Smashville News:
Predators get high marks for successful first half | Tennessean
Adam Vingan’s report card for the Nashville Predators. Better than last year but still some work to be done.
Predators prospect Tolvanen motivated after slipping in Draft | NHL.com
Sounds like our prospect is using his draft disappointment to better himself. He has good words about ending up in Nashville. I won’t be upset if he needs to spend a little time in Milwaukee to adjust, but I can’t wait to see him at Bridgestone.
German, Finnish or Fakish? Part 2 | NHL.com
This is fun – and hey Preds twitter – Pekka Rinne is really good!
And lest we think it’s all work and no play on the road trips (2 pics):
Central Division News:
Central Division set up for wild second half of season | NHL.com
“Eleven points. That’s all that separates the first- and last-place teams in the Central Division. It’s not much, and it illustrates just how tight things have been through the first half of the season.” Get ready Preds fans. After the breaks, the second best part of the season begins!
Hutton making most of opportunity with Blues | NHL.com
Our old buddy Carter Hutton is having a standout year as Jake Allen’s back up and has seen a few more games than usual lately. Good for him in a contract year!
Blackhawks waive veteran defenceman Cody Franson | Sportsnet.ca
I don’t watch enough of the Chicago Blackhawks’ games to not be puzzled by this. I thought he was doing okay given his contract.
Other Hockey News:
NHL: Midseason grades for all 31 teams | Coloradoan
Some interesting grades here. Vegas is like the kid who moves from another town and ruins the curve for everyone. And snap! Montreal and Ottawa. The Buffalo Sabres receive a poor grade, but at this point are they playing for a high pick?
Canadiens’ hole at centre position a smoking gun against GM Bergevin | Sportsnet.ca
After Marc Bergevin’s comments on Jonathan Drouin, I begin to understand why he rarely does pressers.
Super Slo-mo: Week 13 | NHL.com
Hi Webs and Peks – ouchie Peks your helmet! Hi Ellie, Siss and Juuse – oh no! Hi everyone – how did that go in? Hi Aberg – you were robbed. Hi Bones and Turris playing hockey games.
Organizers have managed to kill the World Junior Championship golden goose | The Hockey News
I mean really, who thought the shores of Lake Erie in January was going to be a big draw for out of town fans? As someone who would like to see a WJC game or two, might I suggest further south and easier airport access. Raleigh would be great – I’m in town after Christmas anyway! Or how about Washington, DC? So much to do regionally between games.
Our New Year’s resolutions for the NHL include better promoting Connor McDavid, Auston Matthews | espn.com
I’m with Greg on the offside changes. Some of the other ones could use a Hot Take Dragon.
Rangers’ Kreider to undergo rib resection following blood clot scare | Sporting News
Okay – did we know that you help blood clots by removing a rib? Like the rib that’s closest to your head? I did not even know this was a thing.