At long last the mens hockey tournament gets rolling at the Winter Olympics later today (Chris will have more on that later on), but until then, load up on a heaping helping of morning hockey news. Then, jump into yesterday's SWOT discussion on the Strengths of the Nashville Predators organization. Over the course of the week I hope to have a thorough, participatory analysis of where the team stands today.
After the jump, we've got two Nashville bloggers regaling us with tales of their travels with the team, a sneak peek at how the lines will look for some of the major medal contenders, and a hilarious video that will get your Olympic juices flowing...
Predators News
Preds On The Glass: Olympic Hockey Kicks Off and POTG Podcast with Mark Willoughby
Buddy recaps last night's podcast, which include Mark Willoughby's account of his road trip with the Predators last week.
See Puck City: 303 NYC
SPC also made the trip to New York, and shares the whole story.
Keith is NHL's Best Defenseman - Versus
Adrian Dater lists Shea Weber as one of his top 5 defensemen in the NHL...
Nashville Predators say Winter Olympics title will go to Canada - The Tennessean
Even among the Preds who are going, the consensus pick is for the Canadians to win gold.
Offseason experience eases Ryan Suter’s transition to Olympics - Nashville Predators Examiner
Jim Diamond writes that since he played in the World Championships last summer, Ryan Suter might better adapt to Olympic play than some of his teammates.
Around the NHL
How Much Does Jaromir Jagr Have Left In The Tank? - Hockey or Die
Last season, the Edmonton Oilers talked with the former NHL great about making a return. Will he show enough here in the Olympics to get that talk going again?
Olympic Line Combinations - View From My Seats
Matt Reitz gathers together the line combinations from the major Olympic hockey teams. It looks like Ryan Suter will play a top-pair role for Team USA.
Pittsburgh Penguins Trade Deadline Gameplan | The Hockey Writers
Now here's some interesting speculation; might the Penguins be interested in acquiring Dan Hamhuis?
Will the real 2010 playoff teams please stand up? - Mile High Hockey
A Denver scribe attempts to project which teams will or won't make the postseason.
mc79hockey.com - Australia on the Winter Olympics
A fascinating set of takes from the Australian press on the Winter Games.
FTR Roundtable: Canadian Pressure, Impending Trades, & Enforcers - From The Rink
The FTR crew looks at a number of issues around the league, including whether or not old-school enforcers are on their way out, given the recent Georges Laraque and Donald Brashear situations.
Rumors From The Rink: All Florida Players Are Now Available - From The Rink
The Florida Panthers are getting ready to have a yard sale. Should David Poile go shopping?
Updated Trade Deadline Playbook: Western Conference
TSN's Scott Cullen looks at all the teams in the West to see who's on the block and what each team's game plan is likely to be.
And lastly, Bloge Salming has Canada's welcome video for the other teams in the mens hockey tournament. Do you think they're ready to drop the puck already?