Friday's news: Preds prepare to deal with the Devils

by Dirk Hoag on Dec 17, 2010 9:50 AM EST in Nashville Predators News

A very busy week for the Nashville Predators continues tonight in New Jersey, as they face a Devils team which is perhaps the most disappointing in the NHL. Expected to be an Eastern Conference contender, instead the Devils have the 2nd-worst record in the league, just ahead of the New York Islanders. Chris has your Game Day Preview at the ready, and make sure to join us after the game on 102.9 The Buzz, where I'm joining Willy Daunic tonight for the post-game show.

For now, though, follow after the jump for more setup of tonight's game, a chance for you to literally give blood for your team, and some hockey-themed holiday cheer from across the Atlantic...

Saturday night the Los Angeles Kings come to town, so make sure to use our coupon code for discount 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!

Nashville Predators

Nashville Predators Sponsor Blood Drive | American Red Cross
Coming to Thursday's home game against Ottawa? Then bleed for your team!

Your guide to 2010's biggest local gaffes, goofs and headscratchers - Nashville Scene
There's a Predators-related entry in the Boner Awards 2010...

Preview #31: Arnott Plays Against Preds As Nashville Visits New Jersey - Predlines
For a game like this, just detailing all the players who are out with injuries takes up a good chunk of the preview!

Hockey Night in Nashville: One Quick Message
Gotta admit, I really don't get this. I know a certain portion of the Preds fan base didn't appreciate Jason Arnott as a player, but is he a villain?

Preds On The Glass: Trap Set Again To Lure Predators and Friday Findings
Admiral Ackbar provides the theme for Buddy's morning links.

Steve Sullivan’s skill on the off-wing pays off for the Predators - Nashville Predators Examiner
Shooting right but playing on the left, that's the way Sully likes it.

Thursday's 3 stars: Behenna bolsters beleaguered Barrie - Buzzing The Net
The Preds 2010 1st-round pick, Austin Watson, almost made the cut...

Predators' goalie takes advantage of some of NHL's worst offensive teams | Nashville City Paper
David Boclair observes that Anders the Giant has enjoyed the benefit of playing some goal-challenged teams lately.

Nashville Predators face former captain Jason Arnott - The Tennessean
Arnott's old linemate J.P. Dumont looks forward to playing Arnott & the Devils tonight.

Around the NHL

Capitals, Devils, Senators, Flames caught in NHL time warp - SI.com
Darren Eliot details the difficulties of maintaining a competitive club in the salary cap era, and gives full marks to David Poile for making tough decisions that keep the Preds in the playoff mix year after year (hat tip to cisar for finding this).

Devils' Jason Arnott prepares to play team that traded him | NJ.com
The former Preds captain doesn't regret his decision, and recognizes the young talent that's blossoming in Nashville.

Down Goes Brown: What we learned from the premiere of 24/7 Penguins/Capitals
So you don't HBO? DGB has you covered... "Capitals coach Bruce Boudreau is apparently a big fan of South Atlantic archipelagos, because every second thing out of his mouth is "Falkland this" and "Falkland that"."

Trade bait: 10 players who could move before Feb. 28 - ESPN
Go window shopping with Pierre LeBrun.

What if the Tampa Bay Lightning had average goaltending? - From The Rink
Wow, I knew Dan Ellis wasn't doing great down in Tampa, but this looks awful.

Interview with Cam Janssen of St. Louis Blues | Hockey Independent
Wow, the guy uses complete sentences and everything... I didn't expect that.

Wild, one point from dead-last in the Western Conference, finds new way to shoot self in foot | StarTribune.com
Boy oh boy, things sound ugly in Minnesota. Could former Admirals coach Todd Richards be in trouble?

Catching Up with Rod Brind’Amour on Retirement, The ’06 Run, Time in Philly and His Special Night | The Hockey Writers
Catching up with "Rod the Bod", who's now working on player development for the Hurricanes.

And lastly, your holiday greeting from the Belfast Giants:

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Comments

Another great DGB

As a hockey fan, all you can do is throw up your hands and laugh when you realize the NHL hopes HBO’s “24/7” is going to sell this great game by focusing on Bruce Boudreau, with his industrial-grade paunch and barbecue-smeared lips, hurling F-bombs at the bewildered Caps in the locker room and on the bench. At least in contrast, the Penguins look like conquerors with their inventive practical jokes in hotel hallways and approving words for Matt Cooke’s kid, who at a Christmas skating event slashes just like the old man!

by Hockey Hillbilly on Dec 17, 2010 1:21 PM EST reply actions

Off topic...kinda

Can someone explain why the Preds aren’t starting Dex tonight and Anders tomorrow?

by HardCorePredFan316 on Dec 17, 2010 2:55 PM EST reply actions

Pekka's close to being ready

He may very well be able to play tomorrow vs. L.A.

On the Forecheck is SB Nation's blog covering the Preds (be sure to check out my discount offer on Nashville Predators tickets). Catch me on Twitter at @Forechecker, or join our legions on Facebook at Facebook.com/OnTheForecheck.

by Dirk Hoag on Dec 17, 2010 4:36 PM EST up reply actions

Can't really get a link...

but if you go to the Blackberry All-Access game previews and watch the Power Rankings for the week, you’ll get a nice surprise. Not only do they have us as #5, but they call us a good pick and a sleeper team.

What? Positivity from league media? You have to see it to believe it, but it’s good!

EASports' NHL 11 doesn't suck; in fact, it's really damn good! Wait, what!?
Go Predators!!!

by Poiju on Dec 17, 2010 5:59 PM EST reply actions