Thursday's notes: Ducks fire Randy Carlyle, hire Bruce Boudreau

The NHL's coaching carousel took another turn overnight, with the Anaheim Ducks firing head coach Randy Carlyle and replacing him with Bruce Boudreau, who was let go in Washington on Monday. Besides possibly reviving a team which was expected to contend for the playoffs, one has to wonder if this move will put all the Bobby Ryan trade talk on hold for the time being. I'd expect that the new coach will want to try things out before the team makes any more major moves.

But that development only leads off our morning hockey notes - follow after the jump for all the rest!

5 Gift Ideas for Nashville Predators Fans | Hockey Gear HQ
Searching for gift ideas for a Nashville Predators fan? Included in this list we have ways to save on a custom hockey jersey, or buy your gifts from local businesses which support the Preds.

Nashville Predators News

Proud Alabama-Huntsville squad takes to Bridgestone ice this weekend - Nashville Predators Examiner
Jim Diamond profiles the UAH Chargers, who are giving their best this season even though their hockey program is doomed.

Should Predators Stick Toe in Bobby Ryan Pool, Or Would It Get Stomped? - Hockey Independent
David points out just how lopsided the offensive contributions from the defensemen have been so far, with almost nothing coming outside of the Suter/Weber pairing.

Where Milwaukee ranks ... - JSOnline
It looks like the Admirals are doing much better in the Shots For & Against battle than the Preds.

Predators' newest defense pairing is a familiar one | Nashville City Paper
One tremendous benefit of the Preds' development philosophy is that young players can build upon their experience together in Milwaukee. I'm quite hopeful about the Josi-Blum pairing.

Day off for Preds - Predators Insider
Josh and the Preds enjoyed a lazy day in B.C.

Around the Wide Wide World of Hockey

Why Anaheim’s firing Carlyle, hiring Bruce Boudreau is genius - Puck Daddy
This could work out to be a great pickup for Anaheim. Boudreau's background might mesh better with a Ducks team which is quite different from the one which Randy Carlyle led to the Stanley Cup in 2007. Carlyle, a Norris Trophy-winning defenseman in his day, had a stacked blueline back then with Chris Pronger, Scott Niedermayer leading the way. Now, the Ducks are built around talent up front, and perhaps Boudreau (who lit it up as a mostly minor-league center) can get them rolling.

Toothless Preds can still bite - The Province
Regardless of their current the slide, the Canucks can't take the Preds lightly.

Injury gives Mason Raymond new perspective on life - NHL.com
Tonight against the Preds, Mason Raymond plays for the first time since breaking his back in the Stanley Cup Final.

Yet Another Shot Quality Post - Arctic Ice Hockey
Interesting analysis here. I think sometimes the hyperbole dominates the conversation here, and we shouldn't be surprised to see that adding shot quality into the mix adds a bit of value.

The 20 most overpaid NHLers making more than $4.0M per year | Hockey Independent
Hmm... no Predators here.

Spector on Kelley: Best in the business - sportsnet.ca
Sportwriters are noting the anniversary of the passing of Buffalo scribe Jim Kelley, and Mark Spector notes that the column he filed just hours before dying may have had some prescience to it.

A Theory of Ice: Ask the Theory: Talking to Losers
A handy guide to coaches everywhere!

Ryan Whitney Knees Cal Clutterbuck: Suspension Coming? - Hockey Wilderness
Break out the Shanahammer.

Jets fans finally get to vent after 15-year grudge - The Globe and Mail
Phoenix is at Winnipeg tonight. Expect nuttiness.

Top 5 Play By Play Announcers - Octopus Thrower
#3 is my #1, but this is a solid list.

Avalanche face tough choice with defense - All Things Avalanche
As Erik Johnson returns from injury, how might that threaten Shane O`Brien's fortunes in Denver?

Report: John MacLean is new Assistant Coach in Carolina - Canes Country
Kirk Muller adds a former teammate in New Jersey to his coaching staff.

O Captain My Captain: Red Wings 4 - Lightning 2 - Winging It In Motown
Detroit has now strung six wins in a row.

Oilers Lose To Wild in a Shootout; I've Seen Worse - The Copper & Blue
Edmonton fans look at games vs. Minnesota the same way we do Preds/Flames matchups. Expect a yawner...

Devils at Avalanche Recap: Avs Bury Devils 6-1 - Mile High Hockey
Colorado broke out with a solid effort on home ice, a rarity this season.

Bruins, David Krejci Flatten Maple Leafs, Cap Off Almost-Perfect November - Stanley Cup of Chowder
Don't look now, but the Boston Bruins just went 12-0-1 last month.