Friday's notes: Don Cherry calls Stu Grimson part of "a bunch of pukes"

With the NHL Regular Season now underway, the CBC's Don Cherry got right to work stoking the flames of controversy on Coach's Corner (head over to CBC's site to view the video). Towards the end, he takes on the notion that fighting in hockey and suicide are somehow inexplicably linked, and in the process, calls out many former NHL enforcers (including former Nashville Predator Stu Grimson) by name, saying they are a "bunch of pukes" for saying that in light of all the hockey-fighting-linked-to-suicide speculation over the summer, that fighting needs to be taken out of the NHL.

Um, sorry Don, but at least with Stu, I don't recall him making such an assertion. I know nuance isn't typically Cherry's strong suit, but at least with Grimson, he simply spoke to the increased awareness of what kind of long-term brain damage players are inflicting on themselves, and whether attitudes might change over the course of time.

"I could very easily be walking around with the same condition. I expect to live a long, happy, healthy life. But if at some later stage, if it turns out that my profession led to the premature deterioration of my health, I'm sure I'll tell you I have regrets. Yeah, I think that's fair to say."    

That's a far cry from the stuff which Cherry is lambasting, but it was surprising to see him call out Grimson and other former players as "turncoats" like that.

Follow after the jump for the rest of your morning hockey notes...

Nashville Predators News

Paul McCann - Preds Preview - Game Night in Columbus
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Preds On The Glass: POTG Friday Headlines, News and Links: The Season is Off and Running
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Preds On The Glass: Why Tonight's Puck Drop in Columbus is Different
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Data Drives Nashville Predators Ticket Sales Strategy - The Hockey Writers
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Smashville 24/7: Weber enters second season as captain
It's hard not to see that "C" and think of the word "CONTRACT", though.

Previewing the Nashville Predators Opening Night Roster: Forwards - The Hockey Writers |
Josh walks through the forward lineup and sees lots to be hopeful about after this preseason.

Nashville Predators' Pekka Rinne misses practice - The Tennessean
Lots of updates from practice here, including The Cube's continued recovery.

Nashville Predators tie future to rookie success - The Tennessean
If they do make the postseason, this team will be sorely challenged to muster enough quality playoff beards.

Predators open new season in a new way | Nashville City Paper
Back-to-back road games to kick things off is a first for the Preds, writes David Boclair.

Looking for gold Nashville Predators gear? | Hockey Gear HQ
The Predators called for a Preds Pride Day today, encouraging folks to wear gold to work or school. If you don't have any gold Preds apparel, here are a few options.

Around the Wide Wide World of Hockey

NHL Network Lights the Lamp With New Master Control, TeamCam : Sports Video Group
Since they're now in the business of producing their own TV content, it only makes sense for the NHL to make some major investments there.

Keep a close eye on these NHL rookies – USATODAY.com
Three young Preds lead Kevin Allen's list here.

Sports Radio Interviews - Gary Bettman on the future of the Phoenix Coyotes: "I still remain optimistic that the club will remain where it is."
Is this a replay from a year ago?

Playing When You’re Just Not Quite Strong Enough - Backhand Shelf
Can a little more beef add a lot to Taylor Hall's game?

The Hockey News: Welcoming the NHL back with open arms
Adam Proteau offers deep thoughts on appreciating hockey for what it is.

Katie Baker debuts her weekly NHL column for the 2011 season - Grantland
We'll have to follow this column over the course of the season, but I'd say it's a fine start.

Puck Daddy’s 2011-12 NHL Western Conference Prognostications - Puck Daddy
Everyone here expects the Preds to make the playoffs... 

Red Wings star Nicklas Lidstrom in rarefied air – USATODAY.com
Does Lidstrom have enough left in the tank to win an 8th Norris Trophy, and tie Bobby Orr?

The Only Blackhawks Preview Printed on 100% Recyclable Internetz - Blackhawk Up - A Chicago Blackhawks Blog
Forget the preview, the picture at the top of this post is waaaaay cool.

Cookie Monster and Flower Power; It's a Start. Pens 4, Canucks 3 (SO) - PensBurgh
I caught a little bit of this game, and man, Steve Sullivan should be set up for success in Pittsburgh.

Sabres Name Jason Pominville As Captain - Die By The Blade
Does this mean they need to change the name to the Pominville Sabres?

Fantasy Top Ten - Efficient Power Play Performers - Fantasy Hockey Scouts
Still tinkering with your fantasy hockey roster?

A Theory of Ice: Five Reasonable Discussions with Don Cherry
A thorough evisceration of last night's Coach's Corner that's worth your time.

Parise on His Contract Status, His Knee and Batting Practice - NYTimes.com
For all you Zach Parise fetishists...

Phoenix Coyotes Sign Martin Hanzal to 5 Year Contract Extension. - Five For Howling
The Coyotes lock down a key piece of their puzzle with a long-term contract.

Here’s the question we posed: Is this Sharks team the best in the franchise’s 21-year history? | Working the Corners
I like what the Sharks have done this summer, but the real proof won't come until spring time.

DVD of "24/7 Penguins/Capitals" coming December 6, 2011 | Hockey Gear HQ
HBO announced that the DVD version of their acclaimed behind-the-scenes NHL Winter Classic documentary featuring Washington vs. Pittsburgh is coming soon, a perfect Christmas gift idea for the Sidney Crosby or Alex Ovechkin fan on your list.

If you would've told me back in May that we'd see this highlight to start off the season, I would've said you were nuts. But congratulations to Matthew Lombardi - it's just a shame that the Preds aren't a team that can afford the luxury of stashing players on Long Term Injured Reserve, and that David Poile was compelled to rid himself of the risk of hanging on to Lombardi's contract: