We'd like to wish our readers a happy and safe Memorial Day - take it easy out there, and be sure to catch Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Finals tonight at 7:00 p.m. Central (NBC). If Game One is any indication, this could be a high-scoring series.
After the jump, we've got a look ahead to tonight's game, a retrospective on a big trade which is still benefiting the Flyers, and word that Wayne Gretzky has teams up with EA Sports to bring a hockey game to the Wii, which puts a faux hockey stick in your hands to control the action...
The Tennessean is hosting their annual Toast of Music City balloting, and I'd appreciate your support in the Best Blog category, just pop on over be sure to vote daily!
Predators News
Preds On The Glass: Hawks Win Unusual Opener and Weekend Round-Up
Buddy reacts to that wild Game One, and lets us know that there's no podcast tonight due to Game Two taking place.
Red Light District: Predators Forwards Outlook
Ryan looks at the Preds forwards for next season, where Nick Spaling, Cal O'Reilly, and Dustin Boyd will likely compete for just two available spots.
Forsberg deal has paid dividends for Flyers - NHL.com
Shawn P. Roarke takes us back to that fateful trade deadline deal of 2007, which didn't work out for the Predators, but gave Philadelphia some key assets which they still enjoy today.
Predators 2005 draft evaluation - Hockey's Future
Nashville's draft class from five years ago has come along nicely. Cody Franson and Patric Hornqvist in particular have developed into regular contributors in the Preds' lineup.
Around the NHL
Wayne Gretzky, EA Sports team up for Nintendo Wii game - Puck Daddy
This sounds interesting, a hockey game that "will be geared for younger gamers" and features a hockey stick-shaped controller. I'll have to try this out with my kids and report the results...
NHL finances still on thin ice - The Globe and Mail
Stephen Brunt pulls into the "most disingenuous NHL writers" lead with this piece, a rambling tirade against the salary cap.
Hawks' top line looks to pick up its play - NHL.com
Heading into Game Two, perhaps the biggest question is what will happen once Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, and Dustin Byfuglien get rolling.
Off-Day News: Leighton To Start Game 2, Carcillo Back In? Pronger Gets Feisty At Presser - Broad Street Hockey
Meanwhile, Chris Pronger jostles (playfully) with the media in response to their insipid questions, and they eat it up.
Oilers executive praises the"passionate" Oilogosphere - Cult of Hockey
The Oilers have a "director of research, analysis and software development"? Hey Nashville, are you looking for one? Please, pretty please?
2010 Devils Offseason: UFA Centers by 5-on-5 On-Ice & On-Ice Impact Stats - In Lou We Trust
A savvy, stats-based look at the centers on this summer's free agency market. This probably has no relevance to Nashville (which is set down the middle), but it's a worthwhile read.
mc79hockey.com - Agents Adding Value
Has Ritch Winter found a new angle on player representation?
Jason Strudwick, The Least-Shootinest Gun In the West. And NHL. Since 1998. - The Copper & Blue
Former Predator Mark Eaton also makes this least of tentative shooters in recent NHL history.
How do Goalies Age Part II | Hockey Analysis
Interesting analysis here which argues that after age 34, the overall trend for goalies looks pretty grim.
Joe Sakic Colorado Avalanche 2010 job in managment | All Things Avs
Could "Super Joe" join the Colorado front office soon?
NHL Draft Combine Fitness Testing 2010 - Anaheim Calling
Arthur presents the hard-core data from the draft combine... venture in if you dare!
The Dark Blue Jacket: The Blue Jackets' 10th Anniversary patch
Columbus prepares to celebrate with a new patch on their jerseys.
Bridgestone brand returns as the official tire of the NHL, NHLPA and Hockey Hall of Fame in five-year deal - NHL.com
Bridgestone signs on for a five-year extension as one of the NHL's premier sponsors, underscoring their commitment to the league at large, along with the Predators specifically.
Down Goes Brown: Other ways the NHL is trying to attract new referees
Here's a good one: "Referees will now be allowed to order an in-depth video replay review of those two hot chicks in section 203.