Welcome everybody to the LAST DUMP & CHASE OF THE YEAR 2020! If you’re reading this, that means you’re still here. You overcame everything this year threw at you. That’s no small accomplishment.
Now, on to hockey!
Nashville Predators News n’ Notes
In case you missed any of last night’s action in the World Junior Championships, we had three Preds prospects—Iaroslav Askarov, Egor Afanasyev, and Semyon Chistyakov—front and center in one of the best games of the tournament so far. The three helped Russia beat Sweden in overtime 4-3, ending Sweden’s 54-game preliminary round winning streak. Askarov made 33 saves, while the two skaters had a point each (Afanasyev a goal, Chistyakov an assist).
Today we’ll get to see two more Preds prospects go head-to-head. Philip Tomasino and Canada take on Juuso Pärssinen’s Finland squad at 5 P.M. Central time. Be sure to keep tabs on our resident prospects guru Eric, a.k.a. “OnTheFuture”, for updates.
Nashville Predators won’t allow fans at Bridgestone Arena to start season | Tennessean
I think we’re all anxious for things to “get back to normal,” especially when it comes to sports. Right now, this is the smartest, safest thing the Preds can do to help us get there. Hopefully this time next year, we’ll be discussing a raucous Bridgestone Arena crowd filled to capacity for a key Central Division game. For now, let’s continue to stay safe and considerate.
For a better take, here’s Bryan.
You see, it will help them in case they have to play Anaheim in the playoffs
— Bryan Bastin (@BryanBastin) December 30, 2020
:fire emoji:
Preds Invite Fans to Help Bombing Victims, Donate Funds to Those In Need | Nashville Predators
The “Nashville Strong” merch is up for sale again, with funds going to those impacted by the domestic terror attack on Christmas Day.
Call Me Maybe: Grading the Nashville Predators’ 2012 Offseason | On the Forecheck
Thanks to everyone who reads, comments, likes, or shares my little walks down Preds’ memory lane. I have a blast going back and reliving memories of players I loved to watch growing up (or in the case of the last couple, watched in a haze during college). I hope you have as much fun reading these retro grades as I have putting them together.
Other Hockey Happenings
Framework approved for Feb. 5 start to season | The American Hockey League
The AHL is going to give a shortened season a shot. What it looks like is still anyone’s guess. Some NHL franchises (like the Lightning, affiliates to the Syracuse Crunch) have already hinted they’ll sit their affiliates out of the Calder Cup playoffs.
Chara agrees to join Capitals, leaves Bruins after 14 seasons | NHL.com
Between Tom Brady, Mookie Betts, and Big Z, it’s been a tough year to be a Boston sports fan. *tiny violin music intensifies*
Big moments in women’s hockey in 2020 | The Ice Garden
That Canada-USA showdown at the All-Star Game seems like it happened a full decade ago, not this past January.
Pandemic Impact on College Hockey Not Slowing Down | College Hockey News
I’d reckon college sports as a whole are going to be in a “plan this as we go” pattern for the rest of the year. But kudos to conferences like the NCHC for pulling off an exciting slate of early games without any sort of cancellations.
2020-21 Season Preview: It’s Not Going to be Better for the Detroit Red Wings | The Hockey News on Sports Illustrated
No, it’s not. But at the very least, Chicago is giving them a chance to avoid the “worst team in the Central” award.
Arizona Coyotes sign veteran Derick Brassard to one-year deal | TSN.ca
Brassard won’t rest until he’s played for, and been traded by, every NHL team.
Nick’s Hot Track to Get You Hyped For The Day
Let’s close this year with some good vibes. Happy New Year, everyone! Cheers!