Wednesday afternoon notes: 2 former Preds on the shelf

Before you head downtown (or tune into the Preds' website) for tonight's Predators - Capitals preseason game, load up on your afternoon hockey notes, which include word that two former Nashville forwards are out of their teams' lineups...

Nashville Predators News

Preds On The Glass: Hockey 54's Launy "The" Schwartz Set for Nashville Radio Debut
Buddy's buddy is bringing a weekly radio show to 102.5 The Game.

Three Minutes With: Preds defenseman Teemu Laakso… | Section 303
Teemu's still looking for the lucky number which brings him a steady job in the NHL.

Bi:Weekly Question - What are the Expectations for Ryan Ellis? - Predlines
30-40 points? That's rather ambitious.

Centennial Training Camp Notes – 9/27 | The Predatorial
Jeremy shares his observations from yesterday's practice.

Pre-season Battle: Capitals vs Predators | Roster, Preview, and Prediction | The Predatorial
Offering a score prediction for a pre-season game? Just spin the dial...

Smith at center - Predators Insider
Keep an eye on Craig Smith tonight, it sounds like this game could prove to be an audition for a major role (at the expense of Cal O`Reilly, one would think).

Around the Wide Wide World of Hockey

Suspect charged in Wayne Simmonds banana-throwing affair - Puck Daddy
Well, the guy certainly looks like a douchebag... 

Protecting Mike Green the Red Wings Way - Japers' Rink
If you've got some time, this is one of the finest pieces of analysis (not stats stuff, don't worry) that I've read in quite a while, talking about how teams do (or do not) protect their skilled defensemen from taking big hits.

Puck Daddy chats with Brendan Shanahan about making suspension videos, Colin Campbell criticism and being new sheriff in town - Puck Daddy
Meet the NHL's new video star...

Florida Panthers Lose Mike Santorelli to Shoulder Injury ... Return: 'Between the Opener and Halloween' | On Frozen Pond
The former Pred got dinged up last night against Dallas.

Blues Lose Arnott For A Week - KuklasKorner
Jason Arnott gets an eye worked on, but should probably be ready for the Blues' season opener.

Pass or Fail: Player numbers on the front of NHL helmets - Puck Daddy
Hmm... Not crazy about the idea but I'll have to see 'em in action.

Recovery Club: Pro-Level Training Tools for Weekend Warriors | Playbook | Wired.com

OK, I need me some of this stuff!

 Nash, Datsyuk, Gaborik to have Career Years in 2011-2012? | The Hockey Writers

I don't think this guy understands that Shea Weber will still be a restricted free agent next summer.

Where to find Boston Bruins hats online | Hockey Gear HQ
The Boston Bruins are getting ready to defend their 2011 Stanley Cup Championship, and wicked-smart fans will check here for deals available at some of the online vendors.

OMG... You had to know this was coming!