Friday afternoon notes: Blue Jackets hand out some A's

As they get ready to host the Nashville Predators in just a couple hours, the Columbus Blue Jackets have named their leadership group for the upcoming season. That kicks off our afternoon notes from around the league, but there's a whole lot more after the jump...

Nashville Predators News

Let’s Get It Started | Hockey Independent
David's ready to go, with 20 observations and predictions, one of which has already gone wrong - ah, well, that's what predictions are for.

Your 2011-12 Milwaukee Admirals | Admirals Roundtable
For now, the Ads are still carrying three goalies...

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

Jackets Name Assistant Captains - The Cannon
Columbus spreads the leadership duties around, with both new and old faces receiving the A's.

Game 1 Preview: It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Hockey - The Cannon
Here's a game preview from the Columbus side.

Chris Nilan, Stu Grimson respond to Don Cherry’s comments - Puck Daddy
A followup to Cherry's tempestuous launch of Coach's Corner this year. 

Puck Daddy chats with David Backes about hypocrisy on head shots, Shanahan videos, NHL All-Star Draft and Blues captaincy - Puck Daddy
I'm telling you, we need to keep an eye on the Blues this season.

2011-12 NHL Final Standings Predictions, 1-30 - The Copper & Blue
Wow, this is thorough...

Young forwards and tough defensive minutes - Broad Street Hockey
I have had this exact same concern rattling around in my head with the departure of Joel Ward and Marcel Goc, and Eric expresses it nicely here. I find it hard to believe that this younger Preds team will be as good defensively as last year's edition.

Talking Advanced Stats with Elliotte Friedman | OilersNation
An insightful discussion here on how advanced stats play into a reporter's job these days.

Behind the boldest ad campaign in the NHL this season - Puck Daddy
Phoenix spinning a negative into a positive? I like the idea here, even if there is a little snickering involved.

Cool things to do and see in every NHL city - Adrian Dater - SI.com
Planning a road trip? Dater's got you covered.

Mike Gillis: The front-office revolutionary - Faceoff.com
A fine interview here with the Canucks GM, who isn't shy about defying conventional wisdom.

Tampa Bay Lightning D Mattias Ohlund (knee) still not skating. Is injury worse than believed? - Lightning Strikes
If Tampa wants to follow up their breakout season, they'll need the veteran thumper.

Gulutzan to create power play competition - The Dallas Morning News
Now there's a novel idea...

The Rink Episode 67: Starting Off Right | The Rink Podcast
Hey, The Rink is back! Head over here and give a listen, as "Tapelog" is a dynamite hockey guy who welcomes a new co-host...