Saturday's Dump & Chase: Happy Hockey-less November!

Saturday, October 27, 2012

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Nashville Predators News

Marek Vs. Wyshynski Radio: NHL cancels games; Pete Weber of the Preds; Game Show Friday! | Puck Daddy
This my favorite hockey podcast these days, perfect dog-walking material. And here, Pete Weber joins the show.

NHL.com - Predators attack water and energy usage
Some very cool developments are ongoing at Bridgestone Arena.

Casting The Sports-Side of ‘Nashville’ - Korked Bats
Thanks to J.R. in yesterday's Hippodrome for pointing us to this...

Smashville 24/7 - NHL embarrassing itself with current approach
This whole mess has hit a nerve with Ryan.

Around the Wide Wide World of Hockey

Flowchart: What Sport Should Hockey Fans Follow? - The Triangle Blog - Grantland
OK, I guess I'm on the lookout for Soccer...

Ryan Suter, Minnesota Wild defenseman, says owners shouldn't offer contracts they can't afford - ESPN
It's about time our old pal spoke up.

Marleau: League already canceled these games during summer - Fear The Fin
An interesting allegation here by the Preds Killer.

Canadiens’ Bouillon hasn’t forgotten roots - Montreal Gazette
The Cube is hard at work supporting youth hockey in his hometown.

The psychology of choosing your fourth line forwards | Backhand Shelf
Digging into that notion of "good in the locker room".

Structure revisited: A shortened season could make the game very boring | Backhand Shelf
Don't they care about giving us a proper sample size to work with???


Friday's Dump & Chase: Waiting for the Ax to Fall

Friday, October 26, 2012

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Nashville Predators News

TRY HOCKEY 4 FREE | NASHVILLE PREDATORS - Nashville Predators
If you have a kid from ages 4 to 9 who wants to try the game out, your opportunity is coming soon.

Here's Shea Weber talking about the possibility of the pros putting together a local charity game. Is he really not aware of other games like this going on? Hal Gill barnstormed around Quebec in a bus recently...


Around the Wide Wide World of Hockey

What would an NHL with just 12 teams look like? - The Globe and Mail
A couple weeks ago I was honored to take part in an exercise which is many a Canadian's dream - drafting teams for a massively contracted, 12-team NHL. You can vote on the best one right here (yes, I picked for Detroit).

N.H.L. Gives Union the Silent Treatment - NYTimes.com
With all the attention on Brooklyn, there was basically nothing to speak of on the CBA front.

NHL closer to a deal than they think - The Globe and Mail
Yup, it's pretty freaking ridiculous that they can't work out a deal.

Derek Roy's ironic Tweets illustrate disconnect from reality - Puck Drunk Love
#DerekRoyProblems?

All-Star Game Safe ... For Now | BlueJackets Xtra
Hope springs eternal for Columbus fans.

Scott Hartnell finally headed to KalPa - Broad Street Hockey
Look who's joining Craig Smith over in Finland!

CHLPA threatens to sue clubs over ‘sweatshop’ conditions for players - The Globe and Mail
Is the CHLPA for real? We'll find out soon...

Move to Barclays is a win for Islanders, fans & New York City - NYPOST.com
Even Larry Brooks is on board with this move.

Brooklyn's KHL games being moved back to Russia - USA Today
Since Barclays Center now has an agreement to host the New York Islanders, it's not surprising to see the deal to host a couple KHL games cancelled.

Davidson: No Rushing It | BlueJackets Xtra
John Davidson swears by the slow & steady approach in Columbus.

There Used To Be An Arena " LA Kings Insider
Kings broadcaster Bob Miller recalls two grand old barns, including Detroit's Olympia, which is where I saw my first NHL game.

OHL fight limit has cut fisticuffs by nearly one-third through season’s first month - Buzzing The Net
Stay tuned to see how this plays out over the course of the season, and tough guys start to approach the new 10-fight limit.

European hockey fans kick all kinds of ass | Backhand Shelf
Them Euros sure know how to have fun...

The final horse-trading that should lead to an arena deal for downtown Edmonton | Edmonton Journal
David Staples puts the lie to Daryl Katz's claim that Edmonton is one of the "smallest of small markets" in the NHL.

Blogger Outreach Strategy: How to Build Buzz for Your Business - Working the Net
This is not at all hockey-related, but you'd be amazed how many lame press releases I get on a regular basis asking me to pitch stuff to you guys. Very, very few businesses get it right.


NHL to Wipe Out November Schedule

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With this move (reported by Hockey Night in Canada's Elliotte Friedman), those teams who have the ability can now try to fill November arena dates with other events to partially offset the cost of the lockout. So don't be surprised to see your inbox deluged with offers to come out and see a great show by [B-LIST ACT WHICH HAS NOTHING BETTER TO DO]!

At this point, it's not even worth tallying up how many games this costs the Nashville Predators - whatever season is eventually cobbled together will presumably involve a completely fresh schedule, anyway. But hey, at least the fans in Columbus still have reason for optimism:

It's ridiculous that this video I posted 5 weeks ago is still relevant, but I have to ask - has your attitude towards the NHL changed since this began back in September?



Thursday's Dump & Chase: Islanders to Move to Brooklyn in 2015

Thursday, October 25, 2012

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Nashville Predators News

Ads can’t get past Campbell, drop to 2-3-0 | Admirals Roundtable
For the first time this season, Milwaukee was out-shot.

National Association Of Talent Directors Announce 2012 Honorees | AllAccess.com
Can anyone make sense of this for me? Why is Mike Fisher being honored here?

Around the Wide Wide World of Hockey

New York Islanders to Brooklyn in 2015: It's happening - Lighthouse Hockey
Is this the salvation of the New York Islanders? I sure think so, this is a great move all around (btw, here's a great example of how Story Streams work with the new SB Nation platform, multiple articles updating yesterday's big story, all in one place).

NHL, union talking about not talking as chance of full season evaporating - The Globe and Mail
The next chunk of games to be cancelled could be a big one, writes James Mirtle.

Much Ado About Wasting Time - The Spin
So much for last week's posturing with the NHL dangling the hope of 82 games, and the NHLPA responding with 3 proposals. Since then, it's been gridlock.

NHL says 82-game season unlikely; Winter Classic on the chopping block this week? | Puck Daddy
I say, let the Alumni play the game.

The Social Media Danger for the NHL Lockout " Running To Stand Still
Seriously, the players (and their agents) need to tone it down on Twitter, they're not helping anything.

Time to check the egos at the door - Cross Checks Blog - ESPN
Pierre LeBrun thinks there could still be hope for 82 games, even after the November 2nd date passes.

Patrick Kane goes to Switzerland, brings his mom | Puck Daddy
I don't think it looks good when guys are still trickling over there.

Davidson Promises Success | BlueJackets Xtra
Columbus finally closes the deal and announces the hiring of John Davidson.

Would KHL players really make us lonesome were they to go? | Backhand Shelf
Not that we were taking their "we'll just stay over here" talk seriously...

Greatest Hockey Legends.com: Gordie Howe on Sid Abel
Old Bootnose was a fixture in Detroit for decades.

And lastly, President Obama addressed the NHL Lockout last night on the Tonight Show:



Wednesday's Dump & Chase: NHL & NHLPA Marching Into Oblivion

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

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Nashville Predators News

Predators' Kostitsyn clarifies comments about NHL | The Tennessean
SK74's assessment of Columbus still stands, however.

303 GIVEAWAY! Predict first Admirals goal scorer tonight and win NHL 13! | Section 303
At least the 303 crew can help you drown your sorrows in video hockey.

U.S. World Junior Watch: Locks, Likelies and Bubble Players for U.S. Roster | The United States of Hockey
Will Preds draft pick Jimmy Vesey make it?

Around the Wide Wide World of Hockey

NHL's Bill Daly: "Back to the drawing board" | StarTribune.com
The NHLPA asked for a meeting, and the NHL saw no reason to at the current time. If these guys can't be bothered to give a crap about the game, why should we???

Here is the NHL’s memo to GMs, owners allowing them to talk to players about lockout proposal | Puck Daddy
The first furor that arose yesterday had to with the NHL opening a window for communication between teams and players albeit a restrictive one. Some viewed that as allowing an end-run around the NHLPA.

Ilya Kovalchuk demands full value of his contract from NHL, whatever that is | Puck Daddy
Kovy falls in line behind Alex Ovechkin.

Down Goes Brown: Good signs and bad signs in the ongoing CBA talks
We could all use a chuckle these days.

The Vent: The $38 NHL protest; enduring a second lockout for Nashville fan | Puck Daddy
A Preds fan joins the growing chorus here.

Davidson, Jackets Close To Deal | BlueJackets Xtra
This would be an excellent hire for the Blue Jackets.

Brett Hull’s Halloween pumpkin trolling of Buffalo Sabres fans is spook-tacular (PHOTO) | Puck Daddy
Outstanding!

The AHL will likely adopt hybrid icing, good luck explaining it to a novice hockey fan now | Backhand Shelf
Score one for player safety.

Don Cherry has a problem with Tim McCarver | October | Awful Announcing
Hey, Don's gotta have something to ramble about with the NHL not playing.

Is Daryl Katz contemplating a betrayal of Oilers fans that will make the Gretzky deal look like small change? | Edmonton Journal
I just can't see the NHL allowing the Oilers to leave Edmonton, but that won't stop them from using that as a scare tactic.

The Last Gladiators is an old-school documentary on an old-school subject | Backhand Shelf
This sounds like a film worth seeing.


Tuesday's Dump & Chase: Lockout Has an Upside for Older Preds

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

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Nashville Predators News

While Europe beckons some, most Predators stay put, get healthy | Nashville City Paper
There's probably a bright side to all this for the older guys, like time with family (Chris Mason) or the chance to strengthen up. Remember how Mike Fisher had shoulder surgery last year? Now he's had a full summer to get up to 100%, and his best days as a Predator may well lie ahead.

The Milwaukee report - Predators Insider
Josh Cooper gets the skinny straight from head coach Dean Evason.

Sports-Related Concussions | The Tennessean
We focus a great deal on the issue of concussions at the NHL level, but when you consider youth sports, the situation can be much scarier. Medical staff aren't available as with the pros, and the injuries can be even more severe.

Around the Wide Wide World of Hockey

Ice Cold War | PuckBuddys
Take a trip back in time to when President Jack Kennedy worried over how badly the US hockey team got stomped by the Swedes. (found via Puck Daddy)

30 Thoughts: NHL lockout enters crucial week | Hockey | CBC Sports
Ah, it's good to have a dose of Quality Time, it's been missing over the last few weeks.

In Russia, N.H.L. Players Get Chance to Wear a Famous Number - NYTimes.com
Washington's Nicklas Backstrom set tongues a'wagging by donning the 99 for Dynamo Moscow.

With his two-way dominance, Justin Schultz is the Drew Doughty of the AHL | Edmonton Journal
You know we're desperate for hockey when people get giddy about prospects after only one week of AHL action.

The Big Bang: Son of rock legend Rod Stewart among young prospects dreaming of NHL career - The Globe and Mail
Hockey talent continues to bubble up from the unlikeliest of places.

Blackhawks players to play in charity game at Allstate Arena on Oct. 26 - Inside the Blackhawks
Our old pal Ryan Suter will suit up against some ex-Chicago players in this one.

Watch what I do, not what I say - The Globe and Mail
Sean Gordon sees reason for hope increased in the increased clout that broadcast partners and corporate sponsors may have today as compared to 2004.

This week is as big as they come for NHL - Cross Checks Blog - ESPN
Pierre LeBrun sees a potential path towards a deal, but the two sides had better get moving.

Impact of changing teams on a player's point total | NHLNumbers.com
Eric dares to actually look for evidence to answer the question of how Rick Nash will fare in New York.

Chicken and Pasta and Cheese (Or, the Boringness of Hockey Life) | Backhand Shelf
Maybe hockey players give boring quotes because they lead boring lives?


Sergei Kostitsyn Shoots From the Lip

Monday, October 22, 2012

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Having joined Avangard Omsk earlier this month, SK74 is apparently settling in quite nicely with the KHL. He's scoring at a decent clip (5 goals and 2 assists in 6 games), and sounds like he'd prefer to stay over there rather than return to the NHL:

"Let's put it this way - it would be better (for the players) if the lockout continues," Kostitsyn was quoted as saying by Russian daily Sport-Express on Monday.

"Players want a definite answer. If the NHL season is lost - let it be that way. I would then play in Russia for the whole season."

--- The Globe & Mail

Is this a case of Kostitsyn merely following in the footsteps of Alex Ovechkin, who has voiced similar threats to stay in the KHL regardless of whether a new CBA gets struck? Or perhaps a bit of sensationalism by the Russian press, as SK74 goes on to say "he hated life in North America and labelled Columbus the gloomiest city in the States" (well, at least he's got that right).


Sergei Kostitsyn

#74 / Left Wing / Nashville Predators

6-0

207

Mar 20, 1987

Kostitsyn signed a 2-year, $6 million contract this summer to avoid salary arbitration, and has generally been well received by the fans during his time here in Nashville. Will an episode like this change their minds?