Hockey News and Notes
Islanders rally to beat Predators in OT – The Tennessean
The Preds still haven’t managed to wrangle their overtime woes.
Preds Sell Out all 41 Home Games for the First Time – NHL.com
For the first time in franchise history all the regular season home games were sold out. The team really is growing up. *sobs*
Predators’ Filip Forsberg, Pekka Rinne aren’t only losers in NHL-free Olympics – The Tennessean
The NHL might be in for a rude awakening at just how many players will use their own money to go to the Olympics. Whatever the NHL’s end-game is with this decision, it might not play out as planned.
Canadiens, Penguins, Blue Jackets Have Very Legitimate Gripe With NHL’s Playoff Format ” CBS Boston
The eastern conference has stepped their game up. There’s no more talk about the west being more competitive and tougher than the east. Back to back Eastern Conference Stanley Cup Champions is a very real outcome.
Put Me in Coach: College to NHL is New Norm for Top Players – USNews.com
There’s always a risk to a player wanting to finish their college careers after being drafted (i.e. Jimmy Vesey) but if a guy wants a college degree before becoming a full time professional athlete, why not?
NHL’s Stance Leaves Players Cold – NY Times
Players tend to shy away from media attention, especially negative media attention. However, for the first time in a long time, there’s rage throughout the entire league. Don’t expect all of these guys to walk away quietly.
Bruins clinch Stanley Cup Playoff Berth – NHL.com
For the first time since 2014 the Bruins return to the playoffs. Welcome back Boston!
Stanley Cup Playoffs 2017: NHL Bracket, Format and Updated Predictions | Bleacher Report
Nothing is set in stone, but pretty close. Like really close. The Predators are probably going to have to play the Blackhawks, so brace yourselves, you’ve been warned.