Nashville News & Notes

Juices should be flowing when Hartman faces former team on Saturday | Chicago Tribue
“Hartman signed a one-year, $875,000 deal in the off-season, eschewing longer-term offers from other teams.” That’s not how restricted free agency works, sir.

Two changes the Predators should make after recent poor outings | A to Z Sports
I don’t agree with sitting Fiala, but the bottom six needs help yesterday.

Predators’ Ryan Hartman, Craig Smith show emotion during practice | The Tennessean
I know it doesn’t fix anything, but I’m genuinely happy they’re upset at how they’ve been playing.

Around Hockey

Truth By Numbers: Can Patrik Laine score 70 goals in a season? – Sportsnet.ca
I believe Laine is capable of amazing things. 70  in a season is not one of them.

Karlsson not sure if first game back in Ottawa will give ‘closure’ – TSN.ca
“The relationship began to unravel a year ago when the Swedish defenceman said he wouldn’t give the team a hometown discount when negotiating a new contract.”  Ah yes, that was why.

Matt Duchene is getting the last laugh – ProHockeyTalk
We’ll see.

Islanders blazing new path with three women on broadcast team | ESPN
The process for this was pretty interesting, given the logistics. In Nashville, I really enjoy our current intermission crew.

CWHL unveils new lineup for board of directors | The Star
There’s been a bit of a shakeup in the women’s league north of the border.

Pettersson pulls off falling, blind drop pass on Boeser goal | NHL.com
I think Boeser’s reaction to this pass says it all.

The pros and cons of hiring an interim head coach in the NHL – TheHockeyNews
I think Hitchcock still qualifies a bit as “interim”, as he is only under contract for this season.