Tuesday snooze: Nashville's natty netminders

Yeah, I'm running a little late this morning, but I'm sure you'll find it worthwhile - your daily links today cover a wide variety of topics. We've got an early report from the Canadian Olympic orientation camp, a look at where Nashville ranks within the NHL in terms of goaltending,and another bargain-priced free agent who appears close to signing elsewhere. All this and more after the jump!

Predators News

The Flyers goaltending: Not as bad as you think (and other netminding myths) - From The Rink
James Mirtle takes a look at team goaltending performance over the last 10 seasons, and to nobody's surprise here in Nashville, the Preds show pretty strongly.

Last Night in Preds World… " Michelle Kenneth’s Weblog
Michelle writes up her thoughts from last night's Preds on the Glass podcast, and shares the results of a surprising self-Googling.

Some early line combinations used during Day 1 of Canadian Olympic orientation camp - ESPN
Scott Burnside and Pierre LeBrun check in from Calgary, and let us know that Shea Weber has been paired with Francois Beauchemin during the first day's scrimmage.

Who has the best ``core four'' on the blueline? - Inside Predators
John Glennon picks up on a theme that should start making the NHL rounds; it's about time to take the word "young" out of the commonly used expression that the Nashville Predators have "one of the best group of young defenseman in the league". They've got one of the best blueline corps period, especially when you talk about the top end.

Around the NHL

Fiddler's heading to the desert - Edmonton Sun
Vern Fiddler enjoyed his time in Nashville, but looks forward to potentially playing a larger role with the Phoenix Coyotes.

Canucks Could Sign Defenseman Schneider | CANUCKS HOCKEY BLOG
Reports are circulating that the Vancouver Canucks are close to signing defenseman Mathieu Schneider to a one year deal. I've seen some articles suggesting that the salary could be in the neighborhood of $1.5 million, which would appear to be a steal for a guy who provide a real boost on the power play. Hello, David Poile? Give his agent a call before it's too late!

Five Reasons Blogger Supreme James Mirtle Loves Hockey - Puck Daddy
Our Great & Glorious Leader is featured this morning as part of Puck Daddy's "Five Reasons I Love Hockey" series.

Patrik Elias wins Golden Stick Award for being Best Czech Hockey Player in the World - In Lou We Trust
SB Nation's New Jersey Devils blog notes that Patrick Elias was selected as the best hockey player from the Czech Republic. The Preds' Martin Erat didn't make the top 10.

Balsillie sets Sept. 14 deadline for Coyotes deal - CBC
Might we finally be rid of Jim Balsillie by mid-September? We can only hope...

Not doing the whole Rick DiPietro thing - Lighthouse Hockey
Dominik ruminates over the news that Rick DiPietro hasn't yet been cleared to skate, and the potential implications for the Islanders this season. Judging by the goaltenders that Garth Snow has been signing, the team appears to be preparing for a long stretch without their "franchise" goalie.

Walker has positive mindset - Canes Now
Chip Alexander sits down with former Pred Scott Walker to review what has been a trying year for him, including a broken hand, a concussion, and his wife's diagnosis with cervical cancer. Fortunately for both Scott and his wfe Julie, the road ahead looks brighter.