:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/6628776/20120423_ajw_ad6_061.jpg)
With the Western Conference Semifinals now set (Nashville vs. Phoenix, St. Louis vs. Los Angeles), the hockey world waits on the East, where the New York Rangers and Ottawa Senators are headed to a Game 7, which is always a spectacle no matter your level of interest in the teams involved. Our morning hockey notes take a look at how the Predators are preparing for that second round matchup, and then move on to issues all over the hockey world...
Nashville Predators News
Inside Smashville " Bourque didn’t expect playoff success, promotion to second line
These are heady times for the rookie.
Preds On The Glass: Arena availability for potential round two Stanley Cup Playoff participants
It doesn't look like there should be any problems for Phoenix & Nashville.
Smashville 24/7 - Memorial Cup experiences helping Ellis, others in playoffs
Some of the younger Preds have playoff experiences to lean on.
Nashville Predators' Paul Gaustad, Andrei Kostitsyn master system | The Tennessean
The Goose and AK46 have certainly fit right in.
Nashville Predators work while waiting for next round | The Tennessean
Today, however, the Preds will rest up. There's no practice today, but there will be a public one at Centennial, 11 a.m. Wednesday.
Predators' depth, particularly at forward, gave them a leg up on Detroit | Nashville City Paper
When did you think you'd ever see that headline?
Predators' win could help with re-signing Suter - FS Tennessee
This issue still looms in the background.
Around the Wide Wide World of Hockey
Phoenix Coyotes Shutout Chicago Blackhawks for Series Win - Five For Howling
Phoenix ended up going 5-0 at the United Center this season, closing out the Hawks convincingly.
Phoenix Rising - The Spin
Can this playoff run help save hockey in the desert?
2012 NHL Playoffs: Rangers Get HUGE Game Six Win, Force Game Seven Back At MSG - Blueshirt Banter
Cue the Bee Gees.
Chris Neil drops the gloves with Rangers’ Prust, pumps up crowd mid-tilt (FIGHT VIDEO) | Puck Daddy
It looks like he pulled a McGrattan.
Brendan Shanahan: Weber ruling didn't spur later violence – USATODAY.com
Shanny takes issue with the notion that guys look at the Webering fine as a declaration of open season for mayhem.
Why the mighty keep falling in the NHL playoffs - The Globe and Mail
Eric Duhatschek tries to make sense of it all.
End of the Line : Tom Benjamin's NHL Blog :: CanucksCorner.com
Tom reluctantly points the finger at Ryan Kesler.
Moving Forward...Which Team Are You Cheering For Now? - Nucks Misconduct
In this poll (at least as I write this) the Preds are the favorite Western Conference team.
Picking new favouritie team - Montreal Gazette
In Montreal, they're conflicted about possibly seeing the Kostitsyn brothers go far.
Bristolmetrics: The NHL Received Twice As Much Airtime As The NFL - Deadspin
If you care about what ESPN thinks, here's good news.
Year-in-review spotlight: Shane O’Brien | All Things Avalanche — The Denver Post
Checking in on the former Pred.
Jim Nill draws interest from Montreal Canadiens, but he will remain Red Wings' assistant GM | MLive.com
You'd have to think this guy will be a GM sooner or later, just not in Montreal.
Kontinental Hockey League - Official Website - Belov tests positive
The KHL's Anton Belov, playing for Avangard in the Gagarin Cup Finals, tests positive for a banned stimulant.
Hurricanes Re-Sign Jiri Tlusty to a Two-Year Deal - Canes Country
The young forward hit new highs in goals and total points this season.
Stars' management shuffling hits some top executives - The Dallas Morning News
With new ownership at the helm, it's not surprising to see some major personnel moves in Dallas.