Monday's news: Oh captain, my captain...

by Dirk Hoag on Jan 25, 2010 10:12 AM EST

It's the start of a fresh week, so grab that extra cup of coffee and load up on your hockey news for the day.

After the jump, we've got Team USA's captain appearing on a local podcast tonight, one blogger calling out the Nashville Predators' captain for not inspiring a better effort from the team lately, and another NHL captain looking ahead to the Olympics...

RADIO NOTE: Preds head coach Barry Trotz is scheduled for a segment on the Thom Abraham Show in the 1:00 hour this afternoon.

Predators News

Preds On The Glass: POTG Radio Tonight with Natalie Darwitz and Ryan Miller (the other one) and Monday Round-Up
A huge guest for Buddy's podcast tonight, as he interviews the captain of the US Women's Olympic hockey team, Natalie Darwitz.

Predators prospects roundup - Nashville Predators Examiner
Jim Diamond has your weekly look at how the crops are growing down on the farm...

Red Light District: Calling out a certain captain
Ryan ain't happy with Jason Arnott's effort this season. I'm not worried about the big guy, but I know he's a lightning rod for criticism with some.

More Hockey World - Edmonton Journal
Jim Matheson speculates on the salary Pekka Rinne might command on the open market. Will the Preds sign him before they have to deal with that?

mc79hockey.com - Jeff Blair is either a bad reporter or a bad person. Possibly both.
Tyler and Matt Fenwick go tag-team on a media hack taking a cheap shot at Georges Laraques.

Predators' Cody Franson doesn't melt under heat - The Tennessean
Bryan Mullen discusses how the coaches have pushed Cody Franson over the last year, and how his response has earned him NHL duty.

Confessions of a Predators Fanatic: Forgive me hockey gods, I have sinned...
Kelly, don't worry, we forgive you. Just don't do it again.

Around the NHL

FTR Roster Update -- Pardon Our Dust - From The Rink
Mick Chen sets up shop at the rebirth of "From the Rink", with a fine supporting cast and big plans for the road ahead.

Joe Malone: Most Goals In One NHL Game | NHL Digest
We're coming up on the 90th anniversary of one of the NHL's most remarkable achievements.

Biggest Surprises in the Western Conference - View From My Seats
Matt Reitz shows just how odd the Western Conference has been this year, with a number of positive and negative surprises so far.

McLellan's 2009-2010 Game Plan Adjustments - Fear The Fin
Has San Jose's 2nd-year head coach made the changes necessary to achieve greater playoff success this time around?

Lowetide: Destination: Sheldon
Sheldon Souray could make an impressive trade deadline pickup for a contender, and Lowetide speculates on possible choices.

Doughty in good company " LA Kings Insider
I get it, Drew Doughty is an excellent young defenseman - but some of these comparisons are a bit over-the-top.

Canuck notebook: Canucks send message to CBC with silence - Vancouver Sun
The Vancouver Canucks refused to do any interviews with CBC before, during and after their win over Chicago Saturday, because Ron MacLean criticized Alex Burrows recently. Boo. Hoo.

Rangers sale and effect on the Stars - Dallas Morning News
It looks like Dallas Stars owner Tom Hicks, in order to relieve some financial stress, is selling off baseball's Texas Rangers, and Mike Heika compares the salary situation between MLB and the NHL to show where the Stars stand going forward.

Weekend roundup: Lecavalier rumors, Toronto traders and a move Pittsburgh and Calgary should consider - ESPN
Pierre Lebrun sums up lots of recent trade talk from around the league.

Alex Ovechkin Compares (but mostly contrasts) Vancouver and Turin Olympics - Japers' Rink
Can I say once more how awesome the Olympic hockey tournament will be? Get ready for a doozy...

Detroit Fans Trying To Get The Best View They Can - SB Nation
OK, this one is weird. A fan caused a delay at the Kings/Red Wings game the other day because he got out onto one of the catwalks up in the rafters.

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Comments

maybe getting a little ahead of myself

Because I know that for now, Jason Arnott is the only legitimate choice for team captain. BUT, after seeing the Brind’Amour/Staal situation, it had me wondering. When Arny’s time as captain is over…who’s your choice? There’s only ever been one choice to succeed him in my eyes, but maybe someone else has a better thought.

That said, I don’t have too much of a problem with Arnott’s captaincy. I just have a problem with him disappearing on the ice.

On the Forecheck is SB Nation's blog covering the Nashville Predators.
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by Chris Burton on Jan 25, 2010 10:26 AM EST reply actions

Disappearance? Without Arnott the Predators sweep three in Western Canada. With his return the team loses three it could/should have won. Just sayin’…

by Hockey Hillbilly on Jan 25, 2010 10:44 AM EST up reply actions

eh

I refuse to buy into that. Fact is, we’re better with Arnott. Like it or not he’s our best center. I know we swept WC, but I feel better about our long-term chances with him in the lineup.

The main point of my first comment was to ask who people thought should succeed his captaincy… criticizing Arnott for his lackadaisical play is another topic.

On the Forecheck is SB Nation's blog covering the Nashville Predators.
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by Chris Burton on Jan 25, 2010 10:49 AM EST up reply actions

IMHO, it’s not quite “another topic” inasmuch as lackadaisical play, particularly in first periods, ought to be a team captain’s concern. No one can complain about the club’s stability in the locker room—particularly in view of the MIL-BNA-MIL shuttle flights and the revolving door policy in net. That is to Arnott’s credit presumably. It’s primarily the “lackadaisical play” that concerns me as well as the team’s apparent willingness to allow Patric Hornqvist to absorb face wash after face wash without notice or regard. As to your captain succession question, may I respectfully note that no one on the team appears to be steadier or better grounded despite his youth than Ryan Suter.

by Hockey Hillbilly on Jan 25, 2010 11:50 AM EST up reply actions

I see your point

Especially when you bring up what Hornqvist has to go through. I guarantee if Dumont or Sully took that beating that Arnott would clear the crease like a madman. That has been a pet peeve of mine, but the blame for letting Hornqvist especially get pushed around should not rest squarely on 19’s shoulders. Any of the defensemen are physically capable of manhandling someone, and should when Horny gets the glove in the nose.

Suter would be my second pick for next captain. I think Shea Weber would make a fantastic captain, personally. I wish Suter had an “A”, but there aren’t enough to go around. You can’t give Sutes one and not Sully. Legwand could wear one, as well, IMO, but Erat wore it while Arny was out.

Not sure what Trotz’s thought process is behind the "A"’s. At the end of the day, though, Weber and Sullivan are probably the best choices…

On the Forecheck is SB Nation's blog covering the Nashville Predators.
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by Chris Burton on Jan 25, 2010 12:15 PM EST up reply actions

i think

maybe Weber or Erat. i like Sully but i’m sure he will retire in a few years. who knows? what does everyone else think.

by bluegrassbaby on Jan 25, 2010 10:42 AM EST reply actions

Suter would be a nice pick

by Lil cutie on Jan 25, 2010 11:59 AM EST up reply actions

what about

Radulov!! HA HA . I KNOW I KNOW PLEASE DON’T CUSS ME OUT JUST KIDDING!!!

by bluegrassbaby on Jan 25, 2010 12:45 PM EST reply actions

Why are you kidding?!

He’s the perfect example of team commitment!

Graphic Designer/Researcher/Writer at Music City Miracles.
Official Graphic Goon of On The Forecheck.

by Aditya T (smashville) on Jan 25, 2010 1:05 PM EST up reply actions

by PredHead on Jan 25, 2010 4:11 PM EST reply actions

He doesn’t strike me as someone who can really lead.

I would support Dumont or Weber, but as it stands, I support Arnott. I’ve said it during game threads, but all Arnott needs is to get angry…he really does inspire the team when he’s aggressive.

by rusherman on Jan 25, 2010 4:14 PM EST up reply actions