Preds At Atlanta Tonight and More

Today will be a big day for the Predator youngsters who are still trying to make their impressions on the coaching staff. The Preds play tonight in Atlanta in what may be a final shot to impress or at least an effort to live through the next round of cuts which may come after tomorrow's Team Building Day at Fort Campbell.

Barry Trotz said on Tuedsay that those who did not practice will not make the trip today. The list included Wade Belak, Ben Eaves, Steve Sullivan, Joel Ward, Cody Franson, Colin Wilson, as well as the Pred's new man, Francis Bouillon. That will give plenty of opportunity on the offensive side to players like Mike Santorelli, Cal O'Reilly, Nick Spalling, and Andreas Thuresson.

It will be interesting to see who travels with the team on Defense as the final spot or two is sorted out. Tonight game will be at 6:00 Central at Phillips Arena in Atlanta and can be heard on 104.5 radio.

PM Update from John Glennon... Click here for travel squad. Atlanta squad listed here (H/T to Forechecker) Quotes from Atlanta's Morning skate.

We are still getting feedback from Monday's POTG Podcast. The show surpassed our previous highest rating both live and on podcast.

Our guests on Monday's POTG had a big day yesterday. Psycho Puck Lady's Tuesday Top Ten was another masterpiece with a look-alike list that included Wayne Gretzky and Princess Di. Who was the look-alike for a turd sandwich? . Go here for an answer to that and eight more and send her your thoughts for additions to the list. Parros and Borat is always one of my favorites on the jumbotron.

Nick Giglia spent the day tweeting from the Lighthouse Zoning hearing that turned into a big mess with the few opposing voices getting more than equal time than did the supporters. Chris Botta live blogged, most of which is posted here. B.D. Gallof has more. Kansas City is looking less like an option if the Isles were to move as explained here.

PM Addition... Nick Giglia's writeup of yesterday's event.

Michelle Kenneth gave a wrap-up of her thoughts on her visit to the show as well.

In Preds Nation...

John Glennon has a story today about pressure on the rookies at Preds Camp. Colin Wilson's injury is lessening his chance of making the final cut next week. Also, the presence of Francis Bouillon is putting added pressure on the young defenders as cuts are pondered.

Speaking of Bouillon, what seemed so with the rumors on Monday were not as they appeared. Bouillon apparently is of questionable health and the Predators have changed the terms of the leaked $750,000 contract into a professional tryout situation as Glennon reports. Lets give Chris Chelios a call too, and bring him in for a day or two to look at him while we are evaluating the health of veterans!

Jeremy at Section 303 has all the highlights of Tuesday's activity at the Predators camp. He has been a real lifeline during the entire camp, attending and reporting every day.

Rachel at What the Puck has a story about the "Cube" throwing a wrench into things.

Forechecker asked the question yesterday about Theo Fleury. If he gets cut loose by the Flames should the Preds give him a look? Dirk will appear on Chris Wassel's The Program tonight between 7:00 and 9:00 Central. If you have never listened to Chris's show this would be your chance. The Program is a close relative to POTG Radio as Chris and I support each other and appear on each others show on a regular basis. Here is Dirk's update for today as well as another question on Ryan Ellis and where he should play.

PM Update... Also on the Program will be Russ Cohen, author of 100 Ranger Greats

Mark at The View from 111 has another great perspective piece on unrest in all of pro sports. He also touched on the Predators Foundation in a separate post.

From the AJC comes this story about Ondrej Pavelec who will be in goal when the Thrashers face the Preds tonight. Will the Thrashers be whipped into a frenzy by this morning's special guest at practice. From @BenThrashers: "Special guest at morning skate today- AJC arranged for Evander Holyfield to come out and meet Evander Kane. Video later". Here's a pic that Ben Twitpiced of Holyfield and Evander Kane.

In less than a week's time AJ from Nashville has turned into a great part of the Pred's Blogger team. Combining wit and wisdom, he puts a great perspective on the events of the day. Today's post made me smile as I read it.

We'll give another shout out to the Pred's Face Off Luncheon that we wrote about yesterday. It will be on October 1 and every Preds player and coach will be there to hob nob with the attendees. If you are in need of getting an autograph for your Tootoo whistle, this could be the place.

Several potential future Preds that are assigned to the Preds's ECHL affiliate Cincinnati, have been sent to the Admirals camp in Milwaukee.

Also from Milwaukee, Ryan Miller thinks that Cody Franson should stick with the Preds.

In Milwaukee, today is the first day of on ice drills leading up to a preseason game on Friday.

Addicted comes up to speed on the Preds with a new post as does Confessions of a Predator Fanatic. It is wonderful to have such a variety of folks writing about the Preds.

If you speak the language, this is probably a great article about Patric Hornqvist. (I finally got Google to work on this, here is the English link) About Nashville he says "It's a really beautiful city with plenty of Western influences." Is he talking cowboy hats or what?

Around the NHL...

More signs of desperation in the desert last night when former Coyotes owner Jerry Moyes went to the Glendale City Council meeting to plead with them to accept Jim Ballsillie's offer. Heather McWhorter of Save the Coyotes was able to rally the troops and have a presence at the meeting. Since Moyes wasn't on the agenda, he was only able to speak for 2 1/2 minutes at the end of the session.

PM Update from AZ Republic... Ballsille concedes Coyotes will play full season in AZ regardless of what happens.

PM Update... From @reporterchris: Lower bowl tickets for #coyotes Oct. 10 opener being sold for $25. Upper bowl $15.

John Grigg at The Hockey News has a perspective piece about the financial troubles of Cleveland and Minnesota in the late 70's and the pressure exerted by the World Hockey Association and compares it to the NHL situation today. This could be an addendum to Chris Wassel's and my NHL Apocalypse stories from the summer.

From @nhlpanewmedia: "Veteran goalie Olaf Kolzig retires today following stellar 14-year career"

Ryan at the RLD has a list of breakout players for this season. Which Pred gets an honorable mention?

Puck Report has mention of a milestone 17 years ago today when Manon Rheaume played with Tampa Bay against St. Louis.

There has always been speculation about what drives Eklund to do what it is he does. He released a "manifesto" of sorts yesterday with his own explanation. Interesting.

Slam Sports has a story that is a few days old about the NBA monitoring it's player's Tweets after a few have gotten out of hand. With hockey players showing good judgment so far, can the NHL avoid this type of big brother activity?

Mirtle has some expert Fantasy Hockey advice at the Globe and Mail. Across town, XM 204's Rob Higgins is back with his Fantasy outlook at the Toronto Sun. Rob and Boomer will be on for two hours this PM from 3-5 Central with their fantasy preview show.

A pro franchise that may have a dimmer future than the Phoenix Coyotes is the Jacksonville Jaguars. Read this account and see for yourself. What wil the NHL do about it?

Finally, congrats to friend of POTG Sarah Connors who was chosen as the Hendrick's Hockey "Hockey Girl of the Week."

More Later...

Buddy Oakes