Rise and shine, Smashville, the Preds are back in action for a late game tonight (9:00 p.m. puck drop in Vancouver). I’ll be joining Willy Daunic on 102.5 The Game for the pre- and post-game shows tonight, and to keep you busy until then, we’ve got your usual sampling of hockey notes this morning.
Follow after the jump for a busy Bridgestone, some flying Lightning, broken legs, and an ancient debate over pronoun usage!
Nashville Predators News
Coach Trotz became scout Trotz for a night – Nashville Predators Examiner
It’s not often that the Preds get into town so early they can watch their upcoming opponent in another game.
News and notes from Nashville’s Wednesday practice in Vancouver – Nashville Predators Examiner
So much for the notion of Martin Erat joining the team at some point on the trip…
Young Predators learn tough lessons – Montreal Gazette
This line sums it up nicely: “the Preds are walking the fine line between creating salary space and scaring off their three franchise players by going with unproven, if gifted, youngsters.”
Bergfors will get a chance to play vs. Canucks – The Tennessean
Among other notes, it sounds like Francis Bouillon might return to action soon, during a home game so the team’s medical staff can be right there if needed.
Predators’ playoff nemesis returns just in time for regular season meeting | Nashville City Paper
Maybe Shea Weber can toss him around like a rag doll again? Just trying to be optimistic here…
Bridgestone Arena Ranks 4th In U.S. Concert Attendance In POLLSTAR’S 2011 Third Quarter Report – Nashville Predators
The building’s busier, that’s for sure, ever since the local ownership group and new executive leadership took over.
Around the Wide Wide World of Hockey
KHL selling Lokomotiv commemorative gear to benefit families – Puck Daddy
A great charity fundraiser idea, if they can implement it here in North America, too
Tampa Bay Lightning Flugtag Effort Proves Team Should Stick to Hockey (Video) – NESN.com
Some things were not meant to fly.
Video: Joffrey Lupul slams puck into goal cam, and it’s awesome – Puck Daddy
Waaaaaaay cool!
Is It Wrong For A Fan To Talk About His Team As “We”? | Edmonton Journal
This is an age-old argument, but here in Nashville, I think there’s a slightly different angle. Given how close we came to losing the Preds, and the number of people who maintained, stepped up, or began their financial commitment to the team during the summer of 2007, I have no problem whatsoever with Preds fans using “we” when referring to the team. I sometimes do it myself.
Five NHL free agents off to stumbling starts – Puck Daddy
David Poile nods his head after reading this one…
The Dark Blue Jacket: I’m measuring my words here
Patience is running out in Columbus…
The ‘Moves Like Jagr’ video tribute, parody compendium – Puck Daddy
Man, I hate this song.
White On – Octopus Thrower
They’re getting comfortable with the way Ian White is filling in for Bryan Rafalski in Detroit.
Sheldon Souray paying dividends at both ends of ice – ESPN Dallas
You’ve got to feel good for Souray, escaping AHL exile with Edmonton to revive his NHL career in Dallas.
Jets Run into Some Turbulence Over Toronto, Lose in Shootout – Arctic Ice Hockey
Winnipeg took a 3-1 lead into the 3rd, but dropped this game to the Maple Leafs in a shootout.
The Quiet Room: Fun With Femurs – Backhand Shelf
Take an elementary course on one of the nastiest hockey injuries out there, the fractured femur.