Wednesday morning notes: Preds go on the hunt for big game

The Nashville Predators successfully passed one test last night, by getting back into the win column against a Chicago Blackhawks team which sorely needed a victory. Coming up on Friday, however, an even stiffer challenge awaits. The Detroit Red Wings have set a new NHL record with 21 consecutive wins on home ice, with the Preds next up on their guest list.

If you're going to go on the prowl, you might as well go after big game, right?

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Nashville Predators News

As always the morning after a game, I encourage you to surf through the "More Predators Sites" box on the left side of the main page here, as every blog in town has a recap from last night.

Barry Trotz: The Greatest Coach You've Never Heard Of - WSJ.com
A nice cross-sport comparison of the coach's tenure as an expansion team's leader.

Ads Shutout The Houston Slumpbusters | Admirals Roundtable
I had no idea the AHL was so creative with their team names.

Colin Wilson remember Toews - Predators Insider
Willy and Captain Serious both grew up in the Winnipeg area.

Barry Trotz gets results from Nashville Predators after benching | The Tennessean
Hmm... maybe PPP is right, and Legwand should get scratched for a game?

Postgame ponderings - Predators Insider
You can't ignore the difference in goaltending last night.

Around the Wide Wide World of Hockey

40 for 40: Memories of Jagr as he turns 40 years old - NHL.com
Happy birthday to the NHL's mullet master.

NHL: Chicago Blackhawks can't find cause for nine-game losing streak - ESPN
What can Chicago do to end their slide?

Zidlicky waives no-trade clause to go to New Jersey, no deal done yet | StarTribune.com
Zids says he's OK with going to the Devils, but there's still work to be done to make it happen.

Canes Now - Ruutu to be sidelined three weeks | newsobserver.com blogs
Tuomo Ruutu is out with an upper body injury, but Carolina Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford says that shouldn't get in the way of negotiating a contract with him, or trading him if that turns out to be the best choice.

Penguins Coach Dan Bylsma supports putting red line back in, slowing game down | Puck Daddy
It's going to take a lot of convincing for me to buy that the removal of the two-line offsides rule has led to increased injuries in the NHL. It's the puck that's moving more quickly because of that rule, not the players.

Message from Sutter to Penner: "Work your ass off" - View From My Seats
Dustin Penner's been a huge disappointment in Los Angeles.

Henrik Lundqvist survives Zdeno Chara shot to back of head for save of year candidate (VIDEO) | Puck Daddy
I'm sorry, but this is a classic over-hype. Yes, Lundqvist takes Chara's shot off his noggin, but how does that make it a Save of the Year candidate? It's not like he deliberately made a move to stop that puck.

Stu Hackel Week on Arctic Ice Hockey: Improved Shooting Accuracy - "Stats the NHL Ought to Keep" - Arctic Ice Hockey
Much ado about missing the mark.

Driving Play: The Driving Play Podcast - Take 1
Behold, a new hockey podcast is born.

I Love Everything: Red Wings 3 - Stars 1 - Winging It In Motown
The Red Wings notch win #21 in a row on home ice. Can the Preds stop that streak on Friday?

Game 57 Recap: Goats and Wolves - The Cannon
Thank you, Blue Jackets, for beating St. Louis in regulation.

Islanders 3 (EN), Jets 1: Nabokov and the Usual Suspects - Lighthouse Hockey
Another showcase win for Evgeni Nabokov?

Spezza hat trick leads Senators to 4-0 win over Lightning - Silver Seven
The Senators got an all-around solid effort last night at Tampa Bay.

Rangers Vs. Bruins: Rangers Take Commanding Lead In East With 3-0 Win Over Bruins - Blueshirt Banter
The Rangers rolled into Boston and shut out the Bruins to extend their lead in the East to 9 points.