With the NHL standings typically jam-packed around the #8 and final playoff position in both conferences, the question in many cities is whether or not their GM's should pick up a difference-making player to bolster their team's chances for a long playoff run, or pack it in and obtain some value that will pay off down the road.

This morning after the jump, we've got that question being raised, as well as reaction to major changes in Montreal, and an ugly confrontation between a blogger and Mike Milbury at Sunday's Washington/Pittsburgh game...

Predators News

Callin’ It As I See It: A Mini-Series – Prologue " Pull My (Fang)Finger
AJ's getting riled up, particularly after that frustrating loss to San Jose on Saturday night.

Callin’ It As I See It: A Mini-Series – Part I: Dan Hamhuis " Pull My (Fang)Finger
AJ then wonders if David Poile should just go ahead and trade Dan Hamhuis now, given the probability that he'll leave as a free agent over the summer. Is Alexander Sulzer ready to fill that void?

Game Night: Island Edition - Paul McCann
Paul hopes that the Preds' better play of late starts translating into wins.

Preds On The Glass: POTG Podcast and Tuesday Tidbits
Buddy's morning notes include a recap of last night's podcast, and a picture from Mark ("View From 111") as he attended an NHL Tweetup on Long Island.

Islanders Gameday: To catch a Predator - Lighthouse Hockey
Dominik has a look at tonight's game from the Long Island perspective.

Predators face four Atlantic Division teams before Olympic break - Nashville Predators Examiner
Jim Diamond writes that starting off this four-game road trip with a win on Long Island will be critical.

Predators may trade to improve depth - The Tennessean
John Glennon says we shouldn't expect a blockbuster acquisition by David Poile in the next few weeks. Where is Jan Hlavac, anyway?

Around the NHL

A Great Player Does Not Make A Great Executive - View From My Seats
The title says it all, as Bob Gainey stepped down as general manager of the Montreal Canadiens yesterday.

CBCSports.ca - Blogs - Gainey planned exit strategy long ago
Elliotte Friedman's latest includes news that while many criticized Bob Gainey for never obtaining Vincent Lecavalier for Montreal, there were also a couple opportunities to get Marian Hossa that fell through.

Hicks Sports Group update - Dallas Morning News
Tom Hicks complains that the NHL's spending model is broken, and that the economy can't support a southern team spending $56 million on salary. Guess what Tom, nobody says you have to!

An interview with Tampa Bay Lightning Head Athletic Trainer Tommy Mulligan - From The Rink
Frank gets the low-down on what athletic trainers do for an NHL team on a day-to-day basis. When you consider the long grind of an 82-game regular season, they are essential to keeping a roster full of players performing at their best.

Should The Thrashers Be Buyers or Sellers at Trade Deadline? - Bird Watchers Anonymous
If Atlanta stumbles into the Olympic break, might a guy like Maxim Afinogenov hit the trade market? Stop hyperventilating, Jeremy...

Jeff Carter Knocks Anssi Salmela Out Cold - Broad Street Hockey
Here's a good example of a guy cutting into a high-traffic area with his head down, and the dangers inherent in that. In my opinion, Jeff Carter shouldn't get suspended over this hit.

Analyzing the Mike Milbury vs. hockey blogger 'assault' - Puck Daddy
The whole "bloggers in the press box" notion takes a hit as a bozo in Washington gets worked up over a Mike Milbury comment and triggers an ugly confrontation.