The sun shines a little brighter in Nashville after a big win at home over a talented team, especially so when one of the Preds tallies a hat trick along the way! For reaction to last night's game, be sure to check out See Puck City, Brandon Felder, and Preds On The Glass. You should also check out the reaction from the Vancouver side below, which is decidedly sour.

After the jump, your morning (late morning, had to spend a while at the clinic) news & notes includes an executive with the Sommet Center taking a new job, a look at whether Jerred Smithson might face further discipline for his hit on Alex Burrows last night, a discussion with a player agent on how NHL players can use Twitter to better connect with fans, and a blame-game going on in New York, where the Rangers are sinking through the Eastern Conference standings.

Predators News

Jerred Smithson ejected in Predators 4-2 win over Vancouver Canucks - Nashville Predators Examiner
Jim Diamond focuses on the specifics of the hit that got Smitty ejected from last night's game, and how the Preds will seek to have the game misconduct rescinded.

Sommet boss flies to Boston : NashvillePost.com
Hugh Lombardi, formerly an executive with the Sommet Center, has moved on to become senior VP and GM of the TD Garden in Boston.

Around the NHL

Brendan Witt now undefeated vs. SUV's - Puck Daddy
An awesome story about the former Predators defenseman. Hit by an SUV, Witt got up off the pavement and was ready for game time. The SUV is day-to-day.

NHLers go tweeting - The Globe and Mail
James Mirtle conducted a live chat with NHL player agent Allan Walsh about how players can use Twitter and other forms of social media to better promote themselves and the sport of hockey in general.

Little things are killing Canucks - TheProvince.com
It's funny how teams lose to the Preds, then stew over how badly they must have played. Is Nashville the Rodney Dangerfield of the NHL? (hat tip to Kukla's Korner)

Game 30 Preview: Jackets face Panthers in Columbus - The Cannon
Before coming to Nashville tomorrow night, the Blue Jackets face Florida at home. Go Panthers!

Messier confirmed as Canadian GM - The Globe and Mail
From an apprentice spot in the Rangers front office to Team Canada GM for the World Juniors, Mark Messier continues his development as a hockey manager.

Checking Back in with the USHL - Behind The Net
Hawerchuk charts the rise of American junior hockey. On a team-by-team basis, the league is now producing as many NHL players as the Canada's CHL.

Caps the real deal - The Globe and Mail
Did the recent suspension of Alex Ovechkin make the Capitals a stronger team? Eric Duhatschek makes a compelling argument.

Are basement dwellers playing up to Pittsburgh, or is Pittsburgh playing down to basement dwellers? - PensBurgh
An interesting question is raised as to why the defending Stanley Cup champions are having a tough time lately against lousy teams.

Rangers Analysis: Lundqvist Not Coming Through in the Clutch - Blueshirt Banter
The finger-pointing is well underway in Manhattan.

Did Larry Brooks Knowingly Lie to Bash Glen Sather? - Metro Hockey
Did New York Post writer Larry Brooks make up a fake story with which to bash Rangers GM Glen Sather (like you need one)?

Analysis: Who is Playing Well on the Thrashers Power Play - Bird Watchers Anonymous
The Falconer breaks down the components in an effective power play unit for Atlanta. Reply below in the comments, would you like to see something like this about the Preds?

The Dan Cloutier Comeback Continues - Hockey Or Die!
The veteran goalie's return to professional hockey lasted less than half a game...

Lastly, check out the video from a recent Florida-Edmonton game. Oilers winger Robert Nilsson cuts at the last second to avoid a hit, leading to a nasty collision between two Panthers. Teammate-on-teammate hits are often the most dangerous in hockey: