Monday afternoon notes: Hoping for tired Oilers

While the hockey world will be focused (and rightfully so) on the return of Sidney Crosby tonight, the game with local implications takes place in Dallas, where the Edmonton Oilers face the Stars before flying up to Nashville for tomorrow night's affair (make sure to read our special note regarding that game). Both the Oilers and Stars are faltering lately after leading the Western Conference during the opening weeks, so it will be interesting to see which team can restore a bit of momentum.

And here's to hoping those Oilers have a long, hard battle which saps some of their energy ahead of tomorrow's match...

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Nashville Predators News

Could CBID tax increase help pay Predators subsidy? - In Session
Nate Rau discusses one possible solution to the arena subsidy issue, a tax which targets the businesses which surround Bridgestone Arena, and benefit from all the events which bring people downtown. Brace yourselves, though, as I could see this political squabble getting ugly over the next several months. NewChannel 5's Phil Williams, for example, is airing one of his special reports during this evening's newscast.

Paul McCann - Preds at the Quarter Pole (Almost)
Counting down to Jim Diamond's tweet saying that the quarter pole actually refers to just one quarter mile remaining in a horse race in 3... 2... 1...

Coach Muller grades his team - JSOnline
Maybe it's the upcoming holiday, but Koach Kirk seems to be in a good mood.

Around the Wide Wide World of Hockey

Philadelphia Flyers Winter Classic Jerseys: Sort of a disappointment? - Broad Street Hockey
I'll give the Flyers' special threads a solid "meh".

Goaltending Madness - The Cannon
There's at least one big reason why Columbus has the worst Goals Against in the league, and it ain't even close.

Sour Grapes: Cherry Defends Defenceless While Backing Bruins | Hockey Independent
Are the Boston Bruins pretty much getting away with anything they want to do these days?

In the Cage: Shifting roles in Colorado - NHL.com
They're still laughing in Washington over getting a 1st and 2nd round pick for Semyon Varlamov.

Boudreau: Alexander Semin is called for penalties based on reputation - Capitals Insider - The Washington Post
We're familiar with that phenomenon, aren't we?

Random Cities: Billy Jaffe " Puck The Media
Take a trip around the world with this veteran hockey analyst as he reflects on some of the unique places he's visited over the years.

Will Another Break In The Action Hurt The New York Rangers? - Blueshirt Banter
Given how well the Rangers are playing, a 3-day break between games can make fans wonder if the team will lose momentum.

Tyler Myers Out 4-6 Weeks With Injured Wrist - Die By The Blade
A disappointing season so far just got even more so for the sky-scraping Buffalo Sabres blueliner.