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Might trade talks be underway between the Nashville Predators and Montreal Canadiens? One report this morning gives us good reason to suspect that's the case. The interesting thing here is that this story is driven by honest-to-goodness reporting, not just speculation or wild rumor-mongering. At this time of year there's plenty of garbage that gets tossed out there just to draw eyeballs, but this situation is worth a ponder.
Follow after the jump as we look into that Montreal talk, along with news & notes from around the league...
It's a busy week in Smashville with San Jose coming in Tuesday, Vancouver on Thursday, and Phoenix on Saturday, so take the OTF Discount on Nashville Predators tickets for sale on these, or any other home game!
Nashville Predators News
Montreal scouts set to call Nashville home this week - Nashville Predators Examiner
Crank up the trade speculation... Jim Diamond finds out that the Montreal Canadiens will be scrutinizing the Preds over the next few days. He sees Alexander Sulzer as a possibility to be moved, while his colleague in Montreal thinks the Habs would probably prefer Shane O`Brien. Given his role on the PK, I can't see O'Brien getting moved, and frankly I'd be surprised to see any blueliner leave at this point. I would have thought that if there was someone in Milwaukee who the Preds think can help them down the stretch and in the playoffs, we would have seen them up here by now.
The View from 111: Scenes from the Gnash Vegas Predators Gala
Mark ventured into Casino Smashville, and lived to tell the tale.
Preds On The Glass: Important Week for The Predators and Monday Wrap-Up
After all the hub-bub over the Mike Fisher trade, Buddy writes that the Preds need to get down to business, given the key games coming up on the schedule.
Hockey Night in Nashville: Is Nashville Turning Into A Hockey Town?
Robby's digging the 93% capacity crowds which have filled Bridgestone Arena so far this season. I have to wonder how much higher that number might climb down the stretch.
The Best and Worst Problem to Have – The Healthy Logjam | The Predatorial
Taking another stab at juggling the lineup once the Preds get back to full strength.
"I Feel Like We Lost The Game" | Admirals Roundtable
After gaining a 5-0 lead in the first period, the Admirals put up only 3 shots on goal over the final two periods, and head coach Lane Lambert ain't happy.
Plenty of possibilities presents possible problems for Predators' lineup | Nashville City Paper
One positive angle here is that guys will be motivated to play every night, knowing there's another player hoping to get into the lineup.
Around the NHL
Mario Lemieux responds to Isles/Pens fallout with strong words - Puck Daddy
The Pittsburgh legend came out with a public statement saying the NHL didn't go far enough with the punishment handed down to the New York Islanders. I say he should just be happy his coach didn't get suspended for having a player leave the bench during the middle of that nonsense.
‘A Battle Every Night’ In The Western Conference: Dany Heatley - Predlines
In recent years the Sharks have cruised atop the Western Conference, but this season they find themselves in the middle of a 10- or 11-team race for 5 playoff spots.
Kings Gameday: Is Kopitar Really Struggling? - Battle of California
With 3 goals in his last 25 games, Anze Kopitar is feeling the heat. But should he?
Game No. 56 (Puck-Rakers Blog)
The Blue Jackets are showing signs of life these days, with a 2-1 win in Dallas yesterday taking them to a recent run of 8-3-2.
On Frozen Blog › Time for a Change in Culture
Have the Washington Capitals lost their identity as a team? They've struggled to find their way for quite a while now.
Maple Leafs 0 at Canadiens 3: On PK Subban - Pension Plan Puppets
PK Subban has been a lightning rod for criticism this season, and PPP walks through some of the reasons why. I see him as a breath of fresh air, honestly.
RESULTS: Lightning re-branding reaction survey - Raw Charge
Pretty neat stuff here - after the Tampa Bay Lightning rolled out their new logo & jerseys, this site ran a detailed survey of fans to get their thoughts. Personally, I really dig the new look.
Stat Nerd Sunday: At 21, evaluating 'underage' Stamkos greatness - Puck Daddy
Comparing Tampa's superstar to other high-flying young players over the years.
Why Future Performance, Not Consistency, Matters - Russian Machine Never Breaks
A good lesson on why I haven't been worried at all about Patric Hornqvist's goal-scoring this season, but I do feel that Sergei Kostitsyn will cool off.