Thursday's news: One Marek in, one Marek out

As the Nashville Predators prepare for tomorrow's game in Minnesota they'll at least have one new weapon available thanks to the (somewhat controversial) waiver claim of winger Marek Svatos. The big question, however, will be whether David Legwand is able to return to the lineup, however. The Preds are dreadfully thin down the middle right now and the overall team scoring isn't likely to improve as long as that continues.

Follow after the jump for a few items heading into that game, anticipation building for the Winter Classic on Saturday, and the answer to all those "Matthew Lombardi contract insurance" questions... 

Get your red-hot Nashville Predators tickets right here and save with the OTF Discount! The Columbus Blue Jackets come in next on Sunday, January 2nd, part of just 3 home games the entire month.

Nashville Predators

The View from 111: Heroes, Heartaches, and Healing
Mark makes the astute observation that while we toss around the word "hero" in sports all too often, true heroism is often shown in the type of journey that Jordin Tootoo is just beginning.

Preds On The Glass: Heading to The Winter Classic and Thursday Thoughts
Buddy's leaving... on a jet plane...

Preds prospect Ellis breaks World Juniors scoring record… | Section 303
One of the downsides of the World Junior tournament is that it includes mismatches like last night's 10-1 pasting of Norway by Canada, but it did allow Ryan Ellis to set an all-time tournament scoring record for defensemen.

RFA Report: Shea Weber proving his reliability - DailyFaceoff.com
On the fantasy hockey front, Shea Weber may be a bit of a sleeper due to all the injuries the Preds have suffered.

The Lombardi insurance situation - Predators Insider
Forget about the Preds getting insurance money to cover Matthew Lombardi's salary. His prior concussion history makes him ineligible.

Martin Erat's injury slows down Nashville Predators offense - The Tennessean
It sounds like Marty's doubtful for tomorrow's game at Minnesota. 

Around the NHL

A Year In Review: The Hockey Blogosphere In 2010 - Houses of the Hockey
This year, hockey blogs actually drove some of the mainstream conversation around the game as never before.

Winter Classic ice build going right on schedule - NHL.com
Things are coming together in Pittsburgh for the New Year's Day game between the Capitals and Penguins, now we just have to hope the weather cooperates.

Islanders 2*, Penguins 1 (*SO): Isles end Crosby's streak, delight haters - Lighthouse Hockey
In a season with very few things to celebrate, the New York Islanders not only beat the Penguins in a shootout, they stopped Sidney Crosby's 25-game scoring streak.

Greatest Hockey Legends.com: Memories of Wayne Gretzky's 51 Game Point Streak
...and for some context, Joe Pelletier looks back at the greatest scoring streak of all time.

Wild scores 3 in the third to rally and beat Sharks; Zidlicky injures shoulder | StarTribune.com
It looks like former Predator Marek Zidlicky will be out of the Minnesota lineup after a big hit in the 2nd period last night.

Shattenkirk feeling fortunate after taking puck in the face | All Things Avs
Kevin Shattenkirk is really, really lucky after a shot deflected up into his face Monday night against Detroit. At the time this looked very scary.

So Today We’re Going to Waste Energy Telling You That Damien Cox is a Moron When it Comes to TV Issues " Puck The Media
The pointlessly provocative newspaper columnist gets all whiny over the Winter Classic, and the lack of Canadian teams on NBC broadcasts.