What Was the Biggest Nashville Predators Story of 2012?

Presented in no particular order, here are a few of the major news stories regarding the Nashville Predators from 2012. Vote in the poll below, and make your case in the comments as to why one of these was the Greatest...

• Radulov's Return - Nashville's trade deadline acquisitions were nice, but the return of Alexander Radulov to the Predators gave fans reason to believe that the team had the elite-level offensive difference-maker who could help lead them deep into the playoffs. Of course, we all know how that story turned sour during the Phoenix series - a late night out with Andrei Kostitsyn led to being benched for Games 3 & 4 of that series, with the Preds then eliminated in Game Five. It looks we've seen the last of Rads in Predators Gold, but that last fling was quite a wild ride, wasn't it?
• Suter & Tootoo Leave as Free Agents - The question of how the Big 3 could be retained long-term hung over Nashville for the last year or more, and once Pekka Rinne signed up for a 7-year contract extension, the reluctance of Ryan Suter & Shea Weber to do the same raised doubts among many fans. Sure enough, Suter left for big bucks and familiar territory in Minnesota, and in addition, Jordin Tootoo, one of the most popular figures in team history, signed with hated rival Detroit after a tumultuous final year with the Preds.
• Shea Weber Offer Sheet Matched - It was as bold a ploy as has ever been attempted in the history of NHL offer sheets. 14 years, $110 million of heavily front-loaded money was put on the table by the Philadelphia Flyers, and Weber's agents implied in public that their client would prefer to play for the high-spending Eastern Conference contender. The Predators had the option to match the offer and retain their captain, which they did. It will be interesting, however, to see how the next CBA deals with such outlandish contracts, and how that will impact the Preds under the salary cap.
• Preds Beat Detroit - Winning a playoff series had been done in 2011, but defeating the Red Wings in the first round of 2012 was a milestone achievement for a franchise which has long looked up at Detroit in the standings. The Preds have finally beaten the Central Division bully, just in time for a new power in St. Louis to arise.
• Predators in Las Vegas - Once again, David Poile, Shea Weber & Pekka Rinne were finalists for the award recognizing the best in their profession (GM, defenseman & goaltender) but came up short. Mike Fisher brought home the NHL Foundation Player Award, however, recognizing his charitable endeavors.

I could go on and on, but those seem to be the five major contenders for the Biggest Nashville Predators Story of 2012? Which gets your vote?

I also want to take this occasion to thank all of you for your support during the year gone by. Until this stupid lockout came along, it was a damned good year for OTF. Our community kept growing, we were named Best Sports Blog in Nashville, and stretched in a few different directions, by welcoming in new writers and launching our YouTube channel. Here's to hoping that we can all get back to Game Threads and goofiness again real soon.

Until then? Well, there are other sports stories in Nashville to talk about...

Poll

Which was the Biggest Nashville Predators Story of 2012?

• Radulov's Return
• Suter & Tootoo Leave as Free Agents
• Shea Weber Offer Sheet Matched
• Preds Beat Detroit in Playoffs
• Poile, Weber & Rinne Finalists in Las Vegas, Fisher Wins

  27 votes | Results

Friday's Dump & Chase: Team USA vs Russia at World Juniors

Nashville Predators News

Ads finally win two in a row, beat Rivermen 2-1 | Admirals Roundtable
Goals by Chris Mueller & Ryan Ellis, along with strong goaltending from Jeremy Smith, made the difference.

Around the Wide Wide World of Hockey

2013 IIHF World Junior Championship: USA vs. Russia Preview | The United States of Hockey
It's Barry Windham & Mike Rotundo vs. Nikolai Volkov & the Iron Sheik, hockey-style.

Potential short-season impact on revenues - The Globe and Mail
James Mirtles surveys the likely damage to revenues under a 48-game model.

NHL lockout can't be ignored, but give Gary Bettman credit for Team USA - NHL - Sporting News
Giving Bettman credit for anything is a dangerous business these days.

Today's Oilers as seen through Paul Coffey's eyes - The Globe and Mail
One of my favorite all-time defensemen digs the run & gun potential of Edmonton's young forwards.

Bye Everyone! Five for Howling Now Under New Management - Five For Howling
Say farewell to Travis Hair, who is stepping down as editor of SB Nation's Phoenix Coyotes blog.

Thursday's Dump & Chase: Klein Shines

Nashville Predators News

Danes treat Predators' Kevin Klein like a superstar | The Tennessean
In one night of Danish league action, Klein racked up almost as many penalty minutes (27) as in his last two full NHL seasons (28)!

Boclair: Forget the Mayans, real doomsday arrives in January | Nashville City Paper
So much for building off the momentum from last spring's playoff run, eh?

Nashville Predators draft pick develops his game by playing for Team USA | The Tennessean
So far, so good for Jimmy Vesey.

Nashville Predators sit calmly in lockout | The Greenville News
Josh Cooper looks at how some likely developments could impact the Preds as a franchise.

Ten ways the Nashville Predators can entice fans back after the lockout | The Predatorial
Kris offers his suggestions on how the Preds can win back the masses if & when hockey returns.

Checking in with Cincy and Looking at the Big Picture | Admirals Roundtable
Trey looks a step down the developmental ladder to see what's going on at the ECHL level.

PuckCast Episode 15: Nick Brunker | PuckScene.com
...and Patten chats up Cincinatti's play-by-play man as well.

Smashville 24/7 - Top 10 Preds stories of 2012
'tis the season for year-in-review posts...

A Pekka Rinne KHL Video For Christmas - Predlines
How desperate are you for some Pekka Rinne footage?

Around the Wide Wide World of Hockey

2013 IIHF World Junior Championship: USA vs. Germany Preview | The United States of Hockey
Team USA gets started today against Germany (8:00 a.m. Central on NHL Network), but it doesn't sound like Jimmy Vesey will be in the lineup.

Team USA WJC Preview: Five Biggest Questions for U.S. to Answer | The United States of Hockey
And here's a quick primer for you.

Nail Yakupov on Team Canada: "Those guys play dirty" | Edmonton Journal
Controversy!

Drop Dead Date | mc79hockey.com
Tyler floats the notion that this could drag out for another month or more.

Larry Brooks: NHL commissioner Gary Bettman is missing the big picture in his willingness to throw away another season rather than give minor concessions to the league’s players - NYPOST.com
Brooks can fire off an anti-Bettman screed as easily as falling out of bed, calling the commissioner to task for his third lengthy lockout.

Red Wings owe Detroit cable debt, records show | The Detroit News
This has the makings of a thorny situation, given the Red Wings' desire to build a new arena.

10 ways for NHL to recover from lockout - Cross Checks Blog - ESPN
Pierre LeBrun's way out there on a speculative limb with many of these ideas, but the NHL does need to be open to radical change.

Mortality Play | Backhand Shelf
If you need a little extra motivation to make that "get active" resolution (like I do), read this.

3 Holiday Gift Ideas for the Forlorn Hockey Fan

Bring On The Funny

If you're a regular reader here, then you're familiar with the comedic stylings of Down Goes Brown, the hockey humor blog that lives up to all the hype. Being funny on a regular basis is damnedly hard stuff, but somehow DGB manages to do it. Now, you can order The Best of Down Goes Brown: Greatest Hits and Brand New Classics-to-Be from Hockey's Most Hilarious Blog via Amazon, and support a hockey blogger who provides genuinely unique, valuable content for us grateful readers.

Get The Book on Bettman

The publishers of John Gatehouse's new biography The Instigator: How Gary Bettman Remade the Game and Changed the NHL Forever were kind enough to send me a review copy, and even the most bitter members of the "Fire Bettman!" movement would be well served reading this book.

It portrays the commissioner as singluarly focused on fighting and winning battles on behalf of NHL owners. Whether we're watching him squeeze extra millions out of nervous TV executives or endure the taunts of fans while handing out the Stanley Cup each spring, Bettman isn't shy about taking a few shots in order to get the job done. Whether you hate him, or hate him a lot, you'd be best served learning more about the most powerful figure in the sport.

Put a Spring in Their Step

Just a week after Christmas comes New Year's, with all those resolutions about getting into shape (I know I sure need to make one). A very cool way to get those good intentions put into motion is with Reebok ZigTech training shoes with the color & logo of your favorite NHL team. These proved very popular when I posted about them over at Hockey Gear HQ last year, but they went out of stock for most of 2012. Now, they're back with the new ZigLite training shoe, and there are also sandals available.

The Nashville Predators shoes, for example, do look pretty sweet.

Hopefully those three ideas can help you round out your 2012 holiday shopping, and cheer that hockey fan in your life up a bit. We know that the NHL players and owners certainly aren't going to do the job...

Note: The links above are affiliate links - if you click through them and purchase something at those sites, I'll receive a small commission from the retailer for sending you to them. Thanks for your support of OTF throughout 2012, and Happy Holidays!

Thursday's Dump & Chase: Do You Believe in the Power of Yes?

Nashville Predators News

Threat Of Nashville NHL Lockout Damage Still Real - Predlines
Jason wonders how severe the damage will be, given the number of diehard fans asking for ticket refunds these days.

Nashville Predators' Shea Weber remains silent on possible free agency | The Tennessean
What if the NHL started over from scratch and voided all existing contracts? The Captain won't discuss that scenario publicly.

Vanderbilt Commodores Gear is Nashville's Hottest - Nashville Sports Hub
Predictably, Preds apparel isn't exactly selling right now.

The Milwaukee report - Predators Insider
Kind words from head coach Dean Evason for rookie goalie Magnus Hellberg.

Hogs take control early, sink Ads. | Admirals Roundtable
It sounds like the Admirals had an off night.

Beyond the Bradley Center: Home Cooking for the Holidays, Lots of Rockford & Peoria on Tap | Admirals Roundtable
After a road-heavy early schedule, the Admirals will spend more time in Milwaukee these days.

Around the Wide Wide World of Hockey

Will we have a season? Bill Daly says ‘yes’ on Hockey Night in Canada radio | Puck Daddy
And to think, they only had to pull off three fingernails to get that answer.

Fehr responds to Daly’s comments, waiting on NHL to resume talks - The Globe and Mail
It doesn't sound like anybody is rushing back to the negotiating table.

Only NHL game being played is waiting game | Hockey | CBC Sports
Nobody dishes out the morsels of hockey goodness like Elliotte Friedman.

Hockey’s Wealth Redistribution Problem: What’s Really Behind The NHL Lockout | TIME.com
Gary Belsky lays it out simply for the readers of Time: "NHL owners with struggling teams, to the extent that they are actually struggling, are largely in the shape they’re in because of their fellow owners, not because of NHL players."

Does the NHL have a winning case in court? - The Globe and Mail
A handy Q&A as the lockout gets litigious.

Dowbiggin: Lockout will force NHL to take its medicine, only question is when - The Globe and Mail
At this rate, I think we're looking forward to more commercials for farmer dating services and public service announcements during hockey games. Who would pay to sponsor a league like this?

Paul McCann - Looking to Mom to Solve the Lockout
Sometimes it takes a mom to smack some sense in to stop the squabbling.

Twitter picture of Kane holding stacks of cash stirs social media hornets’ nest - The Globe and Mail
Yeah, probably not the wisest of choices by Evander Kane here.

World junior championship: The 10 things you need to know about Ufa - Buzzing The Net
Better to be Salavat Yulaev than Emeliyan Pugachev, apparently.

Tuesday's Dump & Chase: Legal Limbo

Nashville Predators News

Throwing in the Gold Rally Towel: Guest Post by Zack Bennett | The Predatorial
Another season ticket holder goes for a refund. My question is, to what extent will the team go to win fans like this back, and how will that go down with the "Loyal Legion" who have left their money with the team throughout the lockout?

Top 30 NHL Affiliated Prospects - TSN
Austin Watson makes the cut based on his hot start with Milwaukee (found via Josh Cooper of the Tennessean).

What If There Were No NHL Lockout This Year? - Predlines
Jason looks at what we've missed already.

Paul McCann - You M.A.D. bro?
Paul figured out there is at least one group winning in all of this...

Hockey Operations Internship - Nashville Predators
Oh, to be 20 years old and not needing a paycheck! This looks like a cool gig for you college kids.

Frustrated Predators fans turn to high school hockey | The Tennessean
Well, at least some local kids are getting instruction from Hal Gill.

Nashville Predators prospect Taylor Beck fights through injury | The Tennessean
After suffering a concussion last month, Beck is back in action.

Milwaukee takes 4 points from 3-in-3 with win over Hamilton | Admirals Roundtable
Speaking of Beck, he played a role in the Admirals' win.

Also, listen in as Pete Weber joined 102.5 The Game's 1st Quarter this morning:

Around the Wide Wide World of Hockey

Legal Look: The NHL's lawsuit and what's next - TSN
Here's a good overview of the legal nonsense going on right now. I have little stomach to follow this stuff on a day-to-day basis. Either get a deal done, cancel the season, or blow up the whole thing.

NHL Network to Air, NHL.com to Stream All U.S. Games Live | The United States of Hockey
Good news - the US team's World Juniors games will be on the air. Bad news - the hours are challenging, to say the least.

NHL lockout doing ‘alarming’ damage to brand - The Globe and Mail
Canadians are squawking over the lockout, but I have my doubts as to whether they'll truly stay away once games resume.

Puck Daddy’s 10 most memorable hockey images of 2012 | Puck Daddy
I do love #9 here.

More on NHL Faceoffs | Statistical Sports Consulting
Let's put it this way - Kevin Klein's ability to play tough minutes without taking penalties is much more valuable than Paul Gaustad's faceoff skills.

Friday's Dump & Chase: Colin Wilson on Bettman: "I obviously don't like him"

Nashville Predators News

Nashville Predators enforcer Brian McGrattan has reasons to smile | The Tennessean
#winning

Wilson backs up his words to the Winnipeg Sun | Predators Insider
Kudos to Colin Wilson for speaking up. These are by far the most interesting quotes any Predator has given since the lockout began.

David Briley asks NHL for a refund | In Session
The City of Nashville just renegotiated the Predators' arena lease earlier this year. Did they not have the common sense to consider the possibility of a lockout, and how that might affect the team's ability to deliver on its economic promise? I've also wondered why the city would enter into a long-term agreement like that right before a new CBA could radically alter the team's finances, and hence its reliance on government funds.

Hockey Night in Nashville: Preds must find a way to continue positive momentum
Robby seems confident that the Predators' work in the community over the last few months will be rewarded whenever play resumes.

Kontinental Hockey League - All-Star Game - starting lineups announced
Sergei Kostitsyn will start for Team East.

Around the Wide Wide World of Hockey

Memphis Grizzlies Hire ESPN Writer John Hollinger as VP of Basketball Ops - Nashville Sports Hub
At one time I had dreams about putting stats analysis to work in the service of an NHL team. Kudos to Hollinger for earning that chance in the NBA.

The Edmonton Oilers are making a wise foray into analytics in an odd way | Backhand Shelf
Meanwhile, the Oilers are going the game-show route of perhaps bringing in an analyst.

The NHL's Best Hope: Contraction - Forbes
Yet another contraction argument is raised, but I have yet to see one which convincingly defines the problem for which contraction is the solution. Players are averaging over $2 million apiece, the quality of play is pretty darned high, so where's the urgency?

Smashville 24/7 - NHL’s coverage exposed during lockout
I'm with Ryan - the NHL Network these days is a sad joke, and even when the league is playing, it lags behind what the NFL and NBA have to offer by a looooooong way.

NHL should change playoff format in abbreviated season - USA Today
Please, no! The playoff format doesn't need to be made any longer.

NHL Lockout: When "take it or leave it" is nothing of the sort | Edmonton Journal
Gary Bettman's finger wagging is getting less and less convincing over time.

Rest easy, here is your new CBA - Cross Checks Blog - ESPN
"One NHL governor provided ESPN.com with the framework for a deal he insisted would be palatable to both sides." But no, they can't get it done, because there has to be a couple more weeks of posturing.

Claude Lemieux’s son, Barrie Colts’ Brendan Lemieux, gets 8-game ban in OHL (VIDEO) - Buzzing The Net
Like father, like son.

Thursday's Dump & Chase: Looking For the Lockout Endgame

Nashville Predators News

12/12/12 proves Newsworthy for the Predators | ladypreds
Here are the words nobody wants to read these days: "Pekka Rinne suffered a groin injury..."

A Fan’s Rebuke: A "Loyal Legionnaire" Finally Had Enough | The Predatorial
Another Preds fan turns in his tickets...

Predators Prospects: Austin Watson - Predlines
With the success Watson is enjoying so far in Milwaukee, might he be NHL-ready in the near future?

Pessimism overtakes optimism in Preds' room - sportsnet.ca
The Preds are getting tired of waiting around.

Nashville Jr. Predators Squirt Minor Team Wins Silver Stick Regionals - Predlines
Who knows, by the time the lockout is resolved, these kids may be ready for the big leagues.

Around the Wide Wide World of Hockey

NHL labour talks produce little to talk about - The Globe and Mail
Hey, at least they didn't get our hopes up.

Sides in NHL dispute need to push things to the brink | Hockey | CBC Sports
Elliotte Friedman wonders what it will take to force compromise.

European hockey teams bracing for NHL lockout to end within next week, according to agent | Puck Daddy
Could we be looking at a January 2nd start?

The Winnipeg Jets killed my father - Arctic Ice Hockey
Wow, what a read. It's stuff like this that just makes me all the more furious over this idiotic lockout.

Former NHL coach, manager considers PC leadership run - Prince Edward Island - CBC News
Doug MacLean in politics? The jokes write themselves, people.

Yesterday, one of the best beat reporters in hockey, Michael Russo of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, joined Sports Night on 102.5 The Game to talk about the state of the lockout these days:

Wednesday's Dump & Chase: Hornqvist Heads Back to Switzerland

Nashville Predators News

Patrik Hörnqvist moving to Swiss League | Elite | Latest News | Hockey Expressen
Patric, come on - there are already enough Americans who don't know the difference between Sweden & Switzerland, without you flipping back and forth like this.

Ads drop second Charlotte showdown | Admirals Roundtable
It sounds like the boys are working on The Predator Way: "Too many times good entries into the offensive zone were negated by unwise passes instead of shots." I kid, I kid.

Celebrating 35 Years of Pro Hockey! - Milwaukee Admirals
The Admirals are kicking off a series which includes the Top 35 Admirals of All-Time, among other items.

'Everybody's losing money' - Winnipeg Free Press
It sounds like Colin Wilson is riding the emotional roller coaster just like many fans (found via Puck Daddy).

Around the Wide Wide World of Hockey

Gary Bettman’s 20-year anniversary as NHL commissioner: The good, the bad and the unplayed | Puck Daddy
Break out the party hats...

Donald Fehr and the NHL lockout - Grantland
This is a serious battle, and the players finally have a leader capable of hanging in there.

On Spec: Third mediation's a charm? - sportsnet.ca
Oh goody, the federal mediators are back.

Mike Eruzione’s game-worn ‘Miracle on Ice’ jersey could be yours… for about a million dollars | Puck Daddy
Will someone pay that much? I wouldn't be surprised.

Ilya Bryzgalov Can't Take Your Calls Right Now; He's About To Launch Into Space - Deadspin
Because he is... a Wild and Crazy Guy!

The NFL on Fox Robot is taking shots at the NHL - Awful Announcing
I'm guessing there's a disconnect between the folks at Fox Sports and the regional channels which carry local NHL action.

My Original Hockey Photos " Berger Bytes
Old Time Hockey, eh? Seriously cool photos here.

Tuesday's Dump & Chase: Preds' Flagship Radio Station Makes Major Change

Nashville Predators News

Dave Ramsey Show Moving to 102.5 The Game? - Nashville Sports Hub
Interesting developments going on at the Preds' flagship radio station here, as the afternoon takes a turn away from sports.

Predators shrug off more cancellations | The Tennessean
Josh Cooper gets reaction to the latest developments from some of the Preds who are still in town.

U.S. World Junior Watch: Spotlight on Sean Kuraly; Players With Most to Prove in Camp | The United States of Hockey
Can Preds' prospect Jimmy Vesey (pictured above) carve himself out a spot on Team USA's roster?

ECAC Hockey: Harvard removes 4 players according to report - Western College Hockey Blog
Meanwhile, it sounds like some of Vesey's teammates are in hot water.

Nashville Predators 2011-12 Year In Review (In Review), Pt. 1 - Predlines
Take a walk down memory lane, to tide you over.

Paul McCann - The Madness Continues
It's one thing for the Lockout to lack major coverage here in Nashville, but in a big hockey market like Philadelphia? That just speaks to the level of apathy among general sports fans.

Also, listen in as Pete Weber joined 102.5 The Game this morning:

Around the Wide Wide World of Hockey

30 Thoughts: NHL could call in NBA lockout fixer | Hockey | CBC Sports
Hey, maybe they're not all like Gary Bettman.

Down Goes Brown: Countdown to drop dead - A look ahead to a month of CBA talks
"December 24 - The Grinch Who Stole Christmas is fired from his job at Proskauer Rose for not making enough people miserable."

A Second Look At Long Contracts And The CBA | mc79hockey.com
Many of the contracting issues being raised by the owners have to do with the perception that guys on their second contracts were getting too much of the money under the now-expired CBA.

Coming Soon : Tom Benjamin's NHL Blog :: CanucksCorner.com
Do long-term contracts help only the stars, or do they create cap room so the middle-tier players get paid, too? Tom investigates...

Connor McDavid, 15-year-old hockey phenom, and Reebok close to multiyear deal - NHL - Sporting News
And what were YOU doing at age 15?

Sunday's Dump & Chase: Owners Have Nothing to Fear But Fehr Himself

The NHL may be sidelined, but I'm not. Check out my new project, the Nashville Sports Hub!

Nashville Predators News

Third period wreaks havoc on Ads again | Admirals Roundtable
That's two late leads coughed up in a row...

Around the Wide Wide World of Hockey

Fehr reaffirms NHLPA solidarity at CAW Council - sportsnet.ca
Yesterday, the Canadian Auto Workers were treated to an address by Don Fehr, and you can watch it here.

Larry Brooks: Gary Bettman, NHL walked away from CBA negotiations to breed union discontent with Donald Fehr - NYPOST.com
The NHL has been pretty brazen in their attempts to discredit Don Fehr and divide the NHLPA... but will it succeed?

A Long CBA | mc79hockey.com
Tyler considers some good reasons why the NHLPA should desire a shorter CBA rather than a long one. Fans tends to say "the longer the better" so that we don't have to worry about lockouts, but the prospect of a long period of labor peace may embolden the owners to use these lockouts to begin with.

TV Networks Scramble to Fill N.H.L. Void - NYTimes.com
In many markets, those regional sports channels are hurting without hockey.

The NHL's U.S. struggles as seen through Bill Simmons - Awful Announcing
In case you missed it, there was some entertaining back-and-forth between Bill Simmons & Bob McKenzie on Twitter a couple days ago regarding US coverage of the Lockout.

Monday's Dump & Chase: Mad About Mattias

Nashville Predators News

Predators prospect Mattias Ekholm proves he can play | The Tennessean
It's hard to temper my enthusiasm for Ekholm, but he'll need time to shore up his defensive game. Like Roman Josi, he needs to develop that streak of Vicious Bastard in his own zone.

Lockout Refugees: Nashville Predators Playing Overseas, Pt. 2 - Predlines
In case you wondered how the boys are doing in Europe.

That's Why We Don't Get Our NHL Lockout Hopes Up - Predlines
Jason feels burnt after last week's absurdity, as well.

Milwaukee ends brief skid, gets back on track in Charlotte | Admirals Roundtable

Austin Watson still has the hot hand for Milwaukee, and Magnus Hellberg got the win. Let's go to the highlights...

AHL Milwaukee Admirals at Charlotte Checkers
More Hockey

Around the Wide Wide World of Hockey

Yahoo! Sports and NBC Team Up | Official Yahoo! Blog
I tell you, NBC Sports might just become a worthy competitor to ESPN after all. This partnership would seem to really bolster their online presence.

NHL lockout: Latest collapse in negotiations just another part of theatrics - National Post
At this point I'm pretty much in the players' boat. The grandstanding and other posturing on the owners' side just turns my stomach.

Jack Todd: Time for Bettman, Fehr to get busy - Montreal Gazette
A nice bit of on-ice imagery: "At this point, Bettman and the owners look like a high-powered scoring machine being ground into the ice by Jacques Lemaire’s New Jersey Devils. They’re frustrated because they’re trapped in the neutral zone and even if they can somehow get past Bobby Holik and Scott Stevens, there’s Martin Brodeur (in the person of Fehr himself) waiting to make the save."

Sports Media Interviews: J.R. Lind of the Nashville Scene - Nashville Sports Hub
From late last week, check out the launch of our Local Sports Media Interview series at the Hub, featuring everyone's favorite bowtie-wearing Kansas City Royals fan.

Saturday's Dump & Chase: Just Call Me When the Deal's Done

Nashville Predators News

Beyond the Bradley Center: Admirals Right the Ship as the Holiday Home Stretch Approaches | Admirals Roundtable
After a choppy start, have the Milwaukee Admirals found their sea legs? Jason tabs Austin Watson as the man of the moment, with 11 points last month.

Portland's Brendan 'The Pit Bull' Leipsic conjures memories of Marty Standish with his play | OregonLive.com
The Preds' 3rd-round pick from last summer seems to have a pretty cool nickname...

Loser-buys-lunch helps Preds focus at practice | The Tennessean
The guys who are in town are trying to keep busy.

Wilson: ‘Guys are definitely getting antsy’ - Predators Insider
Meanwhile, Colin Wilson is training in Minnesota.We

Around the Wide Wide World of Hockey

What next in NHL CBA talks after breakdown | Red Light - SI.com
Stu Hackel projects where things might head from here.

Shannon on lockout: NHL franchises in trouble - sportsnet.ca
I think John Shannon is missing the point that the players, all along, have wanted to see the bulk of the money they're giving up go towards revenue sharing. The reason many clubs are supposedly losing money is an intra-ownership issue, not so much a players vs. owners one.

Ron Hainsey: The NHLPA's 'bad cop?' | Hockey | CBC Sports
The Columbus defenseman has been thrown into the spotlight during these negotiations.

How Zach Parise Signing for 13 Years Is Good for Kyle Brodziak | mc79hockey.com
Tyler considers the implications of a 5-year limit on contract term, with little room to vary the salary from year to year.

Brunt on Lockout: 30 minutes of madness - sportsnet.ca
Has Bettman met his match in Don Fehr? At the very least, the NHLPA has far more capable and experienced leadership than they've ever had before.

Duhatschek: Latest breakdown reminiscent of 2004 - The Globe and Mail
I dig Eric Duhatschek, but I hope he's wrong with this: "The chances of salvaging any portion of the 2012-13 NHL season went from slim to virtually zero Thursday, a roller-coaster moment in the negotiations that closely resembled an almost-identical day eight years ago."

Doug MacLean, Nick Kypreos get into shouting match on radio - DenverPost.com
Oh, snap!

The Players and Owners CBA Negotiations -- Advanced Stats - Battle of California
*sigh* and nary a Nashville Predator to be found...

'Bad' Santa insults three-year-old, loses job - Toronto Sun
Maybe Santa was just trying to save the kid from the lifetime of disappoint that goes with being a Maple Leafs fan?

Meet The Digital Upstart That Thinks Millions Of Rowdy Fans Are The Future Of The Web - Forbes
A nifty article here on SB Nation and how it has grown into Vox Media, branching out into technology & gaming.

2 Great Christmas Sales on Hockey Equipment - Hockey Gear HQ
So, you're hoping to get some new hockey equipment during the holidays, but want to save cash? These two coupon codes will help both skaters & goalies...

Once again, let's turn over the NHL Lockout analysis to the Taiwanese animators:

NHL CBA Talks: Long Negotiating Session Leads to #NHLPodium Mania

(SB Nation) -- The NHL and NHLPA met for about nine hours on Tuesday, and Wednesday, they repeated the feat, meeting for another nine hours and driving the entire hockey world mad by not releasing a single detail.

So after hours upon hours of staring at a podium, it was at least a bit of relief when NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly used that podium and lectern to give a brief statement, even if that statement came well after 1 a.m. ET.

"We had good candid, dialogue," Daly said. "A lot of issues. There continue to be some critical open issues between the two parties and we understand the union should be getting back to us [Thursday] on some of those issues."

From the players side, only Jets defenseman Ron Hainsey spoke.

Ron Hainsey: "We had a series of candid discussions tonight; we will meet again tomorrow #CBA"

— Michael Grange (@michaelgrange) December 6, 2012

As was the case after Tuesday's marathon bargaining session, the silence seems to be a good thing. Earlier in this work stoppage, both sides would leak details of meetings to the media while those meetings were still in progress, and when they stepped to the microphone afterwards, they would give history lessons and spout rhetoric in frustrating fashion.

But the tone has changed. In the last 48 hours, both sides have indicated "respect for the process," as Gary Bettman put it earlier Wednesday, and are not bothering to play the PR war. An ESPN.com report claimed earlier in the evening that negotiations were "tense," but instead of the sides breaking away from the table in a cloud of anger, they seem to be committed to hammering out the details and getting a deal done.

It might be frustrating that we don't have the specifics of negotiations, but that simple fact also means that we're likely nearing that light at the end of the tunnel.

Mike Fisher to Appear on 2012 CMT Artists of the Year Show

The 2012 edition of the CMT Artists of the Year show was filmed Monday night in Nashville, and Fish attended with his superstar wife Carrie Underwood (here's a pic of the happy couple on the red carpet).

I know many hockey fans reviled at the thought of Fisher's connection to country music as having any influence on his value as a Nashville Predator, but hey, positive press exposure comes in handy, especially during times like these.

The following press release was found at The Futon Critic:

The stars aligned in Nashville last night for a celebrity-filled evening honoring the 2012 CMT ARTISTS OF THE YEAR with appearances or performances by some of the biggest names in entertainment and sports, including Jason Aldean, Lady Antebellum, Luke Bryan, Rodney Carrington, baseball great Roger Clemens, Kenny Chesney, Eric Church, Sheryl Crow, Eli Young Band, "Late Late Show" host Craig Ferguson, Nashville Predators' Mike Fisher, Academy Award(R) winning actor Morgan Freeman, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member Sammy Hagar, Merle Haggard, Hunter Hayes, Metallica's James Hetfield, Atlanta Braves' Chipper Jones, Toby Keith, Kid Rock, Miranda Lambert, rapper Ludacris, Kacey Musgraves, "Duck Dynasty" star Willie Robertson, Kenny Rogers, Thompson Square, Grammy Award(R) winning record producer and OneRepublic frontman Ryan Tedder, Carrie Underwood and Chris Young. Country super group Rascal Flatts and "Nashville" actress Hayden Panettiere hosted the event that honors the top country acts of 2012 when it premieres on Saturday, December 8 at 10:00 p.m., ET/PT on CMT.

Thursday's Dump & Chase: Thaw, At Last

Nashville Predators News

Stars end Admirals three-game win streak in OT | Admirals Roundtable
Austin Watson scored the lone goal for Milwaukee.

Portland’s Brendan Leipsic silences his critics, with the help of Teemu Selanne - Buzzing The Net
The Preds' 3rd-round draft pick is on fire, with four goals in his last game, but this connection to Teemu Selanne is pretty cool.

Also, Pete Weber joined 102.5 The Game's 1st Quarter this morning to talk about the CBA negotiations:

Around the Wide Wide World of Hockey

Both sides look committed to making deal - Cross Checks Blog - ESPN
Ah, finally we see a bit of movement on some of the major issues.

Into the Wee Hours - The Spin
Oh, that Jeremy Jacobs. Can't the other owners just inadvertently lock him in a bathroom or something?

NHL lockout: "Bettman wants this (deal) done by Friday," NHL insider Nick Kypreos says | Edmonton Journal
Well, there you go.

Down Goes Brown: 20 years ago today...
In case you wondered what the name "Down Goes Brown" means, check out the video!

Sports Broadcast Antitrust Suits Can Proceed, Judge Rules - Bloomberg
A lawsuit challenging the regional blackout restrictions that the NHL and MLB enforce is moving forward. This could be interesting to watch...

The Quiet Room: Joffrey Lupul | Backhand Shelf
Everything you wanted to know about herniated discs but were afraid to ask.

Wednesday's Dump & Chase: Hopes Rise For CBA Talks

Nashville Predators News

Smashville 24/7 - Hal Gill: ‘We’re getting down to crunch time’
The big defenseman blows off the report out of Boston that a CBA deal is right around the corner.

NHL Progress In Nashville Threatened By Lockout - Predlines
A collection of worthless answers here that are still good reading.

At Alabama-Huntsville, eyes on the future during a tough present :: USCHO.com
The UAH Chargers are still working hard to find a home in a collegiate hockey conference.

Around the Wide Wide World of Hockey

Penguins' Crosby, Burkle take charge in NHL talks | Hockey | CBC Sports
After last night's meeting, Sidney Crosby also healed the sick and rescued a kitten from a tree.

Ilitch proposes $650 million new downtown arena, entertainment district - Detroit Free Press
Might a replacement for Joe Louis Arena be in the works? I remember seeing the Harlem Globetrotters there shortly after it opened. Given the modern standard for arenas, it's probably due.

Animated Infographic: Watch As America's Stadiums Pile Up On The Backs Of Taxpayers Through The Years - Deadspin
Super-cool...

Tuesday's Dump & Chase: Preds Prospects in the World Juniors Mix

Nashville Predators News

Nashville Hockey Community Mourns Loss - Nashville Predators
Locals are grieving the passing of John Latreille, an important figure in the growth of youth hockey here in Nashville.

Hockey Canada names selection camp roster for world junior championship - Buzzing The Net
Nashville's 2nd-round draft pick from this summer, Colton Sissons, is in the mix.

USA Hockey Announces 2013 World Juniors Preliminary Roster - Western College Hockey Blog
Preds prospect Jimmy Vesey is also in the to wear the red, white & blue.

Around the Wide Wide World of Hockey

Sources: Significant Progress Made Toward Ending NHL Lockout " CBS Boston
And in related news, a unicorn lair was found in North Korea.

John Collins, NHL COO, could be costly lockout casualty for Bettman | Puck Daddy
Read this and ask yourself to what extent this dynamic could play out at the local level, too. What if some of the Predators' business staff decided to leave?

Down Goes Brown: The NHLPA's advance scouting report on today's session with NHL owners
Ron Burkle, Pittsburgh Penguins: Strength: Unlike everyone else in the room, will probably try really hard not to fall asleep the second Sidney Crosby starts talking.

Hearsay: Ted Lindsay fears for the NHL - sportsnet.ca
Forget owners vs. players. just put Gary Bettman & Don Fehr in a room with Ted Lindsay and an old wooden hockey stick. You'd have a new CBA in no time.

Debate: Owners-players meeting will be pivotal - Cross Checks Blog - ESPN
...or it could be just another day. Scott Burnside & Pierre LeBrun walk through the particulars heading into this afternoon's meeting.

NHL - Decertification is no easy route for NHLPA - ESPN
If you still care enough to make it through the whole thing, this is an outstanding overview of the issues surrounding NHLPA decertification, which may be on the table in the coming weeks.

Ice-O-Topes women’s hockey team recreate classic photos in 2013 pin-up calendar | Puck Daddy
Now this is creative stuff...

Adjusting Time On-Ice: Can 5v5% Tell Us More About TOI? | NHLNumbers.com
A slight refinement to the treatment of ice time casts Brian McGrattan in a pretty poor light.

An Open Letter to Nashville Predators Governor Joel Dobberpuhl

I'm writing you today to advise that you speak up, firmly and passionately, in support of striking a deal with the NHLPA and getting back to work immediately.

Lockout Costs Are Growing Daily

Every day this lockout drags on, teams like the Predators are losing customers. Just yesterday, one of your most visible fans, Codey Holland of Section 303, publicly declared that he was no longer a season ticket holder. Codey has led chants from atop the team's quasi-official superfan section for years, has been featured in a radio ad for one of your key sponsors (pitching other Preds fans on banking services with a team tie-in), and is an active supporter of the team on social networks like Twitter & Facebook.

When you lose a ticket holder like that (or Patten Fuqua of Puckscene.com, who also says he's taken a refund) you're losing the grassroots of your fan base. Yes, the hard-working marketing staff within the Predators organization can probably win many of those folks back, but at what cost? Instead of building on the momentum from the last few seasons, you can look forward to several months of discounts, comped tickets, and phone calls to former customers trying to get them back into Bridgestone Arena. Even with all that effort, it's doubtful that many of these fans will get back to their previous level of financial commitment to the team.

It will be like 2007-2008 all over again, when the franchise's history in Music City hung in the balance. The competition for the local sports-entertainment dollar is only going to get tougher, however. In case you haven't noticed, there's a college football team on the rise just a few blocks down Broadway, with aspirations of stepping up to a higher level in the years ahead.

The Predators just struck a new arena lease deal with the city of Nashville based on the premise that the team is an economic engine for the downtown area, and right now that engine is stalled because the owners & players can't agree on how to proceed. What kind of long-term damage is being done to the team's credibility as a leader in the local business community by this completely unnecessary lockout?

Keep Your Eyes On The Prize

If, during the Board of Governors meeting, an old hand like Boston's Jeremy Jacobs tells a relative newcomer like yourself to wait your turn and let the old guard handle things, that's where you need to take a stand. These aren't the days of the Original Six, when a cozy group of owners could has things out over brandy & cigars.

The modern NHL is a $3.3 billion business, which could be much bigger if it got its collective act together. Bold ideas are needed to make gains on leagues like the NBA, NFL, or Major League Baseball, and that opportunity is being squandered right now.

The NHL should be focused on the big picture - getting an expansion team into Toronto to further tap into an under-served hockey market, getting the Phoenix Coyotes off the league's books ASAP, and maximizing the opportunity for upcoming paydays, like the Canadian broadcast rights agreements which are expiring soon.

It's time to stop being penny-wise and pound-foolish. Overall league revenues have been growing steadily for years now, but the current course of action jeopardizes all that hard work. Get the players away from the negotiating table and back on the ice, where they belong.

Sincerely,

Dirk Hoag

Saturday's Dump & Chase: Admirals Stun Chicago

Nashville Predators News

Nashville Predators inspired by Minnesota goalie's courage | The Tennessean
Josh Cooper gets reaction from the Preds to Josh Harding's MS diagnosis.

Fantastic finish sends Ads to third straight win | Admirals Roundtable

Quite the 3rd-period comeback for the good guys last night.

Carrie Underwood talks about fame, being a hockey wife, and giving back - Ottawa Citizen
Mrs. Mike Fisher talks about the frustration of the lockout, and preparing to go back to Ottawa for a concert after stealing their man away (as some saw it).

Smashville 24/7 - Nashville has become Mason’s second home
And right now, he's got a lot of time to mow the lawn, clean out the garage, clean out the gutters, etc.

Also, Sergei Kostitsyn done got blowed up in the KHL.

Around the Wide Wide World of Hockey

Increasingly high cost of hockey is making the game an elitist sport - The Globe and Mail
Yup.

Down Goes Brown: Forbes Magazine excuses
Suddenly realized that Gary Bettman has created league where 25 teams can finish over .500 every year, so he's obviously way better at advanced theoretical mathematics than we'll ever be.

Lockout theatre; NHL Shakespeare | Backhand Shelf
Call me a Debbie Downer, but rather than Shakespeare, I'm picturing the final scenes of Apocalypse Now (one of my absolute favorite movies of all time), with Gary Bettman as Col. Kurtz, and Don Fehr playing the role of Captain Willard.

And lastly... is bikini hockey better than no hockey?

NHL CBA Talks: Mediation Fails After 2 Days

(SB Nation News) -- The first attempt at the NHL and NHL Players' Association to find common ground with the held of mediation has come and gone within a period of two days. After each side met separately with the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service on Wednesday, Thursday's meeting between both sides and the FMCS resulted in closed negotiations, according to ESPN's Pierre LeBrun.

LeBrun added that no more meetings were planned between the two sides, and a statement released by NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly echoed that stance:

"After spending several hours with both sides over two days, the presiding mediators concluded that the parties remained far apart, and that no progress toward a resolution could be made through further mediation at this point in time. We are disappointed that the mediation process was not successful."

LeBrun reports that after the negotiations closed on Thursday, the NHL opened the possibility of the league owners and players meeting without any league officials present.

According to ESPN, the mediation didn't help with the lingering issue of the NHL and union being far apart in negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement. Sources told ESPN that the meetings were held in Woodbridge, N.J.

The FMCS, who reached out to both sides to set up the meetings, was also involved in the NBA and NFL lockouts in 2011, though its presence did little to help resolve those situations.

Friday's Dump & Chase: NHL Heads Into the Void

Nashville Predators News

Puustinen recovers from splitting knee cap - JSOnline
Holy cow, the recovery process described here sounds awful. Kudos to Juuso Puustinen for his hard work in getting back on the ice.

Reflecting On The 1st Quarter | Admirals Roundtable
Can you believe hockey season is this far along already?

Around the Wide Wide World of Hockey

Kings Mourn The Passing Of Longtime PA Announcer David Courtney - Jewels From The Crown
Our condolences go out to the L.A. Kings organization and their fans, we here in Nashville certainly know what a prominent member of the community a PA announcer is.

30 Thoughts: Harding has kindred hockey spirit in Sigalet | Hockey | CBC Sports
As always, Elliotte Friedman's weekly column is required reading for hockey fans. Josh Harding, labor issues, and a small note on Patrick Cehlin, too.

Where do CBA talks go as mediation fails? - Cross Checks Blog - ESPN
The road ahead is more than a bit foggy after the mediation farce concluded yesterday.

Contraction a necessary evil for survival of NHL says economist - The Globe and Mail
With Quebec City, Toronto, Seattle, and a few other markets in the mix, I don't see contraction coming any time soon, if ever.

Write Your Own NHL/NHLPA Negotiation Story | PuckScene.com
Man, this sure makes things easier.

And lastly, a musical tribute in honor of the progress which the owners & players are making in these negotiations:

Wednesday's Dump & Chase: The Fitz is Back

Nashville Predators News

Former Predator Tom Fitzgerald enjoys 'best job' with Pittsburgh | The Tennessean
As a player development guy, Fitzergerald is still busy.

Day in the Life of an Admiral (weekend edition) - JSOnline
Meet Mark Van Guilder...

Around the Wide Wide World of Hockey

NHL Lockout: TSN’s Bob McKenzie says the gap between the league and NHLPA could be about to get wider | Edmonton Journal
Well this doesn't sound good. At least I'm keeping busy over the Nashville Sports Hub. Stop on by, won't you?

THE BOOK--Playing The Percentages In Baseball
"The solution to stupid owners is smart GMs." Yup, pretty much. You fail, Columbus.

Arrest report: Red Wings prospect Riley Sheahan was 'super drunk' in Teletubby costume | MLive.com
If this guy ever makes it to the NHL, I can't wait for the "Tinky Winky" chants when he hits the ice. Or would it be "Drinky Winky"?

Knaack Comes Through And Gives Phoenix Coyotes Another Chance - Five For Howling
Great news for Phoenix Coyotes fans, if the league ever drops the puck again.

Wild employees taking paycuts, going to 4-day work weeks | StarTribune.com
Because, you know, Craig Leipold spent money like a drunken sailor this summer. Of interest here is that "approximately 10% of season-ticket holders have requested refund options".

Ryan Murray to have shoulder surgery, WHL days surely over - Buzzing The Net
The #2 overall pick by the Columbus Blue Jackets has suffered a torn labrum.

Crosby says Europe 'a lot more possible now' - sportsnet.ca

Hold your breath, Penguins fans...

Vancouver Canucks: Be careful when looking at Cory Schneider’s stats | The Province
You'd hope that a major network's "stats guy" would understand that some numbers bounce around randomly from one season to the next, while others have more predictive heft behind them. Then again, the networks don't really care about getting the analysis right, they just need to toss out oddities for entertainment's sake.

How do you expect a hockey player to carry himself after a loss? | Backhand Shelf
Justin Bourne takes on the establishment view of how players are supposed to conduct themselves.

The NHL Website's Fan Polling Oddities - Battle of California
Strange things are going on at NHL.com...

Down Goes Brown: A look back at the superstar careers cut short by the last NHL lockout
Mark Messier - Is perhaps best remembered for flashing a huge grin as he was being handed the 1994 Stanley Cup, since it was the last time in history that an NHL player would ever smile near Gary Bettman.

NHL CBA Talks: Federal Mediators Called In

(SB Nation News) -- Just a week after league deputy commissioner Bill Daly said that mediation was not the preferred course of action to solve the ongoing 2012 NHL lockout, federal mediators in the United States have announced that they're getting involved.

George Cohen, the director of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, released a statement on Monday afternoon. Cohen and his agency played a role in both the NFL and NBA lockouts of a year ago.

"I have had separate, informal discussions with the key representatives of the National Hockey League and the National Hockey League Players' Association during the course of their negotiations for a successor collective bargaining agreement," Cohen said. "At the invitation of the FMCS, and with the agreement of both parties, the ongoing negotiations will now be conducted under our auspices. I have assigned Deputy Director Scot L. Beckenbaugh, Director of Mediation Services John Sweeney, and Commissioner Guy Serota to serve as the mediators."

"Due to the extreme sensitivity of these negotiations and consistent with the FMCS's long-standing practice, the Agency will refrain from any public comment concerning the future schedule and/or the status of the negotiations until further notice."

Mediation from the FMCS is always voluntary and both sides have agreed to have Cohen and his team step forward in trying to solve the work stoppage. The FMCS cannot force a resolution but according to its website, it can "help keep talks moving, focused an on track," it can help "generate new options" for the two sides and "help establish ground rules and realistic expectations."

The NHL and NHLPA spoke on Monday, according to reports, and plan on involving the mediator in formal talks later this week.

Tuesday's Dump & Chase: Shea Weber Stays Hopeful

Nashville Predators News

Weber: the captain, the contract and the expectations | Nashville City Paper
David Boclair sits down with Shea Weber to get a look at how far he's come as a hockey player, and what the future holds.

Nashville Predators' workouts keep group size steady | The Tennessean
The troops are hanging in there, a bunch of them anyway, practicing at A-Game regularly.

Lockout reading recommendation - Predators Insider
Take a trip behind the Iron Curtain with Josh Cooper...

Nashville Predators organization features defensive depth and two-way forwards - Hockey's Future
Take a tour around and check out the prospects.

Around the Wide Wide Word of Hockey

Guy Serota removed from NHL lockout mediation, thanks to Twitter hack or terrible jokes | Puck Daddy
Moments after Guy Serota was appointed to mediate the NHL/NHLPA negotiations, folks checked out his Twitter account, and things quickly detoured into the absurd.

We are Kevin Westgarth, David Backes, and Mathieu Schneider, current and former NHL players, AMA - Reddit
3 NHL players participated in an open forum on Reddit. Apparently Backes digs his trips to Nashville...

Building a NHL Fantasy Predictor: How Much Playing Time is My Forward Getting Next Year? | NHLNumbers.com
If we ever have to deal with fantasy hockey again, here's a deep think on projecting ice time (which is a key factor in expected production).

Monday's Dump & Chase: Downtown Nashville Feels the Lockout Pinch

Nashville Predators News

Canceled NHL games take financial toll on Nashville's downtown businesses | The Greenville News
The impact downtown is only starting to be felt.

Predators reach out to business sponsors | The Tennessean
So far it doesn't sound like much long-term damage has been done to the progress which the Preds have made on the corporate front in recent years.

Apathy: The NHL’s Worst Enemy | PuckScene.com
I agree with Patten here, there's not exactly a wellspring of passion being tapped into with each consecutive cancellation of games. I'll be honest, it's hard for me to find the motivation to even post daily notes these days.

Around the Wide Wide World of Hockey

In Ontario Hockey, Minor League Hopes to Limit Major Fights - NYTimes.com
Fights are down about 20% in the OHL, but I'll be interested to see how that number tracks in the later stages of the season, as more guys approach the new 10-fight limit.

New York Islanders prospect Ryan Strome sets up 4 goals in final 5½ minutes of epic comeback (VIDEO) - Buzzing The Net
Down 5-1 with just a few minutes left? No problem...

And lastly, check out the former Pred notching the hat trick for Salavat Yulaev in the KHL. No, it's our old pal (and Corsi superstar) Antti Pihlstrom!

Sunday's Dump & Chase: NHL Lockout Picture as Cloudy as Ever

Nashville Predators News

Nashville Sports Hub: Tennessee Titans vs Jaguars Week 12 Game Thread
In case you missed it last Wednesday, we've launched the Nashville Sports Hub, a new site which will cover the Titans, Preds, Commodores & Vols among other things. If you're starving for a Game Thread, join us over there!

Ex-Nashville Predator Blake Geoffrion begins road to recovery | The Tennessean
Josh Cooper checks in with Boomer, as he enjoyed the holiday weekend in Chicago.

More lockout frustration from Weber - Predators Insider
I can think of 13 million reasons why these last several weeks have been easier on Shea Weber than the rest of the team.

Nashville Predators' Paul Gaustad honored by hometown Portland, Oregon team - The Tennessean
I wonder if they roasted Goose.

Nashville All-Star chances hurt by cancellations - Predators Insider
With this season's All-Star Game being cancelled, that likely pushes Nashville an extra year down the road.

Ads get 3 of 4 points in Illinois two-in-two | Admirals Roundtable
Austin Watson has the hot hand these days for Milwaukee.

Around the Wide Wide World of Hockey

Legacies : Tom Benjamin's NHL Blog :: CanucksCorner.com
I tend to agree with Tom here - unless the players are really willing to go to the wall, these last couple months will have been a complete waste.

From ‘Fire Bettman’ to beer, Operation Hat Trick reunites NHL players and fans with hockey night | Puck Daddy
It looks like all involved had a fun night here...

NHL lockout's not ending anytime soon, so send in replacement players - Ottawa Sun
Yeah, it's a silly argument, but there's a grain of truth in there.

NHLPA’s solidarity forever means censorship right now, Peter Adler argues | Edmonton Journal
Peter Adler is so deeply in the ownership tank it's downright hilarious.

Larry Brooks’ Slap Shots: Moderate owners must step forward in order to end NHL lockout - NYPOST.com
And in the interest of balance, here is the NHLPA's cheerleader.

Barry Brust breaks 55-year AHL record for shutout goaltending | Puck Daddy
Congratulations to Brust, but I have a hard time working up any energy to celebrate AHL accomplishments.

NHL Cancels 2013 All-Star Game, Two More Weeks of Schedule

(SB Nation News) -- The NHL officially announced the cancelation of the 2013 All-Star Game on Friday afternoon, in addition to all regular season games through Dec. 14. The cancelations are due to the ongoing collective bargaining negotiations between the NHL and NHL Players Association.

The All-Star Game was scheduled to be held at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio on Jan. 27, 2013. In addition to the game, the league will also be canceling the weekend's worth of events, including the annual skills competition and player draft. This was going to be the first time that the Columbus Blue Jackets franchise has ever hosted the event.

In the official announcement, NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daley stated that the league will work to return the All-Star Game to Columbus as quickly as possible.

With Friday's announcement, the NHL has now canceled 423 regular season games including the 2013 Winter Classic, which was going to be played between the Detroit Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs at Michigan Stadium.

As of Friday afternoon, the NHL insists a significant gap still remains between the owners and players union on the terms of a new collective bargaining agreement.

Saturday's Dump & Chase: A Clash of Titans

Nashville Predators News

Milwaukee Loses Fourth Straight on Road Trip | PuckScene.com
The Admirals salvage a point in the shootout in a loss to the Peoria Rivermen.

Around the Wide Wide World of Hockey

The edge of the precipice | mc79hockey.com
What's Don Fehr's motivation here? Is it bigger than merely getting the players a decent deal?

Answers to NHLPA decertification questions | Hockey | CBC Sports
Elliotte Friedman stares into the abyss.

Answering pressing questions about the NHL lockout - USA Today
Kevin Allen clearly lines out where the divide stands now.

Duhatschek: Bettman and Fehr should put their jobs on the line - The Globe and Mail
Eric Duhatschek sounds pissed, but I doubt it'll do any good.

On Spec: Problem with Canadians & hockey - sportsnet.ca
Mark Spector is 100% wrong here when he claims the players really won back in 2004-5, and are getting their comeuppance now. If the players "won" back then, any problems on the ownership side today are the product of their own incompetence.

Black Friday's Dump & Chase: Dark Times for the NHL, Indeed

Nashville Predators News

Nashville Predators decline to participate in labor talks - The Tennessean
The news here? Martin Erat's staying in Nashville rather than head overseas.

20 Questions with Mike Moore - JSOnline
Here's your chance to get to know the Admirals' captain a little better.

Geoffrion Releases Statement - Eyes On The Prize
Boomer has much to be thankful for, that's for sure.

Around the Wide Wide World of Hockey

2012 Top Seven Gifts for the Hockey Lover in Your Life | Hockey Gal Milwaukee
Oh yeah, I'll take #7!

The Hockey Players' Guide to Black Friday 2012 - Hockey Gear HQ
Avoid the Black Friday 2012 madness at retail stores, and do your shopping online - there are some incredible deals on all kinds of hockey equipment!

NHL lockout: Owners shouldn’t underestimate the Fehr factor - The Washington Post
Some insight from a baseball scribe on how Don Fehr leads a union into battle.

Kypreos on NHLPA: Is decertification next? - sportsnet.ca
The players have their ace in the hole, and that's to threaten to throw the entire situation into a sea of chaos by ditching their union, something discussed here a couple months ago.

Larry Brooks: NHL dismissal of players’ compromise offer unites players behind distaste for commissioner Gary Bettman’s insinuation players are unwilling to bargain seriously - NYPOST.com
The players are considering decertification in part because of the league's out-of-hand rejection of their proposals.

McKenzie: Three CBA-related issues to be talked about soon - TSN
Bob McKenzie talks through some of the mechanics of decertification.

Players' Association Nov. 21 proposal to the owners - Lightning Strikes | Tampa Bay Times
Here's a detailed review of what the NHLPA put on the table earlier this week.

Hamrlik: "We Have to Push Fehr to the Wall to Get the Deal" - Japers' Rink
For all the players sounding off on Twitter over the last few months, it's interesting to hear a dissenting voice.

Hockey at the Movies: The Ultimate Fictional Hockey Team : The Hockey Writers
Since this is the only kind of hockey many of us are likely to see these days...

Wednesday's Dump & Chase: Back at the Table Again

Nashville Predators News

The View from 111: Even Without Hockey, Predators Keep Making an Impact
Mark celebrates the way the Preds have kept busy during the lockout.

Economics professor sees framework of deal | The Tennessean
Vanderbilt's John Vrooman drops a little supply & demand on you.

PuckCast Episode 13: Chris Mueller | PuckScene.com
Patten chats up his first NHL player podcast guest.

Around the Wide Wide World of Hockey

NHL players' next move is crucial | Hockey | CBC Sports
Today could prove to be a pivotal one in the CBA negotiations, as the league asked the players to submit a comprehensive proposal, rather than focus on a few specific items.

Mirtle: A closer look at the NHLPA's last offer – and what may be next - The Globe and Mail
James Mirtle gives us a peek at what might be on the table today.

NHL lockout: NHLPA, league finding common ground - thestar.com
Accentuate the positive, right?

NHL games too expensive for Canadians - sportsnet.ca
This is, in part, why Toronto could use a second team.

Down Goes Brown: A moment with the guy who has to answer the phone when Gary Bettman orders a pizza
So, so true!

Book Excerpt: Best of Down Goes Brown – A complete transcript of every postgame call-in show ever | Backhand Shelf
A double-dose of DGB this morning? Yes, please!

Building a NHL Fantasy Predictor: Do NHL Coaches Have Zone Start Trends? | NHLNumbers.com
A good look at just why Vancouver bears watching whenever fantasy hockey season starts.

Phoenix Coyotes Lease: A Vote Is Certain Even If Outcome Is Not - Five For Howling
Hey, at least our comrades in Phoenix still have plenty to write about!