Thursday's notes: Nashville prepares for a playoff run

With the NHL Trade Deadline finally behind us, Preds fans can focus on the roller coaster ride ahead of us, a whirlwind month or so that leads to the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

I forgot to post a "Scoreboard Watch" yesterday since the Predators weren't in action, but having the Red Wings, Flames, and Ducks all lose in regulation gave Nashville a little breathing space heading into tonight's tilt with Los Angeles.

Remember, tonight's game is not on local TV, so either get yourself some cheap tickets (use offer code "PREDS"), or you can catch it on most cable/satellite systems as NHL Center Ice is offering a free preview this week.

After the jump, we've got your morning hockey news...

Predators News

Preds On The Glass: Predators Upgrade Roster at the Trade Deadline and Thursday Thoughts
Buddy's morning update includes a look at Ryan Jones' first game as an Edmonton Oiler.

Shea Weber and Ryan Suter shed some of their Olympic equipment - Nashville Predators Examiner
Jim Diamond gets Ryan Suter and Shea Weber's thoughts about having to wear visors during Olympic competition. I'm surprised that the NHL hasn't grandfathered in a visor requirement just as they did with hockey helmets three decades ago.

The View from 111: Predators Trade Day Post Mortem
A post-mortem? That sounds bad...

Puck Daddy's 2010 NHL Trade Deadline Report Cards - Puck Daddy
Oddly enough, Puck Daddy gives David Poile the same grade I would have!

What they say about new Oilers pick up Ryan Jones in Nashville. - Cult of Hockey
To acquaint Edmonton fans with Ryan Jones, Dave Staples went right to the experts... the fans of Nashville.

Around the NHL

Sidney Crosby golden roar reader art contest, Gallery No. 1 - Puck Daddy
Puck Daddy's latest Photoshop contest is bringing out some truly inspired work...

How The Outside World Views Sidney Crosby - From The Rink
For all his undeniable talent, Sidney Crosby remains a polarizing figure among hockey fans, writes Mike Chen.

Exploitation, self promotion, and pro-athletes online - Raw Charge
John Fontana looks at what's real and what's fake in the world of social media (like Twitter and Facebook) relative to the Tampa Bay Lightning. It's a great read that touches on issues all sports teams and prominent athletes must deal with.

Board of Governors approves Lightning sale | Lightning Strikes
Is the long nightmare over for Tampa Bay? For their sake, we can only hope.

David Booth Seeks Revenge On Mike Richards - SB Nation
What do they say? Revenge is a dish best served cold? Well, on the ice seems about the right place, then.

Black Dog Hates Skunks: Everyone Out Of The Clown Car
These are dire times up in Edmonton, and there's little hope that GM Steve Tambellini knows the way out of the darkness.

Little to get excited about out West - The Globe and Mail
Eric Duhatschek wasn't thrilled by yesterday's trades in the Western Conference. I think it's safe to say this year's Trade Deadline wasn't quite as spectacular as years past.

Sports Media Watch: More With ESPN's Mike Soltys
An interesting interview which touches on the subject of a possible return by the NHL to ESPN (hat tip to Steve Lepore at Puck the Media).