Stats - November 2009 - Habs Eyes On The Prize
More obsessive analysis of the two-headed goaltending situation in Montreal.

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Comments

C'mon Dirk

Bouillon isn’t too old! ;)

by Sam Page on Dec 11, 2009 5:53 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Huh?

More fun than a stick to the face!
On the Forecheck is SB Nation's blog covering the Nashville Predators.

by Dirk Hoag on Dec 11, 2009 8:50 PM EST via mobile up reply actions 0 recs

In re: to Cleary being out, I’m really beginning to wonder if this isn’t the end of an era for the Wings. I know they have Z and Datsyuk, but with the Mule out and Hossa gone there really isn’t much to them offensively (or in net). They reached a point last year with me (West title notwithstanding) that I didn’t dread Wings-Preds games. We won the season series and this year they look weaker. I won’t say that its likely, but it won’t surprise me if we finish ahead in the division.

by Chris Burton on Dec 11, 2009 11:09 PM EST reply actions 0 recs