NHL Notes: Around the Rink

Kariya Clutch for Predators Early on

Even before the season started, the Nashville Predators, who have never won a playoff series, were being touted as one of the favorites to win the Western Conference this year. One of the reasons was the acquisition of LW Paul Kariya, formerly of the Colorado Avalanche. Kariya has two goals and four assists for the Predators (4-0), not counting two game-winning shootout goals. Following a subpar season with the Avs, Kariya is looking to return to being the all-star scorer he was with the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim. He and the Preds seem to be well on their way, being one of only two undefeated teams - Ottawa is the other - remaining in the NHL. Thursday night's game was a typical affair for the Preds, besting the Phoenix Coyotes 5-4 in a shoot out. All of Nashville's wins have been by one point, as have all of Phoenix's losses.

Groin Injuries Continue to Take Toll

The Atlanta Thrashers - when everyone is healthy - is one of the most feared teams in the Eastern Conference. The problem is that they have yet to put their best players on the ice at the same time. Backup goalie Mike Dunham, the starter while Keri Lehtinen heals from a groin injury, suffered a groin injury himself earlier this week. Atlanta isn't the only team having trouble stuffing the net with a healthy goalie - the Coyotes are playing with a third-string goalie as well.

Hockey May be Hottest Where It's Coldest

Top to bottom, the Northwest Division may be the most competitive this year. The Edmonton Oilers, with the addition of Chris Pronger, have considerably upped their potential. The Vancouver Canucks are always competitive, even with their deficiencies in front of the goal, with their tenacious defense and one of the leagues better players in Markus Naslund. The Minnesota Wild, known for their defensive skills, have showed early on that they can put the puck in the net with Pierre-Marc Bouchard and Marc Chouinard having quick starts. As long as the Colorado Avalanche have Joe Sakic on the ice, they can't be counted out. And let's not forget the Western Conference champions, the Calgary Flames and their stud Jarome Iginla.

B.J. Fans Continue to Nash Their Teeth

Columbus Blue Jackets young gun Rick Nash won't be on the ice anytime soon. Nash, suffering from a high ankle sprain he suffered in the preseason, was told by doctors he will remain on the shelf for another 12-14 days, General Manager Doug MacLean told the Columbus Dispatch. The Blue Jackets sure could use him. The team is 1-3.

Did you know?

The Nashville Predators' logo, the saber-toothed tiger, came about because in the 1970s fossils of the prehistoric animal were excavated in Nashville, Tenn.