It’s the end of another sweltering August week, but the initial signs of hockey’s return are starting to appear. Some players are participating in exhibition games for charity, while others are starting to hold informal practices around the Nashville area. We’re only 57 days away from the season opener vs. Anaheim, and single-game tickets go on sale tomorrow morning. Just hold on a little longer, people!
Remember, today’s the deadline to submit your FanPost if you’d like to be considered to join the OtF writing crew this upcoming season, just check Chris’ post for all the details.
Then, follow after the jump for a look at a wave of talent hitting Milwaukee this fall, a superb suggestion for the NHL to adopt a TV idea from the NFL, and a video discussion of the challenges facing would-be purchasers of sports teams, which might shed some light on why the Coyotes and Stars sales are moving so slowly.
Predators News
C’Mon, Get Excited – Milwaukee Admirals
While Predators fans are excited about the off-season of changes, there’s even more reason for optimism in Milwaukee, where they can expect a serious injection of talent. Geoffrion, Bourque, Klasen and Josi are just some of the names which should light up the scoreboard this season for the Admirals.
The Nashville Predators all Mike lineup – Nashville Predators Examiner
A rather unique look at some Predators past.
A Total Meltdown – Predlines
Nathan revisits the Game 5 Horror…
The Hockey Junkies: One-A-Day: Nashville Predators
A slightly different take on the Preds than perhaps you’re used to seeing…
NHL stars truly Believe in the Goal – Winnipeg Free Press
It sounds like Colin Wilson put on a show in a charity exhibition game in Winnipeg.
ECHL.com | Cyclones Name Jarrod Skalde Head Coach
The Cyclones will defend their ECHL title with a new man behind the bench.
Around the NHL
Would HBO’s ‘Hard Knocks’ ever work for an NHL team? – Puck Daddy
This is a phenomenally good idea, too bad it won’t happen any time soon…
Hockey-less in Memphis: No Pink In The Rink
It’s just bizarre that the NHL doesn’t offer jerseys with standard colors and logos in a woman’s cut, isn’t it?
Capitals Re-Sign Eric Belanger, Have Deal for Defenseman in Works – The Grinder
All indications are that Washington is looking to trade a forward for a defenseman, but they are not in the running for Tomas Kaberle out of Toronto, despite an open auction being conducted for him by Leafs GM Brian Burke.
Top Ten Great Moments of the 2009-10 Season – Fear The Fin
Remember the 3rd period collapse in San Jose back in March? From the Sharks‘ perspective, that was one of the highlights of their season.
Rolling newsletter: Can the Stars make this budget work? – The Dallas Morning News
Mike Heika examines how a new budget-conscious attitude in Dallas affects their chances at contention.
The age old battle of CHL vs. NCAA – NHLHotStove.com
Kids are switching at the very last minute between Canadian junior and US college hockey, leading to problems for both leagues and sometimes, retribution for the players.
Why are the franchise sales in Phoenix and Dallas dragging out? Part of the reason is the overall economic climate, as discussed the other day on CNBC:
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