Injuries could test Preds' depth again - Friday's notes

After the jubilation from last night's impressive 3-1 win over the Vancouver Canucks has died down, attention turns to the injury front this morning for Predators fans. With Marcel Goc's left arm in a sling and Steve Sullivan at Vanderbilt getting checked out after taking a puck to the face, we could see the Preds tap into their depth in Milwaukee once again. If Goc can't play Saturday, does Chris Mueller get called back up? If Sully can't go, will Matt Halischuk get recalled? And what about Blake Geoffrion, who has been tearing up the AHL of late? Has he earned the opportunity to make his NHL debut?

Of course, one also has to wonder how these injuries might impact the team's approach to the trade market. Preds assistant general manager Paul Fenton joined the Thom Abraham Show yesterday afternoon to talk about their overall view of things as we are now 10 days away from the NHL Trade Deadline:

Paul Fenton on Thom Abraham Show 20110217 (MP3)

Follow after the jump for your morning hockey news...

Former Predator Vern Fiddler leads the Phoenix Coyotes into town on Saturday, so take the OTF Discount on Nashville Predators tickets for this, or any other home game!

Nashville Predators News

Predators Mulling Mustard Again? - icethetics.info
Rumor has it that the Preds might have a mustard jersey in the works for next season...

Friday Face-Offs, 2/18/2011 | Hockey Independent
David offers his thoughts on some of the trade speculation surrounding the Preds, as well as hot issues from around the league.

Preds On The Glass: Predators-Canucks, Playoff Preview? and Friday Findings
Buddy's up & at 'em with morning links, which include some highly concentrated, pure evil...

Video: The Nashville Way – Barry Trotz and the Predators - Houses of the Hockey
When a team like Vancouver comes to town, we get see a little extra attention paid to the Preds in the Canadian media.

There’s Something About Sweden. | Section 303
From leading goal scorer down to the prospect level, the Preds organization is rife with Swedes.

Predators Hand Canucks Just Their Fourth Regulation Loss In 30 Games - Predlines
Amanda points out just how well the Canucks have been playing lately, despite all their injuries on defense.

Preds On The Glass: Predators Solid in 3-1 Win over Vancouver
After many recent outings which have seen the Predators start strong and then falter over the final two periods, Buddy appreciates the 60-minute effort last night.

6 Magical Minutes Decide This One, Predators Beat Canucks 3-1 | The Predatorial
Kristopher was a little off in his prediction, but that's OK by him.

Hockey Night in Nashville: Preds Defeat Vancouver; Get Important Two Points
Robby gives some credit to the crowd, which chipped in with a well-timed TV Timeout Standing O in the second period.

Predators win game, but lose forwards to injuries - Nashville Predators Examiner
Jim sees last night's game as a building block in Barry Trotz's candidacy for the Jack Adams Award.

The View from 111: Predators Vanquish Vancouver 3-1
Mark admires the way the Preds fought through adversity last night, and hopes they carry that attitude forward.

Preds overcome lopsided penalties, beat Canucks… | Section 303
Jeremy wastes no time calling out the refs for some rather creative officiating last night.

How the NHL Trade Deadline Shapes the AHL’s West Division Playoff Race | Admirals Roundtable
All this activity on the NHL level has secondary effects on the AHL picture, too.

Around the NHL

Five for Howling Roundtable: Nearing the Deadline - Five For Howling
With the Coyotes coming up next on the Preds' schedule, it's a good time to check out how they might approach the trade market.

St. Louis Blues appear to have lost their season-ticket bet with fans - Puck Daddy
Ouch, I had forgotten about that guarantee the Blues made for some of their season ticket holders, who will end up paying only half-price for their tickets if when the Blues fail to make the playoffs.

Canucks treating decimated defence corps as a blessing in disguise - The Globe and Mail
Wow, talk about spinning a story for all it's worth...

The Difference Between Vezina-Calibre & Sub-Average - Houses of the Hockey
Last year, Colorado rode stellar goaltending to a surpring playoff berth, but this season is an entirely different story.

They're twirling octopi in Tampa now after the Red Wings score - Puck Daddy
Whoa, we've got ourselves a major faux pas by one of the ice crew in Tampa.

Jarkko Ruutu traded to Anaheim for a 6th Round Pick - Silver Seven
The housecleaning continues in Ottawa, as the Senators send pesky winger Jarkko Ruutu to the Ducks. 

NHL Trade Deadline 2011: Klesla, Commodore and Their Value - The Cannon
What does Columbus have to offer on the trade market?

The Greatest Trade In Franchise History? Acquiring Rod Brind'Amour - Canes Country
I can't believe Josef Vasicek-for-Eric Belanger didn't make the cut here.

Down Goes Brown: Other Mario Lemieux grievances
I like this one: "Hasn't played a league game for over five years now, so not really sure why Esa Tikkanen is still following him around and yapping in his ear all day."

Upcoming hockey stick review: the Vapor X:20 Stick’um composite | Hockey Sticks HQ
I got myself a new twig for rec league play, opting for something more affordable than the Easton Synergy EQ50 that I got to review recently.