:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/1826337/GYI0063299324.jpg)
While the Nashville Predators prepare to do battle in Philadelphia tonight against one of the top teams in the NHL, we've got lots going on here at OTF today. We're celebrating the 1,000,000 visitor milestone which was surpassed last night, organizing a viewing party for Wednesday's game at Detroit, and taking some criticism from fans of Original Six franchises who object to seeing their teams portrayed as "privileged" when it comes to the NHL handing out suspensions.
For now, though, follow after the jump for your morning hockey news, including video of a rare goalie fight from last night...
The Red Wings are coming, the Red Wings are coming! Detroit visits Smashville for the first time this season on Saturday, so save some cash and get yourself some discount Predators tickets for this, or any other home game.
Nashville Predators News
Paul McCann - Game Night / ESPN a Savior? NOT! / Random Notes
It's going to be a tough night for Paul as the Preds battle his beloved Flyers.
Hockey Night in Nashville: Top Ten Moments in Predators History Airs Tonight
Robby takes his stab at the greatest Nashville hockey moments, ahead of tonight's special on FS-TN.
Preview #52: Preds Visit Philly, New Special On Fox Sports TN After Game - Predlines
Amanda reminds the Predators to stay out of the stinking penalty box if they hope to hang with the Flyers tonight.
Preds On The Glass: Predators and Their Dads Head to Philadelphia and Thursday Thoughts
It only takes a dolla to make Buddy holla... (scroll down to the end)
AHL Mascot Game Possibly Greatest in Hockey History | Section 303
We need more of this...
Dekanich, Klasen Impress in Hershey | Section 303
Patten reports on how the Milwaukee Admirals performed at the AHL All-Star Game. I'm shocked, shocked I say, that Linus Klasen dazzled in the skills competition but didn't impact the game very much.
Admirals to Rock the Red on Friday Night | Section 303
Badger mania is running wild in Milwaukee.
Sullivan hopes timing is right for return to Predators' lineup | Nashville City Paper
Sully knows he has to be patient while recuperating from a groin injury, and it sounds like next week is when he may return.
Nashville Predators get more scoring from Martin Erat - The Tennessean
The team sorely needs Martin Erat to produce, but is five points in eight games really a "hot streak"?
Around the NHL
U.S. Customs Begins Pre-Super Bowl Online Mole-Whack | Playbook
No, it turns out they didn't take ATDHE down just to shut off those illicit Columbus/Florida games.
Easton Synergy EQ50 contest celebrates Zdeno Chara's Hardest Shot record | Hockey Sticks HQ
For those of you who play hockey (or have a family member who plays), here's a chance to win a state-of-the-art stick from Easton.
Forsberg Situation: More confusing than ever - All Things Avs
I guess it's only confusing if you really believed he'd come back and be an effective NHL player.
Emery faces tough road back to NHL - Elliotte Friedman
Many thought that Ray Emery's NHL hockey career was over when he was diagnosed with a degenerative hip condition, but amazingly, it appears that he's close to a return.
Atlanta Thrashers general manager Rick Dudley looking to make a trade | ajc.com
They're wheelin' and dealin' in Atlanta... is there a deal to be made there with Nashville?
Surprise: NHL's 'The Guardian Project' Sells Merchandise - SBNation.com
Apparently the Guardian Project is taking off after all.
Don Cherry defends Leafs’ coach Wilson - The Globe and Mail
What's next, dogs and cats living together?
I Thought The All-Star Break Was Over: Red Wings 7 - Senators 5 - Winging It In Motown
Johan Franzen scored 5 goals for Detroit. What do you throw on the ice for that?
Tampa Bay Lightning announces $35 million in renovations to the St. Pete Times Forum | Lightning Strikes
Adding a pipe organ? Cool.
Goalie Mike Smith on waivers - Raw Charge
Well, that's one less #DanEllisProblem.
The Hockey News: Players who played at 40
Who wouldn't take one of these geezers? The list of those who played at age 50, however, remains stuck at 1.
Top Ten Late-Round Picks From 2000-Present | The Hockey Writers
The Preds land two on this list...
More Salary Restrictions Won’t Help Struggling NHL Franchises. - Spectors Hockey
Lyle Richardson speculates that if the owners try for a salary rollback under the next CBA, that won't help financially-challenged teams significantly. He contends that greater revenue sharing and/or a lowered salary floor would make it easier for teams to survive.
Packers stats guru tries to give team edge in Super Bowl XLV - TSN
See, the Preds need someone like this.
And lastly, the buzz from last night came from the Islanders-Penguins game, which featured a tussle between Rick DiPietro and Brent Johnson (found via Kukla's Korner):