While we bask in the glow of last night's 5-0 pre-season triumph, Nashville hockey fans can look ahead to a very busy weekend. The Preds play tonight in Carolina and Saturday at home against Columbus, while the Phil Kessel situation might be sorted out by early next week, according to numerous reports.

After the jump, there's a full basket of morning news; in Calgary, Dion Phaneuf laid out a nasty hit, which has sparked the first on-ice controversy of the year. We've also got some snazzy new threads for the Boston Bruins, and a big-name defenseman breaking the glass not once, but twice in one game with his slapshot.

Predators News

Bruins in a tough spot as they try to trade Kessel - TSN
I respect Bob McKenzie more than perhaps any other hockey writer, but I don't understand the argument that "[Phil] Kessel, it appears, wants to play in Toronto, not Nashville. And as long as that remains the case, Nashville can't trade for him." As a restricted free agent (represented by Jason Arnott's brother, Wade), the Predators are free to talk to Kessel. Don't you think they would have addressed the question of whether he'd be interested in coming to Nashville before going ahead and making a trade offer to Boston?

What The Puck: 9/17/09 - Atlanta Thrashers at Nashville Predators: W 0-5
Rachel gives us a recap of last night's festivities, including this: "Pre-season shootouts are the only shootouts that don't result in giving me an ulcer and/or cause me to want to throw up. Besides, Cody Franson's bloody face filled my vomit quota for the night anyway. I knew all of our guys were going to miss their shots so maybe that helped a little with the nerves this time around."

Nashville Predators 09/10 Season Preview - IllegalCurve.com
Richard offers his projection of the Preds, and while most of it makes sense, I think he portrays Steve Sullivan as a bigger injury risk than appears to be the case.

Nashville Predators Ambassador Program - NashvillePredators.com
The Preds are renewing the Ambassadors Club, a program whereby season ticket holders are encouraged to, and rewarded for, helping to sell tickets to Preds games. Even if you were part of the program last year, you'll need to follow the link and sign back up again for the new season.

Around the NHL

First. the "hit of the year" so far goes to Dion Phaneuf on young Kyle Okposo of the New York Islanders. Puck Daddy has the wrap-up of all the proceedings, and you can also check for the New York and Calgary takes on the whole "dirty hit" controversy:

Decrease in renewals imperils sellout streak - StarTribune.com
The Minnesota Wild are running into trouble selling tickets. See? This whole "Northern Expansion" idea for the NHL just ain't gonna work. First the Ottawa Senators went through bankruptcy, and now this?

Wild signs Sykora; Lineup for Friday’s game vs. Columbus - Russo’s Rants
After offering him a tryout, the Minnesota Wild signed Petr Sykora to a one-year, $1.6 million contract. Maybe that'll sell tickets?

Koistinen looks forward to new beginning in Finland - NHL.com
Former Predator Ville Koistinen hopes for a major role with the Florida Panthers, who begin the regular season in Finland, his home country.

Canadiens' Jacques Martin : A legacy of confusion in Sunrise - Litter Box Cats
SB Nation's Florida blogger takes a look at Jacques Martin's run with the Panthers, and what it might mean for the Montreal Canadiens as he takes over there.

2009-10 NHL Season Preview: Carolina Hurricanes - Canes Country
Just in time for tonight's pre-season game between the Predators and Hurricanes...

Glendale ignores Moyes's warnings - From The Rink
James Mirtle brings us the latest twist in the Phoenix Coyotes saga, as current owner Jerry Moyes gives the Glendale city council a list of 20 "facts", designed to encourage them to support Jim Balsillie's bid to buy the team.

Bruins unveil Winter Classic jerseys at town hall meeting - Stanley Cup of Chowder
Boston debuts some smart, old-school uni's that they'll use on New Year's Day in the Winter Classic.

Patrik Elias Out 3-6 Weeks; What Should the NJ Devils Do for a Center? - In Lou We Trust
New Jersey might stumble a bit out of the gate, as they lose one of their key forwards for the opening weeks of the season.

Thrashers' Peverley making most of opportunity  | ajc.com
Nashville's castoff Rich Peverley has found a lasting home in Atlanta, on the wing alongside Todd White and Slava Kozlov.

Versus, DirecTV talking; deal for season opener still doubtful - Puck Daddy
The squabbling between DirecTV and Comcast over the Versus channel continues... will it be resolved before the NHL regular season starts in a couple weeks?

Craig Anderson’s Avalanche mask design - All Things Avs Colorado
Now that's he's landed a #1 goaltending job with the Avalanche, Craig Anderson has a new look to show off.

Burgundy/White recap - Mile High Hockey
Here's a recap of the Colorado Avalanche training camp scrimmage. It'll be a rough year in Denver, but I imagine there are some jobs open to be won there.

Line combinations can sway fantasy value - NHL.com
Rocky Bonanno treads on dangerous ground here. When it comes to fantasy hockey, I wouldn't put much stock in line combinations, as they are often subject to change. Relying on a particular line combo for a player projection panning out carries with it a huge risk...

Desperately Seeking Scorers - Nucks Misconduct
See, it's not just Nashville - up in Vancouver, the Canucks need young players to step up and contribute some goals as well.

Sheldon Souray Breaks Glass Twice : Mother Pucker Hockey
When you talk about hardest shots in the NHL, it's pretty much Zdeno Chara, Shea Weber, and Sheldon Souray. Souray added to his reputation by breaking the glass with a shot in Wednesday night's pre-season game, twice!

Lastly, I bring you Joe Thornton - lousy ventriloquist, great hockey player: