Any discussion of the Predators lack of success this past season has to focus on the drop in production from the forwards. And it was not just a small decline, but one that saw the team plummet from the 8th most productive team in terms of goal scoring the previous season to one that was tied with the Florida panthers for dead last in the NHL.
Yikes!
Looking at the performance of the Predator forwards this past season is a lot like looking at a horrific accident- gruesome yet one cannot avert their eyes. So let's take a look at the carnage...
David Legwand 48 GP 12G 13A 25 points -6
To tell you how bad the forwards were as a group, Legwand was the leading scorer with 12 goals and 25 points. And this comes with a number of games that Legwand played without taking a single shot on net. I know that Legwand often (always) draws the opponent's top forwards and plays in a defensive capacity first. And let's give him his props- he does a fairly good job of that. However, Legwand fails to consistently generate offensive production or sometimes even the threat of offensive production. his creativity with the puck is lacking, and consequently his line mates suffer because of that.
Legwand's production in the abbreviated season would have translated to 20 goals and 22 assists over a full 82 game schedule. He has achieved the 20 goal plateau only twice in his career, but notably, his assists dropped to the lower end of his historic production. On a team that desperately needed scoring, Legwand had to do more with the puck and set up his wingers. That did not get done effectively.
The reality is that Legwand is a solid third or fourth line center that can play solid defense and chip in a some production. Relying on him as a first or second line center almost ensured that offensive production would suffer.
Final grade: C-
Mike Fisher 38 GP 10G 11A 21 points +6
Like most of the forwards, Fisher had stretches where he struggled to even get shots on net, much less score. while the team needed more out of him offensively, he was a leader with his hustle and physical play. Fisher doesn't shy away from contact and he battles in front of the net and in the hard areas. The team needed his leadership by example, and he did not disappoint in that regard.
Injuries caused him to miss 10 games. Upon his return, he started to score some goals with regularity. Fisher has shown the tendency to be a streaky scorer, and the Predators needed him to start a goal scoring streak much earlier in the season.
Fisher gets high marks for his steadiness and leadership on and off the ice. It is hoped that the drop in production is an aberration and not a trend.
Final Grade: C
Colin Wilson 25 GP 7G 12A 19 points +1
Wilson was well on his way to what could have been a breakout season before a shoulder injury ended his year. Wilson has good size, above average speed, and exceptional puck handling skills and was utilizing all those tools to become a forward that opponents had to respect and match up with their top defensemen. More importantly, Wilson was showing more maturity than at any time since he was drafted. This was reflected in his off season training and his play on the ice.
The test for Wilson will be to bring that same effort and results to the ice next season. Having seen a glimpse of what he can do, this coming year becomes pivotal in his maturity and development. Play and produce like he did in his shortened season and he will become a valuable forward in the Predators lineup.
Final Grade: B
Sergei Kostitsyn 46 GP 3G 12A 15 points -5
To say that Sergei's season was disappointing is both a blinding flash of the obvious and a gross understatement. It was a brutal season for a forward counted on to provide offensive production. Although the team needed him to deliver in the offensive zone, Kostitsyn inexplicably refused to shoot the puck and was an more often than not a no-show. How bad was it? For the first time since his rookie campaign with Montreal, his shots per game total dipped below 1. For a player that was counted on to bring consistent offensive production, this was unacceptable.
Not that his game was totally awful. When he was on the ice, he hustled and was a valuable member of the PK unit. He also had PP time. In fact, the coaches used him in just about every situation to attempt to get his game going. The fact is, no player can get their offensive game going if they attempt a shot. Too many times this season, that was the story for Sergei.
Final Grade: F
Patric Hornqvist 24 GP 4G 10A 14 points -1
Hornqvist has his season cut short by injuries, and this injury may have affected the team more than most realize. Not only is his presence in the hard areas in front of the net needed by the team, but they also draw from his energy, enthusiasm, and attitude. With Hornqvist out the line up, it seemed that no one stepped up to provide that spark.
Hornqvist recently signed a 5 year contract extension, stating that he loved Nashville and wanted to be a part of this organization. That is positive for him, of course, but it is positive for the team. They need his leadership and his fire both in the locker room and on the ice. Provided that he can stay healthy, his presence will bolster the performance of the team next season.
Final Grade: B
Gabriel Bourque 34 GP 11G 5A 16 points +6
Bourque quickly emerged as a force for the Predators, showing that he did not shy away from contact and playing hard minutes against the opponents top line. At the time of his injury, he was the leading scorer on the team, and many of his goals were from tough areas in front of and around the net.
Watching Bourque, he rarely took a shift off, and showed a willingness to initiate contact and drive the net. His hustle and speed forced defenses to account for him, which helped to open up ice for his line mates. As he matures both physically and in his game, I look for him to provide even more offense and be used on special teams.
Final Grade: B
Nick Spaling 47GP 9G 4A 13 points -10
I like Spals, but he falls into a category of which the Predators have too many: average to below average sized forwards that hustle but cannot consistently score. Spaling is versatile, can play in all situations. However, he is never going to be the type of forward that can control the puck and present a serious offensive threat.
Spaling has proven to be an opportunistic scorer, but those opportunities become limited when the defensive pressure steps up in a close game. His plus/minus was the second worst among the forwards
Final Grade: D
Craig Smith 44 GP 4G 8A 12 points -11
Oh, Honey Badger... you have perhaps the best skill set of all the forwards on the team, yet you had a miserable year. Your sophomore slump was more like a dive off the edge of a cliff. As the season wore on, it became apparent that not amount of coaching or a trip to Milwaukee was going to revive his game, which was awful.
To his credit, Smith owned his horrible season and said he had to improve. It did not appear that his effort stopped or fell off because he was still flying on the ice and going hard every shift. If there is anything positive that can come out of this it will be learning from this dismal season and adjusting his work habits and his game to improve his performance. The team desperately needs him to do that and become more productive.
Final Grade: F
Matt Halischuk 36 GP 5G 6A 11 points +1
Halischuk is another of those players on the Predators roster that has more heart than talent. he is going to give you maximum effort. Unfortunately, his skill set does not translate into goals. He is a good role player that can play in most situations, is usually dependable, and rarely makes a glaring mistake.
There were some stretches, especially late in the season, where Hustlechuk was the best player on the ice. That speaks to the effort and hustle that he demonstrated. it also spoke to the dearth of talent that the Predators were fielding.
Final Grade: C
Rich Clune 47 GP 4G 5A 9 points +3
Truthfully... early in the season, I wondered what on earth Clune was doing on the roster. he seemed to add nothing to the team. As the season wore on, however, my opinion changed. Clune is all heart and his motor never stops running. He was willing to drop the gloves even in situations where he was overmatched to defend his teammates or to try to spark the squad. Besides just being a fighter, Clune exhibited good speed, handled the puck well, and did a good job creating some offensive opportunities when his line was on the ice.
Final Grade: B
Bobby Butler 20 GP 3G 6A 9 points -2
Butler got more ice time as injuries took their toll on the Predators, and he used that opportunity to make the case to be on the roster next season. Butler has very good speed, good hands, and good hockey sense. Those attributes need to translate into more scoring, and late in the season, he showed a glimpse of his abilities. I believe he will challenge for a roster spot next season.
Final Grade: C+
Brandon Yip 34 GP 3G 5A 8 points -3
The Yipper is a big body that is...a big body. An average skater that is at best suited for 4th line minutes. Doesn't handle the puck well, doesn't fight well- although he is willing to give it a go. Stick tap for that. I am frankly unsure of why he has a roster spot, and if some of the young guys that saw action this year continue their development, he very well might not next season.
Final Grade: D-
Paul Gaustad 23 GP 2 G 3A 5 points -4
Goose got a big contract and extension from the team. I like him and think his veteran presence is good for this young team. I don't like him at the salary we are paying him. Superb as a face off man, the remainder of his skill set is average at best. Injuries shortened his season, so it will be interesting to see how he comes back and what he can contribute over a full slate of games. One would hope that he could anchor a third line and chip in with some solid production. The jury is still out on that.
Final Grade: D
Chris Mueller 18 GP 2G 3A 5 points -4
Mueller was competitive, hustled, and battled when he was on the ice. Occasionally he showed a pretty good shot. The audition did little to convince me that he is ready for prime time and will need to continue to develop his game in Milwaukee.
Final Grade: C-
Taylor Beck 16 GP 3G 4A 7 points 0 +/-
Beck impressed before an injury cut short his stay with the Predators. He used his big frame to retrieve the puck in the corners and mix it up in front of the net. He has a good shot and was not afraid to put the puck on net. Not the fastest skater, but his speed is adequate and generally he made good decisions with the puck.
Beck has the physical size and the mentality to go to the hard areas and be successful. I look for Beck to be on the roster in Nashville next season.
Final Grade: B
The Kids
Taking a look at the youngsters that made a brief appearance late in the season for the Predators:
Kevin Henderson
Not afraid to mix it up physically and go to the hard areas. Will never be a big time scorer, but a gritty, glue type player. Will probably start the season in Milwaukee.
Final Grade: C
Filip Forsberg
Handled himself very well for an 18 year old thrust into regular ice time. Great hockey sense and can really handle the puck. He has the potential to be an elite player in the NHL, and it will be interesting to see how the Predators handle his development. A smooth skater that gets himself into the scoring areas.
Final Grade: B
Austin Watson
A big body that needs to battle harder for position and the puck. You could see flashes of his potential but you could also see him struggle at times with the speed of the game. he could possibly stick on the roster, but I would not be surprised to see him back in Milwaukee to start the season.
Final Grade: C-
Daniel Bang
Another big bodied forward that showed some good compete level during his time in Nashville. Not afraid to get physical and use his size to retrieve the puck. He is a good skater with good speed for his size. he probably needs some more time in Milwaukee to develop his game.
Final Grade: C
One final, special grade...
for Marty Erat. To say he had a disappointing season is an understatement. To say he was a disappointment not only in his play but as a veteran leader is stating the obvious. Marty has tremendous talent but this season that talent was squandered. Marty said that he didn't like the direction of the team, going with younger players, and decided to bail. That certainly colors my perception of Marty, but the fact is that his production went into the toilet. One can only speculate as to the reasons why, but it was apparent that he had lost his desire to compete for the team and do what it took to win games. As a result, he was invisible when the team needed him. Certainly not what a veteran leader does.
Final Grade: F
There you have it, my view of the forwards.
Up next, I will grade the coaching staff and the GM, and discuss the intangibles of the season.
Showing posts with label Chris Mueller. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chris Mueller. Show all posts
Thursday, May 9, 2013
Friday, April 19, 2013
Hawks Heartbreaker; Predators Fall In OT
The Nashville Predators are not playing for a spot in the playoffs. They are playing for pride, and in some situations, a roster spot for next season.
So there is a lot still at stake for the Predators, and they had an opportunity to play for pride against the best team in the NHL in the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center.
The Predators had Pekka Rinne in net, while the Hawks went with Corey Crawford.
The game opened with the Blackhawks flying and firing shots at Rinne. The Hawks opened the scoring on the power play as Brent Seabrook cruised down the slot and fired a wrist shot past Rinne.
The mix and match line up of the Predators responded to the opening salvo from the Hawks by scoring the next two goals in Predator fashion.
Kevin Klein pinched in from the blue line and fired a shot at the net that Crawford could not handle cleanly. Matt Halischuk was at the side of the net and was able to poke the puck past Crawford to tie the game at 1.
The Predators took a 2-1 lead as Booby Butler took a shot that Crawford could not control. New call up Kevin Henderson and Chris Mueller banged away at the puck and Henderson was able to shove it under the pads of Crawford to make it 2-1.
Two goals that were scored by going to the dirty areas and doing the hard work to score. Something that had been lacking from the Predators game recently.
The Hawks tied the game at 2 as Brandon Saad muffed a shot but got the puck back under control and beat Rinne glove side.
That was the way the first period ended. The Hawks out shot the Predators 15-8 in the period.
The Hawks made it 3-2 off a 2 on 1 break that began when Sergei Kostitsyn made an errant pass that resulted in Bryan Bickell breaking in with Patrick Kane. Kane was able to beat Rinne five hole for the go ahead score.
Matt Halischuk tied the game at 3 when Victor Bartley spotted Halischuk streaking through the neutral zone and hit him in stride with a beautiful pass. Halishcuk had his initial shot stopped by Crawford but got his rebound and banged the puck past Crawford. Kudos to Bartley for spotting Halischuk and hitting him with a great pass and to Halsichuk for staying with the play after his first shot was blocked.
The second period ended tied at 3 with the Hawks out shooting the Predators 12-9. Rinne made some big saves to keep the Predators in the game.
Perhaps more importantly, the Predators answered the Hawks goal and were playing with jump and determination. This is exactly what this squad has to do to stay in games and have a chance to win.
The Predators made a gaffe that cost them a goal when Victor Bartley threw the puck to the middle and right onto the tape of Michael Handzus. Handzus ripped a shot from the slot top shelf to beat Rinne and give the Hawks a 4-3 lead.
The Predators once again answered as Shea Weber took a shot that caromed off bodies in front and came back to Bobby Butler, who made no mistake in burying the shot past Crawford to tie the game at 4.
Playing for pride and roster spots, the Predators kept fighting their way back into the game.
With 44 seconds left in the third, Rich Clune took a double minor for high sticking. The Predators were able to kill off the remaining time in regulation, but 51 seconds into the overtime, Marian Hossa scored the game winner to extend the Predators losing streak.
Some observations:
Henderson Helps
Kevin Henderson got his first NHL goal and played a strong game with lots of energy. The 26 year old is a big body and doesn't shy away from the physical game, and his effort in front helped the Predators notch their second goal of the game.
Butler Belongs
Bobby Butler is making a case to be on the roster next season. His game tying goal was a result of driving to the net and being in the right place at the right time. Butler needs to finish out strong to continue to make his case.
Good Jump
The Predators survived some strong pushes by the Hawks at various times during the game. More importantly, they did not quit and had the answer for every Hawks challenge in regulation. This effort is one that the team can use to build upon and should be a boost for their confidence.
Final Thoughts
There is no doubt that the injuries the Predators have suffered have affected their performance. It is not an excuse. Any player that puts on the sweater has to bring it when they step on the ice, and tonight, they did that. No one will feel sorry for them, so lace them up and play, boys. The effort tonight is what it takes to break out of this funk.
You have a few more chances to do that.
My three stars:
1. Marian Hossa
2. Matt Halsichuk
3. Duncan Keith
So there is a lot still at stake for the Predators, and they had an opportunity to play for pride against the best team in the NHL in the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center.
The Predators had Pekka Rinne in net, while the Hawks went with Corey Crawford.
The game opened with the Blackhawks flying and firing shots at Rinne. The Hawks opened the scoring on the power play as Brent Seabrook cruised down the slot and fired a wrist shot past Rinne.
The mix and match line up of the Predators responded to the opening salvo from the Hawks by scoring the next two goals in Predator fashion.
Kevin Klein pinched in from the blue line and fired a shot at the net that Crawford could not handle cleanly. Matt Halischuk was at the side of the net and was able to poke the puck past Crawford to tie the game at 1.
The Predators took a 2-1 lead as Booby Butler took a shot that Crawford could not control. New call up Kevin Henderson and Chris Mueller banged away at the puck and Henderson was able to shove it under the pads of Crawford to make it 2-1.
Two goals that were scored by going to the dirty areas and doing the hard work to score. Something that had been lacking from the Predators game recently.
The Hawks tied the game at 2 as Brandon Saad muffed a shot but got the puck back under control and beat Rinne glove side.
That was the way the first period ended. The Hawks out shot the Predators 15-8 in the period.
The Hawks made it 3-2 off a 2 on 1 break that began when Sergei Kostitsyn made an errant pass that resulted in Bryan Bickell breaking in with Patrick Kane. Kane was able to beat Rinne five hole for the go ahead score.
Matt Halischuk tied the game at 3 when Victor Bartley spotted Halischuk streaking through the neutral zone and hit him in stride with a beautiful pass. Halishcuk had his initial shot stopped by Crawford but got his rebound and banged the puck past Crawford. Kudos to Bartley for spotting Halischuk and hitting him with a great pass and to Halsichuk for staying with the play after his first shot was blocked.
The second period ended tied at 3 with the Hawks out shooting the Predators 12-9. Rinne made some big saves to keep the Predators in the game.
Perhaps more importantly, the Predators answered the Hawks goal and were playing with jump and determination. This is exactly what this squad has to do to stay in games and have a chance to win.
The Predators made a gaffe that cost them a goal when Victor Bartley threw the puck to the middle and right onto the tape of Michael Handzus. Handzus ripped a shot from the slot top shelf to beat Rinne and give the Hawks a 4-3 lead.
The Predators once again answered as Shea Weber took a shot that caromed off bodies in front and came back to Bobby Butler, who made no mistake in burying the shot past Crawford to tie the game at 4.
Playing for pride and roster spots, the Predators kept fighting their way back into the game.
With 44 seconds left in the third, Rich Clune took a double minor for high sticking. The Predators were able to kill off the remaining time in regulation, but 51 seconds into the overtime, Marian Hossa scored the game winner to extend the Predators losing streak.
Some observations:
Henderson Helps
Kevin Henderson got his first NHL goal and played a strong game with lots of energy. The 26 year old is a big body and doesn't shy away from the physical game, and his effort in front helped the Predators notch their second goal of the game.
Butler Belongs
Bobby Butler is making a case to be on the roster next season. His game tying goal was a result of driving to the net and being in the right place at the right time. Butler needs to finish out strong to continue to make his case.
Good Jump
The Predators survived some strong pushes by the Hawks at various times during the game. More importantly, they did not quit and had the answer for every Hawks challenge in regulation. This effort is one that the team can use to build upon and should be a boost for their confidence.
Final Thoughts
There is no doubt that the injuries the Predators have suffered have affected their performance. It is not an excuse. Any player that puts on the sweater has to bring it when they step on the ice, and tonight, they did that. No one will feel sorry for them, so lace them up and play, boys. The effort tonight is what it takes to break out of this funk.
You have a few more chances to do that.
My three stars:
1. Marian Hossa
2. Matt Halsichuk
3. Duncan Keith
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Blues Continue the Predators Woes
The Milwaukee Admirals Nashville Predators dropped a 1-0 decision to the St. Louis Blues at Bridgestone Arena for their 7th loss in their last 8 games.
The Predators have exited the playoff hunt and are just finishing out the season, and fielded a roster of many AHL call ups due to injuries depleting the roster.
Pekka Rinne took the loss as the Blues Alex Steen scored the lone goal of the game at 16:37 of the second period. Steen blew a shot past Rinne and that was enough for the Blues to hold off the offensively challenged Predators.
Brian Elliott got the win, and he was never really challenged by the Predators.
The Blues out shot the Predators 26-15, including a 15-4 advantage in the second period. The Predators did not record their first shot on goal in that period until 7:12 of the period.
Some observations:
Welcome To The Show
Daniel Bang was called up from Milwaukee and made his first appearance in an NHL game. The Predators roster tonight included 11 players that have played in Milwaukee this season. The talent gap between the Blues and the Predators roster was glaringly evident all night.
Veterans Are A No Show
With a roster of so many young players that have been called up due to injury, the Predators had to have veteran players step up to take up the slack and to have an opportunity to win this game. They failed miserably. David Legwand did not have a shot on goal and appeared to be unable or unwilling to be strong on the puck and create some offense. Sergei Kostitsyn, Nick Spaling, Austin Watson, Chris Mueller, and Bobby Butler also did not record a shot on goal. It is going to be difficult for the Predators to win any game if these guys cannot get pucks on net.
Sophomore Slump
Craig Smith undoubtedly possesses serious offensive skill, but his game is awful right now. Smith had three shots on goal, but has struggled mightily in the offensive and defensive zones. Hopefully Smith is getting this out of his system because the Predators desperately need him to get his game on track
Effort
I don't fault the effort of most of the young Predators. With this roster, the game could have been much worse. This situation presents great opportunity for guys like Daniel Bang, Austin Watson, Taylor Beck, and Chris Mueller, to name a few. They are going to have to play because of the injuries the Predators are contending with, and this is their opportunity to see what it takes to play at the NHL level and to prove they belong. Realistically, they are over matched against NHL regulars, but this is the chance to show they can bring the effort to compete. These young guys are playing for next season, and they need to show they belong on the roster.
Final Thoughts
The Predators are playing out the string. They will not be in the playoffs, but this is still an opportunity to demonstrate desire, heart, effort, and character. Fail to show that in the remaining games, and the disappointment among the fans will be palpable. Bring a solid effort, confront the adversity this team faces, and this can be a positive that the team can build upon.
The choice is yours, boys.
My three stars:
1.. Alex Steen
2. Brian Elliott
3. Pekka Rinne
The Predators have exited the playoff hunt and are just finishing out the season, and fielded a roster of many AHL call ups due to injuries depleting the roster.
Pekka Rinne took the loss as the Blues Alex Steen scored the lone goal of the game at 16:37 of the second period. Steen blew a shot past Rinne and that was enough for the Blues to hold off the offensively challenged Predators.
Brian Elliott got the win, and he was never really challenged by the Predators.
The Blues out shot the Predators 26-15, including a 15-4 advantage in the second period. The Predators did not record their first shot on goal in that period until 7:12 of the period.
Some observations:
Welcome To The Show
Daniel Bang was called up from Milwaukee and made his first appearance in an NHL game. The Predators roster tonight included 11 players that have played in Milwaukee this season. The talent gap between the Blues and the Predators roster was glaringly evident all night.
Veterans Are A No Show
With a roster of so many young players that have been called up due to injury, the Predators had to have veteran players step up to take up the slack and to have an opportunity to win this game. They failed miserably. David Legwand did not have a shot on goal and appeared to be unable or unwilling to be strong on the puck and create some offense. Sergei Kostitsyn, Nick Spaling, Austin Watson, Chris Mueller, and Bobby Butler also did not record a shot on goal. It is going to be difficult for the Predators to win any game if these guys cannot get pucks on net.
Sophomore Slump
Craig Smith undoubtedly possesses serious offensive skill, but his game is awful right now. Smith had three shots on goal, but has struggled mightily in the offensive and defensive zones. Hopefully Smith is getting this out of his system because the Predators desperately need him to get his game on track
Effort
I don't fault the effort of most of the young Predators. With this roster, the game could have been much worse. This situation presents great opportunity for guys like Daniel Bang, Austin Watson, Taylor Beck, and Chris Mueller, to name a few. They are going to have to play because of the injuries the Predators are contending with, and this is their opportunity to see what it takes to play at the NHL level and to prove they belong. Realistically, they are over matched against NHL regulars, but this is the chance to show they can bring the effort to compete. These young guys are playing for next season, and they need to show they belong on the roster.
Final Thoughts
The Predators are playing out the string. They will not be in the playoffs, but this is still an opportunity to demonstrate desire, heart, effort, and character. Fail to show that in the remaining games, and the disappointment among the fans will be palpable. Bring a solid effort, confront the adversity this team faces, and this can be a positive that the team can build upon.
The choice is yours, boys.
My three stars:
1.. Alex Steen
2. Brian Elliott
3. Pekka Rinne
Monday, March 25, 2013
Predators Slide Past the Oilers 3-2
The Nashville Predators faced off against the Edmonton Oilers in a critical contest at the Bridgestone Arena. The Predators are fighting for a playoff spot, and their margin of error is razor thin. They have to win games and they have to take care of business against struggling teams like the Oilers.
Mission accomplished.
It wasn't pretty at times, but the Predators captured a 3-2 win over a potentially explosive Oilers team that has given the Predators fits at times.
Sergei Kostitsyn finally broke out of his season long funk with a goal and an assist. Kevin Klein had a goal, and Chris Mueller had a highlight reel goal to account for the Predators scoring.
Pekka Rinne outdueled Devan Dubnyk for the win, his 12th of the season.
The Oilers opened the scoring on the power play as Patric Hornqvist was in the box for interference at 7:42 of the first. Just 11 seconds into the power play, Corey Potter took a shot from the point that was deflected by Taylor Hall to give the Oilers a 1-0 lead.
The Predators answered at 11:51 of the first period as Marty Erat worked hard on the boards in the Oilers zone and dug the puck out and got it to Mike Fisher. Fisher spotted Sergei Kostitsyn driving the net on the off wing and put the puck right on his tape. Kostitsyn lifted the puck over the shoulder of Dubnyk for his third goal of the season.
The Predators made it 2-1 at 4:31 of the second period as Marty Erat drove the puck into the Oilers zone. The puck was worked over to Kostitsyn, who drove to the left side of the net. Mike Fisher was creating havoc in front of the net, and Kostitsyn forced Dubnyk to move to front his drive. Kostitsyn found Kevin Klein pinching down from the blue line, slid him the puck, and Klein buried the puck into the open net.
The Predators stretched their lead to 3-1 at 11:33 of the second as Brandon Yip pushed the puck into the Oilers zone. He found Chris Mueller with the pass, and Mueller used his speed to avoid a hit from Mark Fistric. Mueller then beat Dubnyk over his shoulder for what would prove to be the game winning goal. Mueller's shot was a dandy, as he had a very small space in which to shoot the puck, and he was perfect on his shot.
The Oilers made things interesting in the third period as Shawn Horcoff took a shot that Rinne appeared to have smothered. Instead, the puck trickled through Rinne's pads and over the goal line to make it 3-2 at 7:03 of the third period.
The Predators were able to hold off the Oilers for the remainder of the period and had their third win in a row.
More importantly, they won a game they needed to win and should have won.
Some observations:
Good To See You
Finally! Sergei Kostitsyn got his offensive game back into gear with a goal and an assist. Kostitsyn hustled all night, made some good decisions with the puck, and was engaged throughout the game. These elements have been lacking for most of the season from Sergei, and the Predators need this kind of effort from him in their remaining games.
Welcome Back
Patric Hornqvist returned to the line up after missing 8 games due to injury. Hornqvist was his usual crash and bang self, and the Predators need him to get his game going quickly and score those dirty goals from the hard areas. His production and grit have been missed. Badly.
Mueller Time
Chris Mueller continues to play solid hockey, using his speed and hustle to create chances. His goal tonight was a jaw dropper as he deposited the puck into a very small opening against a big goalie that was perfectly positioned. It bodes well for the Predators if Mueller can bring some of the scoring touch he has shown at the AHL level.
Fisher Is Flying
Fisher's assist tonight gives him a point in his last seven games. The Predators obviously need his production, but Fisher has been leading by example as well. His hustle is off the chart; he has been physical; and he is reliable in all zones. Fisher's line with Erat and Kostitsyn has begun to click, and the Predators need them to keep bringing that effort.
Final Thoughts
The Predators are now 14-13-6 and have 34 points. They will be tied with San Jose in points for the 8th spot in the West, but San Jose has a game in hand. I still believe the cut line for the playoffs will be 56 points. If that is true, the Predators will need to win 12 of their last 15 games.
That is a very steep hill to climb.
But it can be done.
The Predators have started to get some players healthy with the return of Hal Gill and Patric Hornqvist. They have started to play Predator hockey again. They have a majority of their remaining games at home.
The task is difficult.
I think you are up to the challenge, boys.
My three stars:
1. Sergei Kostitsyn
2. Marty Erat
3. Chris Mueller
Mission accomplished.
It wasn't pretty at times, but the Predators captured a 3-2 win over a potentially explosive Oilers team that has given the Predators fits at times.
Sergei Kostitsyn finally broke out of his season long funk with a goal and an assist. Kevin Klein had a goal, and Chris Mueller had a highlight reel goal to account for the Predators scoring.
Pekka Rinne outdueled Devan Dubnyk for the win, his 12th of the season.
The Oilers opened the scoring on the power play as Patric Hornqvist was in the box for interference at 7:42 of the first. Just 11 seconds into the power play, Corey Potter took a shot from the point that was deflected by Taylor Hall to give the Oilers a 1-0 lead.
The Predators answered at 11:51 of the first period as Marty Erat worked hard on the boards in the Oilers zone and dug the puck out and got it to Mike Fisher. Fisher spotted Sergei Kostitsyn driving the net on the off wing and put the puck right on his tape. Kostitsyn lifted the puck over the shoulder of Dubnyk for his third goal of the season.
The Predators made it 2-1 at 4:31 of the second period as Marty Erat drove the puck into the Oilers zone. The puck was worked over to Kostitsyn, who drove to the left side of the net. Mike Fisher was creating havoc in front of the net, and Kostitsyn forced Dubnyk to move to front his drive. Kostitsyn found Kevin Klein pinching down from the blue line, slid him the puck, and Klein buried the puck into the open net.
The Predators stretched their lead to 3-1 at 11:33 of the second as Brandon Yip pushed the puck into the Oilers zone. He found Chris Mueller with the pass, and Mueller used his speed to avoid a hit from Mark Fistric. Mueller then beat Dubnyk over his shoulder for what would prove to be the game winning goal. Mueller's shot was a dandy, as he had a very small space in which to shoot the puck, and he was perfect on his shot.
The Oilers made things interesting in the third period as Shawn Horcoff took a shot that Rinne appeared to have smothered. Instead, the puck trickled through Rinne's pads and over the goal line to make it 3-2 at 7:03 of the third period.
The Predators were able to hold off the Oilers for the remainder of the period and had their third win in a row.
More importantly, they won a game they needed to win and should have won.
Some observations:
Good To See You
Finally! Sergei Kostitsyn got his offensive game back into gear with a goal and an assist. Kostitsyn hustled all night, made some good decisions with the puck, and was engaged throughout the game. These elements have been lacking for most of the season from Sergei, and the Predators need this kind of effort from him in their remaining games.
Welcome Back
Patric Hornqvist returned to the line up after missing 8 games due to injury. Hornqvist was his usual crash and bang self, and the Predators need him to get his game going quickly and score those dirty goals from the hard areas. His production and grit have been missed. Badly.
Mueller Time
Chris Mueller continues to play solid hockey, using his speed and hustle to create chances. His goal tonight was a jaw dropper as he deposited the puck into a very small opening against a big goalie that was perfectly positioned. It bodes well for the Predators if Mueller can bring some of the scoring touch he has shown at the AHL level.
Fisher Is Flying
Fisher's assist tonight gives him a point in his last seven games. The Predators obviously need his production, but Fisher has been leading by example as well. His hustle is off the chart; he has been physical; and he is reliable in all zones. Fisher's line with Erat and Kostitsyn has begun to click, and the Predators need them to keep bringing that effort.
Final Thoughts
The Predators are now 14-13-6 and have 34 points. They will be tied with San Jose in points for the 8th spot in the West, but San Jose has a game in hand. I still believe the cut line for the playoffs will be 56 points. If that is true, the Predators will need to win 12 of their last 15 games.
That is a very steep hill to climb.
But it can be done.
The Predators have started to get some players healthy with the return of Hal Gill and Patric Hornqvist. They have started to play Predator hockey again. They have a majority of their remaining games at home.
The task is difficult.
I think you are up to the challenge, boys.
My three stars:
1. Sergei Kostitsyn
2. Marty Erat
3. Chris Mueller
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Predators Fall to Blue Jackets; Season Slipping Away
If the Nashville Predators are going to make a playoff push, it has to begin tonight in Columbus against the Blue Jackets, a team that is 6-0-4 in their last 10 games and boasts one of the hottest goaltenders in the NHL in the person of Sergei Bobrovsky.
No easy task for the Predators, who find themselves in a deep hole of their own making. The Predators are 3-6-1 in their last 10 games and have lost three in a row.
The Predators benched Sergei Kostitsyn for his egregious gaffe in the previous game against Edmonton. Taylor Beck was called up from Milwaukee and took his place on the line with Marty Erat and Mike Fisher.
The Predators had Pekka Rinne in net, and Predator fans could only hope that the team in front of him would give him some support in this game.
The Predators opened with good jump, and early on had a decided shot advantage. As the period wore on, that changed, with the Blue Jackets aided by two Predators penalties. The Jackets out shot the Predators 14-9 in the period after the Predators opened the game with a 7-1 shot advantage.
The period ended scoreless, and Rinne made some big saves to keep the BJ's off the board.
The Blue Jackets got on the board at 4:08 of the second period as Fedor Tyutin launched a shot from the blue line that got through traffic and past Rinne, who was screened by a Columbus player and two Predator defenseman.
Since the midway mark of the second period, the Blue Jackets were carrying the play to the Predators, and it was going to be critical for the Predators to reverse the momentum back to their favor.
The Jackets second goal came off a dominating offensive zone cycle. The Predators could not get the puck out of the zone, and the Jackets made them pay. Mark Letestu roofed a shot over the shoulder of Rinne at the end of this cycle to make it 2-0 at 9:39 of the second period.
At this point, it looked as if the Jackets were going to run the Predators out of the barn.
The Predators responded at 14:45 of the second as Roman Josi walked the puck in from the blue line and took a shot from the high slot. Gabriel Bourque was in front of the net battling for position and re-directed the puck past Bobrovsky to make it 2-1.
Heading into the third, the Predators were in the game and needed a strong period to capture a much needed two points.
Yeah... about that strong period.
The Predators gave up a power play goal to Nikita Nikitin at the 10:00 mark to make it 3-1 Jackets. On the play, it looked as if Roman Josi had partially screened Rinne as he did not see the shot until the last second.
Derick Brassard made it 4-1 off a rush as he blasted a puck past Rinne at 12:41 of the third.
The Predators got a goal from Chris Mueller, who was battling in front of the net and shoveled a puck past Bobrovsky to make it 4-2 at 17:59 of the third.
Mike Fisher scored off a gritty effort in front of the net, sweeping the puck past Bobrovsky at 18:46.
Unfortunately, the Predators could not get the tying goal, and they saw a game that they had to have slip away by a 4-3 margin.
Some observations:
What Happened to That Opening Surge?
The Predators opened the game with good jump and were taking it to the BJ's early in the contest. Through ten minutes of the first period, the Predators had out shot the Jackets 9-1 and controlled the play. That effort slowly waned, aided by two Predator penalties in the period, and the Predators never matched the effort of the Jackets after that. It's a 60 minute game boys.
Another Third Period Fade
A disturbing characteristic of the Predators is getting whipped in the third period. Maybe it is the experience level of the players. I hope it isn't the character and heart of those on the ice. If it is that, then this team has deeper problems than just their won/lost record.
It Is Time For The Pine
I like him, but the fact is that Marty Erat has been awful. He has contributed nothing to the offense for far too long, and this team needs someone who is going to contribute. Tonight, Marty had 19:40 of ice time (second only to Mike Fisher) and not a single shot on net. Too often, Marty chews up big minutes and does nothing. This is unacceptable and is hurting the team. It is past time to get someone in the lineup that is at least going to get some shots on net and at least has an opportunity to score.
Speaking of Pine
After his horrific mistake against Edmonton, Head Coach Barry Trotz benched Sergei Kostitsyn. He spoke of accountability, and that each player has to be accountable to the team. It is now time to apply that principal to some of the other guys.
Motor
Gabriel Bourque recorded his team leading 10th goal. Roman Josi was solid. Chris Mueller and Mike Fisher scrapped and worked for goals. Some of the guys have their motors still running. That is a good thing. Unfortunately, not enough guys have their motors running. And therein lies the problem for the Predators.
Final Thoughts
The Predators are watching their season slowly slip away. And it is painful. No one, the fans, the coaches, the owners, the players, enjoy this. This is not fun.
Yet there is a lot of hockey to be played. We are going to learn a lot from about this team by how they respond to this adversity. This is an inflection point for this team. The guys that put on the sweaters can play with heart and grit or they can piss away the remainder of the season.
It will tell us a lot about the future of this team.
Your call, boys.
My three stars:
1. Sergei Bobrovsky
2. Derick Brassard
3. Gabriel Bourque
No easy task for the Predators, who find themselves in a deep hole of their own making. The Predators are 3-6-1 in their last 10 games and have lost three in a row.
The Predators benched Sergei Kostitsyn for his egregious gaffe in the previous game against Edmonton. Taylor Beck was called up from Milwaukee and took his place on the line with Marty Erat and Mike Fisher.
The Predators had Pekka Rinne in net, and Predator fans could only hope that the team in front of him would give him some support in this game.
The Predators opened with good jump, and early on had a decided shot advantage. As the period wore on, that changed, with the Blue Jackets aided by two Predators penalties. The Jackets out shot the Predators 14-9 in the period after the Predators opened the game with a 7-1 shot advantage.
The period ended scoreless, and Rinne made some big saves to keep the BJ's off the board.
The Blue Jackets got on the board at 4:08 of the second period as Fedor Tyutin launched a shot from the blue line that got through traffic and past Rinne, who was screened by a Columbus player and two Predator defenseman.
Since the midway mark of the second period, the Blue Jackets were carrying the play to the Predators, and it was going to be critical for the Predators to reverse the momentum back to their favor.
The Jackets second goal came off a dominating offensive zone cycle. The Predators could not get the puck out of the zone, and the Jackets made them pay. Mark Letestu roofed a shot over the shoulder of Rinne at the end of this cycle to make it 2-0 at 9:39 of the second period.
At this point, it looked as if the Jackets were going to run the Predators out of the barn.
The Predators responded at 14:45 of the second as Roman Josi walked the puck in from the blue line and took a shot from the high slot. Gabriel Bourque was in front of the net battling for position and re-directed the puck past Bobrovsky to make it 2-1.
Heading into the third, the Predators were in the game and needed a strong period to capture a much needed two points.
Yeah... about that strong period.
The Predators gave up a power play goal to Nikita Nikitin at the 10:00 mark to make it 3-1 Jackets. On the play, it looked as if Roman Josi had partially screened Rinne as he did not see the shot until the last second.
Derick Brassard made it 4-1 off a rush as he blasted a puck past Rinne at 12:41 of the third.
The Predators got a goal from Chris Mueller, who was battling in front of the net and shoveled a puck past Bobrovsky to make it 4-2 at 17:59 of the third.
Mike Fisher scored off a gritty effort in front of the net, sweeping the puck past Bobrovsky at 18:46.
Unfortunately, the Predators could not get the tying goal, and they saw a game that they had to have slip away by a 4-3 margin.
Some observations:
What Happened to That Opening Surge?
The Predators opened the game with good jump and were taking it to the BJ's early in the contest. Through ten minutes of the first period, the Predators had out shot the Jackets 9-1 and controlled the play. That effort slowly waned, aided by two Predator penalties in the period, and the Predators never matched the effort of the Jackets after that. It's a 60 minute game boys.
Another Third Period Fade
A disturbing characteristic of the Predators is getting whipped in the third period. Maybe it is the experience level of the players. I hope it isn't the character and heart of those on the ice. If it is that, then this team has deeper problems than just their won/lost record.
It Is Time For The Pine
I like him, but the fact is that Marty Erat has been awful. He has contributed nothing to the offense for far too long, and this team needs someone who is going to contribute. Tonight, Marty had 19:40 of ice time (second only to Mike Fisher) and not a single shot on net. Too often, Marty chews up big minutes and does nothing. This is unacceptable and is hurting the team. It is past time to get someone in the lineup that is at least going to get some shots on net and at least has an opportunity to score.
Speaking of Pine
After his horrific mistake against Edmonton, Head Coach Barry Trotz benched Sergei Kostitsyn. He spoke of accountability, and that each player has to be accountable to the team. It is now time to apply that principal to some of the other guys.
Motor
Gabriel Bourque recorded his team leading 10th goal. Roman Josi was solid. Chris Mueller and Mike Fisher scrapped and worked for goals. Some of the guys have their motors still running. That is a good thing. Unfortunately, not enough guys have their motors running. And therein lies the problem for the Predators.
Final Thoughts
The Predators are watching their season slowly slip away. And it is painful. No one, the fans, the coaches, the owners, the players, enjoy this. This is not fun.
Yet there is a lot of hockey to be played. We are going to learn a lot from about this team by how they respond to this adversity. This is an inflection point for this team. The guys that put on the sweaters can play with heart and grit or they can piss away the remainder of the season.
It will tell us a lot about the future of this team.
Your call, boys.
My three stars:
1. Sergei Bobrovsky
2. Derick Brassard
3. Gabriel Bourque
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Pondering the Predators Signings and Possibilities
The Nashville Predators have resolved their issues with their restricted free agents, signing Sergei Kostitsyn, Nick Spaling, Matt Halischuk, Chris Mueller, and Cal O'Reilly. Kostitsyn signed a one year contract for $2.5 million; Spaling signed for 2 years for $2.1 million; Halischuk signed a 2 year deal for $1.45 million; Mueller signed a one year, two way contract for $550,000; and O'Reilly signed a 1 year deal for $1.05 million.
These signings are good ones for the Predators, solidifying the core of the team. Kostitsyn's signing is particularly important for the Predators, as he led the team in goals with 23 and tied for the lead in points with 50.
While the Predators have resolved the issue of signing their players, there is still a hearing with arbitrator George Nicholau as to the propriety of the process. In talking to the Predators front office, the view is that the Predators organization did not maliciously attempt to circumvent the process of signing the RFA's. They did, however, violate the protocol by failing to fax the offer sheets to the players and the agents. As such, there could be a fine to the organization or a warning issued. That will be decided in the grievance hearing. The probability of the contracts being voided by the arbitrator is considered to be non-existent.
Along with these RFA's, the Predators have also signed in the free agency period Zach Stortini, Kyle Wilson, Niclas Bergfors, and Brodie Dupont. Of these, Bergfors will be the biggest impact player for the team. Last season, he posted 36 points in 72 games, and the 24 year old winger has good offensive upside. Bergfors will have to improve his overall game and become more solid in the defensive zone to gain consistent playing time. Look for the coaching staff to improve Bergfors overall game and for him to be a solid contributor.
The remaining signings are depth signings, with these players more than likely starting the season in Milwaukee. Stortini has a chance to stick with the Predators at the start of the season as a fourth line wing depending on his play in camp and the development of younger players or if the Predators sign additional forwards.
The focus for the Predators now shifts to signing stud defenseman Shea Weber. Weber is an RFA, and the Predators wisely filed for arbitration to keep other teams from being able to make an offer for his services. I believe that the Predators and Weber never get to arbitration. By freeing up cap space with some of their off season moves, the Predators now have the capacity to sign Weber to a longer term contract. There is some thought that Weber will sign a very short term deal and will test the market within a few years.
I don't believe that happens.
Weber is happy here in Nashville, and his role as Captain solidifies his position with the team. As long as the Predators continue to position the team to be a serious playoff contender, I think he will be satisfied playing in this market. Don't forget the fact that his playing partner, Ryan Suter, helps to elevate Weber's game, and going to another team takes that dimension away.
My view: Weber signs a deal in the five year range for $6-7 million per year.
So where does this leave the Predators for the upcoming season?
There will be the possibility for the team to still make some good offensive additions. Several teams are up against the cap and will have to get under before the season starts. Additionally, there will be some players that walk away from arbitration awards and will become available. Arb hearings will begin in late July and continue into August, and I expect to see some players become available after this process is underway. Because of the cleared cap space, the Predators will be in a position to make an offer for a player that fits their needs.
This also does not mean that the Predators are out of the trade market. The obvious bargaining chip for the team is the young D corp, but a trade there certainly has to have long term benefits. Several teams are still in the market for a depth defenseman, and this situation favors the Predators.
In looking at the players have under contract, there is one other factor to consider: this is a young roster that has a lot of experience. Don't underestimate the effect of playing a full season in the NHL at a young age, as many of of forwards have done. The jump in experience usually translates into performance on the ice in the next season. For instance, Nick Spaling will turn 24 at the start of the upcoming season; Sergei Kostitsyn turned 24 near the end of last season; Colin Wilson will turn 22 early in this season; Niclas Bergfors turned 24 at the end of last season; and Patrick Hornqvist will turn 25 on January 1. These young players will mature not only physically, but on and off the ice as well. This maturity will hopefully translate into improved play in the upcoming season.
It's easy to get frustrated at the start of the free agency period and not see some big name signed to the roster. The truth is that the start of free agency is when the "stupid" money gets spent, money that many teams come to regret. And many times, these players added at that time do not generate the results that was expected at their signing. The fact in today's NHL is that teams that can draft well and develop their talent most often are successful in the long term.
Welcome to the "Predator Way".
That is not to say that the Preds want make some off season adds. I think they will.
When they do, you can be assured that it will be a player that can contribute at the right price. And the team will not pay "stupid" money to do this.
These signings are good ones for the Predators, solidifying the core of the team. Kostitsyn's signing is particularly important for the Predators, as he led the team in goals with 23 and tied for the lead in points with 50.
While the Predators have resolved the issue of signing their players, there is still a hearing with arbitrator George Nicholau as to the propriety of the process. In talking to the Predators front office, the view is that the Predators organization did not maliciously attempt to circumvent the process of signing the RFA's. They did, however, violate the protocol by failing to fax the offer sheets to the players and the agents. As such, there could be a fine to the organization or a warning issued. That will be decided in the grievance hearing. The probability of the contracts being voided by the arbitrator is considered to be non-existent.
Along with these RFA's, the Predators have also signed in the free agency period Zach Stortini, Kyle Wilson, Niclas Bergfors, and Brodie Dupont. Of these, Bergfors will be the biggest impact player for the team. Last season, he posted 36 points in 72 games, and the 24 year old winger has good offensive upside. Bergfors will have to improve his overall game and become more solid in the defensive zone to gain consistent playing time. Look for the coaching staff to improve Bergfors overall game and for him to be a solid contributor.
The remaining signings are depth signings, with these players more than likely starting the season in Milwaukee. Stortini has a chance to stick with the Predators at the start of the season as a fourth line wing depending on his play in camp and the development of younger players or if the Predators sign additional forwards.
The focus for the Predators now shifts to signing stud defenseman Shea Weber. Weber is an RFA, and the Predators wisely filed for arbitration to keep other teams from being able to make an offer for his services. I believe that the Predators and Weber never get to arbitration. By freeing up cap space with some of their off season moves, the Predators now have the capacity to sign Weber to a longer term contract. There is some thought that Weber will sign a very short term deal and will test the market within a few years.
I don't believe that happens.
Weber is happy here in Nashville, and his role as Captain solidifies his position with the team. As long as the Predators continue to position the team to be a serious playoff contender, I think he will be satisfied playing in this market. Don't forget the fact that his playing partner, Ryan Suter, helps to elevate Weber's game, and going to another team takes that dimension away.
My view: Weber signs a deal in the five year range for $6-7 million per year.
So where does this leave the Predators for the upcoming season?
There will be the possibility for the team to still make some good offensive additions. Several teams are up against the cap and will have to get under before the season starts. Additionally, there will be some players that walk away from arbitration awards and will become available. Arb hearings will begin in late July and continue into August, and I expect to see some players become available after this process is underway. Because of the cleared cap space, the Predators will be in a position to make an offer for a player that fits their needs.
This also does not mean that the Predators are out of the trade market. The obvious bargaining chip for the team is the young D corp, but a trade there certainly has to have long term benefits. Several teams are still in the market for a depth defenseman, and this situation favors the Predators.
In looking at the players have under contract, there is one other factor to consider: this is a young roster that has a lot of experience. Don't underestimate the effect of playing a full season in the NHL at a young age, as many of of forwards have done. The jump in experience usually translates into performance on the ice in the next season. For instance, Nick Spaling will turn 24 at the start of the upcoming season; Sergei Kostitsyn turned 24 near the end of last season; Colin Wilson will turn 22 early in this season; Niclas Bergfors turned 24 at the end of last season; and Patrick Hornqvist will turn 25 on January 1. These young players will mature not only physically, but on and off the ice as well. This maturity will hopefully translate into improved play in the upcoming season.
It's easy to get frustrated at the start of the free agency period and not see some big name signed to the roster. The truth is that the start of free agency is when the "stupid" money gets spent, money that many teams come to regret. And many times, these players added at that time do not generate the results that was expected at their signing. The fact in today's NHL is that teams that can draft well and develop their talent most often are successful in the long term.
Welcome to the "Predator Way".
That is not to say that the Preds want make some off season adds. I think they will.
When they do, you can be assured that it will be a player that can contribute at the right price. And the team will not pay "stupid" money to do this.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Predators Vulnerable in Qualifying Offer Dispute
There is confusion and consternation that has arisen because of a possible defect in the qualifying offers that the Nashville Predators extended to restricted free agents Sergei Kostitsyn, Matt Halischuk, Nick Spaling, Cal O'Reilly, along with minor league players Linus Klasen, Chris Mueller, and Andreas Thuresson. In question is if the qualifying offers were tendered by the 5:00 deadline on Monday.
According to the Predators front office, they were unaware of any problem and had complied with the procedures to qualify the RFA's. The qualifying offers were sent by FedEx at 4:00 on Monday. However, the offers were not faxed to the players, their representatives, and the Players Association by the 5:00 deadline on Monday. As such, the offers were not delivered to the players until Tuesday, after the deadline.
In question then, is whether the offers were considered "tendered" when FedEx picked them up for delivery.
The NHL released a statement late yesterday confirming that there was not a problem in the League office with the qualifying offers, and they were considered in compliance with the CBA.
The NHLPA has filed a grievance, stating the contracts were not "tendered" in a timely manner since the players and their representatives did not receive them until after the deadline. The PA has asked independent arbitrator George Nicholau to give an expedited ruling as to whether the since free agency will begin on July 1.
Here is the qualifying offer sheet that RFA's receive:
Seems pretty straightforward, doesn't it?
We both know that this is not the first time as a team that the Predators have qualified RFA's; nor is is the first time David Poile or his staff have done so. So what is going on?
Here is the relevant section from the CBA (Section 10.2):
So, our dispute is over whether the Predators "tendered" an offer to the players by sending the contracts out the door with a courier.
Now, I'm not a lawyer, nor do I play one on TV, but here is the legal definition of "tender":
"to extend for acceptance or consideration (vt); to make an unconditional offer of payment or performance with a manifestation of willingness and ability to follow through (n)."
Obviously, the Predators made an offer to the players by sending the qualifying offer sheet. The question that the arbitrator has to determine is if it was legally "tendered" by the deadline by virtue of having a courier pick it the offer sheet. The Predators and the League are saying that it is tendered, and that has been an acceptable and utilized practice in the past. If that is so- if precedent has been established- then I believe the Predators have safely qualified their players.
If, on the other hand, that is not the precedent and the offers are deemed invalid by the arbitrator, then it is a gaffe of major proportions by the Predators, and one frankly that I would find very difficult to understand.
As for now, the matter rests with the arbitrator. The decision will come quickly so as to not infringe upon the ability to negotiate in free agency by the players in question.
Hopefully the arbitrators ruling will not leave a tender spot in the Predators roster.
According to the Predators front office, they were unaware of any problem and had complied with the procedures to qualify the RFA's. The qualifying offers were sent by FedEx at 4:00 on Monday. However, the offers were not faxed to the players, their representatives, and the Players Association by the 5:00 deadline on Monday. As such, the offers were not delivered to the players until Tuesday, after the deadline.
In question then, is whether the offers were considered "tendered" when FedEx picked them up for delivery.
The NHL released a statement late yesterday confirming that there was not a problem in the League office with the qualifying offers, and they were considered in compliance with the CBA.
The NHLPA has filed a grievance, stating the contracts were not "tendered" in a timely manner since the players and their representatives did not receive them until after the deadline. The PA has asked independent arbitrator George Nicholau to give an expedited ruling as to whether the since free agency will begin on July 1.
Here is the qualifying offer sheet that RFA's receive:
QUALIFYING OFFER SHEET
Name and Address of Player:
Name and Address of Player's Authorized Representative:
Club:
Pursuant to Section 10.2 of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (the "CBA"), [Club]
hereby makes [Player] a Qualifying Offer of $__ in the NHL and $___ in the AHL (if
applicable), or whatever other minimum amounts are necessary to preserve the Club
rights contemplated in Section 10.2(a)(ii) of the CBA. This Qualifying Offer is not open
for acceptance until July 1, 20__.
If you are eligible for salary arbitration, this Qualifying Offer is subject to that right.
Date:__________________
____________________________
Club
By:
Title:
Agreed To and Accepted By:
____________________________ ______________
[Player Name] [Date]
cc: NHL Players' Association
NHL Central Registry
Seems pretty straightforward, doesn't it?
We both know that this is not the first time as a team that the Predators have qualified RFA's; nor is is the first time David Poile or his staff have done so. So what is going on?
Here is the relevant section from the CBA (Section 10.2):
(ii) In order to receive a Right of First Refusal or Draft Choice
Compensation (at the Prior Club's option) with respect to a
Restricted Free Agent, the Prior Club of a Restricted Free Agent
must tender to the Player, no later than 5:00 p.m. New York time
on the later of June 25 or the first Monday after the Entry Draft of
the final year of the Player's SPC, a "Qualifying Offer", which
shall be an offer of an SPC, for one League Year, which is subject
to salary arbitration if such Player is otherwise eligible for salary
arbitration in accordance with Section 12.1, on at least the
following terms and conditions:
So, our dispute is over whether the Predators "tendered" an offer to the players by sending the contracts out the door with a courier.
Now, I'm not a lawyer, nor do I play one on TV, but here is the legal definition of "tender":
"to extend for acceptance or consideration (vt); to make an unconditional offer of payment or performance with a manifestation of willingness and ability to follow through (n)."
Obviously, the Predators made an offer to the players by sending the qualifying offer sheet. The question that the arbitrator has to determine is if it was legally "tendered" by the deadline by virtue of having a courier pick it the offer sheet. The Predators and the League are saying that it is tendered, and that has been an acceptable and utilized practice in the past. If that is so- if precedent has been established- then I believe the Predators have safely qualified their players.
If, on the other hand, that is not the precedent and the offers are deemed invalid by the arbitrator, then it is a gaffe of major proportions by the Predators, and one frankly that I would find very difficult to understand.
As for now, the matter rests with the arbitrator. The decision will come quickly so as to not infringe upon the ability to negotiate in free agency by the players in question.
Hopefully the arbitrators ruling will not leave a tender spot in the Predators roster.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Predators Defeat the Desert Dogs 5-2
The Nashville Predators had dropped three games in a row in Jobing.com Arena and had been vexed by the Phoenix Coyotes and their stellar netminder Ilya Bryzgalov. Tonight, they reversed their fortunes with a 5-2 win, allowing them to leapfrog over the Coyotes in the Western Conference standings by a point.
The game opened with the Coyotes flying and pushing the Predators back on their heels and deep into their defensive zone. The tenor of this game at the outset did not look good for the Predators, as early on the Coyotes looked dominant.
A funny thing happened on the way to the apparent dominance of the Coyotes. The Predators scored two goals in just 12 seconds to rock the Coyotes.
J.P. Dumont opened the scoring for the Predators at 8:16 of the first period as he banged home a shot off a pass from Chris Mueller, who worked hard in the corner to dig the puck out. The line of Mueller, Dumont, and Matt Halischuk has shown amazing chemistry and energy in the short time that they have been on the ice together.
On the ensuing face off the puck went deep into the Coyotes zone. Patric Hornqvist pursued the puck deep and centered a pass to the front of the net. The puck caromed off a Coyote defenders skate and back to Hornqvist, who was driving to the front of the net. With Bryzgalov out of position, Hornqvist gathered in the puck and flipped a backhand shot into an open net.
Two goals in 12 seconds and all the momentum was with the Predators.
Momentum, fickle as she often is, quickly switched back to the Coyotes.
The first Coyote goal can only be charitably characterized as a fluke. With the puck deep in the Predators zone and the puck loose at the side of the net, defenseman Shane O'Brien tried to slide the puck back to Nashville netminder Pekka Rinne. Unfortunately, he slid the puck between Rinne and the post. Radim Vrbata got credit for the goal as he was the last Coyote player to touch the puck. Rinne was visibly upset after the goal, which was strange indeed.
Phoenix would tie the game at 14:01 of the first on a goal by Lee Stempniak. Stempniak was cruising in front of the net and deflected a pass from Adrian Aucoin past Rinne.
Phoenix outshot the Predators 16-7 in the wild first period. Great saves by Rinne on several plays kept the Coyotes from taking the lead. As strange as this game had been in the first period, one could only imagine what the remaining 40 minutes would hold for these teams.
What it would hold for the Predators in the second period was an offensive outburst from J.P. Dumont. The Dumont, Halischuk, Mueller line would wreak havoc on the Coyotes in the second period. Dumont would add his second goal of the contest at 11:25 of the second as he banged home a rebound from close in off a shot by Joel Ward.
Dumont's line was strong throughout the second period, and he would strike for his third goal of the contest at 17:35 as he was on the off side and knocked home a rebound of a Matt Halishcuk shot. Halischuk drove hard to the net on the right wing and put a shot on Bryzgalov, who kicked out a rebound to the right side. Dumont beat the defender to the net and had had an easy put back for his hat trick.
Dumont now has five goals in two games, and it is a very good sign for the Predators that he is finding his offensive touch.
The period ended with the Predators and the Coyotes each putting 11 shot on goal, but Dumont was able to tally twice to give the Predators the two goal advantage.
In the third period, the Predators controlled play in the neutral zone and slowed the speedy Coyotes attack. Although the Coyotes outshot the Predators 7-2, most of the shots were from the outside and were fairly routine saves for Rinne.
The Predators did not record their first shot on goal until 14:29 of the period, but they made it count. Patric Hornqvist broke in on net, and with Colin Wilson screening in front, roofed a wrister over the shoulder of Bryzgalov. Hornqvist's second goal of the night was the knife in the heart of the Coyotes.
Phoenix never seriously challenged after that goal and the Predators choked off their offensive attack for the remainder of the period. 5-2 final, and a huge road win for the Predators.
With this win, the Predators record stands at 25-15-6, good for 56 points and 4th place in the Western Conference.
Every game counts, and every game is a character game right now in the Western Conference. There are teams trying to separate from the pack, and the Predators can ill afford a losing streak. After the loss in Chicago, this is a very good bounce back win against a team that was ahead of them in the standings.
My three stars:
1. J.P. Dumont
2. Patric Hornqvist
3. Matt Halischuk
The game opened with the Coyotes flying and pushing the Predators back on their heels and deep into their defensive zone. The tenor of this game at the outset did not look good for the Predators, as early on the Coyotes looked dominant.
A funny thing happened on the way to the apparent dominance of the Coyotes. The Predators scored two goals in just 12 seconds to rock the Coyotes.
J.P. Dumont opened the scoring for the Predators at 8:16 of the first period as he banged home a shot off a pass from Chris Mueller, who worked hard in the corner to dig the puck out. The line of Mueller, Dumont, and Matt Halischuk has shown amazing chemistry and energy in the short time that they have been on the ice together.
On the ensuing face off the puck went deep into the Coyotes zone. Patric Hornqvist pursued the puck deep and centered a pass to the front of the net. The puck caromed off a Coyote defenders skate and back to Hornqvist, who was driving to the front of the net. With Bryzgalov out of position, Hornqvist gathered in the puck and flipped a backhand shot into an open net.
Two goals in 12 seconds and all the momentum was with the Predators.
Momentum, fickle as she often is, quickly switched back to the Coyotes.
The first Coyote goal can only be charitably characterized as a fluke. With the puck deep in the Predators zone and the puck loose at the side of the net, defenseman Shane O'Brien tried to slide the puck back to Nashville netminder Pekka Rinne. Unfortunately, he slid the puck between Rinne and the post. Radim Vrbata got credit for the goal as he was the last Coyote player to touch the puck. Rinne was visibly upset after the goal, which was strange indeed.
Phoenix would tie the game at 14:01 of the first on a goal by Lee Stempniak. Stempniak was cruising in front of the net and deflected a pass from Adrian Aucoin past Rinne.
Phoenix outshot the Predators 16-7 in the wild first period. Great saves by Rinne on several plays kept the Coyotes from taking the lead. As strange as this game had been in the first period, one could only imagine what the remaining 40 minutes would hold for these teams.
What it would hold for the Predators in the second period was an offensive outburst from J.P. Dumont. The Dumont, Halischuk, Mueller line would wreak havoc on the Coyotes in the second period. Dumont would add his second goal of the contest at 11:25 of the second as he banged home a rebound from close in off a shot by Joel Ward.
Dumont's line was strong throughout the second period, and he would strike for his third goal of the contest at 17:35 as he was on the off side and knocked home a rebound of a Matt Halishcuk shot. Halischuk drove hard to the net on the right wing and put a shot on Bryzgalov, who kicked out a rebound to the right side. Dumont beat the defender to the net and had had an easy put back for his hat trick.
Dumont now has five goals in two games, and it is a very good sign for the Predators that he is finding his offensive touch.
The period ended with the Predators and the Coyotes each putting 11 shot on goal, but Dumont was able to tally twice to give the Predators the two goal advantage.
In the third period, the Predators controlled play in the neutral zone and slowed the speedy Coyotes attack. Although the Coyotes outshot the Predators 7-2, most of the shots were from the outside and were fairly routine saves for Rinne.
The Predators did not record their first shot on goal until 14:29 of the period, but they made it count. Patric Hornqvist broke in on net, and with Colin Wilson screening in front, roofed a wrister over the shoulder of Bryzgalov. Hornqvist's second goal of the night was the knife in the heart of the Coyotes.
Phoenix never seriously challenged after that goal and the Predators choked off their offensive attack for the remainder of the period. 5-2 final, and a huge road win for the Predators.
With this win, the Predators record stands at 25-15-6, good for 56 points and 4th place in the Western Conference.
Every game counts, and every game is a character game right now in the Western Conference. There are teams trying to separate from the pack, and the Predators can ill afford a losing streak. After the loss in Chicago, this is a very good bounce back win against a team that was ahead of them in the standings.
My three stars:
1. J.P. Dumont
2. Patric Hornqvist
3. Matt Halischuk
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Third Period Meltdown Dooms the Predators in a 6-3 Loss to the Blackhawks
As good as the Nashville Predator's win over the Blackhawks was on Saturday, their re-match in Chicago was horrid. A third period meltdown cost the Predators a chance to sweep the back to back contests with their division rivals, as the Blackhawks turned a close game into a blowout, defeating the Predators 6-3.
The Predators were victimized by a third period that was a horror show. Tied at 2 at the end of two periods, the Predators took a 3-2 lead on the second goal of the night from J.P. Dumont. From that point on, the wheels absolutely came off for the Predators.
Before we get to the debacle that was the third period for the Predators, let's see how we got there.
The Predators opened the game with good jump and were out-skating the Hawks in the first period. Their effort paid off with four power play opportunities in the first period, and they were able to cash in on two of them.
The first tally of the game came from Marty Erat with Jonathan Toews in the box for holding.Erat buried a rebound past Hawks goalie Marty Turco to give the Predators a 1-0 lead at 2:04 of the period.
Chicago would tie the game on a Dave Bolland score at 6:38, as he beat Nashville netminder Anders Lindback.
The Predators would respond with their second power play marker of the period as J.P. Dumont corralled a rebound of a Shea Weber shot that was initially blocked by Brian Campbell. He beat Turco with a quick wrist shot to give the Predators a 2-1 advantage.
Chicago would tie the game with the only goal of the second period as David Legwand made a lazy croos ice pass at the Predators blueline that Bolland intercepted. Bolland put a spectacular move on Ryan Suter, the only Predator player that was back to stop the rush, and beat Lindback five hole.
To this point, the contest had been fairly even, Nashville had outshot the hawks at the end of two period by an 18-16 margin and had skated evenly with the Hawks through forty minutes.
As I said last night, it is a 60 minute game, but tonight the Predators unfortunately checked out after 40 minutes.
Oh, the third started well. J.P. Dumont potted his second goal of the night off a clean face off win by rookie Chris Mueller. Dumont gathered in the puck and beat Turco cleanly with a quick wrister that went high glove side.
3-2 Predators and we have a game that the good guys can win.
Not so fast.
A game that the Predators had played evenly with the Blackhawks suddenly spiraled out of control. Quickly.
With Ryan Suter in the box for holding, the Blackhawks struck on a power play opportunity of their own.Troy Brouwer was left all alone in front of the net and gathered in a rebound of a pad save by Lindback and knocked the puck into an open net as Lindback was out of position. Brouwer's goal came at 9:19 of the third
Tied at 3, the Hawks turned up the pressure and the Predators did not respond. Brouwer circled out the corner, split Marcel Goc and Shea Weber, and found himself alone in the low slot. His wrist shot beat Lindback to the glove side at 9:59 of the third.
Two goals in 40 seconds and the Hawks were flying and the Predators were back on their heels. And the assault was just beginning.
Brian Bickell scored at 14:08 and Jonathan Toews added the finisher at 16:58.
From up 3-2 with 11 minutes to go in the contest to down 6-3 at the end. Indicative of how bad the third period was for the Predators, they were outshot 18-5.
Absolutely putrid.
Compounding the sting of this loss was the fact that the Predators lost Francis Buillon in the first period as he was boarded by Brouwer. The Predators spent the rest of the contest with just five defensemen.No excuses, but you have to believe that fatigue was a factor late in the game for the D corp. Ryan Suter logged 32:43 of ice time; Shea Weber had 29:40; and Kevin Klein had 21:43.
With this loss, the Predators are now tied with the Blackhawks with 54 points, but have 2 games in hand. The Predators lead the season series with the Blackhawks 3-2.
This is another example of how this team has to play a full 60 minutes to win a game. This was a game the Predators could have won, but their 11 minute lapse in the third period bite them hard.
There will be no rest for the weary, as the Predators are now headed to Phoenix to play the red hot Coyotes.
The importance of that upcoming game? The Coyotes sit in fourth place in the West, one point ahead of the Predators.
All the games in this tightly bunched Western Conference race are important. They are yours for the taking, boys. However, ya gotta play a full 60 minutes.
And avoid those pesky meltdowns.
My three stars:
1. Dave Bolland
2. Troy Brouwer
3. J.P. Dumont
.
The Predators were victimized by a third period that was a horror show. Tied at 2 at the end of two periods, the Predators took a 3-2 lead on the second goal of the night from J.P. Dumont. From that point on, the wheels absolutely came off for the Predators.
Before we get to the debacle that was the third period for the Predators, let's see how we got there.
The Predators opened the game with good jump and were out-skating the Hawks in the first period. Their effort paid off with four power play opportunities in the first period, and they were able to cash in on two of them.
The first tally of the game came from Marty Erat with Jonathan Toews in the box for holding.Erat buried a rebound past Hawks goalie Marty Turco to give the Predators a 1-0 lead at 2:04 of the period.
Chicago would tie the game on a Dave Bolland score at 6:38, as he beat Nashville netminder Anders Lindback.
The Predators would respond with their second power play marker of the period as J.P. Dumont corralled a rebound of a Shea Weber shot that was initially blocked by Brian Campbell. He beat Turco with a quick wrist shot to give the Predators a 2-1 advantage.
Chicago would tie the game with the only goal of the second period as David Legwand made a lazy croos ice pass at the Predators blueline that Bolland intercepted. Bolland put a spectacular move on Ryan Suter, the only Predator player that was back to stop the rush, and beat Lindback five hole.
To this point, the contest had been fairly even, Nashville had outshot the hawks at the end of two period by an 18-16 margin and had skated evenly with the Hawks through forty minutes.
As I said last night, it is a 60 minute game, but tonight the Predators unfortunately checked out after 40 minutes.
Oh, the third started well. J.P. Dumont potted his second goal of the night off a clean face off win by rookie Chris Mueller. Dumont gathered in the puck and beat Turco cleanly with a quick wrister that went high glove side.
3-2 Predators and we have a game that the good guys can win.
Not so fast.
A game that the Predators had played evenly with the Blackhawks suddenly spiraled out of control. Quickly.
With Ryan Suter in the box for holding, the Blackhawks struck on a power play opportunity of their own.Troy Brouwer was left all alone in front of the net and gathered in a rebound of a pad save by Lindback and knocked the puck into an open net as Lindback was out of position. Brouwer's goal came at 9:19 of the third
Tied at 3, the Hawks turned up the pressure and the Predators did not respond. Brouwer circled out the corner, split Marcel Goc and Shea Weber, and found himself alone in the low slot. His wrist shot beat Lindback to the glove side at 9:59 of the third.
Two goals in 40 seconds and the Hawks were flying and the Predators were back on their heels. And the assault was just beginning.
Brian Bickell scored at 14:08 and Jonathan Toews added the finisher at 16:58.
From up 3-2 with 11 minutes to go in the contest to down 6-3 at the end. Indicative of how bad the third period was for the Predators, they were outshot 18-5.
Absolutely putrid.
Compounding the sting of this loss was the fact that the Predators lost Francis Buillon in the first period as he was boarded by Brouwer. The Predators spent the rest of the contest with just five defensemen.No excuses, but you have to believe that fatigue was a factor late in the game for the D corp. Ryan Suter logged 32:43 of ice time; Shea Weber had 29:40; and Kevin Klein had 21:43.
With this loss, the Predators are now tied with the Blackhawks with 54 points, but have 2 games in hand. The Predators lead the season series with the Blackhawks 3-2.
This is another example of how this team has to play a full 60 minutes to win a game. This was a game the Predators could have won, but their 11 minute lapse in the third period bite them hard.
There will be no rest for the weary, as the Predators are now headed to Phoenix to play the red hot Coyotes.
The importance of that upcoming game? The Coyotes sit in fourth place in the West, one point ahead of the Predators.
All the games in this tightly bunched Western Conference race are important. They are yours for the taking, boys. However, ya gotta play a full 60 minutes.
And avoid those pesky meltdowns.
My three stars:
1. Dave Bolland
2. Troy Brouwer
3. J.P. Dumont
.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Wounded Predators Waste a Solid Effort Against the Stars
The Nashville Predators depleted lineup gave the Dallas Stars a challenge before falling 4-2 at the Bridgestone Arena. With this loss, the Nashville Predators have dropped 5 straight games.
The Predators were missing five forwards, with David Legwand, Matthew Lombardi, Steve Sullivan, and Martin Erat all out due to injury. Jordin Tootoo is out of the lineup since checking in to the League's substance abuse program.
Steve "Cheap Shot" Ott opened the scoring for the Stars at 4:39 of the second period after taking a nice backhand pass from Loui Erikkson. Ott tapped the puck home past an out of position Pekka Rinne to give the Stars a 1-0 lead.
The Predators would answer on the power play at 19:00 minutes of the second as Colin Wilson was lurking around the net and put a shot over the pads of Andrew Raycroft. Wilson corralled a rebound off a shot from J.P. Dumont and slapped home the tying goal.
Through two periods, the Predators outshot the Stars by a margin of 34-15, but could not solve Raycroft. The Predators had numerous scoring chances, but could not finish their chances. This inability to finish scoring chances was going to come back to haunt the Predators in this contest.
Wilson would strike again for his second goal just 32 seconds into the third period as he lifted a backhand past Raycroft on a breakaway. For the first time in five games, the Predators would have a lead. This was a very solid game for Wilson, perhaps the best he has played in his young career.
That lead was short lived, however, as Loui Eriksson would score from the slot with a quick wrist shot that beat Rinne high over the glove side. Erikkson was able to take advantage of a breakdown in the defensive coverage and was alone in the low slot.
Dallas would take the lead at 8:18 of the third as Mark Fistric would let a shot go from the point that beat Rinne. That goal seemed to take all the air out of the Predators. Krys Barch would tally the fourth goal for the Stars at 10:05 as he crashed the net and beat Rinne with a wrist shot.
The Predators could not answer and fell for the fifth straight time. Dallas evened their record against Nashville to 1-1 for the season.
The Predators outshot the Stars 46-25 for the contest, but the inability to bury some quality scoring chances proved to be their undoing.
Chris Mueller made his NHL debut for the Predators, and logged 3:17 of ice time. Linus Klasen played his second game for the Predators and had 14:48 of ice time and two shots on goal.
The injuries have obviously taken a toll on the Predators, but tonight's contest brings home the point that the Predators have to take advantage of their chances offensively and cannot have any defensive lapses. Three Stars goals were the result of defensive coverage that broke down.
The Predators are a team that has no margin for error. Tonight, a few defensive errors cost them a much needed win. This game also points out the fact that the offense has to finish the scoring chances that they have. Give credit to Raycroft for 44 saves, but frankly, he is not that good of a goalie. Bury a few of the chances that you have, and the Predators run the Stars out of the building. Tonight, the Predators made the Stars look good.
This is a painful losing streak. The only way that you get out of this is to play hard and bring this kind of effort every night. Keep up this type of play, and this streak will be broken.
This is part of hockey. You have to play with the guys that put on the sweater and bring it every night. Keep up this kind of effort and the wins will come.
Wounded or not, the only way to end this losing streak is to play your way out of it.
My three stars:
1. Loui Erikkson
2. Colin Wilson
3. Andrew Raycroft
The Predators were missing five forwards, with David Legwand, Matthew Lombardi, Steve Sullivan, and Martin Erat all out due to injury. Jordin Tootoo is out of the lineup since checking in to the League's substance abuse program.
Steve "Cheap Shot" Ott opened the scoring for the Stars at 4:39 of the second period after taking a nice backhand pass from Loui Erikkson. Ott tapped the puck home past an out of position Pekka Rinne to give the Stars a 1-0 lead.
The Predators would answer on the power play at 19:00 minutes of the second as Colin Wilson was lurking around the net and put a shot over the pads of Andrew Raycroft. Wilson corralled a rebound off a shot from J.P. Dumont and slapped home the tying goal.
Through two periods, the Predators outshot the Stars by a margin of 34-15, but could not solve Raycroft. The Predators had numerous scoring chances, but could not finish their chances. This inability to finish scoring chances was going to come back to haunt the Predators in this contest.
Wilson would strike again for his second goal just 32 seconds into the third period as he lifted a backhand past Raycroft on a breakaway. For the first time in five games, the Predators would have a lead. This was a very solid game for Wilson, perhaps the best he has played in his young career.
That lead was short lived, however, as Loui Eriksson would score from the slot with a quick wrist shot that beat Rinne high over the glove side. Erikkson was able to take advantage of a breakdown in the defensive coverage and was alone in the low slot.
Dallas would take the lead at 8:18 of the third as Mark Fistric would let a shot go from the point that beat Rinne. That goal seemed to take all the air out of the Predators. Krys Barch would tally the fourth goal for the Stars at 10:05 as he crashed the net and beat Rinne with a wrist shot.
The Predators could not answer and fell for the fifth straight time. Dallas evened their record against Nashville to 1-1 for the season.
The Predators outshot the Stars 46-25 for the contest, but the inability to bury some quality scoring chances proved to be their undoing.
Chris Mueller made his NHL debut for the Predators, and logged 3:17 of ice time. Linus Klasen played his second game for the Predators and had 14:48 of ice time and two shots on goal.
The injuries have obviously taken a toll on the Predators, but tonight's contest brings home the point that the Predators have to take advantage of their chances offensively and cannot have any defensive lapses. Three Stars goals were the result of defensive coverage that broke down.
The Predators are a team that has no margin for error. Tonight, a few defensive errors cost them a much needed win. This game also points out the fact that the offense has to finish the scoring chances that they have. Give credit to Raycroft for 44 saves, but frankly, he is not that good of a goalie. Bury a few of the chances that you have, and the Predators run the Stars out of the building. Tonight, the Predators made the Stars look good.
This is a painful losing streak. The only way that you get out of this is to play hard and bring this kind of effort every night. Keep up this type of play, and this streak will be broken.
This is part of hockey. You have to play with the guys that put on the sweater and bring it every night. Keep up this kind of effort and the wins will come.
Wounded or not, the only way to end this losing streak is to play your way out of it.
My three stars:
1. Loui Erikkson
2. Colin Wilson
3. Andrew Raycroft
Monday, December 27, 2010
Jordin Tootoo Enters NHL Substance Abuse Program
The Nashville Predators announced today that forward Jordin Tootoo has entered the League's substance abuse program and will be out of the lineup indefinitely. The Predators released the following statement:
"We offer Jordin the full support of his teammates, coaches and the organization. There is no timetable for his return and we will have no further comment at this time." - GM David Poile
Tootoo has appeared in 32 games and has 10 points (4G-6A).
This announcement comes on the heels of an announcement that forward Steve Sullivan is expected to miss 10 days to two weeks with a lower body injury.
The Predators have also lost forward Martin Erat to a lower body injury. His return is unknown.
The Predators have called up forward Linus Klasen from Milwaukee and today announced that they had signed forward Chris Mueller. He is expected to be in the lineup tomorrow night against Dallas.
* photo courtesy of P. W. Nicholson
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