Friday fun: Predators wrap up busy New York visit

by Dirk Hoag on Feb 12, 2010 10:16 AM EST

Are you ready for the weekend, and the start of the Winter Olympics? I know I am, my kids are eagerly awaiting a wide variety of different events. Hockey, of course, doesn't get rolling until early next week. This morning, though, we have something new to roll out at On The Forecheck:

New Feature: Facebook Connect on SB Nation - Blog Huddle
Today we've made it easier for Facebook users to signup for SB Nation and to participate in our fan communities. And Connect makes it easier for you share what you write on SB Nation with friends on Facebook, whether you're publishing a FanPost, a FanShot or a comment.

If you have questions about the new Facebook functionality, follow the above link to Blog Huddle and ask in the comments there, where the tech guys will see it.

Now, after the jump, your morning hockey news...

Predators News

Preds On The Glass: New York City Discovers the Nashville Predators and Friday Updates
Buddy's morning notes includes a recap of a busy off day in New York for the team, including multiple spots on NHL Live, and a team outing to the David Letterman show (I saw them in one shot, sitting way in the back to one side).

Game 60 Preview: New Jersey Devils vs. Nashville Predators - In Lou We Trust
The Devils' preview includes 5 questions that they asked of Chris about the how the Preds are doing.

Predators face interesting goaltending decisions - Nashville Predators Examiner
Jim Diamond reviews the short- and long-term options in goal. Trading a goalie now is a huge risk considering the lack of a backup who is ready to step in, but do you let one (or both!) walk away in free agency?

Predators get strong play from Colin Wilson - The Tennessean
It took longer than expected, but Willy's back from the AHL, and making an impact right away.

Around the NHL

Breaking Down the Last Intentional Power Play Goal Scored by the New Jersey Devils - In Lou We Trust
Despite picking up Ilya Kovalchuk, New Jersey's power play has been in a funk lately. Let's hope it continues for one more game, OK?

Canes Now - Cullen expected to be traded today | newsobserver.com blogs
Keep an eye out for trade news today, as Carolina center Matt Cullen could be on the move.

Mike Modano Interested In Owning A Piece Of The Dallas Stars - SB Nation
Now this is interesting... the Stars center is openly pondering taking a minority ownership position as the Dallas franchise goes up for sale.

The NHL Needs Mark Cuban - The Hockey Blog
Might the Dallas Mavericks owner buy into the Stars as well? I'm sick of people promoting Jim Balsillie as the NHL's answer to Mark Cuban, so maybe getting the real thing would be better.

Panthers deal Moore to Habs - The Globe and Mail
Florida turns a journeyman forward into a 2nd-round pick from Montreal, a real steal for Panthers GM Randy Sexton.

Gretzky and the Olympic Flame : Mother Pucker Hockey
Who's going to light the Olympic Flame tonight in Vancouver? Speculation is running wild...

Lowetide: Hockey's Al Haig Still in Charge Here
As Edmonton prepares to scrap this season and look ahead, will the road out of the darkness be a long, or short one?

Optimal Even-Strength Shift Length, 2008-09 - Behind The Net
Great stuff from Hawerchuk that shows just how dangerous long shifts can be. Hustle hard, then make a change!

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Comments

I’d much prefer Cuban to Balsillie. You can say what you want about Cuban’s personality, but as far as I know he’s never actively tried to tank an NBA team so he could buy them for cheaper and move them. I don’t follow the NBA much, but I assume that would be news (and the fact that Dallas hasn’t move suggests the same).

I heard something about NJD going after Hamhuis. You guys hear anything about that? And have you thought about what NJD has that NSH would want in return? Please guys, call Poile and tell him not to make this trade. NJD getting Hamhuis and Martin for the stretch after adding Kovalchuk would be scary. Flash + Erskine for Hamhuis + Santorelli! Make it happen!

Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.

by Rob Parker on Feb 12, 2010 1:21 PM EST reply actions

I’ve seen a tweet from rumor-mongers talking about a possible deal with New Jersey, but I’ll wait for official word to come down before getting too worked up.

More fun than a stick to the face!
On the Forecheck is SB Nation's blog covering the Nashville Predators.

by Dirk Hoag on Feb 12, 2010 1:23 PM EST up reply actions

That’s clearly the prudent thing to do, haha. I’m just curious about your take, and I hate the idea of NJD getting any better.

Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.

by Rob Parker on Feb 12, 2010 1:27 PM EST up reply actions

It’d likely be Lou fleecing us for this season because NJD don’t have anyone on the roster that they’d give up that’d help us now.

I’d love, love, love Zajac, but thats a wet dream.

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by Chris Burton on Feb 12, 2010 1:31 PM EST up reply actions

Right. How does that trade make NJD any better for this year? They are clearly going for a Cup now. I don’t think Lou is going to make a huge push to re-sign Kovalchuk and Brodeur’s days are numbered.

Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.

by Rob Parker on Feb 12, 2010 1:38 PM EST up reply actions

any deal for Hamhuis/NJD

Makes them way better if they only give up prospects/picks.

No tradeable forward on their current roster is fair value for Hamhuis.

On the Forecheck-where Patric Hornqvist is never underappreciated.
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by Chris Burton on Feb 12, 2010 1:42 PM EST up reply actions

yo!

Thanks for road-tripping.

There are a coupla tweets regarding this deal, but honestly, we need help now and the Devils can’t give it to us. Also saw few random tweets saying WSH may be in on DH today, who knows though.

I want to send Hamhuis to WSH for the guys you mention or to Chicago for Versteeg.

Like Dirk said, I don’t put much stock in the tweeting…let Kevin Allen, Dreger, or McKenzie talk, then I’ll listen up.

On the Forecheck-where Patric Hornqvist is never underappreciated.
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by Chris Burton on Feb 12, 2010 1:26 PM EST up reply actions

True story, Allen and McKenzie were the guys that finally got the Kovalchuk to NJD scoop, IIRC. I keep looking at the NJD roster and farm system and can’t see how they can give up roster players without hurting their team, or give up quality prospects without killing their farm. Somehow Lou always pulls it out though. I hope GMGM doesn’t get gun shy and just makes the move. Our offense can survive without Flash, our D needs help though.

Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.

by Rob Parker on Feb 12, 2010 1:28 PM EST up reply actions

keep your eyes peeled

Got about 90 minutes. I’d be shocked if Poile does anything, but I’ve been shocked before.

Have to think the leading candidates in terms of helping Nashville now are Washington and Chicago (who, per K. Allen, looking for rental D).

On the Forecheck-where Patric Hornqvist is never underappreciated.
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by Chris Burton on Feb 12, 2010 1:29 PM EST up reply actions

Interesting. CHI has so much to offer I guess Poile has to consider it despite being a division rival. Plus, if DH is a rental you don’t have to worry about playing him 6 times a year for the foreseeable future.

Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.

by Rob Parker on Feb 12, 2010 1:32 PM EST up reply actions

right

and down the road, Versteeg > Hamhuis.

Hamhuis is D help now for Chicago, while clearing cap for next year.

I’d still rather have Fleischmann, though.

On the Forecheck-where Patric Hornqvist is never underappreciated.
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by Chris Burton on Feb 12, 2010 1:34 PM EST up reply actions

Really? I’d trade Flash for Versteeg and laugh about it. I think Versteeg is much better.

Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.

by Rob Parker on Feb 12, 2010 1:38 PM EST up reply actions

eh, maybe

Its a close call, but Flash can play center AND wing, right? Versteeg can’t.

On the Forecheck-where Patric Hornqvist is never underappreciated.
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by Chris Burton on Feb 12, 2010 1:42 PM EST up reply actions

Versteeg is younger and a better PK guy. And Flash hasn’t looked great at C the last few games (but the whole team has been pretty poor the last 6 or 7).

Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.

by Rob Parker on Feb 12, 2010 1:49 PM EST up reply actions