As you know, the 2011 NHL Draft started today and, in case you didn’t know, the Preds did not get to choose in the first round. Now why is that? Well, if you can remember that we gave up our 1st Round pick for a one Mike Fisher from the Ottawa Senators back in the Spring (You know, the guy over to the right on the side bar). Now that the season’s over and done with, I’d say we made a very good decision picking up Mr. Fisher and we should make up some lost ground in the 2nd Round, where the Preds will have both #38 and #52 spots.

Also from tonight’s 1st Round, we saw that the new Winnipeg club officially revealed their name (as if anyone did not know at this point) as the Winnipeg Jets (surprise, surprise). Another surprise will come tomorrow night as the Predators are expected to reveal their new jerseys (oops, that hidden gem leaked, too). Okay, so no new news will come except for who drafts who basically.

How has everyone handled the draft thus far? Any major trades or drafts no one saw coming? Some were afraid the Preds and another team might strike up a deal tonight, especially since Poile was on the phone several times. Alas, no trades or deals tonight for the Preds, which is not a bad thing.

As of now, the Predators have eight picks remaining including the two in the 2nd Round. I’ll try to update the site as much as possible; I am a bridesmaid in a wedding tomorrow. If anything, I’ll write a quick little post until I get back home!

That color is way passed yellow. I think it may be reflective at this point.

This picture was just posted by Marc Torrence of OnTheForecheck.com on his Twitter of what we believe is the new Predators jersey for this upcoming season. As we all assumed (and knew) the color is a nice, bright yellow. More photos are certain to emerge now that one has surfaced and then we will be able to see details such as the possible guitar pick logo on the shoulder. Personally, I am not for the bright yellow jersey, but the away one (white) doesn’t look half bad!

How do you feel about the look of the new jerseys? Better go buy your 3rd jersey while you still can!

I like this one much better! Can you see the keyboard on the inside of the neck? (Photos courtesy of Ontheforecheck.com)

Here is a view of the back. (Photo courtesy of Ontheforecheck.com)

The schedule has been released! I was going to attempt to write it all here, but I figured it would be easier for all of us if I just placed the link to the official schedule here (plus, the chances of me accidently skipping something or writing the wrong thing was highly likely). So as we can see, there are six home games in October alone, but we start out on the road against Columbus.

What do you think about the new schedule? Ready to buy your season tickets now?

Welp, the 2011 NHL Awards are all over and, even though they had four different chances to win, the Preds came up empty handed this year. Pekka Rinne was up for the Vezina, Shea Weber for the Norris, Barry Trotz for the Jack Adams and David Poile for GM of the Year. Here are the winners from tonight’s award ceremony.

Hart Memorial Trophy – Corey Perry – Anaheim Ducks
James Norris Trophy – Nicklas Lindstrom – Detroit Red Wings
Vezina Trophy – Tim Thomas – Boston Bruins
Calder Memorial Trophy – Jeff Skinner – Carolina Hurricanes
Lady Byng Memorial Trophy – Martin St. Louis – Tampa Bay
Frank J. Selke Trophy – Ryan Kesler – Vancouver Canucks
Jack Adams Award – Dan Bylsma – Pittsburgh Penguins
Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy – Ian Laperriere – Philadelphia
Ted Lindsay Award – Daniel Sedin – Vancouver Canucks
Bridgestone Messier Leadership Award – Zdeno Chara – Boston
NHL Foundation Award – Dustin Brown – L.A. Kings
Maurice Richard Trophy – Corey Perry – Anaheim Ducks
Art Ross Trophy – Daniel Sedin – Vancouver Canucks
William M. Jennings Trophy – Roberto Luongo – Vancouver
General Manager of the Year – Mike Gillis – Vancouver Canucks

Not all was lost, however. Shea Weber was named first-team All-Star by the league and Pekka Rinne was named to the second team! It also seems the guys were all too behind in votes from the actual winners. However, I was highly disappointed in some of the “celebrities” they chose to announce winners. Chris Angel? Donnie Osmond? And what about those two girls who pronounced St. Louis’ name as the the city?! It’s pronounced San Louie! That, and it seemed like everyone was reading of cue cards because they knew absolutely nothing about hockey. I’m sure there were more idiotic moments, so feel free to comment some I missed.

And how about all of the awards going to Vancouver? Oh well, just not the Predators’ year. I still don’t believe the league takes Nashville seriously and that sucks. We’re proving ourselves as a key player in the Western Conference, but for some reason, the league just doesn’t believe in a team from Music City. Don’t worry, we have the most loyal fans and players that love the game, which is what counts the most. No cheaters here, Canucks!

With new jerseys on their way, what will happen to the third jerseys?

If you are not aware, the Nashville Predators will be releasing a new jersey this coming weekend (as the rumors go) and some fans fear that the navy blue and black third jerseys will be discarded and will no longer be available. Well, fear not, 3rd jersey fans! Although they will not be used in this coming season, the Preds plan on keeping the jerseys around for future purposes. However, with the new jerseys being released soon, the chances of sports stores carrying the old 3rd jerseys might be unlikely, but online stores should still have them available. Sport Seasons, a local Predators merchandiser posted on their Twitter today that the new jerseys will be available in stores in late August or early September and that they intend to begin pre-selling said jerseys online soon.

When the new jersey is released, Lady Preds will let you know!

Still not a fan of the yellow comeback, but I kind of like them!

Welp, the Nashville Predators have released a few new logos for the upcoming 2011-12 season and, as we expected, yellow has squeezed its way into almost everything (including the new jerseys, set to release this weekend). Okay, so we aren’t positive the new jerseys will be yellow, but… wait, yes we are. They will also have the usual cat as the main logo and the guitar tab logo will be on the shoulder.

How do you feel about these new logos? I do enjoy the placement of the Tennessee flag in the guitar pick logo. Good use of Tennessee, Preds! Also, the predator logo is simple, but nice. Some do not like the yellow stripe going across it, but I don’t think it looks too bad.

Yea, that's not his purse. Vancouver rioters loot luxury stores along popular Vancouver streets.

Well, that is not how classy and proud Canucks fans want to remember the Stanley Cup finals, but it looks like the riots may be the only thing everyone remembers. It seems the rabid fans destroyed more than just cars and anything that could be set on fire along Georgia Street in downtown Vancouver.

Rioting began when a few classless fans decided to set a Teddy Bear on fire that had a mini Bruins jersey on and somehow turned into burning of cars and looting. As you can see from the photo, thieves took advantage of the rioting scene and broke into luxury stores like The Bay, which carries a line of Burberry and Coach purses. Women were also seen rummaging through a MAC Cosmetic store, stealing make up and anything else they could run out with.

Vancouver police report that no fatalities have occurred, though rumors have spread that a young man was killed. Rumors of stabbing reports have been leaked, but police continue to stay that they are unconfirmed. It is confirmed, however, that a Boston Bruins fan was injured during the riot. He is expected to be okay.

The Vancouver police and firefighters tried every ethical maneuver to stop the rioting, but in the end, the rioters managed to even set a few police vehicles on fire.

To read a more in depth coverage of the riot in Vancouver, please check out this website http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Latest-News-Wires/2011/0616/Vancouver-riot-Cars-set-on-fire-following-Stanley-Cup-loss.

Shortly after it was announced the Canucks lost the Cup...

Well, that didn’t take long, did it? The Vancouver Canucks fans are taking to the streets and burning cars and anything that can be considered flammable. So we can’t completely rule this as a Canadian affair since certain American teams have done this even after actually winning the cup, but come on, Vancouver! Let’s not go all medieval and start burning everything in sight just to relieve some anger issues! I mean, if that’s what makes you feel better, go make a bonfire and cook marsh mellows. Or you may do that with a fire from that car you just lit up.

Are Canucks fans as dirty as the team they cheer for? Quite possibly, but even Henrik Sedin is appalled by their behavior: “It’s terrible. This city and province has a lot to be proud of. It’s too bad.”
I think what makes them the maddest is the fact they are still the laughing stalk of Canadian hockey, which (to be completely honest) makes no sense seeing as they were the only Canadian team to make it deep into the series and the fact they made it to the finals! I mean, they’re obviously good… Welp, not to the rest of the hockey world.

"IS THAT MY CAR?!" - Bettman

Sorry Canada, America triumphs yet again!

Thank goodness, thank goodness! The Boston Bruins came into Game 7 of the Stanley Cup finals ready to destroy the Vancouver Canucks and swept them 4 to 0! To the relief of all Preds fans, we were very happy to see the Canucks go yet another year (make that 40) without the Stanley Cup.

It was good to see the Bruins play cleanly compared to the Canucks, who fought dirty throughout the playoffs (Preds fans can remember what happened between Weber and Kesler in Game 3 OT… argh!) lose the most important game of their lives. Granted, I am not completely heartless. You could tell the Canucks were very much broken when they lost tonight (I mean come on, this is what every hockey player dreams of), but I don’t like dirty players, either.

So congrats to the Boston Bruins! Thanks for keeping the Stanley Cup out of the hands of Vancouver and I’ll even say congrats for making it to the Stanley Cup finals, Canucks. Tim Thomas MVP!

Welp, we thought he was leaving, but Poile doesn't like that idea.

David Poile, Nashville Predators GM has announced early this afternoon that Assistant Coach, Peter Horachek would be promoted to Associate Coach. As all Preds fans were aware, Horachek had Head Coach opportunities with the Panthers and the Dallas Stars, but obviously Mr. Poile didn’t want to lose Horacheck, dispite many wishes by fans that Horachek would leave. Here is part of the statement provide by the Preds website:

Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced today that Predators Assistant Coach Peter Horachek has been promoted to Associate Coach.

Horachek has been a part of the team’s coaching staff since the 2003-04 season, helping the Predators to Stanley Cup Playoff berths in six of his first seven seasons. Horachek has also helped the Predators reach the 40-win mark in each of the last six seasons, while amassing the League’s sixth-highest win total (272) since 2005-06.

“Peter has brought great energy, passion and knowledge to our coaching staff for the last seven seasons,” Poile said. “He has played a significant role in our overall success, including the development of so many homegrown players. He is very deserving of this promotion. 

Horachek replaces longtime Associate Coach, Brent Peterson and Lane Lambert, former head coach of the Milwaukee Admirals takes over Horachek’s former position as Assistant Coach.