Weekend Notes: Predators flop in Jersey while other teams improve

This morning I've got a bundle of news for you, including recaps of last night from around the blogging circle, the Olympics getting underway, and a couple of trades going down before the Olympic roster freeze.

Look for an On the Forecheck Olympic preview later today.

Around Pred Nation

See Puck City: Devils Solid As The Rock; Preds Implode In The 3rd - Lose 5-2.
SPC has a glowing review of the Prudential Center, but unfortunately another loss to report.

The View from 111: Predators Bedeviled in 5-2 Loss
Mark, who was at the game last night, says the Preds came up woefully short in this gut check game. BTW, that Pred fan at the beginning of the 3rd on FS-TN was Mark.

Postgame ponderings | Predators Insider
Glennon questions Trotz's selection of Pekka Rinne to start last night's contest.

Ilya Kovalchuk Scores, New Jersey Devils Snap Losing Streak by Beating On Nashville Predators, 5-2 - In Lou We Trust
Recapping last night from a Devils perspective, if you want to relive it.

Round 1 Goes To Rockford - Admirals Short Shifts
Hey, look, a disappointing loss down on the farm, too.

Winter Olympics Hockey

Scouting reports on all 12 men's Winter Olympics hockey teams - SI.com
Here's a look at the 12 teams' strengths, weaknesses and bottom-line outlook in Vancouver from Sports Illustrated's Allan Muir.

Seven hockey teams that could medal in Vancouver - Sporting News
Craig Custance's Olympic preview.

Predators' Trotz breaks down 2010 Olympics - NHL.com
Nashville Predators coach Barry Trotz breaks down the Olympics with NHL.com's Mike Morreale. Pretty good read. Includes the revelation that he thinks all Ryan Suter does in the summer is drive a tractor.

Darren Dreger 1-on-1 with Jaromir Jagr
Prior to the Opening Ceremony, TSN's Olympic hockey insider Darren Dreger got a chance to speak to the Czech Republic's Jaromir Jagr. The Olympic champion discussed the honour of being his nation's flag bearer.

Around the NHL

Bergfors delivers game-winner for Thrashers  | ajc.com
Rookie Niclas Bergfors was slotted on the top line upon arrival in Atlanta, and the Thrashers haven't looked back since.

Reviewing the Edmonton Trade Rumors - The Copper & Blue
Edmonton is in a free fall and the trade rumors vultures are circling. Includes the preposterous joke, though funny, that the Predators called about Mike Comrie.

Recap: Olli Jokinen kills the Pens again, Rangers win 3-2 in OT - PensBurgh
Unfortunately, the Penguins aren't going to be happy campers come Sunday.

Jody Shelley Traded To New York Rangers For Sixth Round Pick - Fear The Fin
Here's a strange one. The Rangers acquired another enforcer?

Barker/Johnsson Trade Reaction - Second City Hockey
In Chicago, they sent former number 3 overall draft pick Cam Barker to the Wild for Kim Johnsson and a prospect.

Matt Cullen Traded to Ottawa for Alexandre Picard and Second Rounder - Canes Country
Finally, the Hurricanes moved into full-sell mode, shipping this popular two-way center to Ottawa.