Friday's notes: Do the Preds have another monster draft class in the making?

Setting aside the wacky ending to last night's game for a moment, our hockey notes this morning start off with an analysis which suggests the Nashville Predators might have another stellar draft class in the making. Follow on after the jump to find out which one...

Saturday's game vs. Anaheim should be a sellout, so check out our Tickets page to find deals on the resale market!

Nashville Predators News

2009 Draft - Forwards and NHL Equivalencies - The Copper & Blue
The Preds' 2009 Draft is starting to come up roses - Craig Smith has obviously taken a huge step forward, but Zach Budish is also producing well after losing last year to his second serious knee injury, and Michael Latta has impressed. Taylor Beck, however, has fallen off the pace for now. Of course, this analysis only looks at the forwards. There is also Ryan Ellis and Mattias Ekholm on the blueline, too.

The Hippodrome: 9 December 2011 | Pith in the Wind
J.R. takes us on a whirlwind tour of the week in sports around Nashville, including the troubling lack of home-field advantage for both the Preds & Titans.

Trotz: Hit on Hornqvist Shocking, Suspendable | PuckScene.com
I doubt the league will do anything about this hit, but it was vicious, and came well after the play.

Inside Smashville " Bouillon provides spark for Predators with first fight since sustaining concussion
I remember a similar narrative after a home game against New Jersey earlier this season. Cam Janssen took a beating from Brian McGrattan, but since the Devils won the game, that was looked at as a turning point.

Pekka Rinne finally breaks slump - The Tennessean
My fantasy hockey team is doing much better, thanks.

Tough year for Dekanich - Predators Insider
This was the year that Mark Dekanich was primed to play in the NHL right from the start, but injuries have gotten in the way.

Around the Wide Wide World of Hockey

Sale of MLSE to Rogers, Bell near - Toronto Sun
What do you think, sell the Maple Leafs and move 'em to Maury County? That should get Festival Tennessee rolling.

Did the Ottawa Senators win the Dany Heatley trade? - Puck Daddy
Well, look who's atop the NHL goal-scoring race right now... none other than Ottawa's Milan Michalek.

Can We Be Thankful for a Salary Cap? - Puck Drunk Love
Yes, yes, a thousand times, yes.

Shanahan explains Ville Leino’s 1-game suspension for Read elbow - Puck Daddy
Brendan Shanahan is keeping the video crew busy with all these rulings.

Porter gets four-game suspension, Malone called up - All Things Avalanche
Kevin Porter gets a 4-game suspension for the knee shot that put Vancouver's David Booth on the shelf for weeks.

Steve Ott on new ticket pricing: A full house at home is one of the greatest things in the world for a player - The Dallas Morning News
One of the first initiatives launched the new owner in Dallas is to reduce ticket prices and fill the building.

Kirk Muller echoes Badger Bob - The Globe and Mail
It's all about the carrot, ahead of the stick. BTW, it's great to see Eric Duhatschek, one of the very finest hockey writers in all the land, back at the keyboard.

Penguins Ready to Take Fans ‘In the Room’ With New Reality Series - The Hockey Writers
This sounds much like Oil Change, the series which takes Edmonton Oilers fans behind the scenes. Just remember, however, that these are team-produced shows, so it's not exactly an independent production.

Don't create outsized fears because of Graham James sex abuse case - The Globe and Mail
Is it possible for parents to overreact to monsters like Graham James and become too protective of their kids?

B’s handled Tyler Seguin situation right way - BostonHerald.com
He may be the Bruins' leading scorer, but it was right to scratch Tyler Seguin for oversleeping, writes Steve Buckley.

Siegel: The evolution of Dion Phaneuf - TSN
Is Dion Phaneuf finally rounding into the elite-level defenseman that everyone expected a few years ago? It sounds like he's become more disciplined about going for big hits.

Dean of American hockey announcers enters U.S. Hall - NHL.com
Mike Emrick is set to become the first broadcaster inducted into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame next week.

Game Recap 28: Ode We Will Bury Ourselves - The Cannon
Here's the view from Columbus on last night's game. As you can imagine, it isn't pretty.

Depleted Wild win again, Mike Yeo on Mikko Koivu: "We're getting this kill, ... " | StarTribune.com
The Minnesota Wild continue to defy expectations, beating L.A. 4-2.

Rangers Vs. Lightning: Rangers Give Up Late Goal; Drop The Shootout - Blueshirt Banter
The major incident here was a taunting display by the Rangers' Artem Anisimov that set off a ruckus.

Anisimov Apologizes for Gesture - NYTimes.com
Stuff happens in the heat of the moment, and at least Anisimov recognized the error of his ways.

Starting On Time: Red Wings 5 - Coyotes 2 - Winging It In Motown
The Red Wings put 5 on the board in the 1st period before cruising to the win.

Avalanche at Flames Recap, Colorado Gets Burned By The Flames 3-2 - Mile High Hockey
The Flames passed up the Avalanche for 12th in the West by beating them in Calgary.

T.J. Oshie Scores Twice In Blues Beating Of Ducks - St. Louis Game Time
The Blues have won six of their last eight after topping Anaheim last night.

Didn't We Deserve A Look At You The Way You Really Are: Blackhawks 3 - Islanders 2 - Second City Hockey
Marian Hossa scored his 400th career NHL goal (video at Hockey Gear HQ) en route this win.

First place! #HartnellDown helps Flyers to 3-2 win over Penguins - Broad Street Hockey
It was another fierce battle between Philly & Pittsburgh, with the Flyers taking this one.

Canucks At Canadiens Recap ; Not Dead Yet (4-3s/oW) - Nucks Misconduct
Vancouver has won eight out of their last nine, and are in the passing lane right now.

NHL offers Buy One, Get One 40% Off sale for Friday, December 9 | Hockey Gear HQ
This is an excellent opportunity to save big while shopping at the NHL’s official outlet, but it's good for today only.