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	Jim Lites' remarks about the Predators were as fiery as the action on the ice in Nashville last Saturday. Getty Images

Comments by Stars president Jim Lites ripping the Predators were surprising, disappointing and "extremely unprofessional,'' Predators general manager David Poile said Monday. Lites charged the Preds with "failing the game'' for not publicly recognizing Mike Modano's record-setting goal in Saturday's game at Nashville Arena, tore into coach Barry Trotz for defending Jordin Tootoo and took shots at the franchise's economic state and scheduling preference.
-- The Tennessean

The Predators were disappointed that neither referees nor the league took any action against Mike Modano, who brought his stick down in a one-handed swinging motion on Jordin Tootoo's upper back after Tootoo punched Stephane Robidas. Modano already has played again, in Sunday's game against Phoenix, which means he'll almost certainly not face any penalties.
-- The Tennessean

The verbal hostilities between Pittsburgh coach Michel Therrien and his Ottawa counterpart, Bryan Murray, didn't end when the Penguins' 4-3 victory wrapped up Sunday. They had several animated exchanges late in the first period and while leaving the ice for the first intermission after Therrien accused Murray of yelling at Penguins center Sidney Crosby.
-- Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The decision not to charge Islanders forward Chris Simon with criminal chargers was reached, a spokesman said, after Rangers forward Ryan Hollweg met with prosecutors last week and told them he did not wish to press charges. The district attorney could have pursued charges without Hollweg's cooperation, but she said that Hollweg's stance swayed the decision.
-- New York Times

Nikita Alexeev knows that the final 11 games, in addition to the seven he has played since coming to the Blackhawks in a trade-deadline deal, are critical to his future in Chicago. Coach Denis Savard will use the remainder of the season to play Alexeev in every situation to see if he can fill one of the gaping holes among the Hawks' top six forwards.
-- Chicago Tribune

Word out of Sweden is that Nicklas Backstrom, the Capitals' top pick in the draft last summer, might not want to come to the NHL this season or even next season.
-- Washington Times

Islanders goaltender Rick DiPietro practiced Monday for the first time since suffering a head injury a week ago in Montreal. If all goes well in the pregame skate this morning, DiPietro is expected to start against Tampa Bay tonight.
-- Newsday

Friday's storm prevented Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren from getting to Ottawa, Ontario, to meet with Martin Biron's agent, Gilles Lupien. The entire Biron clan got a chance Sunday to do a little tour of Philadelphia and South Jersey.
-- Philadelphia Inquirer

The Ducks had a grinding hour-long session Monday that was punishment for their misdeeds after twice blowing leads -- a bad end to an otherwise successful homestand in which they went 6-1-1. Coach Randy Carlyle said he planned to have individual meetings with players but instead decided to focus on sharpening their game.
-- Los Angeles Times

Tampa Bay's recall of goaltender Karri Ramo from Springfield did raise some eyebrows, especially on the heels of Sunday's embarrassing 7-1 loss in Washington in which starter Johan Holmqvist and Marc Denis were each pulled from the game.
-- Tampa Tribune

The Bruins' Shean Donovan planned to skate on his own today. If the session goes well, he could skate with his teammates tomorrow. He didn't rule out a return to the lineup Thursday at home against the Canadiens.
-- Boston Globe

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