Monday's notes: Now this is hockey weather!

As Nashville bundles up to get through what is being called the coldest December in 68 years, the Predators get ready to host the New York Islanders on Military Monday. Can the Preds continue their rise through the Western Conference standings? We'll find out starting at 7:00 p.m. Central at Bridgestone Arena. The Game Day Preview is waiting for you.

After the jump, we have a number of updates from around the Nashville hockey scene, a look back at a record-setting game over the weekend, and video of yet another "haven't seen that one before" goal being scored...

Remember to check out the OTF Facebook Contest! Enter by midnight Eastern tonight for a chance to win a fleece hoodie from Easton Hockey...    

Nashvillle Predators

Why I’m Not Sold On Kevin Klein | PredsBlog
Sam's on-board with my assessment that Kevin Klein's impressive Plus/Minus is more the result of good fortune than genuine improvement in his play.

Hockey Night in Nashville: What Is Tootoo's Most Memorable Incident?
Where does Saturday night's whopper rank of Tootoo's list of greatest hits?

Your Preds bloggers wish you a Merry Christmas… | Section 303
'tis the season to get silly... Check this out as our very own Chris Burton gets his jingle on.

Preds On The Glass: Predators vs. The Islanders: The Ultimate Trap Game and Weekend Round-Up
Buddy complains about the tight pants in that holiday video. I don't know, but it sure looked like he was enjoying it!

Battle Tested Ads Down Barons | Admirals Roundtable
Perhaps the hottest Milwaukee Admiral of late continues to be Chris Mueller... who isn't under an NHL contract.

Nashville Predators weekend notes - Nashville Predators Examiner
Jim Diamond touches on a number of points regarding the Preds' play of late.

Nashville Predators' assistant coach adjusts to cancer treatments - The Tennessean
Peter Horachek recounts the diagnosis he received right before the start of the season, and the road he's taken since then.

Jordin Tootoo throws his weight around - The Tennessean
A one-game scratch got the message through to Toots.

Weber: "I love it here" - Predators Insider
Here's a nice-sounding platitude from the captain while speculation swirls about his future. Until a deal gets done, however, none of this means much (including the stuff from last week which had him potentially going elsewhere).

The social network - Predators Insider
Josh provides an update on those tweeting Preds.

The Preds continue their homestand tonight against the New York Islanders, and Wednesday vs. San Jose. Neither game will be on local TV, so make sure to use our coupon code for Nashville Predators tickets. Remember, hockey tickets can make a great holiday gift, so you can also look through the schedule, and get seats for any other home game!

Around the NHL

The Big Chill at the Big House: A comprehensive guide to Saturday's coverage - AnnArbor.com
113,411 people packed into Michigan Stadium to watch the Wolverines feast on the Spartans, 5-0. Just an amazing, record-setting day all around.

Ann Arbor would be an ideal spot for a Winter Classic - USATODAY.com
Red Wings vs. Maple Leafs at the Big House sometime soon? I could go for that...

THE GM SNOW: Isles Q&A Called the GM Show is a Ham-Handed Joke | Hockey Independent
BD Gallof calls out the Islanders for running their own interviews and providing their own coverage. There's certainly no chance that a challenging question will get posed when one team employee is interviewing another for public consumption.

VIDEO: Tootoo hit on Frolik - Updated - Litter Box Cats
Over at SB Nation's Panthers blog, the reaction to Tootoo's big hit was one of admiration.

Weekend wrap: Kaberle, Richards rumors; Flyers' net questions; Caps' struggles - Cross Checks Blog
Pierre LeBrun touches in on several ongoing stories including the impending free agency of Brad Richards, and the Tomas Kaberle trade watch.

Young Russians chase hockey dream in small-town Ontario - thestar.com
Canadian hockey pride can have an ugly downside, as portrayed in this story about a startup junior team of Russian players who are being treated like foreign invaders.

More Hockey World - Edmonton Journal
Is it indeed "time to send out an all-points bulletin for Patric Hornqvist"?

Black Dog Hates Skunks: More Happy Thoughts
The Oilers may not win much, but they're got swagger and some exciting young talent.

Markus Naslund Night - Nucks Misconduct
They hung #19 from the rafters in Vancouver Saturday night.

Welcome to the blame game - Flames Insider
Who should catch the heat (hahaha) for the Calgary Flames' horrid start?

Pending physical, Marco Sturm to Kings deal finally complete - Puck Daddy
Welcome to the salary cap era, wherein a 20-goal scoring winger can get dealt for basically "nothing".

Statistical Analysis: Do the refs favor the Pittsburgh Penguins? - Puck Daddy
Much ado about nothing, here.

And lastly, one of the strangest goals you'll ever see. Minnesota captain Mikko Koivu takes away Bobby Ryan's stick, so a few seconds later the Anaheim forward returns the favor... only to score a goal using Koivu's stick: