Let's get right to the good stuff. After the jump, we've got the video of a full-blown donneybrook last night between the Milwaukee Admirals and Rockford IceHogs. I can't remember the last truly bench-clearing brawl I've seen at the NHL or AHL level.
Just two home games remaining in the regular season, take the OTF Discount and save!
Nashville Predators News
As found at Puck Daddy, here's video of that bench-clearing brawl between Milwaukee & Rockford yesterday. I can't imagine this will go unnoticed at AHL offices:
Comparing Memphis to Nashville in the impact of pro sports (again) - The Memphis Edge
It's interesting to see how the folks in Memphis view the recent economic impact study distributed by the Predators. It sounds like the Grizzlies bring far fewer customers from outside Shelby County to watch games in Memphis.
Greetings From Smashville! Hitting The Big D Edition | The Hockey Writers
Jas walks us through the stories from the week gone by in Predsland.
Paul McCann - Monday Morning Rant
Paul and I are on the same page regarding playoff seeding under the current setup.
GM of the Year: Poile builds Preds into a contender - NHL.com
One NHL.com writer pegs Poile as the favorite to take home this summer's prize.
Van Guilder Nominated for AHL Man of the Year Award | Admirals Roundtable
Kudos to Mark Van Guilder for being the Admirals' local nominee for the Yanick Dupre Memorial Award.
Around the Wide Wide World of Hockey
5-on-5 strength is where it's at | Hockey | CBC Sports
The Preds actually don't fare particularly well here.
Sportsnet report: The Quiet Room, NHL myth? - sportsnet.ca
Mark Spector points out that the Quiet Room initiative that was announced just over a year ago may not be working as fully as intended.
History Lessons: Mercenary - Backhand Shelf
E knocks another one out of the park, tracing back to the dawn of "professional" hockey.
On Hockey: Nicklas Backstrom’s return could be the difference for Capitals - Capitals Insider - The Washington Post
Yup, getting back their #1 center could be a tremendous boost to Washington's playoff hopes.
Fantasy Hockey: The top 10 fantasy hockey MVPs of 2011-12 NHL season | Puck Daddy
Were you lucky enough to have any of these guys?
2011-12 NHL Player Map
Nifty little deal here that shows where every NHL player this season was born.
Carter: No structural damage to ankle " LA Kings Insider
This situation will bear watching, given the possibility of a Kings/Predators 1st-round matchup.
Scott Hartnell stars in the best hockey gif of 2012 | Backhand Shelf
Does anyone have more fun on the ice than Scott Hartnell?
(1) Don Waddell v. (2) Doug MacLean - The Copper & Blue
Forget Kentucky & Kansas, THIS is a clash of the titans!
Preparing For The After Nash: Captains Courageous? - The Cannon
For my money, they need to go with Vaclav Prospal. They need a veteran to set an example and lead the way while younger guys develop, and the franchise figures out who the right long-term captain should be.
Islanders coach Jack Capuano ices five defensemen on one shift (VIDEO) | Puck Daddy
Wow, that's ugly.
Fat Northern Cats - The Spin
If the Preds have been extra-motivated to succeed by the financial reality of running an NHL franchise in a non-traditional market, then the corollary for Canadian teams is obvious.
Maple Leafs Panel: Kadri, Checking Role & Who Should Stay and Go | THW
One of the more interesting stories to follow this summer is what will Toronto do with Nazem Kadri. Will he earn a full-time NHL job with the Maple Leafs, or elsewhere?
Jack Todd: Gauthier will not be missed - Montreal Gazette
No tears are being shed up in Montreal over their GM getting fired.
KuklasKorner : Video- Scott Clemmensen Takes Advantage Of His Net Being Dislodged
OK, this is pretty freaking clever.