I'm sure the Nashville Predators are going to have a hard couple of days as they prepare for Thursday's game at Vancouver, with an opportunity to hold a mini-training camp on the road and get the group focused on what they need to do, right now, to start competing more effectively. Judging from the post-game commentary from Barry Trotz and Jerred Smithson, it sounds like nobody (outside of Pekka Rinne, who has done all he can) is immune from criticism. Let's revisit my hopes for this road trip...
For now, follow after the jump for your look around the league...
Nashville Predators News
Preds On The Glass: POTG Tuesday Headlines, News and Links: Predators Need a Quick Turn-Around
Buddy's up and at 'em with his morning links, which include some shark-surfing news.
Paul McCann - Development Needs in Full View
Paul sets up tomorrow night's edition of SlapShot Radio, and reacts to the Preds' play of late.
Switching Places: Better Power Play, Worse Even Strength for the Predators | The Predatorial
This certainly isn't a usual Preds team...
Smithson’s pointed words - Predators Insider
Jerred Smithson for captain? It's a thought... the guy should bear an "A" at the very least.
Predators hit ‘rock bottom’ with 3-1 loss to Edmonton - Nashville Predators Examiner
Jim Diamond shares Barry Trotz's harsh criticism of David Legwand from last night. Early on, there was another sign of trouble as Leggy dumped the puck in, then got ridden off the play by an Oilers defender - it was a great opportunity to draw an interference call, but Legwand didn't fight through it at all. That one had me rolling my eyes...
A couple of notes from Monday's morning skate - Nashville Predators Examiner
Former Pred Ryan Jones has pulled off the unthinkable, out-mullleting Ryan Smyth.
Shootout Lineup | Admirals Roundtable
Ryan opens up the floor for debate - why Admirals should lead the way in the shootout?
Around the Wide Wide World of Hockey
On Ryan Smyth Bobblehead Night Who Else Would Lead The Way? - The Copper & Blue
The Edmontonian perspective on last night's affair.
MacKinnon: Eberle poster boy for bumping back NHL draft age - Edmonton Journal
A discussion of the recent proposal to push the NHL's draft age up to 19, with Jordan Eberle as an example of a player taking his time to develop before moving up.
Avalanche kiddie corps trending up - The Globe and Mail
Colorado has been a work in progress for a while now, and they're hoping their young players develop into a competitive core soon.
Is Rushing Ryan Kesler a Panic Move? - NHL Hot Stove
Just two days after talking about not quite being ready, Ryan Kesler appears set to return.
Murray discusses Penner’s status " LA Kings Insider
There's an odd disconnect in the way Terry Murray talks about Dustin Penner's knee injury.
Digging a Hole - The Cannon
Things could always be worse... a whiff of panic is in the air around Columbus.
Bobrovsky waiting for his chance - Broad Street Hockey
What about Bob?
Caps' Vokoun adjusts to less stress on the ice - Washington Times
The Capitals are quite different than any team Tomas Vokoun has played on before.
Impact of Winning an Offensive Zone Faceoff, Even-Strength vs Power-Play - Arctic Ice Hockey
A good primer on just how large a factor faceoffs can be over the course of a season. They're not huge, but a team has to look for any edge they can get.
Down Goes Brown: A hockey fan's guide to the World Series
"World Series: "Blocking the plate" can get you seriously injured if you are a catcher and there is a close play at home. NHL: "Blocking the plate" can get you seriously injured if you are dining with Dustin Byfuglien."
Interview With Eric Lindros On His Career, Concussions, Winter Classic Reunion Rumors, More - The Hockey Writers |
It sounds like we might see The Big E in a Flyers alumni game as part of the Winter Classic.
Jaromir Jagr Back in N.H.L. With Fourth Team, the Flyers - NYTimes.com
Early reviews of Jagr's play are encouraging in Philly, but at age 39, can he keep it going?
Dan Ellis earns his paycheck, stops 41 shots for 3-2 win - Fear The Fin
Apparently the Sharks are not part of #DanEllisProblems.
Cats Recap: Powerplay propels Panthers to 7-4 victory over Lightning - Litter Box Cats
Touchdown... Panthers!
Game 6 Recap: Avs Clip Leafs 3-2 in OT; Perfect 5-0 On Road Trip - Mile High Hockey
Colorado's power play has now converted on 7 of their last 12 chances.
Early Goals Hurt: Jets Beat Penguins 2-1 - PensBurgh
Pittsburgh fell behind just 8 seconds into the game last night in Winnipeg.