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This could be a year for the upstarts in the Western Conference playoffs, since besides Nashville's 3-1 lead over Detroit, we also have teams like L.A., Phoenix and St. Louis all enjoying similar advantages over recent playoff powerhouses in Vancouver, Chicago and San Jose.
Jump into your morning hockey notes, which cover all things Nashville/Detroit before heading all over the league, wrapping up with a hockey video you MUST SEE to get your blood pumping...
Nashville Predators News
Game 5 Television Network/Channel Information in Nashville Predators Market Area - Nashville Predators
Here's your TV info for tonight...
Nashville Predators' Jordin Tootoo shows frustration over benching | The Tennessean
We're not used to seeing stories like this, as the Preds don't complain to the press very often.
I appreciate you, Nashville Predators. " What's Up, Ya Sieve?
The Predators are drawing admirers from around the country.
Self-perpetuating defensive hockey, and the success of Alexander Radulov | Backhand Shelf
Might the addition of Rads be paying off in the realm of advanced stats?
KuklasKorner : The Malik Report : Red Wings-Predators Game 5 set-up: nobody wants to be the dragon (and hylla Jarnkrok!)
Here's a wide-ranging look at things from the Detroit side.
Production (K)lein | Predators AJenda
AJ looks back to see how Klein's offensive potential was touted at draft time.
Preds On The Glass: Predators and Wings series is a different kind of "nasty"
So much for these two teams being among the least penalized in the league, eh?
David and Goliath: Legwand Has Datysuk’s Number in D-Zone | PuckScene.com
Patten is really obsessing about faceoffs these days!
Inside Smashville " Unlikely playoff heroes lead Nashville early in postseason
Hands up for all of you who picked Kevin Klein and Gabriel Bourque in your playoff pool.
Predators hope home ice is kind to them in Game 5 - Nashville Predators Examiner
The road team has won three straight in this series.
Nashville Predators' Hal Gill practices; could play in Game 5 | The Tennessean
Gill could prove vital in keeping Wings forwards out of the crease.
Nashville Predators expect tough Game 5 from Detroit Red Wings | The Tennessean
Drat.
A Chance to Earn Respect | The Predatorial
ATTENTION JIM DIAMOND: We have a quarter-pole foul...
Being Outshot by the Wings? Nothing New. - Predlines
Peks loves seeing a lot of shots (I don't know if I've ever heard a goalie say otherwise), so he's comfortable with how this series is playing out.
A Very Special Series for the Predators - Predneck Nation
How special? Let Miranda count the ways.
Paul McCann - Off Day Off Topic - Appreciation and some off day notes
Paul offers a clever rejoinder to the Malik Report.
Smashville 24/7 - Desperation key for Preds to close out Detroit
Detroit was down against San Jose last spring, and came back to force a Game 7.
Trotz discusses Preds' success on 'NHL Hour' - NHL.com
Coach got his time with the Commish, which is a good thing this time.
David Climer: Nashville Predators near signature win | The Tennessean
Climer sets the table, with both the short- and long-term implications coming out of tonight's game.
2011-12 Paper Plate Awards Part Two | Admirals Roundtable
Ryan wraps up the celebratory honors for the Ads.
Around the Wide Wide World of Hockey
Phoenix Coyotes @ Chicago Blackhawks Game 4 Recap: Better Late than Never - Five For Howling
Yet again, Phoenix and Chicago went to overtime, and the Coyotes survived to take a 3-1 series lead.
St. Louis Blues Take Control Of First Round By Winning 2-1; Lead Sharks 3-1 In Series - St. Louis Game Time
The Blues are in command now as they head home for Game Five.
Recap: Capitals 2, Bruins 1 - Japers' Rink
The Caps took a low-scoring affair to tie their series with Boston 2-2.
2012 NHL Playoffs: Devils 4, Panthers 0 - Game Four Recap - Litter Box Cats
The Devils and Panthers are tied 2-2 after Martin Brodeur pitched a shutout.
Bruce Boudreau believes undisciplined play is what fans want | Puck Drunk Love
...and he's right.
GIF: David Krejci's Face Almost Sliced By Skate - SBNation.com
Scary stuff.
KuklasKorner : Are You Ready For More Nickelback?
Have a bucket nearby before reading.
Oilogosphere hits the big time as Moneypuck stats are debated at major analytics conference | Edmonton Journal
Well how about that...
On-ice shooting percentage is sustainable… | Hockey Analysis
An interesting addition here would be to isolate players who change teams, to remove that potential factor from muddying the waters.
Jibblescribbits joins All Things Avs, because stats matter in NHL | All Things Avalanche - The Denver Post
Kudos to the Denver Post for diversifying their hockey writing talent.
The Most Famous Stanley Cup Challenge of All | The Hockey Writers
Harken back to those days of yesteryear...
Blackhawks' Quenneville fined $10,000 for criticizing officials - The Globe and Mail
Right or wrong, chirping the refs will always cost you.
More adversity to over come | Ted's Take
This line is catching some heat - "We can’t let the officials play a role in our game planning – we need to remain disciplined and remember that the defending Stanley Cup champs will always get the benefit of the doubt".
Trying to sell hockey to Canadians - The Globe and Mail
Milk that cow!
And lastly, as found at Puck Daddy, this just might be the hockey video of the year: