Wednesday's notes: Predators speak up, then head out

Let's give it up for the Preds' birthday boy, Pekka Rinne!

Pekka Rinne

#35 / Goalie / Nashville Predators

Height: 6-5

Weight: 207

Born: Nov 03, 1982

Then follow after the jump for an important message from Assistant Coach Peter Horachek following his recent prostate cancer surgery, an interview with Joel Ward, a blog post from Colin Wilson, and a look at that festering cesspool over in New Jersey...

The Preds don't play at home again until Saturday, November 13 vs. the Chicago Blackhawks, but you can plan ahead and use the OtF discount to save money on Nashville Predators tickets for this, or any other home game. Heck, you can even get an early start on your holiday gift-shopping and get some Preds tickets for stocking-stuffers!

Nashville Predators News

Peter Horachek has a pointed message for men: ‘Get checked’ - Nashville Predators Examiner
Coach Horachek is travelling with the Preds on the current road trip, but had some wise words for Jim Diamond before they left.

Smithson stands out with performance in middle of faceoff circle | Nashville City Paper
David Boclair gets Barry Trotz to sing the praises of his best faceoff man. I'll have more on this later today...

Red Light District: Conversation with Joel Ward
Ryan gets Joel Ward's thoughts on his favorite NHL city to visit, and of course, which Preds are the favorites for Best Mustache this month. Remember, this is Movember! Help our group of Nashville Predators fans raise funds for prostate cancer research - we're already over the $300 mark!

Taylor Beck takes on greater leadership role with Guelph Storm - Hockey's Future
The Preds prospect is ready to make a step forward this season. Keep an eye out for him when the Junior World Championships come around in December.

Hockey Night in Nashville: Injury Concerns
Robby won't miss Martin Erat from the lineup, as long as Goc and Tootoo do indeed return.

Preds On The Glass: Predators Head to the Desert to Meet Phoenix and Wednesday Wrap-Up
Buddy's morning post includes a preview of what could be a very tight matchup tonight against Phoenix.

Five questions with Phoenix Coyotes Examiner Anthony Perez - Nashville Predators Examiner
Vern Fiddler is having a "very solid season" with just one assist in 10 games? And I thought Nashville's offensive standards were low...

Working hard, ready for road trip - Predators Insider
Colin Wilson, in his latest blog update, says the team is ready to get back to "Predators hockey."

Nashville Predators foes shoot more with injured Ryan Suter out - The Tennessean
How much do the Preds miss Suter? Let us count the ways....

Nashville Predators discovered goalie Anders Lindback - The Tennessean
Josh Cooper details the interesting story of how the Preds discovered Anders the Giant, and the medical condition he copes with on a daily basis.

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Around the NHL

Bourne Blog: Why I hate hockey agitators and phony pests - Puck Daddy
They walk the line when they try to frustrate opponents and draw penalties, but the pests who refuse to answer the bell when someone wants to drop the gloves are a blight on the game, writes Justin Bourne.

The Devils Are Like A Dead, Dead Rose " Interchangeable Parts
News that Zach Parise will be out 3 months following knee surgery has Pookie waxing poetic: "The Devils are like a red, red rose. If you are allergic to roses. And it’s got bees in it. Killer bees..."

Brassard: "I Want To Apologize" (Puck-Rakers Blog)
Derek Brassard's interview with a Montreal radio station set off a mini-firestorm, but he asserts that it's a case of misinterpretation.

No need to wait; Ducks give Fowler full season - Buzzing The Net
When the Preds play at Anaheim on Sunday, they can expect to face their 2010 1st-round draft pick, who will stay in the NHL and not head back to junior.

"The Habs" – Episode Four | All Habs
Sergei Kostitsyn makes a guest appearance in this ersatz Halloween special set in the Montreal dressing room.

Capitals’ Coach Boudreau Votes for Super Lines With His Super Line - PuckUpdate
To stack up a top line, or spread out your scoring? That is the question...

Optimism from start of Leaf season is long gone - The Globe and Mail
After starting 4-0, the Maple Leafs have gone 1-5-1, and just lost captain Dion Phaneuf with a cut leg.