As the Nashville Predators prepare to close out their pre-Christmas schedule this evening, we've got a stocking-full of Preds and NHL news for you to pass the time with.

After the jump, we have a two-part look at how this season's Predators team exemplifies the philosophy of David Poile and Barry Trotz, an interesting stat reflecting Nashville's recent offensive prowess, and video of a save that has to be seen to be believed...

Predators News

The Lunch Pail Gang Rides Again (Part 1 of 2) " Pull My (Fang)Finger
AJ captures the essence of a "one for all, all for one" Predators team that is currently tearing up the Western Conference.

The Lunch Pail Gang Rides Again (Part 2 of 2) " Pull My (Fang)Finger
AJ then portrays this season's squad as somewhat of a Predators 2.0, as Barry Trotz and David Poile rebuilt the franchise after the Great Fire Sale of 2007.

Preds 101: A Preds Blog for Football Fans: Weekly Q&A: The "Are We Screwed this Offseason" Edition
More great info for that newbie hockey fan in your life, today featuring a multiple choice question!

Practice, patience make for Predatory progress; Cody Franson has faced ups and downs in Nashville but the former Giant is going places | Kelowna.com
Cody Franson has worked for a long time to get his opportunity at the NHL level, and part of that is because the Predators have learned that bringing prospects along slowly is the surer course.

Central: Predators are sneaking up on a team near you - NHL.com
Wow - did you realize the Preds have scored a goal in each of the last 14 periods of play? That's the longest streak in the league this season.

Scatchard's comeback from injury an inspiration - NHL.com
Another nice portrait of the long road that Dave Scatchard had to take to get back playing hockey.

Preds lack the (penalty) killer instinct - Nashville City Paper
David Boclair chronicles the Preds' woes on the penalty kill.

Predators find offense in unlikely trio - The Tennessean
John Glennon writes about how Nashville's shutdown line is popping in some goals as well.

Around the NHL

Brodeur clutches history, traps NHL shutout record at 104 - Puck Daddy
Martin Brodeur sets a new career shutout record in a 4-0 triumph over Pittsburgh. Interestingly, Nashville is one of just three opponents that Brodeur has never shut out.

Hockey News now finds us less influential than only 98 others - Puck Daddy
Congrats to Greg Wyshynski on being named for the 2nd year in a row to The Hockey News "100 People of Power and Influence", moving up one spot from 2008. Nashville GM David Poile came in at #38.

NHL Teams Are Learning How to Love the Tie - WSJ.com
Dynamite stuff from Gabriel Desjardins, showing clear evidence that NHL teams are "playing for the tie" late in the 3rd period this season. Can I say once again how much I hate the OT/SO loser point?

Rumors of Thrashers Relocation a Topic in Kovalchuk Contract Talks - Bird Watchers Anonymous
The Falconer raises a great point; does speculation by the mainstream media about franchise relocation cause harm to teams trying to lock up players with long-term contracts?

Thank You, San Jose- Nightmare on Helm Street
It's just strange to see Red Wings fans tracking their team's progress along the brink of a playoff spot, watching the out-of-town scoreboard to see if they can hang on to 8th in the West.

It's time for the Oilers to bring in a caretaker management team - Cult of Hockey
David Staples is ready to torch the current Oilers organization and start anew.

Postgame Avs-Wild – "Are you impressed enough to show up now, Avs fans?" edition | All Things Avs
Adrian Dater keeps hectoring the Colorado fans to boost their attendance numbers. In these times, that's just not a great idea.

And lastly, the save of the night goes to the Islanders' Dwayne Roloson: