Nashville News and Notes
NHL’s Gary Bettman says Bridgestone Americas CEO Gary Garfield lobbied for All-Star Game from Japan | Nashville Business Journal
I can only hope David Poile is putting this kind of effort into acquiring a top line center.
Nashville Predators minor league depth gives NHL squad options | Hockey’s Future
Lots of positivity about the Preds depth in Milwaukee.
Spitfires To Retire Ryan Ellis’ Jersey | Blackburn News
Ellis is going to have his jersey retired by his junior team.
Around Hockey
For two NHL division leaders, the rearview mirror is dark and full of terrors | SBNation
I don’t think the Stars finishing first in the division is anywhere near guaranteed at this point.
A closer look at Stamkos’ recent offensive dip | TSN
It sounds like Stamkos needs shooters to help out his numbers. Well, whattaya know…
P.K. Subban responds to name controversy: ‘Just call me Denzel’ | CBSSports
Subban responds to this ridiculousness with so much more grace than I would.
Ilya Kovalchuk loses temper, cross-checks, punches opponents | Sportsnet.ca
Dude needs to chill.
Ben Scrivens fights to move up Edmonton’s goaltender depth chart | Puck Daddy
I really like Ben Scrivens. I wish he were a better hockey player.
Selling the dream: Raising the next great hockey star comes with a heavy price tag | National Post
Hockey is expensive, and making the game more accessible should be a priority. However, treating it like an investment that’s only worth it if the kid makes the NHL is a mistake.
Auston Matthews focused on helping U.S. win gold at 2016 World Junior Championship | NHL
Matthews has been dynamite in the Swiss league this season, and I’m excited to see how it will translate to World Juniors.
Caleb Jones takes his own shot | Portland Tribune
Preds’ prospect Jack Dougherty gave Caleb Jones a tour around the University of Wisconsin before they both went to Portland.
Shayne Gostisbehere is steadily improving in the defensive zone | Sons of Penn
Ghost-bear is doing well on defense, when he isn’t scoring record-breaking game winners in OT.
Buffalo Sabres rookie Jack Eichel still getting schooled | ESPN
Eichel still has to learn to play defense at the NHL level, but he’s picking it up quickly.