Nashville Predators News ‘n Notes
I’m not sure how realistic his chances are, but Juuse Saros at least needs to be in the conversation for the Vezina Trophy this year. His numbers since his return have been unreal, and he’s starting to get that 2010’s Pekka Rinne aura where he’s straight up stealing games the Predators had no business being in otherwise.
Also, yeah, it sucks Dallas won too, so the Stars still control the fate of the fourth playoff spot. But if you’re the Preds, you just need to keep taking care of YOUR business. Play as well the rest of the season as you did last night, and you’re going to have a chance to edge the Stars out for that last spot.
The ideal Nashville Predators lineup when Filip Forsberg finally returns | AtoZ Sports
This is probably going to be the big talker around the Preds community over the next week or so, and whatever Hynes decides to do is without a doubt going to go under the microscope.
Also, shameless self-promotion time: I joined Alex and Link on the Preds’ NashCast this week to discuss this exact topic (and a few other things). You can listen in here.
Wolves rocket to victory | ChicagoWolves.com
With a goal and an assist, Phil Tomasino now has 23 points in 21 AHL games this season. Not bad for a debut pro season.
Bridgestone Arena Nominated for Pollstar Arena of the Decade Award | NHL.com
The city really should get a lot of credit for keeping Bridgestone on par with the newer arenas in the country.
Other Hockey Happenings
Stars Top Hurricanes In Overtime, 4-3 | Defending Big D
More like the Carolina Hurri-cane’t do anything helpful, amirite?
Turner Looks To Skate In On NHL Rights After NBCUniversal Bows Out | Deadline
Please tell me we’re going to get some sort of Inside The NBA crossover where Charles Barkley talks hockey. Also, please have Chris Jericho out there cutting promos on random players.
Chicago Blackhawks news: Andrew Shaw announces retirement | Second City Hockey
Regardless of who the player is, you never want to see someone give up their career on terms other than their own, especially someone as young as Shaw (Yes, I was also surprised to learn Shaw is still only 29 years old). Best wishes to him. Maybe someday we’ll work harder to address concussion issues in the sport.
The Canadiens are on the verge of a monumental collapse | Eyes On The Prize
The year is 2030. The Seattle Kraken is taking on the Quebec City Bulldogs in the Stanley Cup Final. Connor McDavid is closing in on Gretzky’s records. We can watch NHL games virtually anywhere thanks to our 8G-enabled microchips. Marc Bergevin is still on the hot seat in Montreal.
Examining the job Mike Sullivan has done this season for the Penguins | PensBurgh
The fact that the Penguins have remained this good for so long in spite of injuries, departures, and cap hell really is spectacular.
Watch Out: Mika Zibanejad is Hot Again | The Hockey News on Sports Illustrated
Zibanejad and linemate, Alexis Lafreniere, are racking up points, and that has the Rangers back in the playoff race.
Yost: A closer look at a tight Norris Trophy race | TSN.ca
Victor Hedman’s probably the favorite only because Cale Makar missed some significant time. But there are 5-6 legitimate contenders for the top defensive award this year.
Women’s Hockey Life Podcast: Episode 11 – Shannon Szabados | The Hockey News on Sports Illustrated
You might know Szabados as Team Canada’s starting goalie from the past three Olympics. What you might NOT know is that she’s spent a large chunk of her playing career in men’s leagues. She’s got a wealth of interesting stories to tell, and she gets into some of them here.
Today’s Song to Get You HYPED
Both Bryan Bastin and I have been jamming to this nonstop for a full month now. The second that Silk Sonic album drops… eggplant emoji.