Last night's 5-3 win over the Avalanche lifted the Nashville Predators back into 4th place in the Western Conference, but the standings have tightened up once again, with six teams within a mere four points heading into today's action. Besides the NBC Game of the Week featuring Detroit & Boston, Preds fans will want to keep an eye on the following:
Los Angeles Kings at Philadelphia Flyers: 2:00 p.m. Central
The Kings are 6-2-2 in their last 10, but face a tough test against the East's best team.
Columbus Blue Jackets at Dallas Stars: 2:00 p.m. Central
The Stars are trying to hold on to a slim Pacific Division lead, while the Blue Jackets linger just outside the main group of playoff contenders.
San Jose Sharks at Florida Panthers: 4:00 p.m. Central
The Sharks haven't lost back-to-back games in a month, and are just one point behind the Preds. Florida is a mere 11-9-6 on home ice.
Anaheim Ducks vs Edmonton Oilers: 7:00 p.m. Central
I still can't believe the Ducks have hung around, but they're one point behind Nashville, too, and face the bottom-dwelling Oilers.
In the meantime, follow after the jump for reaction from last night, news of suspensions coming down from the Islanders-Penguins brawl Friday night, and a whole lot more!
There's a busy week in Smashville ahead with San Jose coming in Tuesday, Vancouver on Thursday, and Phoenix next Saturday, so take the OTF Discount on Nashville Predators tickets for sale on these, or any other home game!
Nashville Predators News
Fang Finger Fever: Preds show resiliency, upend Avalanche in Fisher's first game
Josh came away from last night impressed with the play of Matt Duchene, who should be a dynamo in Denver for a long time.
Paul McCann - No Dejavu on this one...
Paul had the best seat in the house for last night's big win.
Hockey Night in Nashville: Preds Defeat Avalanche Despite Bad Defense
Robby wonders if the "TV timeout Standing O" is getting overused... an interesting question but I don't know how you'd manage something like that.
Predators Show Why They’re A Playoff Contender, Beat Avs 5-3 | The Predatorial
They did it just the way Kris drew it up... well, almost.
Preds On The Glass: Predators Beat Avalanche 5-3 in Fisher Debut
Buddy's recap includes video of Barry Trotz's post-game press conference.
The View from 111: Predators Win Ugly, Defeat the Avalanche 5-3
Mark isn't going to get picky, he'll take this one home.
Fellow Swede steals thunder of Peter Forsberg’s return to Nashville - Nashville Predators Examiner
There was a large contingent of Swedish media at last night's game to follow Foppa's comeback, but Patric Hornqvist was the bigger factor.
Around the NHL
How to rebuild an NHL franchise - Ottawa Citizen
In Ottawa, they're already considering how to move forward with that first-round draft pick.
Joe Sacco's decisions being questioned in Colorado - All Things Avs
Adrian Dater gives credit to Buddy Oakes and then goes on to question why Colorado defenseman John-Michael Liles sat on the bench for the entire first period last night.
Bob Cole: The real zeal - Toronto Sun
My favorite play-by-play announcer has no intention of retiring soon.
Liam McHugh to Debut as NBC Studio Host Today " Puck The Media
The spinning wheel of on-air talent continues as the NBC/Versus shuffle brings a late-night face to today's intermission show.
NHL suspends three, fines Islanders $100K for brawl - Puck Daddy
23 totals games handed out... that's not a bad start for what was a ridiculous display by the Islanders Friday night.
What Will The Islanders Look Like Today? - KuklasKorner
Asking a very good question here - that ridiculous brawl may have gotten the Islanders all worked up, but where do they go from there?
Rochester Amerks, Florida Panthers on thin afflilation ice - Democrat and Chronicle
Former Predators Director of Hockey Operations Mike Santos has a dilemma on his hands in Florida, as the Panthers may be splitting up with their AHL affiliate, the Rochester Americans.
Let's make a deal - Toronto Sun
Bruce Garrioch attempts to lay out each team's buy/sell proposition heading into the trade deadline.
2010-2011 Top 50 NHL Prospects - Western College Hockey Blog
I'm not sure how Zach Budish merits a #7 ranking in this list of top collegiate prospects while he recovers from knee surgery, but Craig Smith has had an outstanding season for Wisconsin.