The Preds got their biggest win of the year Thursday night over the Boston Bruins. In an almost must-win situation, Shea Weber's game winner in overtime gave the Preds a much needed 4-3 victory.
The Preds currently sit in 9th place in the western conference. Good news-8th place Calgary is only 1 point ahead of the Preds and have played 2 more games already. Preds sit 2 points behind Calgary & Dallas, 3 behind L.A.
Will the Preds make the playoffs? It looks as if they will sneak in, but it is definitely 50/50 at this point. The Preds ace in the hole? The last 3 games are Atlanta, Columbus and St. Louis- definitely games the Preds should win and gain 6 points if needed.
Other quick notes:
* Mike Fisher is due for a string of goals. He is too good and too active to only have 1 goal since joining the Preds. His luck should turn soon.
* Erat and Legwand have to continue to score and be aggressive on offense if the Preds are going to make the playoffs.
* Pekka Rinne gives the Preds a chance against any team. He is the MVP and one of the top 5 goalies in the NHL. Stats wise he is # 2.
* I have concerns over Kevin Klein's defensive breakdowns as of late. He has been out of position in several goals for the opposition. He has to play better in these pivotal games.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Preds Finish Road Trip with Overtime Loss to Sharks
What could have been. Preds finish final extended road trip of regular season 1-1-2 for 4 points. The Preds went toe-to-toe with western conference leaders Vancouver and San Jose, but also lost in overtime to last place Edmonton. Hopefully fortunes will change with 12 of the last 15 games in Gnashville.
* If it were not for Pekka Rinne, the Preds would be out of the playoff race. He was incredible tonight against San Jose, especially in the 3rd period. The Preds made turnover after turnover in front of him, yet he got the Preds to overtime somehow. Rinne could sue the Preds offense and defense for lack of support. If they can just get 3 goals per game, they would win 80% of their games.
* Lazy, soft, cross-ice passes in their own zone are an epidemic and something too many players are guilty of right now. Preds have to take better care of puck and clear their own zone better to relieve pressure on Pekka Rinne.
* I know I have said it way too much but the Preds are hanging with everyone they play considering the amount of players out due to injury. I would love to see this team playing with its full complement of players.
* Mike Fisher is as solid as they come. He is so strong with the puck and not afraid to stick his nose in tough spots. He sets a good example for others to follow.
* I feel sorry for J.P. Dumont. I think it is time for him to get a chance again with something other than the 4th line. Other players have been given a chance to score with no success. The Preds have scored 15 goals in their last 9 games. J.P. will capitalize and score if he is paired with linemates who can get him the puck in good scoring opportunities.
* If it were not for Pekka Rinne, the Preds would be out of the playoff race. He was incredible tonight against San Jose, especially in the 3rd period. The Preds made turnover after turnover in front of him, yet he got the Preds to overtime somehow. Rinne could sue the Preds offense and defense for lack of support. If they can just get 3 goals per game, they would win 80% of their games.
* Lazy, soft, cross-ice passes in their own zone are an epidemic and something too many players are guilty of right now. Preds have to take better care of puck and clear their own zone better to relieve pressure on Pekka Rinne.
* I know I have said it way too much but the Preds are hanging with everyone they play considering the amount of players out due to injury. I would love to see this team playing with its full complement of players.
* Mike Fisher is as solid as they come. He is so strong with the puck and not afraid to stick his nose in tough spots. He sets a good example for others to follow.
* I feel sorry for J.P. Dumont. I think it is time for him to get a chance again with something other than the 4th line. Other players have been given a chance to score with no success. The Preds have scored 15 goals in their last 9 games. J.P. will capitalize and score if he is paired with linemates who can get him the puck in good scoring opportunities.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
HUGE win vs Vancouver Thursday, GIGANTIC game Sunday night vs. Calgary
After Tuesday's bummer shootout loss at struggling Edmonton, the Preds get off the mat to hand NHL-leading Vancouver a 3-0 loss on Thursday. To say the Preds needed that win is the understatement of the year. Next up we play at Calgary Sunday who sits in 5th place in the western conference, but only 2 points ahead of the Preds.
How tight are the standings these days? After the Preds victory over Vancouver Thursday they were in 6th place. The Preds now sit in 10th place, dropping 4 places in 2 days without playing a game. If the Preds had 3 more points(78), they would be in 4th place. Every game is so important these day. It is also important to win in regulation. You get 2 points and the opponents get 0. The true way to move up the standings is win games in regulation, not O.T. or shootouts.
Other Notes:
* After this 4 game road trip ends Tuesday in San Jose, the Preds finish March with 9 of 11 games at home. April has 4 games with 3 being in Nashville. Schedule is in our favor.
* Blake Geoffrion looks to be adjusting to NHL just fine. 2 goals in 4 games so far with limited ice time. With Preds struggling to score, more ice time looks to be coming.
* Ryan Ellis is doing well in minors, named OHL player of the month. He is on the fast track to the NHL and will probably replace a veteran in a couple of years to save payroll.
Get ready. The finish to March will be awesome. Preds hockey and NCAA basketball. Can't wait.
How tight are the standings these days? After the Preds victory over Vancouver Thursday they were in 6th place. The Preds now sit in 10th place, dropping 4 places in 2 days without playing a game. If the Preds had 3 more points(78), they would be in 4th place. Every game is so important these day. It is also important to win in regulation. You get 2 points and the opponents get 0. The true way to move up the standings is win games in regulation, not O.T. or shootouts.
Other Notes:
* After this 4 game road trip ends Tuesday in San Jose, the Preds finish March with 9 of 11 games at home. April has 4 games with 3 being in Nashville. Schedule is in our favor.
* Blake Geoffrion looks to be adjusting to NHL just fine. 2 goals in 4 games so far with limited ice time. With Preds struggling to score, more ice time looks to be coming.
* Ryan Ellis is doing well in minors, named OHL player of the month. He is on the fast track to the NHL and will probably replace a veteran in a couple of years to save payroll.
Get ready. The finish to March will be awesome. Preds hockey and NCAA basketball. Can't wait.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Preds Snap 4 Game Losing Streak
Until today's 3-2 win over Columbus, the Preds had lost 4 in a row since the 3-1 statement win over the Vancouver Canucks on 2/17. With the tight standings in the western conference, the Preds have dropped from #4 to #9 in the standings in the span of 10 days. They now head out for the last big road trip of the season, 4 games across 7 days into western Canada and San Jose. After playing the last place Oilers, the Preds play the #1(Canucks), #3(Sharks) and #6 (Flames) teams in the west. Preds must beat the Oilers and hope to scratch out another win at a minimum. With the injuries currently as they are, the Preds would settle for 2 wins without leaving Nashville. The Preds really need 3 wins on the trip and then finish strong with 12 of the last 15 games at home.
Other Notes:
* You hate to use injuries for an excuse but the Preds have been hit extremely hard this year. Lombardi, Sullivan, O'Reilly, Suter, Bullion, Erat, Legwand, Tootoo all have missed at least 12 games. The Preds have really done well to stay in the race when you consider the injuries to the center position.
* I predict Steve Sullivan has played his last game with the Preds. His body is not recovering due to his age. His game has always been about speed because of his lack of size, but his groin issues are not getting better and slowing him down. He was not playing great before the groin injury and his contract ends this year. The Preds have younger, better two-way players on the way.
* Trade deadline- rumor is Preds may make another move for a veteran defenseman or offensive help because of injuries. I think David Poile will stand pat on defense since Jonathan Blum is playing solid defense and pitched in a goal today. He has impressed the coaches so far. I also predict J.P. Dumont will be traded. He can still produce offensively with solid linemates and would have some value to playoff teams. He has a large salary for next year ($3-$4 million) and the Preds need that cash to sign Shea Weber. Assuming everyone returns healthy next year, he is expendable. David Poile can get another center or some draft picks in the later rounds plus free up the money.
* Blake Geoffrion's call up was significant for several reasons. He is the first Nashville native and Tennessean to play in NHL. He is also the first 4th generation player in NHL history. If he is half the player his grandad and great-grandfather were, then we will have a solid player for years to come.
All for now with another post after tomorrow's trade deadline. One rumor with legs is J.P. Dumont and top defense prospect Ryan Ellis to Toronto for their top scorer Clarke MacArthur.
Other Notes:
* You hate to use injuries for an excuse but the Preds have been hit extremely hard this year. Lombardi, Sullivan, O'Reilly, Suter, Bullion, Erat, Legwand, Tootoo all have missed at least 12 games. The Preds have really done well to stay in the race when you consider the injuries to the center position.
* I predict Steve Sullivan has played his last game with the Preds. His body is not recovering due to his age. His game has always been about speed because of his lack of size, but his groin issues are not getting better and slowing him down. He was not playing great before the groin injury and his contract ends this year. The Preds have younger, better two-way players on the way.
* Trade deadline- rumor is Preds may make another move for a veteran defenseman or offensive help because of injuries. I think David Poile will stand pat on defense since Jonathan Blum is playing solid defense and pitched in a goal today. He has impressed the coaches so far. I also predict J.P. Dumont will be traded. He can still produce offensively with solid linemates and would have some value to playoff teams. He has a large salary for next year ($3-$4 million) and the Preds need that cash to sign Shea Weber. Assuming everyone returns healthy next year, he is expendable. David Poile can get another center or some draft picks in the later rounds plus free up the money.
* Blake Geoffrion's call up was significant for several reasons. He is the first Nashville native and Tennessean to play in NHL. He is also the first 4th generation player in NHL history. If he is half the player his grandad and great-grandfather were, then we will have a solid player for years to come.
All for now with another post after tomorrow's trade deadline. One rumor with legs is J.P. Dumont and top defense prospect Ryan Ellis to Toronto for their top scorer Clarke MacArthur.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Preds Sandwich 2 Detroit Wins Around a Loss to Edmonton
Do you get excited about the 2 thumpings we gave the Red Wings or look at the loss to Edmonton and ask yourself how in the world that happened? I choose the Red Wing victories!!! It is exciting for me to see that we are as even with the Red Wings as a team than at any point in our franchise history. We took the attack to them. Detroit didn't spend huge amounts of time in our zone whipping passes around us like rec-leaguers. I am excited about this time, especially when all are healthy.
Other Notes:
Welcome back Steve Sullivan- he will need time to get back into "game" shape, so let's hope he gets back quickly and starts contributing. Especially on the power play where the Preds struggle.
Tootoo close- he has been cleared to practice with the team, so his return is getting closer.
Lombardi progress- although it is a very small step, Matthew is now getting light conditioning work going. Still a long way to go but good, small, first step to returning.
Boom-Boom. Blake Geoffrion is lighting up Milwaukee and the AHL. The first back to back player of the week award given in a long time. I doubt he gets a shot this year as long as Preds are playing well, but you never know.
Cody Franson- seems like every time out he gets better and better. I love that he eats up and cross-ice pass coming out of the opponents zone. He is starting to use his size to his advantage as well, putting unsuspecting forwards into the boards and on their back if they are not careful.
UH OH. BIG NEWS. PREDS TRADE FOR MIKE FISHER. POST UPCOMING LATER.
Other Notes:
Welcome back Steve Sullivan- he will need time to get back into "game" shape, so let's hope he gets back quickly and starts contributing. Especially on the power play where the Preds struggle.
Tootoo close- he has been cleared to practice with the team, so his return is getting closer.
Lombardi progress- although it is a very small step, Matthew is now getting light conditioning work going. Still a long way to go but good, small, first step to returning.
Boom-Boom. Blake Geoffrion is lighting up Milwaukee and the AHL. The first back to back player of the week award given in a long time. I doubt he gets a shot this year as long as Preds are playing well, but you never know.
Cody Franson- seems like every time out he gets better and better. I love that he eats up and cross-ice pass coming out of the opponents zone. He is starting to use his size to his advantage as well, putting unsuspecting forwards into the boards and on their back if they are not careful.
UH OH. BIG NEWS. PREDS TRADE FOR MIKE FISHER. POST UPCOMING LATER.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Road Warriors are Hanging In So Far.....
Happy New Year, Preds are 8-2 so far in 2011 after the win over the Avalanche tonight. With 7 of the 10 games being on the road, the Preds are setting themselves up for a great finish to a season backloaded with home games in February/March. Preds are sitting in 4th place in the western conference, but only 3 points ahead of the 9th place Minnesota Wild so a 2 or 3 game losing streak could mean a big drop in the standings.
Other developments as I see them:
* Colin Wilson is developing superstar #1. Watch his control of the puck in tight spaces. He can get his shot off in traffic and he has tremendous skills. He will be a 30-40 goal scorer before long.
* Pekka Rinne is developing superstar #2. Big, agile and a good controller of the puck. Combine him with a strong defensive core and you see why the Preds are #3 in the NHL in allowing the least amount of goals.
* Cody Franson is developing superstar #3. With what seems to be the wingspan/reach of Wilt Chamberlain, he is combing solid defense with an awesome wrist shot and now is the Preds 3rd best defenseman and improving every week.
* Joel Ward, Jared Smithson, David Legwand all playing some of the best hockey of their careers right now.
* With Nick Spalling, Chris Mueller, Matt Halischuk, Franson, Wilson and others the Preds have some solid young talent to anchor the team for years to come.
Got a question to leave you with? Where do you put Steve Sullivan, Jordan Tootoo, Cal O'Reilly, and Matthew Lombardi when they return? Preds are now that deep and playing that well right now.
You heard it here first- JP Dumont and Steve Sullivan could be dealt at the trade deadline. Experienced guys with quality offensive skills would have value to playoff teams needing to add offense. We have younger players ready to play and at cheaper salary numbers.
Other developments as I see them:
* Colin Wilson is developing superstar #1. Watch his control of the puck in tight spaces. He can get his shot off in traffic and he has tremendous skills. He will be a 30-40 goal scorer before long.
* Pekka Rinne is developing superstar #2. Big, agile and a good controller of the puck. Combine him with a strong defensive core and you see why the Preds are #3 in the NHL in allowing the least amount of goals.
* Cody Franson is developing superstar #3. With what seems to be the wingspan/reach of Wilt Chamberlain, he is combing solid defense with an awesome wrist shot and now is the Preds 3rd best defenseman and improving every week.
* Joel Ward, Jared Smithson, David Legwand all playing some of the best hockey of their careers right now.
* With Nick Spalling, Chris Mueller, Matt Halischuk, Franson, Wilson and others the Preds have some solid young talent to anchor the team for years to come.
Got a question to leave you with? Where do you put Steve Sullivan, Jordan Tootoo, Cal O'Reilly, and Matthew Lombardi when they return? Preds are now that deep and playing that well right now.
You heard it here first- JP Dumont and Steve Sullivan could be dealt at the trade deadline. Experienced guys with quality offensive skills would have value to playoff teams needing to add offense. We have younger players ready to play and at cheaper salary numbers.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Preds on a Hot Stretch
Welcome Home! The Preds get back home for some games and the record is improving. Hard to beat 8 wins and 2 overtime losses over the last 10 games. That results in a stretch of 18 points out of possible 20, vaulting the Preds into the #4 slot in the western conference standings.
Other Notes:
Road Warriors Again- 10 of 13 January games are on the road, so if the Preds can weather that storm they spend most of Feb/March at home and build playoff momentum
Goalie Controversy?- Pekka Rinne is the established #1 but you can't turn your back on what Anders Lindback has done. Any slip-ups by Rinne when he comes back would be interesting to see what coach Trotz does.
Center of Attention- Preds are #4 in the west without their #1 defensive center(Legwand) and #1 offensive center(Lombardi) missing large chunks of time. Just think how good we can be when they return
All for now, stay hot Preds!!!
Other Notes:
Road Warriors Again- 10 of 13 January games are on the road, so if the Preds can weather that storm they spend most of Feb/March at home and build playoff momentum
Goalie Controversy?- Pekka Rinne is the established #1 but you can't turn your back on what Anders Lindback has done. Any slip-ups by Rinne when he comes back would be interesting to see what coach Trotz does.
Center of Attention- Preds are #4 in the west without their #1 defensive center(Legwand) and #1 offensive center(Lombardi) missing large chunks of time. Just think how good we can be when they return
All for now, stay hot Preds!!!
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