Thursday afternoon notes: Preds react to All-Star selection

Our afternoon hockey notes start off with reaction from both here in Nashville and around the NHL to today's All-Star selections. The Preds will have both Ryan Suter and Shea Weber in the All-Star Game, while Craig Smith goes as a rookie participant in the SuperSkills Competition, so there will be plenty for Preds fans to watch in a couple weeks.

Follow after the jump for that, and a whole lot more!

Where To Buy 2012 NHL All-Star Game Gear | Hockey Gear HQ
If you're looking for hats, jerseys, t-shirts, or anything else tied to the 2012 NHL All-Star Game, here are the best places you should do your shopping.

Nashville Predators News

Nashville Predators trio going to NHL All-Star weekend - The Tennessean
Ryan Suter & Shea Weber offer their appreciation for being selected.

Smashville 24/7: Smith ‘humbled’ by All-Star Game inclusion
The Honey Badger will do just fine, I'm sure.

Is Pekka Rinne an All-Star snub for the second year in a row? | Section 303
No.

Flyers Want Ryan Suter? History Tells Us What He'll Cost - SB Nation Philly
They're getting covetous in Philadelphia.

Nashville Predators' Ryan Ellis off to good NHL start - The Tennessean
Can The Human Rocket Ship keep it up? I hope so, at least to some extent, as I picked him up for one of my fantasy hockey teams.

Around the Wide Wide World of Hockey

Who are the biggest 2012 NHL All-Star Game surprise inclusions? - Puck Daddy
Yeah, including Carey Price is a joke.

NHL players are dropping gloves less often – USATODAY.com
Kevin Allen reports that fighting is down 25% this season, as the game continues to evolve away from the use of enforcers.

Katie Baker's Coldhearted: On Jarome Iginla, staying loyal, and the rest of the week in the NHL - Grantland
Yup, Iggy should just accept that trade to Nashville.

Peter Laviolette: 'I'm unfamiliar with the Corsi and Fenwick statistical powers' - Broad Street Hockey
Some teams are, some team's aren't.

Dean Lombardi apologizes to Oilers over Mulletgate fiasco | Edmonton Journal
Well, this has been a long time coming.

Peter Mueller comeback video | All Things Avalanche
Congratulations go out to Peter Mueller as he returns to the lineup tonight for Colorado. He has only played 3 games so far this season, and missed all of 2010-2011, due to concussions.

Umberger Concussed | BlueJackets Xtra
And the Columbus forward to the list of the concussed.

Is This What Pens Fans have Become? - PensBurgh
Are Penguins fans getting frustrated over the length of time Sidney Crosby has been out of the lineup?

Question of the Week: Would YOU buyout Lecavalier? - Raw Charge
Tampa Bay fans ponder the possibilities of escaping from their captain's contract.

The story of two traveling Sharks fans journey to Winnipeg | Illegal Curve Hockey
Winnipeg fans welcomed two visitors from San Jose with open arms, including the offer of free lower bowl tickets.

With J.J. Abrams iPhone app, you too can blow up Alex Ovechkin with a missile (Video) - Puck Daddy
Finally, a useful application of modern technology!

Hockey Prospectus | Numbers On Ice: Columbus, True Talent, And The Limits Of Corsi
How badly, and in what way, does Columbus stink? Tom Awad provides an answer.

Believe It Or Not, the Blues Could Be Better - St. Louis Game Time
Optimism is riding high in St. Louis these days.