Nashville News & Notes

Preds Sign Eeli Tolvanen to Three-Year Entry-Level Contract | Nashville Predators
In case you happened to be in a coma yesterday. There’s a lot of buzz about him receiving max bonuses, but I don’t really get it. I’d be more than happy to pay a guy two million bucks to finish top ten in NHL scoring or whatever his bonus criteria may be.

Craig Smith Dominating for Predators – On the Forecheck
Bobby Misey investigates the Honey Badger’s success this season.

Predators bolster roster with signing of KHL standout Eeli Tolvanen – ProHockeyTalk
A national perspective. Maybe we can tone down the hype to eleven, though.

Around Hockey

Using the regular season as a postseason playbook –  – TSN
There are a couple of interesting graphs here.

Why the Washington Capitals aren’t really Stanley Cup contenders – Sportsnet.ca
Ugh, do I finally have to give the Caps some credit in my post-season bracket?

Many Reasons Explain the Stars’ Failures, but Ken Hithcock’s Decisions Explain Most – Defending Big D
Come for the schadenfreude, stay for the extended metaphor.

Blue Jackets defenseman Seth Jones surging into Norris Trophy mix | USA Today
Jackets fans, getting your hopes up just makes it sting more.

Drew Doughty Continues to Elevate His Game as LA Kings Push for Playoffs | Los Angeles Kings
It’s so weird to read NHL pieces about analytics. Corsi is a pretty opaque term but it’s also pretty well established.

Vegas Golden Knights implement plan to limit rival fans at Stanley Cup playoffs | ESPN
This is a really interesting strategy, given the Knights’ “healthy” secondary market. In the event they make it part their likely Central division crossover opponent, though, I wonder if they’ll find a situation like the “PredWings” versus a California team.

Carolina Hurricanes Coach Bill Peters Could Exercise Out Clause, Leave Team – Canes Country
How many NHL coaches voluntarily leave their jobs (provided their name isn’t Patrick Roy).