Monday's notes: So... you want to be an NHL head coach?

by Dirk Hoag on Dec 12, 2011 8:02 AM EST in Nashville Predators News

Taking command of an NHL team is the pinnacle of the hockey coaching profession, but let's face it, the job security isn't exactly anything to brag about.

This morning, our league-wide hockey notes start off with word that another coach in the Western Conference might receive his walking papers soon...

5 Gift Ideas for Nashville Predators Fans | Hockey Gear HQ
Time's running short for gift ideas... 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

Preds On The Glass: Frankie Bouillon Has Been Key on Young Predators Team
Coaches love the fact that they've got a reliable vet to plug into the lineup once again.

Smashville 24/7: Wilson showing consistency, maturity
Willy (unlike Mike Fisher, as some have noted) really is on a pace to hit the 50-point mark. Anyone want to guess what his annual salary will be on a new contract if he does?

The Keys to Success: Kevin Klein and Colin Wilson - Predlines
With Kevin Klein, it's all about expectations. I'm comfortable with him as a 2nd-pair D and PK specialist, but he needs a little more help on the other side.

Francis Bouillon and Kevin Klein endured long second period shift Saturday - Nashville Predators Examiner
Bad things can happen when guys get caught out on the ice for long stretches like that, but Cube & Kleiner toughed it out.

Roman Josi’s first career goal a memorable one - Nashville Predators Examiner
It's always special for an NHLer to get his first-goal puck.

Nashville Predators' comeback effort could jump-start a hot streak - The Tennessean
Does the last 64 minutes or so of Preds hockey bode well for the road ahead? I'd say that's a tad optimistic.

Around the Wide Wide World of Hockey

Kings close to firing Coach Terry Murray - latimes.com
Get those resumes over to the Staples Center if you want to be considered...

Colorado Avalanche undergo bag skate - All Things Avalanche
Desperate times call for desperate measures in Colorado.

Suter deserves place among American-born greats - NHL.com
Ryan's uncle Gary enters the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame today.

George Vecsey - In Today’s World of Sports, Bad News Has Accomplices - NYTimes.com
Who's responsible for the rise of the specialized enforcer in today's NHL? Well, it starts with the fans.

Now And Then Through 30 - Hockey Wilderness
The Minnesota Wild continue to fly high atop the NHL. With 30 games in the books, are they for real?

An Opportunity to Win the "Shot Quality" Prize - Arctic Ice Hockey
Step right up, folks...

Dallas Stars Blog:: TWO MONTHS IN, TIME FOR TEN BOLD STATEMENTS
Darryl Reaugh tosses a bizarre line out there - "The rash of concussions in hockey has to have more cause at its root than just on-ice contact." Huh?

A Theory of Ice: On Narrative
An outstanding read here on what "narrative" is, and isn't, when it comes to hockey writing.

Is it turnaround time for Leafs’ penalty killing unit? - The Globe and Mail
I think you'd be hard-pressed to find an aspect of an NHL team that has been as bad, for so long, as Toronto's PK. For years now it has languished at the very bottom of the team rankings.

No Really, The Oilers Team Defense Is Driving The Turnaround At Even Strength - The Copper & Blue
If they can keep up the responsible play, these Oilers might hang around the playoff hunt for quite a while.

Habs Need More Offense From Tomas Plekanec | All Habs
Is Plekanec being wasted somewhat having to kill penalties on an offensively-challenged Montreal team?

Red Light District: Conversation with Bobby Ryan
Will the shift in coaching turn things around for Anaheim's dynamic winger?

Lower Level IIHF U20 World Junior Week Begins - Puck Worlds
Call in sick to work, folks, it's Slovenia vs. Great Britain today.

Legal Larceny: Sharks 2 - Hawks 3 (OT) - Second City Hockey
Chicago won this battle of two the West's hottest teams.

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Suter

Good interview with Gary Suter during an intermission of the Sharks game last night, up until the point that he said the Sharks needed to sign his nephew. Uh, hands off!!!

by BradHerman on Dec 12, 2011 10:25 AM EST reply actions

Hey, I said Murray would get fired first!

People stealing my material……….I’d sue if I could afford an attorney! :D

Defense keeps you in games........offense wins them!

by Grizzledbear on Dec 12, 2011 11:19 AM EST via mobile reply actions

Uhh… not that I’m complaining, but when do the Jackets finally fire Arneil?

by vols7381 on Dec 12, 2011 1:45 PM EST reply actions

Willy's development

I was skeptical coming into the season about Wilson’s potential for this year. Young guys are supposed to get better, not worse, as the year progresses. That didn’t happen at the end of last year when Wilson ended up in Trotzy’s doghouse (a.k.a the Dumont doghouse).

I have to say I’m very pleased with his performance this year. He frequently looks like the best player on the ice when he’s out there.

Willy, along with…Weber…Suter…and a total of 15 of the 23 players on our current roster are draft picks. The good news is, we are doing a good job (for the most part) of developing our draft picks. The challenge is, affording them when t’s time to re-sign them. A good problem to have, I guess.

by Griz-ATL on Dec 12, 2011 3:31 PM EST reply actions

There are definitely worse problems!

Willy, along with…Weber…Suter…and a total of 15 of the 23 players on our current roster are draft picks. The good news is, we are doing a good job (for the most part) of developing our draft picks. The challenge is, affording them when t’s time to re-sign them. A good problem to have, I guess.

Hands go uuppp..... AND THEY STAY THERE!
-nashvillepredators-

by davisca on Dec 12, 2011 8:14 PM EST up reply actions

Although........

One of the reasons a bottom spending team like ours has so many draft picks on their roster is because they tend to cost less money. There’s a reason why we have such a young team afterall.

Defense keeps you in games........offense wins them!

by Grizzledbear on Dec 13, 2011 12:01 AM EST via mobile up reply actions