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Next week we have the NHL Awards in Las Vegas, with local hockey player Dierks Bentley providing the entertainment (sorry Buddy, no Chaka Khan for you this year), and the Nashville Predators will be front & center with nominees in several major categories. One of those, of course, is Pekka Rinne, and yesterday he held court with the local media about what it's like to be a finalist for the Vezina Trophy, including segments on two afternoon radio shows:
Pekka Rinne on Thom Abraham Show 20110617
Pekka Rinne on 1045 The Zone 20110617
It's going to be a fun evening for the Preds regardless of how many trophies they bring home. So look forward to a big night for Nashville on the NHL stage as you read this morning's hockey notes...
Father's Day Gift Idea #1: The Stanley Cup | Hockey Gear HQ
Give the gift of a replica Stanley Cup for Father's Day 2011, so he won't have to grow a beard & battle the toughest hockey players in the world to earn it!
Nashville Predators News
Preds On The Glass: POTG Weekend Headlines, News, and Links
Buddy's got his weekend off to a productive start.
Music City Mindset: The Roller Coaster Season Part Vii: The Final Ride
Ryan walks us through that dramatic second-round loss to Vancouver.
Predators file for arbitration with Weber - Predators Insider
Josh discusses Shea Weber's change of agents.
Nashville Predators scout NHL Draft deals - The Tennessean
Sure, they don't have a 1st-round pick (right now), but the Preds are preparing to find some gems in next week's draft.
Around the NHL
Tribute: Remembering the 2010-11 Boston Bruins - Puck Daddy
Only one team gets the "Tribute" each season...
Chiarelli savors Cup, looks toward next year - NHL.com
The Bruins GM is sitting pretty with a good mix of kids and veterans, and should be well placed to defend the Cup.
The Better Team Won and Other Thoughts | CANUCKS HOCKEY BLOG
J.J. comes to terms with the Canucks' loss. All in all, Vancouver had probably their best season ever.
Canucks GM: No sweeping changes, injuries a factor in Cup loss - Puck Daddy
There are fools out there writing that Vancouver needs to trade Luongo or make other major moves, but there's no need for that.
Bruins' Free Agents: Who Will Re-Sign? | The Hockey Writers
You have to wonder if the Stanley Cup glow will help these guys land a bigger payday.
AHL Coaches Are The New Black - Houses of the Hockey
It's the hot trend that's sweeping the NHL, promoting your minor coach to the bigs.
Retreads - Houses of the Hockey
...but those old dogs know some tricks, too.
It's Been A While (Puck-Rakers Blog)
Speaking of coaches, it doesn't sound like Ken Hitchcock will land a new head coaching job this summer (which is a shame, I'm a big fan of his).
Late Round Larceny | The Hockey Writers
This won't make you feel any better about Chet Pickard.
Larry Brooks doesn't understand the cap, or I don't - Jewels From The Crown
Quisp points out that the injury which prevents the Rangers from buying out Chris Drury may actually help them when dealing with the salary cap.
$%!& My Mens League Says - Pension Plan Puppets
As Gordie Howe once said, he spoke two languages - English and profanity. That filters down to recreational hockey, too.
A Survivor’s Guide to the off-season - NHL Hot Stove
A handy resource for those of you starting to have withdrawal symptoms.