The weekend is here, which brings an end to what is probably the least news-worthy time of year for the Nashville Predators. Next week, many of the hockey operations staff return from vacation, so perhaps we'll start to see some resolution to some of the open roster issues (at least for those of us who believe they still need to find some help, rather than fill out with rookies).

Until then, we've got the deep thoughts of Lane Lambert, a potential comeback by Theo Fleury, and some analysis on the importance of defensive zone faceoffs to tide us over. All this and more after the jump!

Predators News

A satirical solution to long anthems at Sommet - Nashville Predators Examiner
Jim Diamond has a novel idea; instead of holding auditions for anthem singers, maybe the Preds should trade for one.

Summer Sit Down, Part Two - Admirals Short Shifts
In the second half of their interview with Milwaukee Admirals head coach Lane Lambert, we hear about Ryan Ellis, Nolan Yonkman, and an interesting discussion about where Mike Santorelli fits on the organizational depth chart.

Powerplay specialist Ellis hopes to expand his overall game - TSN
As the Evaluation Camps for the upcoming World Junior tournament get underway, TSN looks at the Preds 2009 1st-round draft pick to see where he fits within that squad.

Around the NHL

The Dangers of Defensive Zone Faceoffs - Puck Prospectus
Gabriel Desjardins breaks down just how important it is to win faceoffs in the defensive zone. Interesting stuff to ponder with Scott Nichol and Radek Bonk headed out of town...

Do the Oilers really need a new third-line center? - Cult of Hockey
Dave Staples takes another look at defensive zone draws, a fitting rejoinder to the Puck Prospectus piece.

Theo Fleury attempting comeback to the NHL - TSN
One of the most dynamic scorers of the 1990's, Theo Fleury was washed up just a few years ago. But sobriety and a dose of senior hockey has him thinking (and training) for an NHL comeback. Who knows, as a PP and shootout specialist, he could might make an intriguing option. With Jeremy Roenick retiring, we could use a loose cannon like Fleury back in the league!

Colby Armstrong: Thrashers Most Valuable Forward at Even Strength - Bird Watchers Anonymous
The Falconer breaks out the numbers in support of an unsung hero in Atlanta.

3D magic to light up Lord Stanley’s game - The Globe and Mail
A 3D tribute to the Stanley Cup, possibly followed up with a six-part history of the game? Sign me up...

Why an empty arena may be better than a local bid - From The Rink
James Mirtle looks at an ugly truth; the City of Glendale has no good options when it comes to the Phoenix Coyotes saga. Either lose the team and bear the burden of a costly arena, or subsidize a new local owner. For a city of just over 250,000, that's a hard pill to swallow.

Does Zherdev make sense for the Wild? - Russo’s Rants
After this article I'm left wondering, does Zherdev makes sense for anybody in the NHL? He just seems to be a legend in his own mind.

Is Jeremy Roenick a Hall of Famer? Then so is Pierre Turgeon - Puck Daddy
A good look at the Hall of Fame candidacy of Jeremy Roenick, which makes a fine case for Pierre Turgeon along the way.