The Nashville Predators returned home yesterday expressing the need to rededicate themselves to the simple, grind-it-out type of hockey that has been their hallmark. Do we face a repeat of 2007, when a similarly-talented team faltered in the first round, and Barry Trotz famously complained that had a bunch of Rembrandts, but all he wanted was for his house to be painted?
We’ll know a lot more about that question after Wednesday night’s game, but for now, read on for your morning hockey notes…
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Nashville Predators News
OPEN PRACTICE: The Preds are scheduled for an open practice at Centennial Sportsplex today, starting at 11 a.m. if you can make it. It might be worth getting there a little early, as the impression I get is that there’s a horde of media covering this series.
Nashville Predators focus on stiffening defense | The Tennessean
Mike Fisher talks about taking a defense-first mindset.
Nashville Predators seek dramatic improvements for Game 3 | The Tennessean
The coach didn’t sound happy with anyone’s performance.
Predators small defensemen bring big plays | Nashville City Paper
Good things come in small packages.
Around the Wide Wide World of Hockey
Recap: Caps 3, Rangers 2 – Japers’ Rink
The Capitals earned a split at Madison Square Garden.
Alex Ovechkin answers Rangers fan taunts with goal, hand to ear celebration (VIDEO) | Puck Daddy
Now that’s a showman.
Kings take 2-0 series lead over Blues with 20 great minutes – St. Louis Game Time
They’re drowning their sorrows in St. Louis, after the Kings trounced them twice on home ice.
The Problems with Dealing with an Injured Ilya Kovalchuk – In Lou We Trust
What’s going on with Kovy?
Chris Stewart falling out of favor in St. Louis | All Things Avalanche — The Denver Post
The erstwhile “next great power forward” is on the outs.
Greatest Hockey Legends.com: Gary Roberts’ Interesting Comments On Cody Hodgson
Will the Cody Hodgson trade haunt Mike Gillis in Vancouver?
Scout Quotes on Draft Prospects-Divided Opinions – Hockey Prospectus
In case you wonder why a team drafts a player at a given position, it’s amazing how much opinion can vary from one scout to the next.
2012 IIHF World Championships Preview: The Longshots – Puck Worlds
OK, which of you inveterate gamblers has money down on the Kazakhs?