On the Forecheck

Do your part for Pekka Rinne in the NHL13 Cover Vote: Sunday's notes

2012-05-27T11:49:54Z

As of our last update, Pekka Rinne still holds a lead over John Tavares in the semifinal round of voting for the EA Sports NHL13 cover, but he'll continue to need your support through Monday to make it to the final round. One fan has put together a video to rally others to the cause, but the bottom line is that you need to spend a little quality time at covervote.nhl.com today and push Pekka over the top.

Since there's been some confusion, it's worth clarifying - you can vote as many times as you like. There's a contest associated with this vote, in which you can only gain 10 entries per day, but if you sat there and cast 500 votes (one for every lap of today's Indy 500?) every single one of them will count.

So now, on to your morning hockey notes, which feature Nashville Predators prospect Austin Watson, the club's 2010 1st-round pick, who is going for the Memorial Cup championship today with the London Knights (6:00 p.m. Central on NHL Network).

Memorial Day weekend means hockey sales! | Hockey Gear HQ

Whether you're pumped up about the Kings/Devils Stanley Cup Final, or are a hockey player who needs some new equipment, this weekend is the time to go shopping!

Nashville Predators News

2012 MasterCard Memorial Cup: London Knights — why they can win Sunday - Buzzing The Net
Because shot-blocking is all the rage in junior hockey, too.

2012 MasterCard Memorial Cup: London’s Austin Watson, Vlad Namestnikov talk shot blocking - Buzzing The Net
Yup, it sounds like Watson will fit in here just fine.

The 303:30 – the Memorial Cup, the Zolkower benefit and Rinne’s comments about being on NHL 13 | Section 303
Get set up for the Memorial Cup final in the latest 303 podcast.

Shea Weber had a bit better year than Zdeno Chara, so the Norris should go to him | Edmonton Journal
David Staples took the time to make a comprehensive comparison of the contenders' performances.

Around the Wide Wide World of Hockey

Down Goes Brown: Take the quiz: How well do you know the LA Kings?
Take this crash course before the Final starts!

A statistical breakdown: Los Angeles Kings vs. New Jersey Devils | Backhand Shelf
It sure looks like L.A. is the superior team.

For Los Angeles Kings, when does rest become rust for Stanley Cup Final? | Puck Daddy
Since they don't start the Final until Wednesday, I don't see a big difference for either the Kings or Devils here.

Stanley Cup playoffs prelude to ‘samurai’ labour showdown - thestar.com
A dire forecast here for the upcoming CBA negotiations might go - might the Winter Classic serve as the kickoff for a shortened season?

Bruins acquire another Bourque - BostonHerald.com
Well how about that, Boston traded for Ray's son.

Bowman nets Order of Canada, Grapes shut out - Toronto Sun
Scotty Bowman beats Don Cherry, again.

Hockey Historysis: Old-Tyme Forwards
That's what this Preds team needs, a little more "stout" up front!

A fantastic idea here by the SB Nation video crew, and a great way to tie in what it means to be a...

2012-05-26T13:53:37Z

A fantastic idea here by the SB Nation video crew, and a great way to tie in what it means to be a sports fan with a celebration of our armed forces this Memorial Day Weekend.

Jersey aims to close out New York: Friday afternoon notes

2012-05-25T20:51:53Z

With a victory tonight on home ice, the New Jersey Devils can eliminate the Rangers and return to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time since 2003.

Next Game

New York Rangers
@ New Jersey Devils

Friday, May 25, 2012, 7:00 PM Central (NBC Sports)
Prudential Center

Complete Coverage >

You can use this thread to follow the game, after reading your afternoon hockey notes, of course...

Don't forget to cast a few dozen votes for Pekka Rinne on the NHL13 cover!

Nashville Predators News

Preds in review: Gabriel Bourque - Predators Insider
Bourque was one of the season's most pleasant surprises, and it will be interesting to see where he fits in this fall.

The Hippodrome: But They'll See The Big Board! | Pith in the Wind
It's nice to see the Titans following the Preds lead when it comes to entertaining the fans.

Around the Wide Wide World of Hockey

Removing Anchors: The Playoff Rise of the Fourth Line on the New Jersey Devils - In Lou We Trust
When you make it this deep, there are usually plenty of foot soldiers chipping in.

John Tortorella is intense and resolute and it's all authentic for Rangers coach | NJ.com
A cool profile of the Rangers coach here, found via Puck Daddy.

NHL teams that spend tend to win - The Globe and Mail
Here's another approach showing the Preds (alongside Phoenix) as competitive over-achievers relative to their budget.

‘Tender Touches: An attempt to measure Martin Brodeur’s puckhandling impact | Edmonton Journal
If I've got speed up front, I'd pressure a puckhandling goalie every opportunity I could.

What Makes a Successful NHL General Manager? | Overtime
I'm currently reading the book discussed here, and it's pretty amazing.

2012 MasterCard Memorial Cup: Hockey stick sculpture lights up Shawinigan - Buzzing The Net
Well, this is odd.

Red Light District Hockey: Gerard Gallant looks ready to win at NHL level
As long as he stays away from Columbus this time, I don't see why not.

Agent: Kesler frustrated by Vigneault comments - sportsnet.ca
How much did a torn labrum impact Ryan Kesler's performance this season? There seems to be a difference of opinion.

Rick Dudley Named Montreal Canadiens Assistant General Manager - Habs Eyes On The Prize
Regime change continues in Montreal.

A Beautiful Game: Eight Disjointed Thoughts on Aesthetics in Hockey | Backhand Shelf
Scattered observations on why the game seems so defensively-oriented these days.

Disappointed Doan apologizes for postgame comments - NHL.com
That Phoenix/L.A. handshake line was one of the most memorable in recent years.

‘While the Jocks Watch’ | Backhand Shelf
Cam celebrates the hockey blogging world as the alternative to run-of-the-mill coverage seen in traditional media.

Montreal columnist: Hal Gill skated in playoffs on a broken leg

2012-05-25T19:50:21Z

An interesting tweet just floated through cyberspace courtesy of Montreal columnist Dave Stubbs:

#Preds‬ Gill had plate screwed into fractured tibia 2 weeks ago, on crutches when we met for lunch. Has cool x-ray pics in his iPhone‪ #Habs‬

Hal Gill

#75 / Defenseman / Nashville Predators

Height: 6-7

Weight: 244

Born: Apr 06, 1975

Also according to Stubbs, the injury occurred when Gill blocked a shot from Sheldon Souray towards the end of the regular season's penultimate game, so it does indeed sound like Gill was skating on a broken leg in the Western Conference Semifinals. I guess you can either take that as evidence of Gill's guts & determination, or a discredit to his skating ability that we didn't notice (I kid, I kid).

After the jump, we've got exclusive footage of how that decision went down between Gill and the Predators' medical staff as to whether or not he would be able to play with a fractured tibia...

Follow @Forechecker

Report: Andre Bouvet-Morrissette signed by Nashville Predators

2012-05-25T14:12:59Z

According to a report at RDS (passed along via @NHLGossip on Twitter), the Nashville Predators have signed junior winger Andre Bouvet-Morrissette of the Drummondville Voltigeurs of the QMJHL to a one-year contract. Bouvet-Morrissette, who has gone undrafted by NHL teams, was reportedly invited by Montreal to a combine in June, but presumably this move by the Predators seems to jump the queue for the rights to the 6'2", right-shooting forward.

According to the Voltigeurs' website, he expects to attend the Preds Development Camp on June 25 (now that's news, we hadn't heard dates about that previously), and play for the Milwaukee Admirals in the fall.

His numbers this year for Drummondville took a big jump up, with 39 goals and 33 assists in 63 games, after posting 16 goals and 14 assists in 2010-2011. Keep in mind, however, that he was a 20-year-old competing against younger players, so apply the appropriate size grain of salt to any expectations about what he might do at the next level.

For some video of Bouvet-Morrissette in action, head over to the Voltigeurs' site.

Drama awaits Devils & Rangers in Game 6: Friday's notes

2012-05-25T12:12:28Z

After a night without action, the Stanley Cup Playoffs will resume tonight with Game Six between the Devils & Rangers, and with New Jersey holding a 3-2 series advantage, echoes of 1994 seem to be everywhere...

Nashville Predators News

Smashville 24/7 - Valuable experience gained by Preds rookies
...and that's why they won't be rookies any more.

Trading with the Enemy: The Conundrum of Ryan Suter | The Predatorial
I find it hard to believe that David Poile will be able to get much for the right to talk exclusively with Suter for a few weeks before free agency opens on July 1.

Nashville Predators job: Legal & Administrative Affairs Coordinator | Hockey Gear HQ
Looking for work with one of the NHL's fastest-growing teams? Take a look at this open position.

Preds in review: Nick Spaling - Predators Insider
Is there much upside left in Spaling's game?

Around the Wide Wide World of Hockey

Devils guarantee they’ll downplay 1994 conference finals for Game 6 vs. Rangers | Puck Daddy
Mark Messier's not walking through that door.

Phoenix Coyotes Injury Report: Post Playoffs - Five For Howling
Apparently Lauri Korpikoski suffered a concussion in the first round, and kept on playing.

Los Angeles Kings Western Conference championship belt; yes, seriously (PHOTO) | Puck Daddy
Incredible!

When it comes to goalie search, Lightning GM Steve Yzerman said he first will try the trade route - Lightning Strikes | Tampa Bay Times
I wonder where he might find one?

Report: Luongo Wants Trade Out Of Vancouver, Vigneault Says - Nucks Misconduct
Hmm...

Player numbers Hockey Canada’s main concern - The Globe and Mail
In the U.S., however, the game seems to be growing.

Canadian fans' complex views on fighting in hockey - The Globe and Mail
Bring up the idea of banning hockey to a hardcore fan, and you'll likely have to drop the gloves.

Burke, Carlyle and the Top Six-Bottom Six Model | Maple Leafs Hotstove
With his new head coach in place, Brian Burke may restructure things a bit in Toronto.

Tomas Kopecky visits Pavol Demitra’s grave with Slovakia silver medal (VIDEO) | Puck Daddy
Zdeno Chara even donned a Demitra jersey during the World Championship medal ceremony.

Ryan Russell Signs 2-Way Contract With Blue Jackets - The Cannon
A depth signing for the division rival.

NHL Awards 2012: SB Nation Bloggers Select Calder Trophy Winner - SBNation.com
And the winner is...

Dodger Stadium Winter Classic? Team Interested In Hosting NHL Outdoor Game - Jewels From The Crown
Not a bad idea, this.

Lastly, as found at Kukla's Korner, here's Gary Bettman talking about the state of the NHL these days:

Will lack of national discussion cause NBA, NHL playoffs to suffer?

2012-05-24T15:59:37Z

Will lack of national discussion cause NBA, NHL playoffs to suffer?

From SI.com.

Pekka Rinne in Final Four for EA Sports NHL13 Cover

2012-05-24T14:14:18Z

By scoring a win over the New York Rangers' Henrik Lundqvist, Nashville Predators goalie Pekka Rinne has made the Final Four in EA Sports' voting for who will grace the cover for NHL13.

Pekka Rinne

#35 / Goalie / Nashville Predators

Height: 6-5

Weight: 209

Born: Nov 03, 1982

Now through Monday, May 28, you can vote AS MANY TIMES AS YOU LIKE at covervote.nhl.com for Peks as he takes on John Tavares of the New York Islanders in one semifinal. The other side of the bracket features Philadelphia's Claude Giroux, and Pittsburgh's Evgeni Malkin.

So what are you waiting for? Get over there and start clicking!