calgary

With the flurry of big-time free agent deals well behind us, an interesting dynamic has developed at this stage of the NHL's offseason that benefits the small-market and spendthrift teams. As of this writing, 5 teams (Philadelphia, Washington, Chicago, Calgary and Anaheim) are above the salary cap, and another six are within $2 million of that mark with training camps still another month away.

I don't have time for detailed analysis at the moment, but it's best to get some picks out here for the record:

In the East:
New Jersey over New York
Washington over Philadelphia
Pittsburgh over Ottawa
Montreal over Boston

In the West:
San Jose over Calgary
Minnesota over Colorado
Anaheim over Dallas
Nashville over Detroit (ya gotta believe!)

For the Cup: Anaheim over Montreal...

Despite parting ways with top scorers, top defenseman and an All-Star goaltender, the Nashville Predators clinched a playoff berth by virtue of their 3-2 win over St. Louis tonight at the Sommet Center and Vancouver’s loss to Edmonton a few moments ago.
The likely opening round opponent will be the Detroit Red Wings, but if Calgary [...]

Despite Atlanta doing their part by coming back to beat Calgary 6-4, the Predators put in a woeful effort against the worst team in the Western Conference, losing to Los Angeles 4-1. There's nothing like watching a supposedly playoff-hungry team get stoned by the Kings "Goalie of the Week", who I believe won the job thanks to sending in the appropriate number of cereal box tops.

Just a few notes as the Predators head into Calgary this evening (8:30 Central start, only TV in Nashville is Center Ice coverage):

1. Dan Ellis gets the start in goal; again, this looks like a clear indication of #1 status. No word about any other lineup changes.

2. There will be no suspensions for any of the parties involved in last night's nonsense at the end of the 6-2 beatdown by the

Tonight the Predators kick off a critical three-game swing through Western Canada, with playoff competitors Vancouver and Calgary coming up Thursday and Friday after this evening's game in Edmonton. The last time Nashville made this trip (Oct. 30 - Nov 2), they went 2-1, getting stomped by the Flames 5-1 before shutting out the Canucks 3-0 and topping the Oilers 4-1. If they can snag four

Just a quick heads up that Beyond the Edge is hosting another viewing party for the Predators game this Friday night. This game will not be on Fox Sports South, so unless you have the Center Ice package at home, you'll have to head to one sports bar or another if you want to watch it live.

While the web-surfing hockey fan can find reams of analysis as to which teams did or did not help themselves on the NHL's Trade Deadline Day this week, there's another question worth answering when one considers how tight the playoff races remain. To what extent has the remaining schedule for various teams gotten tougher or easier, depending on what their upcoming opponents have done to

As we head into the final quarter of the NHL regular season, tension builds as playoff races intensify, and every goal seems to take on added importance. During these times, and the playoffs to follow, we often hear that the difference between winning and losing comes down to which team battles harder down close to the goal working for rebound opportunities after a shot has been stopped by an opposing goaltender.

With Calgary's Dion Phaneuf signing a 6-year, $39 million contract extension, speculation around Nashville naturally turns to Shea Weber, the young defenseman who is expected to fill a Phaneuf-like role on the Predators for years to come. Weber, like Phaneuf, is a 3rd-year player with good size, a booming shot from the point, and plays with an edge that thrills fans and intimidates opponents.