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Some of the most closely-watched figures on the ice tonight are going to be Brad Watson and Mike Leggo, the referees for Game 2 between the Nashville Predators and Detroit Red Wings. Given all the penalties in Game One, which pretty much took away the chance for either coach to roll their lines, the question tonight is whether the game will be called as tightly - and if not, just how much players will be able to get away with.
Follow after the jump for more on this point, as well as the rest of your afternoon hockey notes...
Nashville Predators News
Paul McCann - Game Two Game Night in Smashville
I heartily second the notion which Paul shares here, regarding how penalties should be handled at the end of playoff games.
Webering goes viral: Like Tebowing, only with more Shea Weber face smashing | Puck Daddy
It's the new sensation that's sweeping the nation! The picture from practice is pretty priceless, actually...
Red Wings seeking better net-front presence in Game 2 vs. Nashville | MLive.com
Expect Detroit to get bodies in front of Pekka Rinne's crease tonight. Can the Preds clear them out without drawing calls from the refs?
KuklasKorner : The Malik Report : Red Wings-Predators game 2 game-day updates: no lineup changes other than the obvious one
Head here for all of your pre-game info from the Detroit perspective.
Carrie Underwood Is Dreading Mike Fisher's 'Playoff Beard' : People.com
She does, however, call the atmosphere at Bridgestone Arena "crazy awesome". (found via Kukla's Korner).
Here's the NHL Network report heading into Game 2:
Around the Wide Wide World of Hockey
Goaltending is supposed to be everything in the playoffs, right? - The Globe and Mail
It's basically impossible to predict which goalies will get hot at playoff time.
Penguins' power-play changes might not be minor - NHL.com
It looks like Pittsburgh might use Steve Sullivan on the point tonight against Philly.
Sutter named Canada's coach for world championships - The Globe and Mail
I hope Brent Sutter relaxed during his 24 hours between jobs.
Lightning coach Guy Boucher will be an assistant at Worlds as Canada finalizes coaching staff - Lightning Strikes | Tampa Bay Times
And here's Sutter's assistant.
What to do with Milan Hejduk - Mile High Hockey
After naming him captain this season, will the Avs keep Hejduk in Colorado?
LHH Zeitgeist: Islanders Issue Apology for 2011-2012 Season - Lighthouse Hockey
Dealing with agony with a bit of humor, I like it.
Do The Oilers Matter? - The Copper & Blue
Cory Schneider dared to speak candidly.
After an Excellent Season, Some Questions for Minnesota - NYTimes.com
It will be interesting to see what happens with Zack Budish, with so many seniors leaving a strong Minnesota program. Will he take a leading role there, or turn pro?