Tonight marks the first Saturday night home game of the season, so let's just pretend that it's a second chance for a home opener, OK?
Marc will have your preview a little later on today, and will be covering the game from Bridgestone Arena. Until then, follow after the jump for your morning notes...
Nashville Predators News
The 303:30 – The Mega Trip, the home opener and Admirals voice Aaron Sims | Section 303
Jeremy & Codey welcome in one of the crew who went on her first road trip to cheer on the Preds in enemy territory.
Smashville 24/7: Smashville On The Glass - Pete Weber talks opening week
Buddy and Ryan and Pete, oh my!
Opening Night Flop Produces Early Uncharacteristic Response From Some Fans | The Predatorial
Does the Thursday night stinker provide enough cause for panic? No, but there are serious downside risks to this team that very few people are openly discussing. All that youth needs time to develop into a cohesive team. That takes months, or years, not weeks.
Mueller Gets Four Point Night, Ads Defeat Wolves 4-2 | Admirals Roundtable
The Admirals are off to a promising start, and it sounds like Roman Josi is "starting to work out", so hopefully he'll get his season back on track soon.
Predators' Ryan Suter, Devils' Zach Parise forged friendship by playing for country - The Tennessean
As friends, then, they should both sign reasonably-priced contracts to play together for the Preds next summer.
Nashville Predators' power play provides majority of offense - The Tennessean
And in other news, this season's NHL Winter Classic will be played in Hell.
Meteoric rise sees Smith land spot with Predators - NHL.com
More wind blowing into Craig Smith's sails
Around the Wide Wide World of Hockey
NHLPA Disputes NHL's Hockey-Related Revenue Calculations - SBNation.com
This could prove to be the initial skirmish in the battle over the next CBA; the Players Association is disputing the final numbers from last season, causing a holdup in the distribution of escrow refunds to the players. It's all over the definition of "hockey related revenue", which is the pie that gets divided up between the league and the NHLPA.
NHL schedule humor: Coyotes take on Jets in home opener | ProHockeyTalk
Awkward...
Video- Jason Blake’s Wrist Slashed By Skate Blade - KuklasKorner
A terrifying incident here, but thankfully, reports indicate that he should be OK.
Sleeping giant pries open Canucks' eyes - The Globe and Mail
Now this is a great example of innovative thinking applied to hockey management, the story of how Mike Gillis leveraged some expertise to optimize the Canucks' sleep schedule as it related to their travel during last season.
Oilers owner withdraws key demand in downtown arena proposal - The Globe and Mail
A major roadblock to a new arena in Edmonton appears to have been cleared...
Zamboni drivers help save player’s life after skate slice - Puck Daddy
Amazing story here - the good news is that the guys didn't actually use a Zamboni to get the victim to the hospital.
Video: Witness the lightning glory of the Tampa Tesla coil - Puck Daddy
Nifty... but I tend to agree with Sean here, it looks like it might be a little underwhelming in action.
Brooks Laich says players are ‘babysat’ too much by NHL’s concussion protocol - Capitals Insider
You just know that many players have been rolling their eyes at much of the concussion talk recently. They understand that they are playing in the fastest, most physical hockey league in the world.
Blues’ McDonald Returns to St. Louis with Possible Concussion - NHL Hot Stove
Bad news for the Blues, who were devastated by injuries last season, too.
Wilson not impressed with frustrated Franson - The Globe and Mail
Ron Wilson said that Cody Franson has put all the pressure on himself by complaining to the media...
Driving Play: Adjusting for Zone Starts: Zone Start Adjusted Corsi
More deep thinking on how to provide greater context to standard Corsi numbers.
The Islanders’ new Three Stars celebration is adorable - Puck Daddy
OK, this is pretty cool, a nice touch by the Isles.
"Special" Win For Carolina: Hurricanes 4, Sabres 3 - Canes Country
It was all about the PP and the PK for the Hurricanes last night.