The Nashville Predators (and their fans) get a chance to put last night's brutal loss in the rear-view mirror quickly, thanks to another game tonight at Madison Square Garden against the Rangers. Chris has your Game Day Preview ready, so get set for another 6:00 Central start.
Until then, load up on your morning news and notes. There's a lot of moaning and groaning from last night, as well as a comprehensive look at draft trends around the NHL, another big trade taking place, and the possibility that Team Canada might lose a key forward for the Olympics...
Predators News
The View from 111: Predators Give Away A Valuable Point
Mark got to see last night's game up close and personal, and doesn't feel any better about it that we do back here in Nashville.
Preds 101: Cheater!: Boarding or "Thanks For Losing Us the Game, Marty"
Martin Erat's costly penalty last night inspires a new feature at Preds 101.
Confessions of a Predators Fanatic: I can't handle this
Kelly's especially frustrated by the fact that for much of this season, the Predators have shown great discipline in avoiding penalties, and now they're taking them at the worst possible times.
Preds On The Glass: Game Recap: Isles Beat Preds 4-3 in a Shoot Out
Buddy's epic recap ends with a question as to whether Pekka Rinne will get frustrated over the shoddy work in front of him.
Poor discipline costs Predators a point on Long Island - Nashville Predators Examiner
While Martin Erat's boarding call in the final minute last night led to the tying goal, Jim Diamond points out that was only one of a series of unnecessary penalties by the Preds. Jordin Tootoo's dive, for example, was just embarrassing.
What The Puck: 2/9/10 - Nashville at New York Islanders: L 3-4 SO
Rachel at least finds a couple positive notes from last night, in Cal O'Reilly's growing confidence and Jerred Smithson's durability.
Postgame ponderings - Predators Insider
John Glennon passes the blame around quite a bit as well, but notes solid efforts by J.P. Dumont and Pekka Rinne.
Around the NHL
Better Know A Winter Olympics Sport: Hockey, The Game That's Not For Amateurs - SB Nation
Be sure to pass this link around to your less hockey-sophisticated friends, it's an Olympics Hockey 101 that sets the table for what should be a great tournament.
Wings fall to Blues 4-3 after rallying late - Winging It In Motown
At least Detroit lost in the shootout as well last night, preventing them from gaining on the Preds.
After The First Round, NHL Draft Is A Crapshoot - From The Rink
Cory has a team-by-team breakdown of which round players were drafted in. Not surprisingly, the Preds are tied for having the 2nd-most homegrown players in the league.
"It was [expletive] brutal. We have too many guys who don’t compete..." - Litter Box Cats
A frank assessment of the Florida Panthers from their GM, Randy Sexton. Nasty stuff, indeed.
Will Canada's '100-percent' theory apply to Ryan Getzlaf? - ESPN
Will Ryan Getzlaf's ankle injury keep him out of the Olympics?
The Nucks Misconduct List of Canuck Nicknames - Nucks Misconduct
Do you get confused when Vancouver fans talk about The Hoff sending the puck up to Hank, who passes it over to Dank for the shot and Bank scores on the rebound? You can catch up here...
Thrashers Trade Kari Lehtonen to Dallas for Vishnevskiy, 4th-round Pick - Bird Watchers Anonymous
Atlanta picks up some assets for a goalie that hadn't played for them at all this season after back surgery.
Welcome, new guy! - Raw Charge
As Jeff Vinik prepares to buy the Tampa Bay Lightning, one fan has a Do & Don't Do list for him to read first.