With the spotlight last night on Toronto as the Maple Leafs hosted their ancient rivals from Montreal, the conversation was all about the coaching change which, it is hoped, can salvage the team’s attempt to make the playoffs for the first time since The Great Lockout of 2004-2005.
The switch from Ron Wilson to Randy Carlyle may not satisfy all the critics, however – as you can see after the jump, Don Cherry is done chewing on Wilson, and is ready to take a run at GM Brian Burke, too…
Nashville Predators News
Too Much Depth: The Best Problem – Predlines
Dan’s excited about the roster situation right now.
Jordin Tootoo: The Resurrection | The Hockey Writers
Another tribute to Tootoo’s tale.
Insert Styx Reference; Ads Shutout Wolves 6-0 | Admirals Roundtable
Jeremy Smith got back to work in fine fashion.
Paul Gaustad fits in easily with new Nashville Predators teammates | The Tennessean
Humming “All Night Long” in the locker room after the game? Dude’s hardcore.
Around the Wide Wide World of Hockey
You Can Play: Behind Patrick Burke’s bold effort using NHL players to fight homophobia in hockey | Puck Daddy
Truly excellent work here by the son of the Toronto GM.
Brian Burke (and Mike Milbury) on Advanced Stats in the NHL – Arctic Ice Hockey
Gabe offers a rejoinder to Burke’s summary dismissal of analytics.
Down Goes Brown: The pros and cons of firing Ron Wilson
“Pro: Bringing in a new coach would certainly address the Maple Leafs biggest area of weakness. Wait, the coach is the one with all the pads who stands in front of the net and tries to stop the puck, right?”
Maple Leafs coach Randy Carlyle accepts Joffrey Lupul critique, says he made ‘mistake’ in Anaheim | Puck Daddy
We have a bit of an awkward reunion going on in Toronto.
And since we’re talking about Toronto so much… wow did the CBC’s Blusterbot 5000 get cranked up to 11 last night:
All in the Family _ Vernon Fiddler’s Alberta roots help him become `feisty’ NHLer – The Dallas Morning News
Good stuff here on old Vern.
Uni Watch ” What is Each City’s Most Sacred Uniform Number?
A great question here, but I’m not sure the Preds have enough history to make one number stand out quite yet. Is there one from previous pro teams that stands out, however?
The Shifts that Changed the Game: The Curved Stick Blade – Arctic Ice Hockey
Try doing puckhandling with a perfectly straight blade… it’s like typing with your fists.
If You Plan On Paying Him You Might As Well Play Him – Pension Plan Puppets
Will a change in head coach prompt a promotion for Mikhail Grabosvki?
Hockey World: Coffey chimes in on Erik Karlsson’s Norris hopes – Edmonton Journal
Buried in here? News that one Nashville hockey writer is working on a book…
Tea with Ms. Conduct: One last bit of (very high-brow) trade deadline analysis | Backhand Shelf
This one’s for the ladies…
Rink Wrap: Sharks frontrunners for Nash – Ottawa Sun
The Rick Nash Trade Watch hasn’t been canceled, just postponed to the off-season.
Behind The Scenes With Caps Equipment Manager Brock Myles
These guys are some of the hardest-working people in the NHL.
Oh Brothers Where Art Thou? – Nucks Misconduct
Trouble in Twinkieland?
Bruce Boudreau on Ducks/Kings officiating: ‘Worst calls I’ve friggin’ seen in a long time’ | Puck Daddy
Whew – we’ve all seen what a potty mouth Boudreau can have at times.
Texas Brahmas vs. Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees: You Cannot Unsee | Jerseys and Hockey Love
Um, wow.
Rinne, Predators stymie Panthers 3-1 – Litter Box Cats
I’m giving Ryan a demerit here for a mangled Lord of the Rings reference.
Late Night Wrap: Blues beat Sharks for season sweep, finish 5-1 on road trip. – St. Louis Game Time
Those St. Louis Blues just aren’t slowing down.
Game 65 Recap: Road Warriors – The Cannon
Surprisingly, it was Columbus that topped the red-hot Coyotes.
Mile High Mayhem: Enforcers do some scoring, Pens easily drop Colorado 5-1 – PensBurgh
Steve Sullivan is now riding a 7-game scoring streak for Pittsburgh.