Trade winds start blowing in the NHL - Thursday's notes

All is well once again in Predators Land coming off the heels of last night's 4-1 win in Detroit. The guys scored a few goals, obviously in response to Barry Trotz's blistering words (right? right?), so as long as they keep up that kind of effort they should get things moving in a positive direction. You know, as long as the other team doesn't try just as hard, too.

The big concern hanging overhead for the next couple days will be the status of Marcel Goc, who left late in the first period last night. Practice has been canceled for today, so I doubt we'll hear an update until tomorrow. But if Goc does have to end up missing any action, the Preds will be down to one proven NHL center with any offensive punch... David Legwand.

Follow after the jump as trade winds start blowing around the NHL (4 deals made yesterday!), two ancient rivals staged a fight-filled game that had the penalty box overflowing, and Blake Geoffrion goes a-Yonkin'...

The Colorado Avalanche visit Nashville on Saturday, possibly with Peter Forsberg (if he can get visa issues worked out). Save yourself some cash and take the OTF Discount on Nashville Predators tickets for this, or any other home game.

Nashville Predators News

Preds On The Glass: Barry Trotz Motivates Team to 4-1 Win in Detroit and Thursday Thoughts
Buddy sums up the conventional view of last night's win while sharing his morning links.

Who should Poile and the Preds target at the deadline? | Section 303
Jeremy looks at 10 options for adding to the forward ranks.

Admirals Excrement-The-Bed Against Peoria | Admirals Roundtable
You know it's bad when Blake Geoffrion goes off for Yonking.

The Lombardi timetable - Predators Insider
There's nothing truly new here, just an update that the Preds are a "few weeks" from deciding whether to call the season over for Matthew Lombardi. Considering how long he'd need to get back in game shape even if he were cleared today, one can't be surprised. 

Around the NHL

VIDEO: Goalie Fight, Eight Goals Highlight Second Period Of Bruins Vs. Canadiens Game - SBNation.com
What a night between the Canadiens and Bruins. Check this one out just for the picture of six Boston players in the penalty box at one time.

Friends help each other in Anaheim-Toronto deal - USATODAY.com
Kevin Allen looks at the Ducks-Maple Leafs trade yesterday as a potential win-win between two GM's who used to work together.

AC Reacts to the Lupul Trade - Anaheim Calling
SB Nation's Anaheim bloggers then provide their view.

Frolik To Hawks – Skille To Panthers | Hockey Independent
Chicago may have given themselves a bit of offensive depth by prying Michael Frolik from Florida, where GM Dale Tallon gets Jack Skille, a big lug who he drafted originally when he was with the Blackhawks.

Islanders Open Door for Monotya - The Goalie Guild
A calamity of injuries has reopened a shot at the NHL for Al Montoya, who Phoenix traded to the New York Islanders yesterday.

The ever-changing market for Jay Leach - Fear The Fin
There was also one more minor trade yesterday, with San Jose and New Jersey swapping minor leaguers.

mc79hockey.com - Talking Points
Tearing down one of the lamest compliments for a loser team - that at least many of their games are close.

Video: Getzlaf Hammers Hamhuis - Nucks Misconduct
Dan Hamhuis took a hard hit from Ryan Getzlaf behind the net last night, but it didn't look dirty. Wouldn't be surprised if Hammer is concussed, though.

Rangers News: Sather Taking Calls Regarding Marian Gaborik - Blueshirt Banter
Who wants a $7.5 million winger with a groin made of glass?

Coyotes Sale Possibly Coming to a Close as Glendale Issues Bond Sale - Five For Howling
Somewhere up north, David Shoalts is twisting his mustache and cackling, "Curses! Foiled again!"

PTM Interview: Brian Engblom Goes Inside the Glass " Puck The Media
Steve talks with the veteran analyst who has been moved to sideline duty as part of the shuffling over at Versus.

Matt Cooke Unsurprising Choice to Top List of Hockey’s Dirtiest Players - NESN.com
This is a pretty pathetic Top 10 list out of Boston. It features 8 players from the East and only 2 from the West, one of which is Maxim Lapierre, who really made his reputation in Montreal. (found via Kukla's Korner)

Minnesota Wild vs. Colorado Avalanche: Game Recap - Hockey Wilderness
Congratulations go out to former Predator Andrew Brunette, who was recognized for playing his 1000th NHL game.

Anderson refuses to give up on NHL - HockeyExpressen.se
Jonas Andersson still has plans to return to the NHL someday, despite bouncing back to the KHL this season.

I’ve been (almost) everywhere, man " LA Kings Insider
Nashville makes the Top 10 favorite NHL cities to visit for L.A. Kings beat writer Rich Hammond.

And lastly, here's something to celebrate the 75th birthday of Stompin' Tom Connors, of "The Hockey Song" fame, found at Greatest Hockey Legends: