Friday's notes: Preds on the pull

A shootout victory over a division rival sure has a way of improving one's mood, doesn't it? It's almost enough to make a Preds fan forget some of the facepalm-inducing action along the way. Perhaps the most insightful analysis of last night's game could be offered up by Ian Holloway, the coach of my beloved Blackpool, in the English Premier League. Yes, this is about a soccer game from three years ago, but it describes last night in St. Louis perfectly well:

Follow after the jump as I make a guest appearance on a "hockey & punk rock" podcast (you can guess which half I chipped in on), panic breaks out in Toronto over the Maple Leafs' struggles, and a member of the Calgary Flames does his best Kenny Britt impersonation...

The Preds return to Bridgestone Arena tomorrow against the Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks, so take advantage of the OtF discount and save money on Nashville Predators tickets for this, or any other home game. 

Nashville Predators News

For recaps of last night's big win, check out Section303.com, The View From 111, Hockey Night in Nashville, Predlines, What The Puck, and Preds On The Glass.

Up The Pucks!: Episode 8: Peter Is Going To Have An Aneurysm
I was a guest on this relatively new hockey podcast, run by a Chicago fan and a Columbus fan, with a special focus on the Central Division (something sorely needed at times). Check it out!

Preds On The Glass: Predators Break Streak, Look For Better Days Ahead, and Friday Findings
Buddy's up and rolling with his morning links.

To keep up with all of our coverage of the Nashville Predators, you can follow us on Twitter (@Forechecker, @predatweeter, @SLakePreds & @AdsRoundtable) and if you have any questions, feel free to email me at the.forechecker@gmail.com.

Around the NHL

Brett Sutter Jailed Briefly After Bar Fight In Scotsdale - KuklasKorner
Well, at least one of the Calgary Flames is showing some fight. There's been no word yet as to whether Jeff Fisher has offered him a spot on the Titans.

Scoring Chances, Microstats And Why They Matter - The Copper & Blue
Derek draws his line in the sand for those who don't buy into advanced stats as a useful analytical tool.

Brodeur is a Fraud: The Wrong Numbers
Just because you can put a number on something, that doesn't mean it's measuring anything useful.

What's the Best Strategy for the Shootout? - Pension Plan Puppets
Shoot? Deke? Spin-o-rama? SkinnyFish runs through some of the options...

Down Goes Brown: Differences between the NHL all-star fantasy draft and your fantasy draft
DGB chimes in on the upcoming All-Star Game draft.

It’s Not Time To Panic - Blackhawk Up
They're keeping a stiff upper lip in Chicago for now, but the Preds have a chance to really kick them while they're down Saturday night.

Jackets hope play will cause a racket | BlueJacketsXtra
Aaron Portzline wonders how long it will take the Blue Jackets (who are off to a surprisingly good start) to ignite their fan base.

Leafs are Burke's mess - Toronto Sun
Is the bloom off the rose for Brian Burke in Toronto? The Maple Leafs don't appear to be making much progress, despite some major trades over the last year.

Intervention or Desperation: Leafs Call Up Kadri and Aulie - Houses of the Hockey
For all of you calling for the Preds to call prospects up from Milwaukee to solve Nashville's scoring woes, just check out the widespread derision heaped on Toronto as they call up Nazem Kadri this morning.

Lecavalier’s fractured hand, Caps’ offense leave Tampa frustrated - Puck Daddy
Tampa Bay suffers a big loss to cap a 6-3 loss to Washington last night.

Better Late than Never: San Jose Sharks - Behind The Net
Gabe provides a detailed look at how this Western Conference contender has evolved over the years, and how they got two big decisions right last summer.

Dreger: Bruins facing tough choices once Sturm, Savard return
As two injured Bruins return to the lineup, they will put Boston in a salary cap bind.

Judgment day looms: Michael Leighton's back on the ice - Broad Street Hockey
As the Flyers' goalie returns to action, what becomes of rookie Sergei Bobrovsky? Can someone say awkward...

NHL wants freer sharing of games as part of new TV-rights package - The Globe and Mail
If the NHL could indeed resolve some of the regional restrictions on TV rights as part of their next round of national contracts, we could see products like GameCenter Live really take off. Interesting stuff here...