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As the Nashville Predators get to work honing their game in anticipation of the Western Conference Seminfinals, it will be interesting to see how engaged some of the guys are who got little or no action during the opening round. Are there opportunities for them to work their way back into the lineup? For some of the guys who are on expiring contracts (Colin Wilson, Jordin Tootoo, etc.) there are potentially millions of dollars on the line if they can produce during the post-season. But right now, they've got to earn the chance to do that.
You'll have your chance to check this out, as the Preds will hold a public practice at 11:00 a.m. today at Centennial Sportsplex. But before then, read up on your morning hockey notes!
Nashville Predators News
What better way to kick off your Monday morning than by reliving a few key moments from the Game 5 victory over Detroit? Thanks to Pete Weber for passing along these audio highlights...
Alexander Radulov goal 2012-04-20 (mp3)
David Legwand goal 2012-04-20 (mp3)
Game 5 Ending 2012-04-20 (mp3)
Inside Smashville " Predators remain focused waiting for second round of playoffs
There's a lot the team can work on even before they know who they'll face.
Hockey Night in Nashville: Preds not satisfied with advancing to second round
I'm trying to establish a mental picture of what it would be like if they were satisfied. Guys planning their summer vacations, munching on fried chicken in the locker room, etc.
Kings eliminate Canucks, Preds to play winner of Chicago and Phoenix… | Section 303
Weighing the ups and downs of potential foes.
The View from 111: Predators/Red Wings Series Recap
Mark parcels out the credit for a well-earned series win.
Nashville Predators' Hal Gill sees injury improve | The Tennessean
Let's pull for a Game 7 between Phoenix & Chicago, so he's got even more time to get up to speed.
With play against Red Wings, Rinne rebukes notion of regular season overuse | Nashville City Paper
Bonus points to David Boclair for working in a good "rebuke".
Ads can’t take the Heat, head to Abbotsford down 0-2 | Admirals Roundtable
Milwaukee's in a deep hole now.
Also, give it up for Kevin Klein, getting a little love from Don Cherry over the weekend:
Around the Wide Wide World of Hockey
NHL Playoffs 2012: Bruins 4, Capitals 3 (OT) Seguin's Dry Spell Ends as Boston Forces a Game Seven - Stanley Cup of Chowder
The kid picked a fine time to score his first goal of this playoff.
Kings At Canucks Game Five Recap ; Thanks For Coming (2-1Lo/t) - Nucks Misconduct
Thus begins the wailing and gnashing of teeth.
Spector on Canucks: Failure to launch - sportsnet.ca
Let the finger pointing begin in B.C.
DobberProspects - Fantasy Hockey Prospects Analysis
Do you want to get a jump on the competition in those fantasy hockey keeper leagues? Dobber just launched this new site, focusing on prospects who will soon make an impact at the NHL level...
Ousted teams must plan summer strategies – USATODAY.com
Kevin Allen looks at what the Red Wings, Sharks and Penguins need to look at.
Canes Now - Monday debate: pursuing Jordan Staal | newsobserver.com blogs
Should Carolina unite two of the Staals?
KuklasKorner - Attention Getters
Apparently the Detroit eulogy over at Puck Daddy included two utterly tasteless shots which were gone by the time I clipped it yesterday. I just don't know why people feel the need to go there, it's truly pathetic.