From Vancouver: Kurtenblog Answers Three Questions About Preds-Nucks Game Two (Video)

Michael Hafford and Jason Brough do a video and cover three questions about tonight's game at Kurtenblog. Make the jump to get a Vancouver perspective...

Bill Clement and Deb Placey Discuss the Luongo vs Rinne Match (Video)

Bill Clement and Deb Placey take a look at the Vezina Trophy match-up between the Predators' Pekka Rinne and Vancouver's Roberto Luongo on the Blackberry All Access show. Follow the jump to see the video.

Predators at Canucks Game Two Preview: "Trotzism" Special Edition

Tonight the Nashville Predators (0-1) will play the Vancouver Cunucks (1-0) at Rogers Arena and it is almost guaranteed that it will be a different type of game that was seen in Thursday's Canucks 1-0 victory over a Predator team that did not show up offensively for the first 50 minutes of the game.

POTG Saturday News, Headlines and Links

Today is a new day for the Nashville Predators as they look for a better result against the Canucks tonight at 8 p.m. CDT when all of the USA and Canada will be focused on the only game in prime time that will be seen on Versus in the US and HNIC in Canada. This afternoon, NBC has Boston and Philadelphia at 2 p.m. CDT.

We will have our game preview up within the hour and watch for news and developments throughout the day.

Make the jump for today's news, headlines and links...

Predators TV Schedule and Watch Parties Finalized (Press Release)

The Nashville Predators finalized their TV schedule for the remainder of their second round series against Vancouver and also released the locations of the "official" watch parties for road games. After tonight's exclusive Versus telecast, Pet and Terry return for for game four, and six and seven if needed. Follow the jump to see the complete release...

NHL TV Viewership Set Several "Bests" During Round One (Press Release)

All of the NHL Media outlets had a banner first round. Follow the Jump to see all the good news from the NHL...

From Vancouver: "The Closest Blowout I've Ever Seen"

To give you a flavor of what the Canuck pundits are saying here are Vancouver Sun writers Iain MacIntyre and Cam Cole's analysis after the game. Follow the jump for the video...

Top Three Jack Adams Finalists Announced: Bylsma, Trotz, and Vigneault

The NHL Trophy announcement for today is the Jack Adams Award which is the annual award presented by the National Hockey League Broadcasters' Association and is given to "the NHL coach adjudged to have contributed the most to his team's success." The winner is selected in a poll among members of the NHL Broadcasters' Association at the end of the regular season.

The top three finalists this year includes Dan Bylsma from Pittsburgh, Barry Trotz from the Predators, and Alain Vigneault from Vancouver.

Preds Prospect Ryan Ellis Set to Join the Milwaukee Admirals Playoff Run

As expected, it is being reported by Admirals Roundtable that OHL two time Defenseman of the Year, Ryan Ellis will join the Milwaukee Admirals today as they head into the Western Division Finals tonight against Houston. Ellis's Windsor Spitfires were eliminated from the OHL Playoffs earlier this week so his junior career is officially over.

Ellis probably would have been able to hold his own at the AHL level this season were it not for the rules that keep players assigned to their junior team or to the NHL until their 20 year old season.

Make the Jump for the full Press Release from the Admirals...

Barry Trotz Calls Out The Predators After the Game (Video)

Other than Pekka Rinne's stellar play in net, the highlight of game one between the Predators and Canucks was Barry Trotz' post game presser where he used several notable "Trotzisms" in calling out the play of all the "passengers" on the ice for the Predators.

Follow the jump for the video...

The Morning After: Canucks 1 - Predators 0

Predator fans were left wanting a few more minutes on the clock at the end of the game last night. With the exception of Pekka Rinne, Shea Weber, and Mike Fisher, the rest of the team sleepwalked through 50 minutes of a really good hockey game between Vancouver and Nashville last night in game one of their Western Conference Quarterfinal match.

POTG Friday Headlines, Comments, and Links

Today is an off day in the Predators-Canucks series but there will not be a shortage of stuff at the site. Within the hour, we will have our "Morning After" feature that will put a bow on game one between the Preds and the Nucks last night.

At 11 a.m. we will have the Jack Adams finalist where we expect Barry Trotz to make the top three for the second year in a row. We will have other features throughout the day as we look forward to Saturday's game two.

Follow the jump for today's news, headlines, and links as well as the RLD Hockey Talk Second Round Preview...

First Star Pekka Rinne Speaks After 1-0 Preds Loss (Video)

Pekka Rinne was the first star of the game and speaks after the Predators 1-0 loss to Vancouver in game one.  Follow the jump to see the video...

Mike Fisher Speaks After Predators Loss (Video)

The Predators' Mike Fisher speakes after the Predators 1-0 loss to the Vancouver Canucks in game on of their Western Conference Quarterfinal series. Follow the jump for the video...

Vancouver Takes Game One 1-0 as the Predators Offense Goes Missing

As the seconds ticked down to zero, Vancouver had to be baffled since they were still battling the Nashville Predators who had a chance to tie the game in the closing seconds after being beaten in every way by the Canucks for most of the game.

POTG Second Round Prognostications and A Look Back at Our First Eight Predictions

Time is growing short to the beginning of round two of the Stanley Cup Playoffs so our prognostications will be short and sweet.

In the opening round, I set a personal record as many folks did, picking seven of eight winners. Jackson would have had a perfect eight for eight had he not taken the Coyotes to beat Detroit.

Follow the jump for our second round choices...

Facts and Figures from the NHL on the Tremendous First Round Series

NHL Media Services put together an impressive list of facts and figures from this year's great first round match-ups. Follow the jump for a bunch of stuff that is guaranteed to be interesting...

Top Three Hart Finalists Announced: Perry, D. Sedin, St. Louis

The NHL Trophy announcement for today is the long awaited Hart Memorial Trophy which is is an annual award given to "the player judged to be the most valuable to his team." Voting was done by the Professional Hockey Writers' Association at the end of the regular season.

The top three finalists this year includes Corey Perry of the Ducks, Daniel Sedin from Vancouver, and Martin St. Louis from Tampa.

Others that were considered to be in the running included Ryan Kesler from Vancouver, Steven Stamkos from Tampa, and Alexander Ovechkin from Washington. Pekka Rinne was though to have a shot as a goalie since he held the Predators together for the entire season. Had Sidney Crosby not been injured in January, he possibly would have been the run-away winner.

The final presentation to the winner will be made at the NHL Awards Show at the Pearl Theater at the Palms Casino and Resort on June 22. 

Make the jump to see the full release from the NHL...

Game One Preview: Predators Head to Vancouver with Nothing to Lose

The Nashville Predators had practice on Wednesday, packed up, and headed to Vancouver with nothing to lose as they make their first trip to the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs tonight at 8 p.m. at Rogers Arena.

POTG Thursday Thoughts, Headlines, and Links

The first round ended last night with another thrilling pair of game sevens making this year's first round the best in many years, Boston won 4-3 in overtime on a Nathan Horton goal early in the extra period to eliminate the Habs. Tampa beat the Pens 1-0 on a Sean Bergeenheim second period goal and behind the stellar goaltendeng of Dwayne Roloson.

The second round gets underway tonight with a single game with your Nashville Predators traveling to Vancouver. It appears that the game will only be on Versus with no local broadcast from Preds TV.

Later this morning, we will have our Preds-Canucks preview, our second round predictions, and at 11 a.m. CDT we will have the Hart Trophy nominees.

Follow the jump for today's news, headlines, and links.

NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs Second Round Schedule Announced

The second round schedule for the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs has been announced by the league. Follow the jump for the complete dates, times, and TV coverage...

Tonight's Bruins and Habs Game Seven Preview with Stats from the NHL

The other game seven tonight is thew Montreal Canadiens traveling to Boston for game seven in their Eastern Conference series. Game coverage will be on Versus at 6 p.m. CDT.

Follow the jump for a preview with tons of game seven statistics for the Bruins and the Habs and the individual players involved from NHL Media Services...

Predators - Canucks Set to Open on Thursday at 8 PM CDT

The Nashville Predators finished up practice today and headed out in order to get to Vancouver for Thursday's game one in the Stanley Cup Western Conference semifinal series. After waiting for most of the day for confirmation, Dan Rosen of NHL.com broke the news on Twitter at 2:02 p.m. Nashville time.

From a post at NHL.com, it doesn't sound like other dates will be released until later, possibly after tonight's games.

Follow the jump for more details...

Tonight's Lightning and Penguins Game Seven Preview with Stats from the NHL

Hockey fans are getting spoiled with two more game sevens tonight. It was just announced that the Pens-Bolts game will be on the NHL Network beginning at 7 p.m. CDT.

Follow the jump for a preview with tons of game seven statistics for the Pens and the Bolts and the individual players involved from NHL Media Services...

POTG on The War Room on NHL Home Ice

I'm not trying to be vain but I have received several requests for audio from my visit to The War Room on NHL Home Ice this morning. The sound is not the best quality from the XM side and I actually had a difficult time hearing them. Thanks to Mick Kern and Peter Berce for the chance to join them..

Follow the jump for the audio...

Predators Recall Teemu Laakso and Chet Pickard from Milwaukee (Press Release)

The Nashville Predators announced that they will have a couple of extra passengers on the flight to Vancouver when they recalled Teemu Laakso and Chet Pickard from Milwaukee.

The Predators have not had an extra defenseman on hand for some time and Laakso is the most trusted defenseman at the NHL level in Milwaukee. The Pickard recall is simply for practice purposes so that Pekka Rinne can have extra rest.

Make the jump to read the release...

Top Three Selke Trophy Finalists Announced: Kesler, Datsyuk, and Toews

The NHL Trophy announcement for today is the Frank J. Selke Trophy which is given to "the forward who best excels in the defensive aspects of the game." Voting was done by the Professional Hockey Writers' Association at the end of the regular season.

The top three finalists this year includes Ryan Kesler from Vancouver, three time winner, Pavel Datsyuk of Detroit, and Jonathan Toews from Chicago.

Others that were considered to be in the running included Frans Nielson from the Islanders, Manny Malhotra from the Canucks, Ryan Calahan from the Rangers, and Anze Kopitar from Los Angeles.

The final presentation to the winner will be made at the NHL Awards Show at the Pearl Theater at the Palms Casino and Resort on June 22. 

Make the jump to see the full release from the NHL...

POTG Wednesday Headlines, Thoughts, and Links

This year may be turning in to the best first round in recent Stanley Cup history. We have seen the Wings sweep the Yotes, the Caps win over the Rangers in five games, two six game series, and finally four game sevens.This is the most game sevens since 1995.

Last night, we saw the Habs beat the Bruins in a 2-1 nail biter to force game Flyers finally best the Sabres, the Flyers finally finish off the Sabres in a 5-3 romp, and finally in a game that lived up to its billing, Vancouver beat Chicago 2-1 in overtime on Alex Burrows game winner.

The Predators will now face Vancouver starting later this week. Early reports out of Vancouver indicate game one tomorrow which would mean the Predators would have to leave today. Nothing is official and we should know the schedule later this morning. In the meantime, the Preds are set to practice at the Bridgestone Arena this morning at 11 a.m.

In a little while we will have information, stats, and records for tonight's two game sevens featuring the Bolts at the pens and the Habs at Boston. We will also have the Selke nominees at 11 a.m. CDT.

Follow the jump for today's headlines and links...

Anaheim Ducks Locker Clean Out with Teemu Selanne, Bob Murray, and Jonas Hiller (Video)

This will probably be our last wrap-up video from the Orange County Register where Teemu Selanne, Bob Murray. and Jonas Hiller talk about the unsettled future for each of them and the Anaheim Ducks. Oddly enough, Selanne has been talking to Paul Kariya about a possible return to the Ducks and how it would affect his decision to return.

Follow the jump for the video...

Pred Prospect Ryan Ellis Named OHL Defenseman of the Year (Press Release)

For the second time in his junior hockey career, Predator prospect Ryan Ellis received the Max Kaminsky Trophy that is given annually to OHL’s Most Outstanding Defenceman.  

Follow the jump for the full release from the OHL...

Top Three Masterton Trophy Finalists Announced: Emery, Langkow, and Laperriere

Today's NHL Trophy announcement is for today is the Bill Masterton Trophy which is "an annual award under the trusteeship of the Professional Hockey Writers' Association and is given to the National Hockey League player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey." The winner is selected in a poll of all chapters of the PHWA at the end of the regular season.

The top three finalists this year includes Ray Emery of the Ducks, Daymond Langkow of the Flames, and Ian Laperriere from Philadelphia.

The Masterton process is fairly wide open since each local chapter of the PHWA has a nominee for the team they cover and then the final three are chosen from that list.

The final presentation to the winner will be made at the NHL Awards Show at the Pearl Theater at the Palms Casino and Resort on June 22. 

After the jump is the official release from the NHL...

Speculation On When the Predators Might Play Again

The Predators practice this morning at 11 a.m. at the Bridgestone Arena not knowing if they will be facing Vancouver or Detroit in the second round series that will begin this weekend.

Around midnight tonight (barring overtime), when the Chicago-Vancouver game is over, the opponent will be known. If the Hawks win, the Preds face Detroit. If Vancouver wins, the Preds will face the Canucks. Either way, the series will begin on the road this weekend.


Follow the jump for pure speculation as to when the Predators could play in round two...

Huge Night Tonight in the NHL with Two Game Sevens and An Elimination Game

There will be more important NHL contests tonight than can be properly consumed by an avid hockey fan with two game seven showdowns and a game six elimination game. Buffalo will be at Philadelphia in the early game seven (Versus, 6:30 p.m. CDT) while Chicago will travel to Vancouver for the nightcap (Versus, 9 p.m.).

It the other game, Boston will be at the Bell Center in Montreal with a chance to seal their opening series with a win in game six. If the Habs take it, they will have to hustle to Boston for game seven which would be tomorrow night at 6 p.m. CDT.

Make the jump to get the full rundown of tonight's action as well as a ton of relevant statistics courtesy of NHL Media Services...

POTG Tuesday Headlines and Morning Links

With the Predators in a waiting mode, the focus turns to the remaining series that are still being played. Last night one potential Predator opponent was eliminated when the Sharks beat the Kings 4-3 in overtime on Joe Thornton's goal. In the other game, Tampa Bay forced game seven with the Pens with a 4-2 win.

Tonight, all eyes in Pred nation will be on Chicago playing at Vancouver tonight which will determine the Preds next opponent. If Vancouver wins, the Preds will play them. With a Hawks win, Nashville will play Detroit.

At this point, depending on when the series starts, it would appear that Preds home games would be Monday-Wednesday or Tuesday-Thursday next week. Concerts at The Bridge on Friday and Saturday are somewhat of a limiting factor.

The Predators will practice today at 11 a.m. at the Bridgestone Arena.

We'll be back in a little while with complete details about tonight's two game sevens and separate elimination game. Follow the jump for all the day's headlines and links.

Wade Belak Praises the Predators on the NHL Network (Video)

Ex-Predator and current radio analyst Wade Belak sings the praises of the Nashville Predators on the NHL Network's "On The Fly" with David Amber. Follow the jump to see the video clip...

NHL Network Interview with Shea Weber Discussing his Norris Trophy Top Three (Video)

Earlier today, it was announced that Shea Weber was in the Norris Trophy top three along with Detroit's Nicklas Lidstrom and Boston's Zdeno Chara. The NHL Network caught up with Shea for his reaction. Follow the jump to see the clip...

Nashville's Second History Will Be Made Video Makes History

The Nashville Predators were never the subject of a History Will Be Made Video until Friday night. After Sunday's game six win, they made history again with a second one. Make the jump to see it...

Top Three Norris Trophy Finalists Announced: Lidstrom, Chara and Weber

Today's NHL Trophy announcement is for today is for the James Norris Memorial Trophy that is "an annual award given to the defense player who demonstrates throughout the season the greatest all-round ability in the position." The winner is selected in a poll of the Professional Hockey Writers' Association at the end of the regular season.

The top three finalists this year include Shea Weber of your Nashville Predators, Nicklas Lidstrom of Detroit, and Zdeno Chara of Boston.

Others that were considered to be in the running that will probably make the top ten include Keith Yandle from Phoenix, Lubomir Visnovsky of Anaheim, Christian Ehrhof of Vancouver, Duncan Keith of Chicago, Dustin Byfuglien from Atlanta, and Kris Letang from Pittsburgh.

The final presentation to the winner will be made at the NHL Awards Show at the Pearl Theater at the Palms Casino and Resort on June 22. 

After the jump is the full release from the NHL...

Pierre McGuire Praises Nashville on NHL Home Ice

Pierre McGuire, who was between the benches for game six of the Predators-Ducks game six on Sunday, made his regular visit to Hockey This Morning on NHL Home Ice with Mike Ross and Mick Kern this morning and had great things to say about the Predators, Nashville, and the fans.

Whether you are a Pierre fan or not, it is worth a listen. Here is the audio clip.

More Later... 

Buddy Oakes for PredsOntheGlass

The Morning After: Predators Enter New Territory

The handshake picture says it all. The Nashville Predators have been through that line five times before and each time it led to the golf course, bit not this year. This time the line leads to round two of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

POTG Monday Headlines and Morning Links

I apologize to our loyal readers that this is not the best weekend round-up on record but we have been extremely busy with Predators coverage for the last three days. Getting to chat with the Preds and the Ducks folks on Saturday provided good stuff. We will have a post about Pekka's thoughts on the Vezina and possibly a guest post at In Goal Magazine about Pekka's new headgear for next season in the next couple of days.

At 11 a.m. CDT today, we will have the Norris Trophy finalists and have a pretty good idea that Shea Weber might be in the top three. We will also have The Morning Afther look at last night's game within the hour.

Check out all our weekend posts and make the jump to see what we have got here today.

In Pred Nation...

Preds.com points out that 92,000 folks walked into the Bridgestone Arena in the past week.

A J at PMFF looks at the next generation of Predator fans.

The PostGame has a nice feature on Jon Blum and what he means for California hockey.

The Nashville Business Journal previews a story about the Predator's dynamic ticket pricing in the playoffs. The key as a consumer is to buy the tickets as early as possible.

J. R. Lind tried to break the tension on Friday with a photoshop contest about Anders Lindback going to Disneyland. Here are the results.

Jabberheads were pleased with their first round pick of the Predators.

If you want to win a guitar autographed by all the Predators, here is your chance.

The Milwaukee Admirals return home with a 3-2 lead after Saturday's win in overtime.


Around the NHL...


From Sunday in addition to the Predators win, The Blackhawks  pushed Vancouver to game seven and the Flyers sent their series to a game seven showdown too.

After being eliminated from the playoffs the Rangers extended John Tortorella's contract for thre years.

Ryan Kennedy has the story of a camp for 1995 birthday prospects and Max Domi, the son of Tie Domi was a highlight.

Spector's Hockey has the lastest rumors from Phoenix. Illegal Curve gives the Winnipeg view.

Patrick Hoffman looks at the value of home ice advantage in the playoffs.

Terry Frei calls out the Avalanche on their failed "Plan A."

Taping the stick doesn't get enough press so the Detroit Free Press took care of that during the Wings extended time off.

The Kings have struggled at home against the Sharks so here are the top seven ways for them to win game six at home.

Odds and Ends...

Laday Gaga not only disrupted the Predators-Ducks series she had a fan that died and then came back to life.

If you need prayer, a Baptist Church in Old Hickory has commandeered an old bank to offer drive through prayer.

More Later...

Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass

Exorcism Complete: Predators Beat Ducks 4-2 and Move to Round Two

Before this season, the Nashville Predators had headed to the playoffs five times in the last six seasons and always returned home as a loser. All of those past first round demons were completely exorcised on Sunday night when the Predators beat the Anaheim Ducks 4-2 to take the series and move on to the second round for the first time in franchise history.

Barry Trotz Speaks Two Hours Before Game SIx (Video)

A seeming loose Barry Trotz spoke briefly two hours before game six. Follow the jump to see the short clip...

Preds-Ducks Game Six Preview: It Was The Best of Times, It was the Worst of Times

Depending on the outcome of today's game six in the playoff series between the Nashville Predators (3-2) and the Anaheim Ducks (2-3) it will either be the best of times in Smashville or the worst of times on lower Broad. That represents the two ends of the spectrum that are both possibilities at the end of tonight's contest. 

Bobby Ryan Describes his Highlight Reel Goal against the Nashville Predators (Audio)

We caught up with Anaheim's Bobby Ryan shortly after he arrived in Nashville and got his reaction to the fan reaction to his highlight reel shot in game five of the Predators-Ducks series. He also gave a description of his thought process as the play developed. Follow the jump to hear what he had to say.

Nashville Predators Coach Barry Trotz Speaks Before Game 6

Nashville Predators Coach Barry Trotz speaks before game six with the Anaheim Ducks at the Bridgestone Arena after a short practice. Follow the jump for the video...

Anaheim Ducks Coach Randy Carlyle Speaks Before Game 6

Anaheim Ducks Coach Randy Carlyle speaks before game six with the Nashville Predators at the Loews Vanderbilt Hotel shortly after the team landed. Follow the jump for the video...

The Morning After: Overtime Winner Was High Drama

Game five demons from the past appeared to be in full control of the Predators - Ducks game last night when Jason Blake found himself wide open in front of the Predators net with 5:44 remaining in the game. His goal put the Ducks ahead 3-2 and appeared to have added to the list of five other game five nightmares for the Predators.

History Will Be Made: Preds Beat Ducks in Overtime (NHL Video)

From the NHL comes the History Will be Made video from last night's Predators win over the Ducks titled History Believes in Firsts.

Follow the jump to enjoy...

What Does "The Predator Way" Actually Mean?

After the game five in the Preds series against Anaheim, coach Barry Trotz talked about Jerred Smithson being "disposed of" by the L A Kings and that they turned him into a Nashville Predator. That rejected King scored the game winning goal and is one of a group of players that is the heart and soul of the Nashville Predators.

History Was Made On Bobby Ryan Goal (Video)

Bobby Ryan who was coming off a two game suspension for stomping Jon Blum's foot with his skate a week earlier, had what may have been the goal of the year in the NHL to put the Anaheim Ducks ahead of the Nashville Predators late in the second period of game five on Friday night.

Follow the jump to see a history will be made version of Ryans goal as well as a video of Mario Lemieux greatest goal that Ryan's has been compared to already.

Predators Bury Game Five Demons in 4-3 Overtime Thriller Over Ducks

The Nashville Predators had entered five game fives in their postseason history and came away a loser in every one of them. Last year's game five loss to Chicago in overtime was the most devastating loss in team history and has been the number one motivating factor for the team to not only make the playoffs but to win a round, or two, or three, or even four this year.

Predators' Rookie Goalie Anders Lindback Makes Playoff Debut

In game four of the playoff series between the Anaheim Ducks and Nashville Predators, Predators' rookie goalie, Anders Lindback made an unexpected Stanley Cup playoff debut.

After the Ducks scored their sixth goal with 13:14 remaining in the third period, Preds' coach Barry Trotz called Lindback from his perch in the Predators' bench and sent him into the fray.

Game Five Preview: Predators Hoping for Magical Trip to Anaheim (Warning: This Post Has Nasty Stuff In It)

Most folks who travel to Anaheim California go with small children and want to visit Disneyland for a fun vacation. The Nashville Predators (2-2) are all business on their trip as they prepare to play the Anaheim Ducks (2-2) in game five of their Western Conference first round playoff series.

Follow the jump for the nasty stuff...

Andrew Ference Fined $2500 for Obscene Gesture (Video)

The NHL has fined Andrew Ference $2500 for giving the bird to the Montreal fans. He should have also been fined for saying that his glove was stuck.

Follow the jump for the NHL release and video...

Top Three Vezina Award Finalists Announced: Rinne, Thomas, and Luongo

Today's NHL Trophy announcement is for today is the Vezina Trophy which is is an annual award given to "the goalkeeper adjudged to be the best at this position." The voting is done by the general managers of all NHL clubs.

The top three finalists this year include Pekka Rinne of your Nashville Predators, Tim Thomas of Boston, and Roberto Luongo of Vancouver.

Others that were considered to be in the running included Henrik Lundqvist of the Rangers, Carey Price of Montreal, and Marc-Andre Fleury from the Pens.

The final presentation to the winner will be made at the NHL Awards Show at the Pearl Theater at the Palms Casino and Resort on June 22. 

After the jump is full release from the NHL...

POTG Good Friday - Earth Day Headlines and Links

I apologize for the lateness of my morning post but I had a rare holiday and decided to catch up on sleep after all these late playoff nights. Anyway, a huge game lurks for the Predators tonight and we will have our preview out shortly as well as the Vezina announcement that should include the Predators' Pekka Rinne in the final three.

I know it has been beaten to death, but game six will start at 5 p.m. CDT on SUnday.

Follow the jump for all the links from the Predators and around the NHL which includes information about the City of Glendale -Goldwater institute meeting that was a complete farce.

Ducks' Jarkko Ruutu Suspended One Game By the NHL (Video)

A hearing with the NHL was held this afternoon on the big hit that Jarkko Ruutu put on Marty Erat at the 4:00 mark of the second period of Wednesday's game four between the Predators and Ducks at the Bridgestone Arena.

Initial word from Eric Stephens of the Orange County Register was  @icemancometh: Ducks LW Jarkko Ruutu suspended for one game by NHL.

Marty Erat was forced to leave the game with an "upper body" injury and did not make the trip to Anaheim for Friday's game five at the Honda Center. The suspension is really of little consequence to the Ducks since Ruutu is not a key player to them in the way that Erat was to the Predators.

After the jump you can see the video for yourself and read what the league had to say...

The "High Sticking" Call on Brad Winchester That Got the Diving Accusations Started (Video)

Here is the video of the "high sticking" call that got the whole diving allegations started from Anaheim Duck's G.M. Bob Murray. This was first published on Tuesday by The Orange County Register. The incident occurred 2:53 in to the third period of game two in Anaheim.

It does appear that Jerred Smithson took an elbow instead of a high stick. I wonder if the homer announcers would have been any happier if it had been called "elbowing". Follow the jump to see the video.

Commentary: The Morning After Game Four - Ducks 6, Preds 3

Last night's Predators loss to the Duck was a tough one to swallow for the local fan base as well as the players and coaches that performed on the ice.

One thing I will not do is to try to minimize what the Anaheim Ducks were able to accomplish. They played their best game of the series while the Predators were not hitting on all cylinders. To a man, no one in the Preds' dressing room was pleased with the effort. Having the extra day off appeared to energize the Ducks while the Predators were lulled into a false sense of comfort.

Top Three Lady Byng Trophy Finalists Announced: Eriksson, Lidstrom, St. Louis

Today's NHL Trophy announcement is for today is the the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy is an annual award given to the player "adjudged to have exhibited the best type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of playing ability".  Voting was done by the Professional Hockey Writers' Association at the end of the regular season.

The top three finalists this year includes Loui Eriksson of Dallas, Nick Lidstrom from Detroit, and, Martin St. Louis from the Tampa Bay Lightning.

The final presentation to the winner will be made at the NHL Awards Show at the Pearl Theater at the Palms Casino and Resort on June 22. 

After the jump is the full release from the NHL...

POTG Thursday Thoughts, Headlines, and Links

We will have our Morning After feature shortly with a look back at last night's dismal showing by the Predators but you can visit our game recap with post game video by going here. The other top news in Nashville yesterday was David Poile being in the final three for GM of the Year. We will have the Lady Byng Trophy finalists today around 11 a,m, CDT.

After the jump we have other news from the world of the Predators and the NHL...

Predators' Dive in the Third Period Leads to 6-3 Ducks Victory

The Nashville Predators fought back from deficits twice before yielding three goals early in the third period to lose to the Anaheim Ducks 6-3 at the Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday night in game four of the Western Conference first round series that is now tied 2-2.

NHL Teams Commit to Green Initiatives for Earth Day (Press Release)

The National Hockey League has issued a press release highlighting the various green initiatives of its member clubs. Follow the jump for the release in its entirety...

NHL Announces General Manager of the Year Award Nominees: Gillis, Yzerman and Poile

Today's announcement from the NHL in the parade of award nominees is for the title of General Manager of the Year. This is a new award that was first presented in it's current form last season. Last year it was selected by 30 general managers, five NHL executives and five media members in its initial incarnation.

This year's nominees are Vancouver's Mike Gillis, Tampa Bay's Steve Yzerman and Nashville's David Poile are the three finalists for the honor of the League's top GM.

With the award still in its infancy, it was a wide open field with the G.M.'s of several teams that exceeded expectations as the front runners.

The Award will be presented for the first time as part of the official NHL Awards Show that will be held at the Pearl Theater at the Palms Resort and Casino in Las Vegas on June 22. Last season it was presented to Phoenix's Don Maloney at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel on June 2, three weeks before the official show.

After the jump, you will find the official release from the NHL...

To Dive or Not To Dive, That is the Question: Preds - Ducks Game 4

There is nothing worse than two Stanley Cup playoff teams with too much time on their hands between games. We can place all the blame for all the foolishness in the last 48 hours directly on Lady Gaga for scheduling her circus act right during the middle of a torrid, emotion driven playoff series between the Nashville Predators (2-1) and the Anaheim Ducks (1-2).

POTG Wednesday Wrap-Up: Hockey Headlines and Links

Today's headlines and links has news from the Predators and Ducks camps including all the latest diving information as well as news from around the NHL. We also have several articles about the Coyotes situation which now appears less bleak for the Phoenix fans than it did yesterday.We also have the player for yesterday's RLD Hockey Talk with Andre Delsol.

We had a bunch of stories yesterday including three posts about the new TV deal and the finalists for the Calder trophy.

We will have our game preview within the hour but for now, go past the jump for all of today's news.

Complete Transcript NHL- NBC/Versus Conference Call (NHL Release)

Here is the full transcript with the joint conference call on the NHL- NBC/Versus Conference Call with Gary Bettman and Dick Ebersol. Follow the jump to read it...

Official Announcement Reveals Details of NHL -NBC/Versus Deal (Press Release)

As was leaked earlier today, the official announcement was made in a joint press conference by NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and NBC executive, Dick Ebersol.

One of the highlights has to be the first ever national distribution of all Stanley Cup playoff games. Also, a new studio for the NHL Network in the US is in the works. Also NBC hopes to make Thanksgiving Friday a mainstay on the calender with a national game for folks not wanting to go shopping.

NBC and Versus were the only options available after the NHL lockout caused the 2004-2005 season to be lost. Bettman was loyal to his TV "partners" in making the new deal.

Make the jump to see the full release with all the announced details...

NHL Announces Calder Trophy Finalists: Couture, Skinner, and Grabner

In the first of ten NHL Award finalist announcements that will occur over the next two weeks, the NHL announced the Calder Trophy top three as Logan Couture of San Jose, Jeff Skinner of Carolina, and Michel Grabner of the Islanders.

All three players will attend the NHL Award show at the Pearle Theater at the Palms Hotel in Las Vegas on June 22 where the winner will be revealed.

It was thought that Grabner's chances may have been hurt by the three New York Area chapters of the PHWA deciding not to vote as a protest against the Isles removing credentials from Chris Botta.

Players that weren't named but were considered by voters include, goalie Sergei Bobrovsky from Philadelphia, goalie Correy Crawford from Chicago, defenseman Cam Fowler from the Ducks, 2010 Entry draft fist pick Taylor Hall of the Oilers, Center Brad Marchand of Boston, latecomer goalie James Reimer of  Toronto, goalie Michal Neuvirth of the Capitals. Tyler Ennis of Buffalo, Derek Stephan of the Rangers, Jordan Eberle of the Oilers.and Kevin Shattenkirk of St. Louis.

After the jump is the full press release from the NHL...

NBC-Versus Rumored to Keep NHL TV Deal

It appears that NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman did what he does best and wrangled $200 million a year for ten years out of the newly merged NBC/Versus conglomerate for an exclusive deal. If you complain that it is not enough, you need to realize that the last deal was worth zero coming out of the lockout.

John Ourund at Sports Business Daily has details on the deal and Adrian Dater has a good perspective piece on what it means to the league.

We will have the release once it comes out after the Bettman-Dick Ebersol presser at Noon CDT today.

More Later...

Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass

Selanne and Koivu Are The Real Predator Killers

Leading up to the playoff series between the Nashville Predators and the Anaheim Ducks al the focus was on what the Predators would do to stop the top line of Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry, and Boby Ryan.

When the pairings were first known Preds coach Barry Trotz said, "When you think about Anaheim, you think about the big line... They've also got Selanne and Koivu who are dynamic players so we're going to have to bring a good team game."

Trotz didn't just throw Selanne and Koivu's name out there as an afterthought. He knew what he was talking about. During the regular season, in four games against the Preds the pair scored seven of the eleven goals that the Ducks had against he Preds. Selanne had three goals and three assist while Koivu added four goals.

During the playoffs, it has been the same song, different verse. Selanne leads the team in goals, having four of the Ducks' nine goals while Koivu has chipped in with three assists.

Selanne is amazing that he shows no signs of slowing down in spite of turning 41 in July. He is as fiery a competitor as ever and raked his teammates over the coals after Sunday's loss, "We had no business in this game. They (Preds) wanted it more. They won the battles. We were lucky to even be in this game. I'm very disappointed."

After watching Selanne score two goals, 30 seconds apart, to tie the game, Trotz was full of praise, "He's got a goal scorers instinct. He's still got that dynamic speed. He's just a wonderful athlete."

"If you'd have someone representing what an NHL player should be, Teemu is all that. He's involved in the community and has a vibrant personality and he's still a dynamic player at forty. You talk about a guy that's been fantastic for the game - he will definitely be in the hall of fame."

Going further Trotz described why Selanne and fellow Finland countryman Koivu work so well together, "They are both dynamic guys. They have speed, they can make plays. They've played together in a lot of different venues, not just Anaheim. They played in the World Championships. They played in the Olympics together... World Cups."

"They've got a real good understanding of things. They are real good on the rush, they look for second waves. They can make quick plays and little area passes, and skating into them. They do all those very mature, smart things that real good hockey players do."

Selanne may find this series particularly frustrating because he would like one more run at the Stanley Cup. His only Cup ring came with the Ducks in 2007 and he would like to retire on a successful note. He has made no decisions on retirement but if he won another Stanley Cup this year, it is possible that he would call it a career.

With Bobby Ryan suspended for one more game, and the Ducks' big first line at two-thirds strength, the smart fans will be keeping an eye on Selanne and Koivu in Wednesday night's game four between the Predators and the Ducks.

More Later...

Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass

POTG Tuesday Hockey Headlines and Morning Links

Today, we have a full cupboard of news and links from the Predators, Ducks, and the rest of the hockey world.  We will have a story up shortly about Pred killers, Teemu Selanne and Saku Koivu. Also, don't forget that the Calder trophy nominees will be out later this morning.

First up, we have news of a guest on RLD Hockey Radio that Ryan and I have been looking forward to having since we met him last month in Nashville.

Finalists for NHL Awards to Be Revealed Daily Starting Tuesday

The finalists for ten NHL Awards will begin being revealed on Tuesday at 11 a.m. CDT on NHL.com. This will be an exciting time for Predator fans as it is expected that the Preds could have a record four finalist with Pekka Rinne for the Vezina, Shea Weber for the Norris, David Poile for GM of the Year, and Barry Trotz for the Jack Adams.

Trotz was a finalist last year in the Adams voting and finished second to the Coyotes Dave Tippett. David Poile was also in the final three last season for the GM award but it was not a part of the awards show in the award's first year.

The Predators only trophy winner was Steve Sullivan winning the Masterton two years ago after he came back from a two year layoff to continue his career.

Follow the jump for the full press release and schedule...

Teemu Selanne Explains His Post Game Emotional Outburst after Game Three (Video)

Eric Stephens of the Orange County Register captured this video at the Loews Vanderbilt Plaza Hotel in Nashville of Teemu Selanne explaining his post game outburst after Anaheims 4-3 loss to the Predators on Sunday night. Selanne had two of the teams three goals. He is expecting the Ducks to play their best game tomorrow night. Make the jump for the video...

Ray Emery Postgame Comments After Game Three (Video)

A very dejected Ray Emery speaks to Eric Stephens with the Orange County Record after Sunday's 4-3 loss to the Predators in Nashville. Follow the jump for the video.

Mike Fisher Appears on NHL Network's On The Fly (Video)

After Sunday night's 4-3 victory over Anaheim, Mike Fisher could have won an election for mayor of Nashville after his game winning goal and gritty all-round play. Folk around town would lobe to have his wife Carrie Underwood for the first lady of Music City too.

Make the jump to see the clip from NHL Network with Mike Fisher discussing last night's game.

The Morning After: Preds 4, Ducks 3 - Preds Lead Series 2-1

Last night's game had everything a Predator fan would want. There were more catfish on the ice than could be counted. There were two TV time out standing ovations. There was dominant Predator hockey followed by the Ducks tying the game twice only to have the Predators comeback to win on a goal by playoff veteran Mike Fisher. Fisher was only an assist away from a "Gordie Howe hat trick" as he had the goal and the fight squared away. What more could you want for the price of a ticket.

POTG Monday Headlines and Morning Links

Follow the jump for the latest news and links from The Predators and around the NHL as well as the story of the latest Predator blogger love-fest. Our Morning After look at last night's game will be out shortly too.

Mike Fisher and Ryan Getzlaf Square Off in Game Three (Video)

The Predator's Mike Fisher squared of for some fisticuffs with the Ducks' Ryan Getzlaf late in the second period.

Resilient Predators Battle Ghosts and Beat Anaheim 4-3 To Take a 2-1 Series Lead

The Nashville Predators dominated the first two periods of game three in their series against Anaheim and only had a 2-2 tie to show for it. The team dug in and showed their "resiliency" in taking a 4-3 victory on the strength of Mike Fisher's game winning goal halfway through the final period.

Predators and Their Fans Have A Reputation to Live Up To As Ducks Invade Music City

For years Predator fans in Section 303 have carried the mantle of "the loudest fans in the loudest arena in the NHL." This year, the TV time out ovation have become a tradition that has occurred more regularly during the stretch run and involves the whole arena.

Bobby Ryan Comments on His Two Game Suspension (Video)

A very non-repentant Bobby Ryan speaks about his two game suspension for his foot stomp on Jon Blum from the Centennial SportsPlex in Nashville. While he bit his tounge on his true feelings, it was obvious that he was not in agreement with the result of his hearing with the NHL. Thanks to the Orange County Register for the video...

Bobby Ryan Suspended for Two Games

Word came from the NHL that Anahem's Bobby Ryan was suspended for two games for his skate stomp on Predators defenseman Jon Blum. While the Ducks have many offensive weapons, thei will be a blow to their offense.

Here is the official release and Video from NHL Network...

The Morning After: Predators Should Be Confident After Loss

Even this morning, I am amazed at how good I feel about the Predators effort last night. Granted they screwed up in the first six minutes of the game but they never quit for the remainder of the contest. They were out shot 10-1 through the second goal and dominated from that point forward out shooting the Ducks 33-18.

POTG Saturday Round-Up: Morning Headlines and Links

Last night's game was as positive an effort as you will see for the Predators that doesn't end up in a victory. Here is our game story from last night. We'll have our morning wrap-up and perspective from the game later this morning.

After the jump we have news from the Predators, Ducks, and the world of hockey...

Nothing Hides from YouTube - Bobby Ryan's Foot Stomp on Jon Blum

Follow the jump for video of Bobby Ryan's foot stomp on Jon Blum. The two rookies Blake Geoffrion and Jon Blum won the battle with veterans Bobby Ryan and Saku Koivu. Darren Dreger even commented on the move.

Bob McKenzie even got into the act with several tweets. @TSNBobMcKenzie: There is expected to be a disciplinary hearing for ANA's Bobby Ryan for his using his skate to stomp on NSH's Jonathan Blum foot. There is world of difference between what Ryan did and what Pronger (on Kesler for 8 games) and Simon (on Ruutu for 30 games) did. On Pronger/Simon, no puck involved. Ryan looked to be trying to dislodge puck from under Blum's foot.But using skateblade in that fashion is strictly forbidden. Not a hockey play. Have to believe fine or suspension is coming.

Even Puck Daddy picked up on the matter. With this much attention, it will be interesting to see if the wheel of justice spins inn the Predators favor.

Ducks Hold Off Predators for 5-3 Win to Even Series

Despite an incredible comeback effort by the Nashville Predators, the Anaheim Ducks evened the playoff series at one with a 5-3 victory at the Honda Center on Friday night.

A Game Not To Miss: Islanders at Devils on May 1, 2011

Someone at NHL Media Services has a real sense of humor. If you go to the Game notes section you see a curious listing for a game between the New York Islanders and the New Jersey Devils that is set for May 1, 2011. Sure enough, if you follow the link, you get the regular "Playoff Game Notes" for the alleged game.

Follow the jump to see proof...

Breaking News: What the Predators Broadcasters Do to Get Up for a Game

Straight from Pete Weber himself "this is what the Predators broadcasters use to get the blood percolating for the games...."

NHL Had Big Gains In TV Viewership on Opening Night

The NHL's regular season success as reported on Wednesday appears to have carried over into the playoffs with new data released today. Follow the jump to read the press release provide by the NHL with details of a big first night.

Ryan Getzlaf Talks About Solving Pekka Rinne After Morning Skate

Here is another video from the Orange County Register where Ryan Getzlaf discusses Pekka Rinne and the possibility of going down 2-0 to the Predators. Make the jump to view the viseo.

Jon Blum Shows No Signs of Nervousness Playing His First NHL Playoff Games in Front of Friends and Family

When Nashville rookie Blake Geoffrion was called up about the same time as Jon Blum, he had the added pressure of playing in front of his his hometown friends and family in addition to trying to transition his game to the speed of the NHL.

Now, turnabout is fair play for Blum who is playing his first NHL playoff series in Anaheim which is less that 25 miles away from Rancho Santa Margarita, California which is where he grew up. As he explained before game one in the following video from the Orange County Register, he had up to 30 passes for folks to show up and visit after game one in the series.

Preds Prospect Craig Smith Named to Team USA for the World Championships

In a release today from USA Hockey, Predator Prospect Craig Smith, a former teammate of  Blake Geoffrion at Wisconsin, was one of three players added to Team USA that will compete at the IIHF World Men's Championship starting later this month. Make the jump to see the full release.

Predators Hope for Continued Success Against the Ducks in Game Two

Game one is in the history books and it's time to move on to tonight's game two between the Nashville Predators (1-0) and the Anaheim Ducks (0-1) at the Honda Center formally known as the Duck Pond.

POTG Friday Headlines and Morning Links

Today is officially Predators Playoff Pride day so wear your Preds gear all day long. We will have our game preview up shortly.

If you notice, in the right column, we have links to all the Ducks media sites so you can keep up with what is brewing in the Ducks world during the playoff series.

After the jump, we have the latest news on the Predators, Ducks and the rest of the NHL.

Pekka Rinne Speaks after Thursday's Practice (Video)

Here is more post Thursday practice video from Pekka Rinne courtesy of Predators.com. This one is a bit different because he doesn't have his cap on.

Comments After Today's Practice from Ryan Getzlaf, Dan Ellis, Pekka Rinne, and Shea Weber (Video)

The Orange County Register caught up with Ryan Getzlaf and Dan Ellis from the Ducks and Pekka Rinne and Shea Weber from the Predators at today's practice. Here's what they had to say...

Corey Perry, Ryan Getzlaf, and Pekka Rinne Game One Post Game Comments (Video)

Here is a different video from ESPN-LA that has the only footage that I've seen from Preds goalie Pekka Rinne (starting at 1:55) after game one of the Preds-Ducks series.

Ryan Getzlaf Explains What Went Wrong in Game One Against The Predators (Video)

Here is a video from the Orange County Register where Ryan Getzlaf discusses what went wrong in Game one of the Preds-Ducks series.

Barry Trotz Post Game One Presser

The Predators media relations department has really stepped up to the plate with extended coverage of the Preds on the road in this opening round series at Anaheim. Enjoy Barry Trotz's post game video below.