There's nothing like staring at a week of critical Western Conference matchups with the likelihood of missing one of your All-World defensemen, is there? That's just the predicament facing the Nashville Predators this morning, as the health of Ryan Suter takes center stage. Hopefully we'll get some kind of update coming out of the team's practice later today.
After the jump, we've got all your morning hockey news, and some discussion on getting Shea Weber signed to a new contract with the Preds...
The Chicago Blackhawks are here on Thursday followed by the Columbus Blue Jackets Sunday afternoon, so take the OTF Discount and save money on Nashville Predators tickets on these, or any other home game!
Nashville Predators News
Paul McCann - Monday Notes...
Paul rips into WSMV for short-changing local fans by preempting the Hockey Day in America coverage for an infomercial, among other notes.
Preds On The Glass: Predators Are Not the Same Team Without Ryan Suter and Monday Round-Up
Buddy looks back to earlier this year and how the Preds played with Suter on the shelf. It wasn't pretty.
The View from 111: Hockey in the "Non-Traditional" Markets is Alive and Well
Mark looks at the New York Times report about how rapidly the hockey community is growing here in Tennessee, and sees optimism for further growth based on the commitment the new leadership of the Predators has made to help.
Introducing Hockey to Music City | The Hockey Writers
A wonderful look into Nashville's hockey past, to the time when the Nashville Banner began teaching the locals about the new game coming to town... in 1962
Preds defenseman irked by penalty call - The Tennessean
Well, you can't expect Shane O`Brien to be happy with a call on him that cost the Preds a key goal, even if it was deserved.
Boclair: Did the Predators trade themselves out of the first round with Fisher deal? - Nashville City Paper
David Boclair with an odd suggestion here: was David Poile perhaps comfortable with giving up his 1st round draft pick for Mike Fisher, in the knowledge that he might get several back if Shea Weber leaves due to an offer sheet this summer from another team?
Also, we've got some talk from David Poile on the Shea Weber negotiations at Saturday's SportsFest:
Around the NHL
Classic Recap: Flames, Kiprusoff Out-Duel Habs - Matchsticks and Gasoline
Hayley sums up the Heritage Classic, in which Calgary held of the Montreal Canadiens.
Did Not See That Coming: A Look at the Big Trade - Mile High Hockey
In Denver, they're still mulling over the big trade from late Friday night. Trust me, Avs fans, you won this big-time.
Colorado Avalanche may not be done trading - All Things Avs
Adrian Dater suspects that after landing Erik Johnson from the St. Louis Blues, the Avalanche may have some more deals in the works.
Don Cherry's reign continues at the CBC - The Globe and Mail
Long live the King of Hockey Night in Canada... although not everyone's happy about it.
HNIC "Hot Stove Panel" Says NHL "Working Hard" to keep team in Atlanta, Cites 6-8 Week Deadline for New Ownership - Bird Watchers Anonymous
Things are getting scary for Atlanta Thrashers fans.
Gaborik Has a Concussion - Blueshirt Banter
Big trouble for the Rangers, as their big-time goal scorer is out due to injury once again.
Former Preds Upshall and Fiddler Enjoy Return to Nashville - Predlines
Amanda caught up with the two former Preds.
Red Light District: RLD All-time American Lineup
Ryan pegs his all-time American hockey lineup, although I don't see how Mike Richter is a "no brainer" over Tom Barasso, who won both the Calder and Vezina Trophies.
Hockey coach strips half naked, throws clothes during bench tirade - Puck Daddy
Um, this is different...