Hard to believe we are already 20 games and 25% done with the regular season. Also hard to believe after 8 games I blogged that the Preds were at the top of the conference standings and had more points than any other team in the west. Now only 12 games later they are 13th in the western conference standings, due to 3 wins, 9 losses(1 in a shootout) across that 12 game stretch.
Don't lose heart Preds fans. We are getting guys back from injuries and have played more road games than any team in the NHL. Things should start improving soon. Here are my major reasons to keep hope alive going forward:
* The power play will improve soon. It can't get any worse. A hot streak is coming.
* Top free agent signee Matthew Lombardi has played in 1 game. Concussions are tough to know when healing will happen, but each day is a day closer to his return. Once he returns and the Preds have the 4 centers they planned to use all season, the lines will improve, gain consistency and productivity will be there as well.
* Historically 20 or more goal scorers 25% into the season- Steve Sullivan 5 goals, David Legwand 2 goals, Martin Erat 1 goal, J.P. Dumont 3 goals.
Preds are due for a hot streak with 3 games in 4 days upcoming. I think the season turns starting today.
Friday, November 26, 2010
Friday, November 12, 2010
Preds Snap 5 Game Losing Streak
In the ultimate definition of much-needed-win, the Preds pull off a nice comeback and defeat the Blues 3-2 in a shootout last night in St. Louis. With Suter, Erat and Lombardi still out any points are good at this point. The 5 game losing streak was snapped and the Preds have 1 home game before hitting the road for 4 games. That will close the brutal 15 game stretch where 12 were road games. Considering the injuries and the difficult schedule recently, the Preds' drop in the standings was predictable.
Other points to ponder:
* I have said it before and I will say it again. The Preds are best when Jordan Tootoo is causing havoc and drawing penalties. Even with the injuries he should be on the 3rd or 4th line. Keep drawing the 2 penalties per game from the opposing team and pitch in 10 goals here and there. His offensive potential doesn't outweigh the power play time he draws.
* Kudos to Patrick Hornqvist. He stuck his nose into everything last night and took many cross-checks, elbows and slashes that went overlooked by the refs. He really bothered the Blues and gave the Preds a big time lift.
* Coach Trotz knows his stuff and so much more than I will ever know hockey, but I don't understand the line selection philosophy. At the first of the season, all 4 lines were clicking, had great chemistry, and knew their roles very well. The rash of injuries required adjustments and that is understandable. But instead of juggling 3 of the 4 lines, why not keep 3 in tact and juggle the 4th line. Maybe I should call Charlie from Farm Bureau Insurance, he has all the answers.
All for now. The Blackhawks arrive tomorrow night. Hope we go to 2-0 versus them this year.
Other points to ponder:
* I have said it before and I will say it again. The Preds are best when Jordan Tootoo is causing havoc and drawing penalties. Even with the injuries he should be on the 3rd or 4th line. Keep drawing the 2 penalties per game from the opposing team and pitch in 10 goals here and there. His offensive potential doesn't outweigh the power play time he draws.
* Kudos to Patrick Hornqvist. He stuck his nose into everything last night and took many cross-checks, elbows and slashes that went overlooked by the refs. He really bothered the Blues and gave the Preds a big time lift.
* Coach Trotz knows his stuff and so much more than I will ever know hockey, but I don't understand the line selection philosophy. At the first of the season, all 4 lines were clicking, had great chemistry, and knew their roles very well. The rash of injuries required adjustments and that is understandable. But instead of juggling 3 of the 4 lines, why not keep 3 in tact and juggle the 4th line. Maybe I should call Charlie from Farm Bureau Insurance, he has all the answers.
All for now. The Blackhawks arrive tomorrow night. Hope we go to 2-0 versus them this year.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Preds Looking Good and Getting Points
Eight games into the season (roughly 10%) and the Preds sit atop the western conference (and the entire NHL) with 13 points. A lot has been made of the recent 3 straight games lost in overtime, but in hockey overtime losses still get you 1 point. The Preds have scored a point in the standings in all 8 games played this year and is the reason they lead the NHL in points.
Keep in mind this success has occurred while the team has fought injuries to key components of the team. Pekka Rinne and Martin Erat have returned, still out are Matthew Lombardi, Marcel Goc and Ryan Suter. Lombardi and Goc are centers which has long been considered the weak position of the team, but the Preds are doing fine for now without them. This shows how improved and more balanced with talent this Preds team is.
Good news for a possible hosting of a playoff series(top 4 finish in the conference) and a first time playoff series win. But then again, we are only 10% into the season.
Keep in mind this success has occurred while the team has fought injuries to key components of the team. Pekka Rinne and Martin Erat have returned, still out are Matthew Lombardi, Marcel Goc and Ryan Suter. Lombardi and Goc are centers which has long been considered the weak position of the team, but the Preds are doing fine for now without them. This shows how improved and more balanced with talent this Preds team is.
Good news for a possible hosting of a playoff series(top 4 finish in the conference) and a first time playoff series win. But then again, we are only 10% into the season.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
2010-2011 Season Off to Good Start
The first four games of the season results in 3 wins and an overtime loss. Seven of a possible eight points has Nashville sitting atop the central division and in 2nd place in the western conference. The schedule is in the Preds favor to start the season with 5 of the first 6 games at home before a stretch of 11 out of 16 on the road.
I have seen all 4 games ( 2 in person and 2 on TV) and when healthy, the Preds look to have a very strong team. They have 3 solid scoring lines with the addition of Matthew Lombardi and strong center play from Marcel Goc and Cal O'Reilly. The defense core is solid again and the addition of Shane O'Brien looks to make three solid pairings on defense.
The major question mark and fear for a potential season-wrecker was an injury to Pekka Rinne in goal with no proven backup. And going with Preds luck, Rinne sustained an injury in game 1 but Anders Lindback has responded so far with 2 wins and an overtime loss. So far, the backup position looks to be in good hands with Rinne due back in goal Tuesday against the Calgary Flames.
Other points of interest to note:
* Injuries are piling up. Already missing games or out now- Matthew Lombardi, Martin Erat, Pekka Rinne, Marcel Goc. Big names the Preds can't have out for an extended period.
* Improved- Cal O'Reilly looks very good centering Sullivan/Hornqvist and has added 4 assists in the first 4 games. Colin Wilson looks better with each passing game as he adjusts to the NHL since coming out of college last year. Legwand, Ward, Klein, Goc look to have raised their game.
* Sullivan finally healthy/confident- 4 goals in 4 games says a lot. Steve looks to have confidence the back will remain healthy and up to his old "sniper" ways. With some luck he could have 6-7 goals because he has missed on some great opportunities.
* Look out for Erat/Lombardi- The Preds are off to a great start without a point from either Erat or Lombardi. You know the goals/points will come once they are healthy which bodes well for the Preds.
As I said above, if the injuries slow down the Preds look to be on the verge of a very good season. It is early but all signs point to a strong year in Smashville.
I have seen all 4 games ( 2 in person and 2 on TV) and when healthy, the Preds look to have a very strong team. They have 3 solid scoring lines with the addition of Matthew Lombardi and strong center play from Marcel Goc and Cal O'Reilly. The defense core is solid again and the addition of Shane O'Brien looks to make three solid pairings on defense.
The major question mark and fear for a potential season-wrecker was an injury to Pekka Rinne in goal with no proven backup. And going with Preds luck, Rinne sustained an injury in game 1 but Anders Lindback has responded so far with 2 wins and an overtime loss. So far, the backup position looks to be in good hands with Rinne due back in goal Tuesday against the Calgary Flames.
Other points of interest to note:
* Injuries are piling up. Already missing games or out now- Matthew Lombardi, Martin Erat, Pekka Rinne, Marcel Goc. Big names the Preds can't have out for an extended period.
* Improved- Cal O'Reilly looks very good centering Sullivan/Hornqvist and has added 4 assists in the first 4 games. Colin Wilson looks better with each passing game as he adjusts to the NHL since coming out of college last year. Legwand, Ward, Klein, Goc look to have raised their game.
* Sullivan finally healthy/confident- 4 goals in 4 games says a lot. Steve looks to have confidence the back will remain healthy and up to his old "sniper" ways. With some luck he could have 6-7 goals because he has missed on some great opportunities.
* Look out for Erat/Lombardi- The Preds are off to a great start without a point from either Erat or Lombardi. You know the goals/points will come once they are healthy which bodes well for the Preds.
As I said above, if the injuries slow down the Preds look to be on the verge of a very good season. It is early but all signs point to a strong year in Smashville.
Friday, July 9, 2010
Preds Off Season Moves Graded
Take a look at my grade for each move and let me know what you think. The grade is based upon the move, necessity to be made and return value. Not all moves this off season are graded, but these are the ones I think are most important.
A Grade
Dan Hamhuis to Philly for Ryan Parent- Hamhuis was going to walk anyway for big money and the Preds get a highly valued young defenseman back from the Forsberg trade, a move they hated to make in the first place. Add in Parent's much needed size and offensive abilities, the Preds get an A considering they could have lost Hamhuis for nothing in return.
Matthew Lombardi Signing- 3 year contract at $3.5 million per year is not bad for a player coming into his prime. The Preds get more speed, save $1 million per year versus what Jason Arnott or Dan Hamhuis would be paid, add get 7 years younger when compared to Arnott. Great pickup for the Preds small market budget.
Shea Weber Named Captain- Pretty much the obvious choice along with Ryan Suter. A humble superstar who leads by example on and off the ice. If the Preds can get the money right, you hear mumblings that Weber could be in Nashville for a long time. He doesn't sound like a player looking for the highest contract, just a good home for the money. Active in the community with youth hockey, he is a great leader for the Preds at this time.
B Grade
Dan Ellis and Dustin Boyd to Montreal for Sergei Kostitsyn- Two more free agents who were more than likely going to walk for more money. Preds do lose a quality backup netminder in Ellis who has a chance to start in Tampa Bay after his trade there by Montreal. This leaves a monster hole if something was to happen to Pekka Rinne. Kostitsyn is young and a good gamble with his scoring potential. He led Belarus in points at the 2010 Olympics and has a good track record for points at the AHL level. Some good ice time and the right line combination could sprout a 20 goal scorer.
C Grade
Jason Arnott to New Jersey- The leading scorer over the last 4 years for a team that struggles to score leaves. It was probably unavoidable after the title of captain was going to be removed from Arnott. Prospect Matt Halischuk (who spends more time in minors than NHL at this point) and a 2nd round draft pick in return. You would like more for your top goal scorer and best slap shot, but considering his age and concussion issues not a bad move to get younger and free up salary. Not much in return and thus the C grade. Better grade if the 2nd round pick develops down the road.
A Grade
Dan Hamhuis to Philly for Ryan Parent- Hamhuis was going to walk anyway for big money and the Preds get a highly valued young defenseman back from the Forsberg trade, a move they hated to make in the first place. Add in Parent's much needed size and offensive abilities, the Preds get an A considering they could have lost Hamhuis for nothing in return.
Matthew Lombardi Signing- 3 year contract at $3.5 million per year is not bad for a player coming into his prime. The Preds get more speed, save $1 million per year versus what Jason Arnott or Dan Hamhuis would be paid, add get 7 years younger when compared to Arnott. Great pickup for the Preds small market budget.
Shea Weber Named Captain- Pretty much the obvious choice along with Ryan Suter. A humble superstar who leads by example on and off the ice. If the Preds can get the money right, you hear mumblings that Weber could be in Nashville for a long time. He doesn't sound like a player looking for the highest contract, just a good home for the money. Active in the community with youth hockey, he is a great leader for the Preds at this time.
B Grade
Dan Ellis and Dustin Boyd to Montreal for Sergei Kostitsyn- Two more free agents who were more than likely going to walk for more money. Preds do lose a quality backup netminder in Ellis who has a chance to start in Tampa Bay after his trade there by Montreal. This leaves a monster hole if something was to happen to Pekka Rinne. Kostitsyn is young and a good gamble with his scoring potential. He led Belarus in points at the 2010 Olympics and has a good track record for points at the AHL level. Some good ice time and the right line combination could sprout a 20 goal scorer.
C Grade
Jason Arnott to New Jersey- The leading scorer over the last 4 years for a team that struggles to score leaves. It was probably unavoidable after the title of captain was going to be removed from Arnott. Prospect Matt Halischuk (who spends more time in minors than NHL at this point) and a 2nd round draft pick in return. You would like more for your top goal scorer and best slap shot, but considering his age and concussion issues not a bad move to get younger and free up salary. Not much in return and thus the C grade. Better grade if the 2nd round pick develops down the road.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Season Ends With Playoff Loss to Blackhawks
I think the game 5 loss will stick in Predator fans memory for years to come. At least until they win a playoff series. To give up a goal to tie the game with 13 seconds left, while on the power play, still hurts today 6 days later. I was able to attend games 3 and 6 at home and it was so electric, especially game 3 coming home after the first ever playoff road win in game 1.
All things considered a great year. Year end wrap up coming soon.
All things considered a great year. Year end wrap up coming soon.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Preds Make Playoff History in Chicago
The franchise's first ever road playoff win couldn't come at a better time. The Preds now lead the best of 7 series 1 game to none over the Blackhawks. Game 2 tomorrow night in Chicago before coming home for Tuesday's game 3. My thoughts on the game 1 victory:
* Pekka Rinne very good. The only goal was a rebound off his glove he couldn't quite hang on to. Chicago did miss 1 wide open net, but for his first playoff game I am tickled.
* Joel Ward was solid and did the dirty work all night. He was very strong on the puck and won a lot of minor battles.
* David Legwand was active on offense with some good chances and really good helping on the defensive end. His game level was raised and let's hope it stays there.
* J.P. Dumont rewarded twice with goals just by getting the puck on net and hanging around the net. Good for the Preds he is scoring.
If you haven't been watching I really encourage you to do so. Playoff hockey is like nothing else.
* Pekka Rinne very good. The only goal was a rebound off his glove he couldn't quite hang on to. Chicago did miss 1 wide open net, but for his first playoff game I am tickled.
* Joel Ward was solid and did the dirty work all night. He was very strong on the puck and won a lot of minor battles.
* David Legwand was active on offense with some good chances and really good helping on the defensive end. His game level was raised and let's hope it stays there.
* J.P. Dumont rewarded twice with goals just by getting the puck on net and hanging around the net. Good for the Preds he is scoring.
If you haven't been watching I really encourage you to do so. Playoff hockey is like nothing else.
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