I've just got a few items for you this morning, since we have an afternoon game on tap in Calgary (3:00 p.m. Central time). The preview is on the way.

After the jump, we have a possible explanation as to why Ryan Jones has taken so long to get rolling this season, word of a new AHL team possibly coming to another Sunbelt city, and a set of hockey player commercials that you aren't likely to see any time soon...

Predators News

Forbes does not think too highly of Predators fans - Nashville Predators Examiner
Jim Diamond takes Forbes to task for another or their link-bait "Best and Worst" articles.

Predators forward rewards team's patience - The Tennessean
John Glennon writes that a lost summer may have contributed to Ryan Jones' slow start this season.

Around the NHL

Can Habs' Markov Be Expected To Be The Team's Miracle Man - Habs Eyes On The Prize
Now that all their centennial celebrations are over, Montreal fans are stuck with a lousy hockey team. Can Andrei Markov fix that?

A Closer Look at Thrashers Shot Deficit - Bird Watchers Anonymous
An unusual trend is at play in Atlanta...

An Interview with Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett - The Copper & Blue
SB Nation's Edmonton blog discusses the potential for a new AHL affiliate for the Oilers in Oklahoma City.

Lastly, a little video entertainment for you from the guys at Bloge Salming... notice any Pred parallels in there?