New features announced for NHL '13

If you're like me, you love playing EA Sports' NHL games, even after the season is over. The series is probably my favorite of all the EA Sports games.

EA Sports has already announced a couple of new features for next year's game via a press release, and I already can't wait to get my hands on it.

Follow after the jump for more:

True Performance Skating

It's the little things that make the NHL series so fun, and those little things are only going to get better. They've added more animations that will more accurately reflect the way a player skates, rather than simply making him fast or slow:

A game-changing innovation for the franchise that adds physics-driven skating and over 1000 new animations. True Performance Skating authentically replicates the explosiveness, momentum and top end speed displayed by today's NHL players. True Performance Skating combined with the Skill Stick, finally gives gamers access to the entire toolset of an NHL player, delivering unprecedented control and unlocking a level of creativity never before possible in a hockey videogame.

Hockey I.Q.

This will make players more aware of players around them, not just the one who has the puck. Another little thing that will go a long way in the game:

An innovative new A.I. system that governs the behaviors of players, goalies and team systems. In previous NHL games, players were only aware of skaters in their immediate proximity and goalies could only react to the player in control of the puck. With EA SPORTS Hockey I.Q., all players are now fully aware of every other player on the ice, resulting in quicker, smarter and more true-to-life decision-making. EA SPORTS Hockey IQ also delivers the deepest and most customizable set of real-world hockey systems and strategies ever for the franchise.

GM Connected

GM Connected seems very similar to the Online Dynasty mode in the NCAA Football games. Now, you'll be able to play with some of your friends where you each control different teams:

The ultimate fantasy league with friends. GM Connected takes the franchise's most popular offline mode, Be a GM, and allows you to play with and against your friends in your own 30-team NHL. Whether you are a hardcore sports gamer or a hockey fan that moonlights as an armchair general manager, the mode offers unrivaled accessibility and depth by allowing players to manage, play or coach on the road to building your team's legacy. GM's can also take their experience with them with a mobile companion app, ensuring that they never miss a single moment.

NHL Moments Live

This is probably my favorite new feature. Madden had something similar to this, where you jump into the middle of a game in a certain situation that happened to a team in real life. They'll also add scenarios as the year goes on. Maybe a couple of Nashville's comebacks will be in there?

Rewrite or relive history as you replay some of the most thrilling moments from today's NHL. NHL 13 evolves the concept introduced by other sports games, introducing each scenario with real-world NHL footage to bring players closer to the intensity of the moment. Moments from the 2011-12 NHL season will ship on disc and new moments from the 2012-13 NHL season will be added as and when available throughout the season.

Pekka Rinne on Radulov: "a big and colorful character"

In an interview with the Finnish site Kaleva.fi, Nashville Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne discussed the frustration over his team's second-round exit from the playoffs, how much the whole Alexander Radulov/Andrei Kostitsyn affair affected the Preds, and which member of the Finnish national team he's keeping an eye on as they move on to the semifinals of the IIHF World Championships tomorrow vs. Russia.

Follow on for a translation of the article, as Google Translate just really doesn't do justice to this one!

Thanks to Teemu Hytönen of Broad Street Hockey for the following translation:

Rinne says he's still disappointed over the playoff loss vs Phoenix.

"I'm so disappointed that it feels painful. I guess it gets better over time."

While still disappointed, Rinne says he doesn't need a mental break from hockey. He says he's been watching the World Championships.

"Hockey is such a big part of my life anyway, that watching the World Championships is alright. At the sametime I get a break from thinking about our team having had the chance to go all the way this year."

Rinne finds reasons for the playoff loss.

"We started thinking too highly of ourselves after the Detroit series that went so well. We couldn't keep our feet on the ground and everything fell apart. We panicked when we lost two away games."

Rinne says what happened with Radulov and Kostitsyn in the playoffs didn't have a big impact on the team.

"It didn't affect as much as media made it seem like. The way I see it, Radulov joining the team mid-season affected the atmosphere more than the incident that happened in the playoffs."

"I don't have bad things to say about Radulov as a person. It's actually the opposite, I like him as a person. He's a big and colorful character."

Rinne says he was ready to go to the World Championships.

"Of course I would've liked to go to the World Championships at home. But my games here ended at the worst possible time. I knew it beforehand that they wouldn't add any players [to WC roster] after the first playoff round."

Pekka's twin sister Anna is married with Finland's WC forward Mika Pyörälä.

"I've given Mika some hard time, but also support via text messages."

"I do have a lot of friends in the WC team. Especially all of the Oulu based players get my support. I hope they do well because the tournament is the best possible chance to showcase your talent in Europe."

Pekka and his wife fly to Oulu on Sunday, same day as WC final.

"I'll have the game taped and watch Finland win it all when I'm back home, relaxing."

A night without the NHL Playoffs = Memorial Cup time: Friday afternoon notes

The NHL playoffs are going dark for a night before resuming tomorrow, but die-hard puckheads can still catch some action, as Canadian junior's signature tournament, the Memorial Cup, takes center stage. Tonight at 6:00 Central, it begins with the Edmonton Oil Kings squaring off with the Shawinigan Cataractes.

For more on this four-team tourney, check out this article at NHL.com, and keep an eye out for tomorrow's contest (also at 6:00 p.m. on NHL Network) between the London Knights and Saint John Sea Dogs. Nashville Predators prospect Austin Watson is a leading star for London, while 2009 Nashville draftee Charles-Olivier Roussel patrols the Saint John blueline, so this is a chance to check out two future Preds on junior hockey's biggest stage.

So set those DVR's before diving into your afternoon hockey notes...

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Nashville Predators News

Smashville 24/7 - Debate: Who is most important to re-sign?
Jacob Underwood joins with Ryan to make their picks as to who is Priority #1 this summer, and I'll disagree with both. It's the subject of our next item...

Are the Blackhawks pursuing Ryan Suter for the wrong reason? - FOX Chicago News
Al Cimaglia wonders if Chicago could pull a Brian Campbell 2.0 by going after Sutes.

Around the Wide Wide World of Hockey

Fraser: How to deal with players who dive to draw penalties _ TSN
Kerry Fraser says that most of the time, coincidental minors are called because indeed there's a foul that also goes along with a guy diving. Personally, I think he's full of crap, but in fairness, it can be hard for an on-ice official to pick this up in real time. Supplemental discipline, which is already on the books, should be used more often to fine and call out divers.

Fox News gives Los Angeles Kings the worst highlight package of NHL playoffs (VIDEO) | Puck Daddy
To be fair, they've only had the NHL in Los Angeles for... 44 years.

EA’s NHL 13 is going to be awesome | Backhand Shelf
Gentlemen, start your salivary glands...

Juggernaut | Backhand Shelf
Climb aboard the Kings bandwagon chariot.

Will Mike Green return to the Washington Capitals? | Puck Daddy
Hey, maybe if Ryan Suter leaves... (I can hear Jim Diamond groaning already).

Hejduk re-signs with Avalanche | All Things Avalanche — The Denver Post
A nice move by Colorado, considering they just named Hejduk captain last summer.

MacKinnon: Looking like good cop to bad cop behind bench for Oilers - Edmonton Journal
One columnist rips the Oilers management for taking so long to dismiss Tom Renney as head coach, who pretty much nobody is saying was the reason why the Oilers have been so rotten in recent years.

Kontinental Hockey League - Official Website - Russia’s revenge mission
The Russians hope to avenge a loss to Finland in last year's World Championships with a semifinal victory Saturday.

Jamaica’s Winter Olympic ice hockey dream bolstered by IIHF acceptance | Puck Daddy
Jamaica and Qatar, your two new hockey world powers.

Western Conference Finals Game 3 Thread

The battle in the West shifts to Los Angeles, as the Kings try to keep the Coyotes on the ropes:

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Next Game

Phoenix Coyotes
@ Los Angeles Kings

Thursday, May 17, 2012, 8:00 PM Central (NBC Sports)
STAPLES Center

Complete Coverage >

WCF: Phoenix Coyotes @ Los Angeles Kings Game 3: Road Warriors? - Five For Howling
Can the Coyotes get their act back together, after an undisciplined outing in Game 2?

Sergei Kostitsyn criticizes handling of Radulov & AK46: Thursday's nooner

Our lunchtime hockey notes kick off with an interesting quote in the Russian press from Sergei Kostitsyn, in which he appears to criticize David Poile and Barry Trotz's handling of his brother Andrei and Alexander Radulov following their violation of team rules during the Phoenix series.

You have to wonder how many others on the team may have been thinking the same thing...

Follow @Forechecker

Nashville Predators News

Sergei Kostitsyn: "I think the leadership of" Nashville "cost too rigidly to the Radulov and Andrew" - Ice Hockey - Sports.ru
Well, at least someone's speaking up... thanks to @sethdean on Twitter for sharing this.

Ryan Parent: Why Were the Warning Signs Ignored? - Angus Certified
The two-time Nashville Predator may have exhausted his opportunity to make it as an NHL player.

Taking a Rinne Hard Look in the Mirror | The Hockey Writers
Can Peks learn anything from Mike Smith's success this spring?

Around the Wide Wide World of Hockey

Slovaks score late, win 4-3 - IIHF
Oh, Canada... *facepalm*

One down for Russia - IIHF
Meanwhile, the Russians rolled past Norway 5-2 into the semifinals.

Niklas Kronwall Crushes Latvian Forward At IIHF World Championship - SBNation.com
Kornwall unleashes another devastating hit.

In defense of John Tortorella’s media misbehavior | Puck Daddy
Oh come on, Greg, you're just angling for that long-form sit-down interview, aren't you?

Was The 2011-12 Season A Success For The St. Louis Blues? - St. Louis Game Time
How much do you weight the playoffs against the regular season? The same question could apply to the Preds' campaign.

To Beat the Blues, You Have to Beat the Trap | Overtime
Richard Pollock looks at how the Kings ripped through the Blues.

Question of the week: What would you measure? - Raw Charge
An interesting question here, as to what the NHL should add to its statistical repertoire.

Buccigross to Call Frozen Four as Part of New ESPN Deal " Puck The Media
No more Gary Thorne, it looks like.

NHL Fan Survey
Geoffrey Detweiler of Broad Street Hockey wants to get your impression on how the league handles supplementary discipline.

Voting opens today for Pekka Rinne in Quarterfinals of NHL13 Cover Contest

Pekka Rinne has stood on his head for the Nashville Predators, and now it's your turn to stand up for him.

Voting has opened this morning in the quarterfinal round of the EA Sports' NHL 13 Cover Contest. The ultimate victor will grace the latest edition of the leading hockey video game which comes out this fall, and it's pretty remarkable that a Pred has made it this far - but now can he knock off a big star from the Big Apple?

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Pekka Rinne

#35 / Goalie / Nashville Predators

Height: 6-5

Weight: 209

Born: Nov 03, 1982

Now through May 23, you can vote on two matchups: Rinne vs. Henrik Lundqvist of the New York Rangers, and Pavel Datsyuk vs. John Tavares. Just head over to http://covervote.nhl.com/, where you can vote as often as you like.

After all, it's Friday - what else are you going to do all day? You might as well put that mouse button to work and support your local goaltender...

Shea Weber speaks about Radulov/AK46, too: Friday's notes

After reading the first item in this morning's hockey notes, I'm left wondering if there's a relationship between the physical distance from Nashville, and the candor with which players speak to the media. The Captain kicks things off as he speaks on Vancouver radio...

Follow @Forechecker

Nashville Predators News

Shea Weber feels ‘a little bit betrayed’ by Alexander Radulov - Nashville Predators Examiner
So SK74 didn't like how Trotz & Poile handled things, Weber opens up a little about his disappointment with Alexander Radulov... yup, it sure sounds more and more like that whole episode caused a real stink.

Nick Spaling, David Poile reflect on Spaling’s second year as a full-time Predator -SouthwesternOntario.ca
Can Spals continue developing and add some offensive zip to his game next season?

Preds in review: Anders Lindback - Predators Insider
I don't agree that Lindback is "expendable" already. The Preds will still need a quality backup, and has Anders really proven himself worthy of being a #1 somewhere else?

Around the Wide Wide World of Hockey

The Business of Sports: Comparing the NHL to NFL, NBA, MLB & more | Hockey Gear HQ
How does the NHL stack up against the NFL, NBA, and MLB? This infographic takes a looks at how the sports industry breaks down.

WCF: Phoenix Coyotes @ Los Angeles Kings Game 3 Recap: Coyotes Can't Overcome Bad Penalties, Lose 2-1 - Five For Howling
The Coyotes took a good shot, but the Kings hold all the cards now.

Could the Kings take the shortest route to a Stanley Cup victory? - Puck Drunk Love
L.A. is on pace to do something truly special.

Coyotes Coach Dave Tippett on embellishment: ‘The game is turning a little dishonest’ (VIDEO) | Puck Daddy
It just wouldn't be playoff season without complaints about diving.

Breaking: Tom Renney has been let go as coach of the Edmonton Oilers | Edmonton Journal
Yeah, like he was the problem.

Black Dog Hates Skunks: As To Tom Renney
Embracing the lunacy that has characterized Steve Tambellini's reign in Edmonton over the last several years.

Parise DNA riddled with hockey smarts - The Globe and Mail
Those 2nd-generation guys certainly seem to have an edge.

Former Nashville Predator Marek Zidlicky sees career revitalized by trade | The Tennessean
Escaping the Wild was the best thing that could've happened to Zids.

Rangers – Devils – Game 2 | Bobby Holik - Holik on Hockey
Holik likes what he's seeing out of New Jersey as the series shifts to the Devils' lair.

Delta Airlines offers Rangers fans 17-minute flight to New Jersey for Game 3 | Puck Daddy
Poking fun at the lack of travel in the Eastern Conference Finals... I like it.

Colin Cowherd insults pretty much every hockey writer in North America | Awful Announcing
The ESPN radio host goes a-trollin'.

IIHF Quarterfinal Recap: Hockey Season's Best Day? - Puck Worlds
Yesterday was a wild one at the Worlds.

Unrestricted Free Agents: The Southeast Division - Canes Country
Here's another shopping list to look over.

Eastern Conference Finals Game 2 Thread

Can the Rangers take a 2-0 lead in the Eastern Conference Finals, or will the Devils earn a split at Madison Square Garden tonight?

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Next Game

New Jersey Devils
@ New York Rangers

Wednesday, May 16, 2012, 7:00 PM Central (NBC Sports)
Madison Square Garden

Complete Coverage >

2012 Eastern Conference Finals: Rangers Vs. Devils - Rangers Looking For First 2-0 Lead This Postseason - Blueshirt Banter
New York hopes not to repeat what they've done in their two previous Game Two's this spring.

Devils take Game 2: Thursday's notes

The New Jersey Devils have served notice that they won't just stand aside and give the NHL their dream "New York vs. L.A." Stanley Cup Final matchup, as they took a gritty 3-2 victory last night at Madison Square Garden to even up the Eastern Conference Finals at 1-1. Our morning hockey notes start there, and move on to the latest developments in the Coyotes/Kings series, the growing media frustration with Rangers coach John Tortorella, and the dawn of a new, notable hockey blog...

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Nashville Predators News

PuckCast: Episode 3 – Season in Review with Jeremy K. Gover | PuckScene.com
The guys catch up with the latest Fruit Cup news, among other ex-Preds.

Smashville 24/7 - Likely factors in Suter’s decision-making process
Nothing unexpected here.

Around the Wide Wide World of Hockey

New Jersey Devils Re-Direct the Series in 3-2 Comeback Win Over New York Rangers - In Lou We Trust
This game was like watching tip drills in practice, it was all about seeing long shots deflected on the way in.

Tortorella benches Gaborik for much of third after blunder on tying goal - The Globe and Mail
Torts wouldn't elaborate in the post-game press conference, but you can bet that the message got sent.

Rangers coach John Tortorella's postgame act wearing thin | All Things Avalanche — The Denver Post
Adrian Dater writes what many, many media members who are covering Devils/Rangers are thinking.

Martin Hanzal Suspended: Coyotes Forward To Miss Game 3 After Boarding Dustin Brown - Five For Howling
Yeah, this was well-deserved.

Hot Topic: Evaluating the NHL's Discipline of the Phoenix Coyotes - The Hockey Writers
Summing up the host of decisions surrounding Phoenix over the last couple days.

The Magical, Mythical World of NHL Rules | Overtime
Take in the launch of "Overtime", a new venture within the umbrella of The Hockey Writers which will take more of a long-read approach to hockey blogging. This piece by Jeff Little examines the subjective nature of officiating in the game.

Kopitar shines as big fish from small pool - The Globe and Mail
Anze Kopitar's stock is about to soar.

2012 IIHF World Championship Quarterfinal Predictions - The Hockey Writers
The US moves on to face Finland.

Previewing the AHL Conference Finals | Admirals Roundtable
Your final four is set, so Jason takes a look at the remaining series.

School of Block: Discussing Explosiveness - The Goalie Guild
Look, making saves is fine, but shooting fireballs? That's just not fair.

Hockey Night in Canada’s days may be numbered - The Globe and Mail
OK, this would stink.

Top NHL draft prospect Nail Yakupov reminds legendary coach Scotty Bowman of Pavel Bure | Edmonton Journal
Not bad, not bad at all.

NHL arena news: Seattle moving forward; gaze upon beauty of Oilers’ proposed barn | Puck Daddy
It's still a looooooooooooong way from reality, but having an NHL team in Seattle looks just a little more likely at some point.

A Devilish Plan: Wednesday's nooner

It seems like the running theme of these 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs has been the blocked shot - are there too many of them in today's game, and what, if anything can be done about it?

New Jersey Devils goalie Martin Brodeur had something to say on the topic, and it's got tongues a-wagging in response...

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Nashville Predators News

Preds in review: Pekka Rinne - Predators Insider
Josh starts what is presumably a series of player profiles... ours will launch here in the next day or two.

Around the Wide Wide World of Hockey

Brodeur under fire for shoot to hurt comments - The Globe and Mail
Here's your manufactured controversy of the day, in which Devils goalie Martin Brodeur says that maybe the Rangers need to pay a price for all those blocks.

NHL seeks to terminate CBA this fall - The Globe and Mail
It's official, we'll need a new CBA before the next season begins.

What the Devils Can Learn from the Senators & Capitals About Beating Henrik Lundqvist - In Lou We Trust
John plays Video Coach for New Jersey.

Penguins GM Ray Shero wants Jordan Staal in Pittsburgh, not on trade block | Puck Daddy
Well, so much for that Nick Spaling-for-Jordan Staal deal I've been fantasizing about.

No injuries? There’s always Kesler. | Backhand Shelf
Good info here on what's involved with fixing a torn labrum, which is what Nick Spaling had last summer.

Military Veterans: What's Your Favorite Sports Memory From Deployment? - SBNation.com
Attention, vets! SB Nation wants your input for a Memorial Day tribute...

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins flashed first-overall talent in seizing NHL job at 18 | Edmonton Journal
It's always impressive to see a teenager step right in and earn a regular spot in an NHL lineup.

Report Card: Aaron Johnson | BlueJackets Xtra
The former Pred did yeoman's work for Columbus this season.

The 10 best Sports Illustrated Stanley Cup Playoff covers | Puck Daddy
What's the over/under on the year when a Nashville Predator makes the SI cover?

Lowetide.ca | Issue 2: Hartikainen’s Progress
Might the Oilers sign a winger like Jordin Tootoo rather than give Teemu Hartikainen a chance?

And lastly, check out the proposed design of the new arena in Edmonton, as found at the Edmonton Journal:

Coyotes lose cool as Kings take 2-0 series lead: Wednesday's notes

The Los Angeles Kings took a big step towards returning to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time since 1993 last night, taking a 4-0 victory at Phoenix in a game which saw the Coyotes come unglued. The Western Conference Finals will now move to L.A. for Game 3 & 4, giving the Kings a chance to close things out quickly and see what happens in the East.

Our morning hockey notes start from there, and move on to cover the Nashville Predators' roster decisions this summer, a look at the NHL coaching market, and insight from hockey's keenest mind on where all this shot blocking is coming from...

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Nashville Predators News

Nashville Predators are close to contending again | The Tennessean
Josh Cooper takes a thorough look at the roster situation and forecasts what might happen this summer.

303 QUICK HIT: 84% of Preds roster has played in international competition | Section 303
An interesting tidbit here.

Around the Wide Wide World of Hockey

Phoenix Coyotes Lose Focus, Poise, Game 4-0 to LA Kings. - Five For Howling
What happened to that determined group which handled the Preds so easily?

Is Martin Hanzal’s shove from behind on Kings’ captain Brown worthy of suspension? | Puck Daddy
This reminds me a bit of Hossa-Hamhuis from the 2010 playoffs, so we'll have to see how it plays out.

Inside the Los Angeles Kings Twitter feed, social media sensation of NHL playoffs | Puck Daddy
This one here is the best in the biz.

John Tortorella Doesn't Know What You're Talking About - SBNation.com
Torts is a beauty, plain & simple.

10 Wild Stats Through the First Two Rounds - Arctic Ice Hockey
Some interesting observations...

Raffi Torres Suspension Appeal To Be Heard Thursday, According To Report - Five For Howling
Maybe they'll extend the ban to 50 games?

Until The Music Stops - The Spin
Calgary and Montreal can afford to take their coaching search slowly, as it's a buyer's market these days, writes Damian Cox.

Scotty Bowman traces current style of playoff hockey back to Roger Neilson - The Globe and Mail
The Grand Master of Hockey doesn't see a ready solution out there to the perceived increase in shot blocking.

Why the NHL Needs the Sunbelt

Why the NHL Needs the Sunbelt

Good stuff here from Slate blogger Matt Yglesias:

The issue is the bifurcated cable television markets in North America. Right now, hockey has a national broadcast deal in Canada and it has another one in the United States. Losing the national deal in the USA would be very costly to the entire enterprise. But to maintain that national deal, the NHL has to present itself as offering a true nationwide sports league which means you need teams in the sunbelt. Atlanta's departure didn't leave too much of a hole in the map since there are teams in North Carolina and Tennessee. Probably any one of the remaining non-Dallas sunbelt teams is expendable, but if you lost more than one to colder climes you might start imperiling the League's claim to be a real major sports across the length and breadth of the United States.

Offered in response to The Economist.

Update: In case you missed it, more of my thoughts on the future of national television broadcasts for the NHL from March 30.

Western Conference Finals Game 2 Thread

The Kings took the opener Sunday night at Phoenix, and another win tonight would give them a real choke-hold on the Coyotes before taking this series back to Los Angeles for Games 3 & 4...

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Next Game

Los Angeles Kings
@ Phoenix Coyotes

Tuesday, May 15, 2012, 8:00 PM Central (NBC Sports)
Jobing.com Arena

Complete Coverage >

WCF: Phoenix Coyotes vs Los Angeles Kings: Game 2 Preview - Five For Howling
Carl looks for the Coyotes to dust themselves off and get back to work after getting dominated for most of Game 1.

Eastern Conference Finals Game 1 Thread

I can imagine they're clicking their heels at NHL Headquarters over this matchup, because even though nationwide it may not be that big a deal, this should draw boffo ratings in New York, the country's largest media market.

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Next Game

New Jersey Devils
@ New York Rangers

Monday, May 14, 2012, 7:00 PM Central (NBC Sports)
Madison Square Garden

Complete Coverage >

How They Were Built: Looking at the Conference Semi-finalists Playoff Rosters - In Lou We Trust
Take a look at a breakdown of the Final Four, and where their players came from.

2012 NHL Playoffs: A Look Ahead To Tonight's Game - Blueshirt Banter
There's a whole lotta hate going into this one...

Dale Hunter steps down as Washington Capitals head coach: Monday's nooner

One change I'm considering for the posting schedule here at OTF is to go with an abbreviated "nooner" post of hockey stories to help you get through your lunch hour.

So without further ado, this edition kicks off with more movement on the NHL head coaching market. This morning, we heard that Columbus took the "interim" tag off Todd Richards, and now, the Washington Capitals will be out looking for help.

Follow @Forechecker

Nashville Predators News

The Inaugural Central Division Tweetup – July 28th in Columbus, OH | The Predatorial

I thought the whole point of Twitter was that we didn't have to go to places like Columbus.

Around the Wide Wide World of Hockey

Dale Hunter won’t return as Capitals coach, heads back to OHL London | Puck Daddy
Hunter is probably kicking himself for leaving London and missing the opportunity to coach OHL Player of the Week Austin Watson.

Hockey culture, character, and winning: how we choose what we value - Raw Charge
Is winning the only thing, or even the most important thing?

An Open Letter To Professional Sports Teams' Marketing Departments - SBNation.com

This is one thing the Predators have nailed.

Everything Old is New Again: Bringing Back the Two-Minute Minor | Backhand Shelf
Here's one suggestion on how to boost scoring, but I don't think I'm down with it.

NHL playoffs: lessons the Avalanche can learn from teams still in | All Things Avalanch — The Denver Post
Adrian Dater piggybacks on the narrative surrounding the remaining teams to recommend a path for Colorado.

May coupon codes offer big savings for hockey players & NHL fans | Hockey Gear HQ
For the savvy shopper, there are promo codes out there for hockey equipment, NHL apparel, accessories, and memorabilia of all kinds this month.

John Tortorella press conference DJ remix is the soundtrack to your playoffs | Puck Daddy
This is amazing... simply amazing:

Sergei Kostitsyn would like to stay: Tuesday's notes

Our morning hockey notes begin with word from one of Nashville's most important restricted free agents, Sergei Kostitsyn, on how he'd like to stay with the Predators for the long haul. While I doubt there's much question that the team would like him back (unlike his big brother Andrei), the question is, what role do you see SK74 playing on this team going forward?

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Nashville Predators News

Inside Smashville " Sergei Kostitsyn looks for multi-year deal with Predators
I'm OK with this, as long as they don't tie up too much money. He's just not top-line material, and has done next to nothing in two playoff runs here.

The View from 111: An Open Letter to Ryan Suter
Mark pens a longer, more detailed version of this.

Hockey Night in Nashville: Smith now knows what to expect at NHL level
I think we're all eager to see what Craig Smith will do next season.

In Memoriam: The 2011-2012 Season of the Nashville Predators | The Predatorial
Jeremy ponders the opportunity lost, and whether a hint of arrogance undermined the Preds.

Paul McCann - The Class of 2012 - Thoughts on Graduation
Paul plays some "Pomp & Circumstance" for potentially departing Preds.

Better equipped, better prepared Preds do no better | Nashville City Paper
Have expectations been raised? And if so, what constitutes a disappointing season?

Boclair: Owners, schmowners | Nashville City Paper
David Boclair wonders why Tom Cigarran didn't just jump on the ice and score a few goals against Phoenix.

Around the Wide Wide World of Hockey

2012 NHL Playoffs: Rangers Erupt In The Third Period To Take Game 1 - Blueshirt Banter
New York jumps out to the 1-0 series lead...

Why Is Marek Zidlicky a Success With the Devils? - The Triangle Blog - Grantland
The Devils embracing a blueliner with defensive liabilities, but who can create scoring chances? The world has gone mad.

IIHF World Championships: Preliminary Round Closes Tuesday - Puck Worlds
Here's what's on tap at the Worlds today.

Los Angeles Kings? Sacramento Kings? Ah, What's The Difference ... - SBNation.com
Well, that's embarrassing.

Unrestricted Free Agents: The Northeast Division - Canes Country
Does anybody here catch your eye?

Todd Richards - More Than Mr. Right Now - The Cannon
Matt wonders if this head coaching thing's going to work out.

Coaching candidates that could merit consideration - NHL.com
No mention of Nashville here.

On Spec: Bad refs, Pronger and expansion - sportsnet.ca
You used to hear talk about NHL expansion into Europe, but forget about it.

Mike Fisher meets Oprah

Mike Fisher has gone toe-to-toe with some stiff competition lately - Pavel Datsyuk, Henrik Zetterberg... and now, Oprah Winfrey. The Nashville Predators' center and his uber-famous wife Carrie Underwood are the subjects of an upcoming episode of "Oprah's Next Chapter", airing Sunday May 20th.

Can the iconic TV host get him to open up better than Marc Howard doing an in-game bench interview? The topic for discussion here is this - what questions do you want to see Oprah ask Fish?

• "Tell me about the penalty box inside your heart."
• "When did you realize that you had indeed become a human predator?"
• "What does Harry say about you?"

Anyways, here's a sneak peek at the upcoming episode:

First Look: Oprah Interviews Carrie Underwood and Her Husband, Mike Fisher