Monday's notes: Buddy, can you spare a goal?

Well, I guess Santa didn't leave the Nashville Predators any goals under the tree last weekend. In a scene that's all too familiar to local hockey fans, the Preds are desperate for scoring these days, and must get rock-solid defense with stellar goaltending to eke out wins until the walking wounded return to duty.

Is there aught to be done? Probably not, it's on the remaining guys to focus on the basics and work, work, work... the same formula which has usually led to a playoff spot for the Preds in recent years. Stay tuned for updates over the next couple days to see if David Legwand, at least, might suit up for tomorrow's game. And of course, follow after the jump for your morning hockey news...

The Preds host the Dallas Stars on Tuesday, December 28 and Columbus on Sunday, January 2nd, so make sure to use our coupon code for discount Nashville Predators tickets. 

Nashville Predators

Predators Q&A with CEO Jeff Cogen - The Tennessean
The new boss is a man with a plan, and you have to like the way things are headed.

Preds On The Glass: Preds Fall to Ninth As Streak Reaches Four Games and Monday Musings
Buddy's ready to gamble on the Preds' streaky play these days.

Thoughts From Poile And Trotz Part I | Admirals Roundtable
Ryan got the ear of the Preds' brain trust during an Admirals game, this is well worth your time.

Thoughts From Poile And Trotz Part II | Admirals Roundtable
...and in here, they talk about Linus Klasen, and who else has impressed them lately.

Jas Faulkner’s December Mailbag | The Hockey Writers
Bloggers get mailbags? Where do I sign up?

World Junior Championships Open For 3 Preds Prospects - Nashville Predators.com
Summing up the opening day of the tournament for Ryan Ellis, Patrick Cehlin, and David Elsner.

Postgame ponderings - Predators Insider
Josh Cooper channels Yogi Berra.

Around the NHL

Forbes NHL General Manager Rankings - Behind The Net
David Poile rides high again.

Dan Cleary Out With Fractured Ankle -- NHL FanHouse
The Red Wings have lost their leading goal-scorer to injury. Yup, you read that right.

FINALLY - Battle of California
Corey Perry is one of the players I like least in the NHL, and Wayne Simmonds of the Los Angeles Kings got the better of him.

Peter Forsberg Reportedly Abandons Comeback Attempt -- NHL FanHouse
You just know that this isn't the last time we've heard from Foppa.

Burke: Help Could Be Coming " Maple Leafs Hot Stove
Some speculation over who the Toronto Maple Leafs could target to bolster their group of forwards.

Time to clean up Devils mess - NYPOST.com
While most of this column is about the Devils, the last point in here is a funny one by Larry Brooks.

Our Seven Favourite Jerk Moves of 2010 - Houses of the Hockey
Bah humbug, Christmas season is over. Let's take a look at the biggest jerks of the year. If nothing else, this is worth the Denis Leary song that kicks it off.