Smashville News:
How a Preds Road Trip Works | NHL.com
I really love these behind-the-scenes videos. They remind me how great the Beneath the Ice series was and that no matter how many times I tweet to Sean Henry and the Predators organization about bringing it back, it ain’t happening.
Weekly Edge: One change that could help the Nashville Predators defense | A to Z Sports
I have to respectfully disagree with our friend Alex. I don’t believe that Dante Fabbro has anything else to learn in Milwaukee and do believe that it’s too early to scramble NHL and AHL players. I would rather see Fabbro moved to play with Dan Hamhuis (they had good chemistry last year) and Yannick Weber moved to play with Mattias Ekholm.
How Swede It Is: Highlights from the Nashville Predators’ first five games | On the Forecheck
Ann takes a look at how our personal collection of Swedes has started off the season.
Bottom pair? He could at least distract the other team with his cuteness and adorable left ear.
Central Division News:
Wild’s Mats Zuccarello to miss road trip with lower-body injury | Sportsnet.ca
Well, the Minnesota Wild did not need him to beat the hapless Ottawa Senators. It’s hard to believe though, that the Wild have broken their shiny new Mats Zuccarello already.
Blackhawks not going to ‘freak out’ about 0-2-1 start | NBC Sports Chicago
Okay – how about laugh? I’ve been amused by how many articles are already speculating who Chicago will sell at the deadline.
No Stanley Cup hoopla for Blues newcomer Faulk | stltoday.com
Justin Faulk sets the record for the least amount of energy or personality in an interview that is mostly about fun stuff.
Playoff mode: Why the Stars are approaching each game with a postseason mentality | The Dallas Morning News
Okay, I get it. They haven’t won and are already talking about lack of urgency. (Is their GM or owner prepping a media thrashing of top players yet?) But they really should…wait a minute…hmmm…go ahead and pursue this course. The Dallas Stars will be worn out well before the playoffs.
Other Hockey News:
Talking Turkey: One thing each team should be thankful for this season | TheHockeyNews
First, Chicago, lol. Also, maybe we can just be happy about Matt Duchene without worrying about Kyle Turris for a few minutes.
Hjalmarsson out indefinitely for Coyotes with lower-body injury | NHL.com
I have to admit……oooooohhhh pretty, pretty uniforms…what? Oh. I have to admit that I am beginning to wince every time someone blocks a shot with their body.
The NHL’s best and worst this week – Are the Buffalo Sabres for real this time? | ESPN
“The Sabres have tempted us with hot streaks previously. Here’s why this one could last.” Okay – are the Buffalo Sabres for real this time?
Super Slow Mo: Week 1 | NHL.com
Oho! Slo Mo returns! Surely some of our highlights will be included (and hopefully no lowlights). Waiting…oops! Sorry Pekka Rinne. Wow Peks responds with an awesome save. Sorry Mikael Granlund, Devin Dubnyk literally stood on his head to steal that one! Hi Mattias Ekholm. Great shot. Hi Matt Irwin! Ouchie. Storm Surge! What??? None of our Matt Duchene and Filip Forsberg magic made this montage? Jeesh.
Why Rod ‘the Bod’ Brind’Amour is the perfect coach for the Carolina Hurricanes | ESPN
Boy, talk about a team culture starting at the top! Great piece on Rod Brind’Amour.
Oilers ‘culture change’ big reason for historic start | NHL.com
“The Edmonton Oilers are winning games they almost certainly would have lost the past two seasons.” Can a culture change this quickly? If not, what are they putting in the Gatorade in Edmonton?
NHL contemplating changes to all-star skills format | Sportsnet.ca
“Alterations could be made for the skills competition as the NHL wants to boost the “fun” factor for the players.” HAHAHAHAHAHA really? This after the NHL deleted every aspect (draft, breakaway challenge, etc) that the players seemed to actually enjoy.