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Starting off the week atop the Central Division standings puts a little bit of sunshine into your Monday morning, doesn't it, Preds fans?
Besides some glowing reviews of last week's work and a celebration of Anders the Giant, however, there is an undertone of concern regarding injuries. As if having Martin Erat and Matthew Lombardi out of the lineup wasn't bad enough, Marcel Goc left Saturday's game late in the second period, providing a real test of the Preds' depth up front. Follow after the jump for those issues and a whole lot more...
Jarome Iginla and the Calgary Flames come to Smashville on Tuesday, while Sidney Crosby & the Pittsburgh Penguins play here Thursday. Use this special offer for OtF readers to save money on Nashville Predators tickets for these, or any other home games this season.
Nashville Predators News
Preds’ Injury Updates: Goc and Lombardi Out, Rinne Back | PredsBlog
Sam runs through some of the options if Marcel Goc has to go on injured reserve.
Jordin Tootoo’s elevated play lands him on a higher line - Nashville Predators Examiner
Toots joined the dynamic duo of Joel Ward and David Legwand Saturday night and had a good game. Can he keep it up?
Greetings From Smashville! Season 13: Week 2 | The Hockey Writers
Jas recaps the week that was.
Lindback Impressed With Opportunity, Now Rinne Set To Return To Action - Predlines
The team has to feel much better about their goaltending situation after Lindback's impromptu starring role last week.
Red Light District: Nashville’s O’Reilly Finally Settling In
Has a hot start secured Cal's spot on the Nashville roster? Let's check back after about 15 more games...
Fan Shootout With... Preds Goaltender Pekka Rinne - Nashville Predators.com
Hey, he hasn't played for a while, so why not take some questions from the fans?
Dekanich Re-assigned; Maybe Big News Monday? | Admirals Roundtable
Keep your ears open for some news coming from Milwaukee about their game Saturday night... exactly what, we're not sure.
Charles-Olivier Roussel suspended for three games - Nashville Predators Examiner
Third man in... yup, that's pretty much automatic trouble.
Around the NHL
Weekend wrap: New OT plan, Wings' roster issues, Souray drama - ESPN
Could a new overtime format be in place for next season?
Video: Kris Letang ejected for legal hit not to the head - Puck Daddy
Blake Comeau needs to tighten his chinstrap. A completely legit shoulder-to-shoulder hit sends his bucket flying, so the refs gave Kris Letang a major and a game misconduct on a bad "reaction" call.
Thoughts on Joe Thornton's contract extension with the Sharks - Fear The Fin
Some are saying Joe Thornton let San Jose off easy with his 3-year, $21 million contract. My hunch tells me, however, that in 3 years the salary cap could be 10-15% higher (easily), and if he's able to lead the Sharks to post-season success, Jumbo Joe could an even bigger payday coming in 2014.
Video: Fowler gets first NHL goal, gets knocked out of game - Buzzing The Net
Young defenseman Cam Fowler has been pretty much the only good story coming out of Anaheim so far, but then he takes a big hit from Shane Doan.
Patrick Kaleta Fined For Headbutt On Travis Zajac - Die By The Blade
Start at the 1:40 mark of the attached video to get to the point of all this. Heck, forget the headbutt, fine him for the disgraceful flop to the ice after trying to stir up noise along the boards.
Brian Burke: A Leafs Enigma - The Globe and Mail
Roy MacGregor profiles the man leading the Maples Leafs' front office. To me, he's a lot like Don Cherry; often insightful, sometimes wrongheaded, but always entertaining.
Red Light District: Conversation with Brooks Laich
Ryan caught up with the Washington forward and among other things, asked him their upcoming HBO series.
Capitals Insider - More on the Capitals' comeback in Nashville
Katire Carrera writes about the moment that turned the tide Saturday night for the Caps.
What Is Avery Thinking? - KuklasKorner
I'm guessing, "People aren't talking enough about me lately, so I'll take a bush-league whack at a guy's ankle."
VIDEO: Mike Richards blasts Pens following 5-1 loss - Broad Street Hockey
SBN's Philly blog captures the Flyers captain saying the Penguins "fall down pretty easy" when asked about the number of penalties his team took.
Rangers brawler Boogaard unable to do his job - NYPOST.com
Larry Brooks ponders the inanity of Derek Boogaard's contract, and the wrongheaded notion that goons actually help prevent injury to his teammates.
Desperate? " SenSay
Folks are getting frustrated in Ottawa...
Thomas making doubters look foolish | The Hockey Writers
People have written him off due to his big contract, but Tim Thomas is still a quality NHL goaltender for the Boston Bruins.
The hair-raising month of November - The Globe and Mail
Mustache season is just around the corner (yes, you read that right)...
CrowdWave: Changing NHL arena experience, for better or worse - Puck Daddy
There's a new in-game entertainment system being tried out in 5 NHL arenas, but it is it really as interactive as it claims?
"Gift Clause" Not Really Much of an Issue for Coyotes/Hulsizer - From The Rink
For those of you interested in the legal minutiae of the Phoenix Coyotes' situation, an insightful discussion of what's on the table as part of the current proposed deal.
A Theory of Ice: Game 2: I Dream of Goalies
I wonder if, during that opening win over Anaheim, Anders Lindback was having a dream like this on the bench.
Power Play Performers: West - Fantasy Hockey Scouts
Cal O'Reilly makes this list of top PP leaders in ice time, which is a key indicator for fantasy hockey purposes.
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