Predators Stop the Bruins In a Shootout

The Nashville Predators returned to Bridgestone Arena for one game against the Boston Bruins before departing on the road until after Christmas. So playing in front of the home crowd, where the Predators have been almost unbeatable, and against a team in the Bruins that has struggled to score lately, this looked like a matchup that would favor the Predators.

Instead, the Predators found themselves in a battle with the Bruins before they won it in a shootut.

Regulation and overtime ended tied at 2. Derek Roy scored the only goal in overtime and Pekka Rinne stopped all three Boston shooters for a 3-2 win for the Predators.

After a scoreless first period that saw both teams register 9 shots, the Bruins opened the second period absolutely dominating the Predators. They had the first 8 shots on net and tallied the first goal of the game just after their power play expired. The Bruins were swarming the net and got 4 shots on goal before Milan Lucic was finally able to get a puck past Rinne to make it 1-0.

The Predators answered with just 30 seconds to go in the second. With Lucic in the box for hooking, Shea Weber let a shot go from the blue line that was tipped by Mike Fisher in front past Tuukka Rask to tie the game.

The Predators took a 2-1 lead early in the third as James Neal passed the puck off the end boards right to the stick of Mike Ribeiro. He fired a rocket over the shoulder of Rask for his 9th goal of the season.

That lead lasted just under 2 minutes as Reilly Smith drove around James Neal and was able to slide the puck past Rinne.

Both teams has some chances in the remainder of regulation but neither could find the back of the net.

In overtime, the Predators were a turnover machine and Rinne had to make some huge stops to keep the Bruins off the board.

Roy notched the only goal in the shootout to secure the 3-2 win and the valuable second point for the Predators.

Some observations:

• If Pekka Rinne doesn't get serious consideration for the Vezina and the Hart, then the Pro Hockey Writers will have committed a criminal offense. Rinne has been outstanding so far this season and some of his saves have just been amazing. In overtime in particular he was outstanding, stopping the Bruins on a breakaway. He did a good job of tracking the puck through traffic and kept the Predators in the game while the offense was absent early in the second period. Rinne came into the game with a .937 save percentage and stopped 33 of 35 shots for a .943 save percentage in this game. 
• Rinne has now stopped 14 straight shootout attempts.
• The Predators power play goal tonight was their first power play goal on home ice since the home opener on October 9th. Yikes! This does point out, however, how strong the Predators have been at 5 on 5 scoring.
• The Predators penalty kill stopped all three of the Bruins powers plays. The Bruins first goal came just 8 seconds after their power play had expired.
• Remember how bad the Predators were in shootouts last season? They are 4-1 in the skills competition this season.
• The resiliency and the strength of the Predators is reflected in how well they have played in the one goal games. With the win tonight, they are now 13-4-2 in contests decided by one goal.
• Roman Josi led all Predators in TOI with 31:12. He has been playing at a very high level and against the best forwards of the opponent. He and Shea Weber have developed into one of the elite D tandems in the NHL.
• Speaking of Weber, one aspect of his game that has really stood out to me is how well he is skating this season. He seems faster and has been more active jumping into the offensive rush and creating some scoring opportunities in the offensive zone.
• David Poile has moved into second all time in the NHL for wins by a General manager. He now has 1,171, passing Harry Sinden.
• The Predators opened the second period back on their heels and were atrocious. They did not register their first shot on goal until the 14 minute mark of the period. A time out by Head Coach Peter Laviolette jolted the Predators back to life.
• Filip Forsberg picked up an assist for his 30th point of the year.
• The Predators are now 20-8-2, good for 42 points, and the win tonight keeps the Predators on pace with the Blackhawks and Blues, who have 45 and 44 points respectively. The Predators have 2 games in hand on the Blackhawks and 1 game in hand on the Blues.
• The Predators have not lost back to back games this season.

This was a hard fought, scrappy win by the Predators against a team that has lots of talent, the Bruins injuries notwithstanding.

More importantly, this keep the Predators right in the thick of a very competitive Central Division race.

They will have a chance to add to their win total on Thursday in their first meeting with the Minnesota Wild.

My three stars:

1. Pekka Rinne

2. Mike Ribeiro

3. Tuukka Rask

Housley Named Assistant Coach; Horachek Fired As Predators Shuffle Staff

Coming off a miserable season, the Nashville Predators have shuffled their coaching staff, terminating Assistant Head Coach Peter Horachek and naming Phil Housley as Assistant Coach.

Here is the press release from the Predators:

Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced today that Phil Housley has been named assistant coach of the team. Housley coached the United States to a gold medal at the 2013 World Junior Championships and ranks fourth all-time among NHL defensemen in points (338g-894a-1,232pts).  

            “Phil brings a unique skill set to our coaching staff,” Poile said. “He was one of the most talented offensive defensemen to play in the NHL, and he has worked extensively with young players during his coaching career. He will continue to focus his efforts on our young defensemen and assisting on the power play.”

 

            Housley, 49 (3/9/64), has spent the last nine seasons in the coaching ranks, most recently serving as an assistant for Team USA at the 2013 World Championships that took home the bronze medal, the nation’s first medal at the tournament in nine years. He was also behind the bench for the U.S. National Team at the 2011 World Championships. In addition to leading the United States’ to its second world junior title in four years in January, Housley was an assistant coach at the tournament in both 2007 and 2011, helping each team claim the bronze medal. He was also one of two head coaches for the inaugural CCM/USA Hockey All-American Prospects Game in September 2012. 

            “A coach with history as a defenseman who was offensively gifted and excelled on the power play is something we have never had on our coaching staff,” Predators Head Coach Barry Trotz said. “His insight and viewpoint will bring a fresh perspective to our team.”  

            A native of South St. Paul, Minn., Housley was a seven-time NHL All-Star in a career that spanned 21 seasons (1982-2003) with eight teams (Buffalo, Winnipeg, St. Louis, Calgary, New Jersey, Washington, Chicago and Toronto). In addition to having posted the most points by an American defenseman in NHL history, he played the sixth-most games among all League blueliners (1,495). A first-round pick (sixth overall) by the Buffalo Sabres in the 1982 NHL Entry Draft, he was inducted into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame in 2004. 

            A seven-time member of the U.S. National Team (1982, 1986, 1989, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2003), Housley earned a silver medal at the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics and helped Team USA capture the 1996 World Cup of Hockey title. He was inducted into the IIHF Hall of Fame in May 2012, and received USA Hockey’s Bob Johnson Award in 2000 for excellence in international competition.

 

Phil Housley at a glance: 

• Head coach of the gold-medal winning U.S. team at the 2013 World Junior Championships. Also helped Team USA to bronze medals at the tournament in 2007 and 2011. 

• An assistant coach for the U.S. Men’s National Team at the 2013 World Championships, helping the team claim the bronze medal, the nation’s first medal at the tournament since 2004. Also served as an assistant at the 2011 World Championships. 

• Ranks fourth all-time among NHL defensemen in points (338g-894a-1,232pts), and sixth in games played (1,495). He ranks first among American-born blueliners in points, and second in games played.

• Inducted into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame in 2004 and the IIHF Hall of Fame in 2012. Also the recipient of USA Hockey’s Bob Johnson Award in 2000 for excellence in international competition. 

• A seven-time NHL All-Star Game selection (1984, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 2000). 

• Broke into the NHL as an 18-year-old, posting 66 points (19g-47a) in 77 games, finishing second 1983 Calder Trophy voting while being named to the 1983 NHL All-Rookie Team. Two seasons later, he became the youngest defenseman in NHL history to score 30 goals. 

• A seven-time member of the U.S. National Team (1982, 1986, 1989, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2003)

 

• A silver medalist at the 2002 Olympics and 1996 World Cup of Hockey champion.

At the end of the season, General manager David Poile had said that the coaching staff would be back. That obviously changed with the termination of Horachek, who was informed by phone yesterday that he would be relieved of his coaching duties.

 

Horachek had been behind the Predators bench since the 2003 season and had taken responsibility for the defense after Brent Peterson stepped out of his coaching role because of medical reasons in 2011. With the loss of Ryan Suter to free agency, the blue line was shuffled extensively this past season and Horachek had a number of young players that he had to work into the line up quickly.

 

Housley brings a wealth of experience and a quality pedigree to the Predators, and his ability to work with and develop young players should serve the team well.  His experience in this area should greatly benefit the young defensemen on the Predators roster and advance their game at a rapid pace.

 

The addition of Housley indicates that Poile- and perhaps the owners- felt that the team needed a new voice and a fresh approach to improving the blue line and developing the young defenseman in the system.

 

He will have an opportunity to make an immediate impact, and if he has the same kind of success that he has had in previous stints, the Predators will be a much better team.

An Update on the Predators MASH Unit

David Poile today gave an update today on a number of the injured Predators and their progress. Here is what he had to say:

Pekka Rinne

Pekka had arthroscopic surgery on an injured hip yesterday and according to Poile, this was not related to an injury suffered during his time in the KHL. The labrum was repaired and the injury was from normal wear that many goalies get from their movement around the net. Pekka and team officials consulted with specialists, and it was felt that the surgery was necessary to prevent a more serious injury and it was surgery from which Pekka could fully recover and resume his normal high level of play. Recovery time is normally four months, which means that if all goes well, Pekka should be ready at the start of training camp. His off season training will be altered significantly as he recovers from the surgery.

Colin Wilson

Wilson had surgery on one of his shoulders three weeks ago, and had surgery on the second one this past Monday. Both surgeries were to repair a subluxation, an instability that affects strength and mobility. Wilson is going through rehab and will be ready for training camp.

Gabriel Bourque

Bourque had surgery to repair a damaged MCL in his knee. The surgery went well and he has been cleared by the doctors and is skating again.

Sergei Kostitsyn

He had surgery to repair an injured MCL. He is skating and should be fully cleared by the doctors soon.

Brandon Yip

Fully recovered from surgery and is cleared by the doctors.

Paul Gaustad

His surgery was successful and he will be ready for training camp.

Matt Halischuk

Surgery was successful and he will be ready for the start of training camp.

Poile did not elaborate on the nature of the surgeries for Halischuk and Gaustad.

The Predators lost 130 man games to injury in the recently completed season. As you can see by the names listed above, key players were missing from the line up for extensive periods, and it is obvious that it impacted the play of the team.

It is good to hear that the surgeries have been successful. Obviously there is concern about the off season work and conditioning for Pekka and the question of whether he will be ready when the season starts.

Predators Suspend Radulov and A. Kostitsyn for Game 3 against the Coyotes

The Nashville Predators have announced today that forwards Alexander Radulov and Andrei Kositisyn will not play in the third games of the the Predators second round series against the Phoenix Coyotes for a violation of team rules.

Here is the press release from the Predators,

Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced today that forwards Alexander Radulov and Andrei Kostitsyn will not play Game Three of the team’s Western Conference Semifinals series vs. the Phoenix Coyotes as result of violating team rules.


“The Nashville Predators have a few simple rules centered around doing the right things,” Poile said. “We have always operated with a team-first mentality and philosophy. Violating team rules is not fair to our team and their teammates.”

The Predators trail the Coyotes in their semi final series 2-0. Tthe third game of this series is in Nashville at Bridgestone Arena.

While this certainly removes two offensive threats from the Predators line up, I commend GM David Poile and the team for the consistent application of the team rules and not bowing to playoff pressure.

The nature of the violation is unknown at this time. Both Kostitsyn and Radulov are on the ice at the morning practice for the Predators.

A Rad-ical Turn of Events for the Predators

The Predators prodigal son, Alexander Radulov, returned from his KHL hiatus to join the Predators for their final regular season games and the playoffs. Radulov arrived in Nashville last night and went through a physical and practiced with the team this morning.

Head Coach Barry Trotz said that he would believe that Radulov was going to join the team "when he saw the whites of his eyes." Here is a picture from Kevin Wilson, Director of Media Relations for the Predators, showing Trotz examining the aforementioned eyes upon his arrival at the Bridgestone Arena after last night's game:

While the Predators welcome back the mercurial player who bears the sobriquet of "the best player not in the NHL", questions still abound about his return to the team, not the least of which is "How will his return affect the chemistry of a pretty darn good team?"

That team sanctum of the locker room is pretty tight for the Predators right now- a good bunch of guys that support each other on and off the ice. Will Radulov's arrival disrupt the bonds this team has forged this season? Will he appear to be a prima donna, going around rules and conventions to achieve his ultimate end of freedom to negotiate a contract with any team in the NHL (or KHL for that matter)? Who gets bumped out of the line up so A-Rad can play, and what does that do to the locker room?

All of those questions are legitimate, and ones for which we have no specific answer. However, there are several considerations that should be kept in mind when considering this situation. A-Rad has a good relationship with Shea Weber and Ryan Suter, and that will help pave the way for his acceptance into the locker room. That fact alone will keep disruption to a minimum, if non-existent.

For the team, the off ice considerations for Radulov about contracts, RFA versus UFA status, and where he will play next season become ancillary to the fact that the team is re-gaining a dynamic scorer who can be a difference maker in the remaining regular season games and the playoffs. Each player to a man recognizes that A-Rad could be the missing component to a very good team that could make them an exceptional team.

We should not forget that General Manager David Poile is no babe in the woods when it comes to these types of situations. Poile's quiet demeanor belies a shrewd and analytical mind that is constantly working to position the Predators for a run at the Cup. Poile knows that Radulov can be the impact player that can take the Predators to their goal of the Grail. And know this: Poile has thought out and worked the angles on this situation. Whether Radulov returns to the KHL or stays in the NHL, the Predators will still retain his rights by virtue of Rad's RFA status at the end of the season.

That Radulov can burn the final year of his entry level contract by playing a handful of regular season games and the playoff games has some other GM's fuming. It is, however, well within the rules and has been blessed by both the NHL and the NHLPA. Expect this issue to come up in the next collective bargaining agreement and the rules to be amended to prevent this type of situation from occurring again. Their ire at this situation is validation of the impact that Radulov can have on the Predators and their level of play.

Here is what we as Predator fans should keep in mind. David Poile and the coaching staff would never have allowed Radulov's return to the team in these circumstances if it would put the Predators franchise in hot water. And they would not have allowed his return if it was going to cause this cohesive team to become resentful and fragmented.

No, the door was opened for Radulov to return because he is a difference maker, one that can potentially put the Predators over the top in their quest for the Cup. And that door was opened because Poile and the coaches knew that the team would assimilate A-Rad back in without difficulty.

For the Prodigal, it was time to come home.

Tryin for Ryan, Can the Predators Sign Suter?

Ryan Suter made headlines at a media event at the NHL All Star game by saying that he did not believe that he would sign with the Predators before the February 27th trade deadline.

That sound you just heard was Predators GM David Poile cracking open a bottle of Maalox.

Suter creates a problem for Poile with this stance because he is an unrestricted free agent July 1, and the risk by not trading him is that the Predators could see one of their All Star defensemen walk away for nothing in return. Suter said,

"I don't see it being a benefit by hurrying up and trying to get something done. I'm a Nashville Predator until July 1. I will focus on making my team better."

"I'm a Nashville Predator until July 1."

Sounds ominous doesn't it.

TSN's Bob McKenzie said "He's intimated that he wants to see what the Nashville Predators do between now and the deadline in terms of adding other components that would make the team that much stronger and show that they're legitimate playoff contenders."

"Legitimate playoff contenders"?

Currently the Predators have 64 points, solidly in 5th place and just 3 points behind Western Conference leader Detroit.

I think that qualifies as a legitimate playoff contender.

So, David Poile, you know what to do. Pick up the 40 goal scoring left wing hot line and get a "component" in here so that Suter knows the team is committed to being a "legitimate" playoff contender.

If it were that easy.

It's obvious that the Predators would like to add more scoring punch, a forward that can consistently put the puck in the net.

So would 29 other teams.

To be a team that is a buyer, there has to be a team or teams that are going to be sellers. Looking at the Western Conference, currently Columbus and Edmonton are in a position to be sellers. Anaheim is on the bubble. In the East, potential sellers are Tampa Bay, Buffalo, the Islanders, and Carolina.

Let's take Columbus as an example, since the Predators are very familiar with them. The two names that jump out a valuable components that would add scoring punch are Rick Nash and Jeff Carter. If GM Scott Howson is inclined to trade either of those two players, you can be certain that there will be substantial assets coming back the other way. Preds GM David Poile could try to package a depth defenseman, draft picks, and maybe a goaltender in the system to try facilitate a trade.

Think that would pry Nash or Carter out of Columbus?

Neither do I.

And this is the dilemma that Poile faces. The Predators are one of the better balanced teams in the NHL, with 9 players that have 10 or more goals. They score by committee, and the sum of their forwards is greater than the individual forwards themselves. To facilitate a trade for a stud forward will require a lot of these players to go back the other way.

Is this addition by subtraction, or is it tampering with a very good team chemistry? That is one of the risks that Poile confronts with trying to satisfy Ryan and land an elite player.

My question to Ryan Suter is this: are the Predators NOT a legitimate playoff contender?

Head Coach Barry Trotz has taken a very young squad and has them 3 points out of the first spot in the West. The Predators are 11-2-2 against Central Division opponents, the best record in the NHL against divisional opponents. Nashville is 5th in the NHL in wins; 2nd on the power play; 12th on the penalty kill; 12th in goals for; and 9th in goals against.

Like I said- sounds legitimate to me.

Is Suter saying he does not have confidence in his teammates to continue to play at the level at which they have been playing?

I don't think so.

I believe that he is saying some more punch up front is welcome and needed.

I don't disagree with that assessment.

If McKenzie's assessment is accurate- and I have a feeling it is- the corner into which Suter has painted himself, and by extension David Poile, is this: suppose the team adds the components that he- Poile- believes will be what the Predators need to contend for the Cup. Does Poile have to clear this with Suter? Obviously not.

But what if Suter does not think the player or players added to roster are what the Predators need?

"I am a Nashville Predator until July 1."

Has Suter made himself a de facto GM? I don't think that was his intention, but that is what he has done with the decision not to sign before the deadline.

The Predators ownership has said they will spend to the cap and do what is necessary to sign the team's key players, so one would believe that the money is not an issue to sign Suter. With a current payroll just under $50 million, the Predators have the room, and apparently the willingness to sign Suter.

A player's contract is personal, financial compensation and term that is negotiated between a player and his team. Suter's requirement that additional players that appear to have to be acceptable to him have removed this negotiation from the realm of the personal and into the realm of the personnel, which is usually the domain of the GM.

By doing this, Suter has exponentially made David Poile's job more difficult. For Poile, there is no net below this high wire.

Although Poile has said Suter is off the market, I think he has to entertain reasonable offers that will still come for this All Star. He would be foolish not to do so. Poile will still most certainly attempt to lock up Suter, but if he is unable to facilitate a trade or trades that help the team and satisfy Suter, I would not be surprised to see Suter moved before the deadline.

Crack open another bottle of Maalox, David.

Predators Sign Pekka Rinne for 7 Years, $49 Million

The Nashville Predators announced today that they had signed goaltender Pekka Rinne to a 7 year, $49 million dollar contract extension. Here is the press release from the Predators:

Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced today that the club has signed goaltender Pekka Rinne to a seven-year, $49 million contract – the largest in franchise history.

“Today’s signing is further evidence of our ownership’s commitment to keeping our core intact,” Poile said. “This is the first step of a process designed to retain our key players and leaders. Pekka has grown with our franchise, just recently established our franchise record for career shutouts and is now recognized as one of the game’s elite players. We’re thrilled to know that he will be backstopping our franchise for several years to come.”

Rinne, who is celebrating his 29th birthday today (11/3/82), finished second in voting for the 2011 Vezina Trophy and fourth in voting for the 2011 Hart Trophy, in addition to being named to the 2010-11 NHL Second All-Star Team. Rinne ranked second among NHL netminders in save percentage (.930), third in goals-against average (2.12) and tied for sixth in shutouts (6) in 2010-11, with the save percentage and goals-against average numbers setting franchise records. During the 2011 Playoffs, he led the Predators to their first-ever series victory in the Western Conference Quarterfinals vs. Anaheim, then posted a franchise-record for goals-against average in a series (1.94) along with a .932 save percentage in the Western Conference Semifinals against Vancouver.

Already in 2011-12, the Kempele, Finland native has recorded his 21st and 22nd shutouts, moving into first on the franchise’s all-time list and giving him the most whitewashes in the League since 2008-09. His record-breaking 22nd shutout on Saturday against Anaheim was also his 100th career victory. In becoming the first goalie in club history to start each of the team’s first 11 games of the season, Rinne has risen to first in the NHL in saves (307), second in shots against (333), and third in minutes played (624:37).

Nashville’s 10th choice, 258th overall (eighth round), in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft, Rinne has also represented Finland in two of the past three World Championships (2009, 2010), being named one of the nation’s three best players in both years.

Immediately, there was joy from the Predator nation about the signing, while the reaction across the hockey world has been mixed. Let's take a look at this signing and what it means for the Predators.

The Predators have locked down a goaltender that is arguably the best netminder in the NHL. Rinne finished second in the Vezina voting this past season to Tim Thomas of the Boston Bruins and fourth in the Hart voting as the League's Most Valuable Player. There is no doubt that Rinne is integral to the success of the Predators, having won at least 29 games each season since taking over the starting goaltender's role in the 2008-09 season. Rinne has stolen more games than Predator fans and opponents can count with his play in net.

The Predators have a philosophy of building from the net out, and the signing of Rinne is consistent with that philosophy. While Rinne becomes the highest paid goaltender in the NHL, the question begs "Is he worth it?"

I would answer a resounding "YES".

Rinne's victory totals have been 29, 32, and 33 in each of the last three seasons. His save percentage and GAA over those seasons have been: .917 and 2.38 in 2008; .911 and 2.53 in 2009; and .930 and 2.12 in 2010. Undoubtedly, the Predators would have been challenged to make the playoffs without that kind of effort.

Many in the hockey world have speculated that the Predators could not sign their "big three" of Rinne, Suter, and Weber. Imagine the hue and cry if the Predators were not able to sing any of the big three, or just one of them. The negative perception of Nashville would have been huge, and frankly, it may have made it more difficult to attract top line free agents to the club. And know this: there would be teams lined up to pay Rinne this kind of money should the Predators have chosen not to sign him. 

A goaltender of this caliber is rare. There are those that have said that it is not a good market for goaltenders and that the Predators have overpaid for the services of Rinne. I disagree. True enough, there are a lot of goaltenders in the NHL; there are few of this talent level. Locking in a player like Rinne for the next seven years was, in my view, a very smart move by the Predators management.

What message does this send?

There are two.

To the team, and specifically to Ryan Suter and Shea Weber, it says that the team is committed to keeping the key players in the fold, players that can help the Predators win and go deep in the playoffs. It removes the cloud of having to sign one of the stalwarts of the team and says that management is going to do what is necessary to keep winning.

To the hockey world, it says that this in not the "same old Nashville", and by that I mean that Nashville is a team that can develop good young talent but cannot pay to keep them when they hit their prime. The signing of Rinne destroys that argument, and once the  Predators sign Suter (and they will), maybe that tired meme will disappear.

I am going to venture into the realm of speculation here. The signing of Rinne, especially the length and size of the contract also tells me that perhaps the goalie pipeline of the Predators is nowhere close to being ready to step up to the next level. The coaching ability of Mitch Korn notwithstanding, I would not be comfortable with any of the goalies in our system right now as either a starter or a backup that would have to play 10-15 games a season. 

On a positive note, it does tell me that there is confidence in the depth of the D corp. Should the Predators not be able to sign one of the two defensemen- Suter or Weber- the depth on the blueline is such that the team could manage if they do not sign one of the blueliners. Without a doubt, there would be a drop off, but there is talent that can play at the NHL level.

That is why it was imperative to get Rinne under contract.

We should not forget either that GM David Poile has some degree of flexibility with Weber. He can match any offer sheet since Weber has another year as a restricted free agent. I would have to guess that any offer sheet for Weber would be around the same dollars that he is currently receiving. This gives Poile the luxury of another year to negotiate a deal with Weber and his agents should the Predators choose to match an offer sheet.

For the Predators, this is a great signing on several fronts, and the message to the team is that management is committed to winning.

The message to the hockey world is that this is not the same old Predators.

Weber, Predators, Emerge from Arbitration; and Who Determines Weber's Future

The Nashville Predators and All Star defenseman Shea Weber emerged from their arbitration hearing with the Predators captain receiving a one year, $7.5 million dollar contract. Not only is Weber now the highest paid Predator player (he should be), but he is also the recipient of the largest arbitration award in the history of the NHL. At the end of this contract, Weber will still be a RFA under the terms of the current collective bargaining agreement.

Both Weber and General Manager David Poile held a conference call today to discuss the results of the negotiations and the arbitration process. Weber stated that the relationship that he has with Poile and the team are in his mind, "still solid", and it is his belief that the owners and David Poile are committed to winning a Stanley Cup in Nashville and will do what is necessary to bring the Cup here.

Weber stated that he was not offended by the offer the Predators made in arbitration and that he understood that it is "just business and part of the process." Weber did mention that he did not realize how intense the process was and was glad to have all of this behind him and was ready to just focus on the upcoming season.

For his part, David Poile said that Weber's changing of agents ( to Titan Sports Management and agent Jarrett Bousquet) did not present a tremendous impediment to the negotiating process. Both sides had to get used to each other, but the process was quickly accomplished. Poile said that it was not just dollars and term that were negotiating points with Weber's agent, but also the direction in which the team was moving.

And this is where it gets interesting.

The report I have just given you about the conference call and Weber's signing has been perfunctory up to this point.

The latter part of the call was a time where David Poile, in response to a question about the Predators not doing much in free agency, spoke about his forward group. Poile reiterated his remarks that were made at the Skate of the Union meeting several weeks ago that this young forward group could be very good, better without a few of the veterans that were jettisoned in the off season and ready to elevate their play to another level. Poile has a sincere belief that this group of forwards can lead the Predators to challenge for the Cup.

That point can- and will be- debated by Predator fans throughout the upcoming season.

Here is what is important about this group of forwards as it relates to Weber: if they produce as Poile believes they will, this team could challenge for the Cup. And remember what the three critical negotiating points were between Poile and Weber's agent? Salary, term, and the DIRECTION OF THIS TEAM.

There is no secret that Weber has been a winner at every level and every stop along the way to the NHL. His competitive fires burn white hot. He wants to win the Cup.

If he feels the possibility of doing that will occur in Nashville with this group of players, then I suspect you will see Weber inked to a longer term deal and he will remain a Predator. If the sense on his part is that it will not happen in the foreseeable future in Nashville, then Weber is gone by the trade deadline next season.

So about those forwards...

If they mature and take it to the next level, as Poile believes they can do, this team could become a serious contender for the Cup. If, however, they do not make that next step in their development, this team will continue to struggle offensively.

And that could lead to the exit of Weber from the Predators.

No pressure on this group of forwards, eh?

I have to admire Poile, because he has taken the stance that the team has drafted well and developed players that can do more than compete at the NHL level. They can win. That is what every team wants- good prospects that are developed into NHL caliber players that contribute to winning. Every GM in the League strives to successfully build this model.

Perhaps no GM, however, has as much riding on the success and continued development of their prospects and young roster players as do the Predators. It is they play of this group that will as much as any other factor determine Weber's future in Nashville.

No pressure there, boys.

This team will be competitive with the players they have and the coaching staff. There is no doubt in my mind about that. This team has to go beyond competitive now, if they want to retain players like Weber, and Ryan Suter and Pekka Rinne next season. They have to go deep into the playoffs and progress closer to the Cup if not win it outright.

Do that, and you want have to worry about retaining these players.

Fail to do so, and the ability to retain those upper echelon players will become much more difficult.

Not only are Predator fans watching to see if David Poile is right.

So is Shea.

Predators Part Ways, Stand Pat in Free Agent Frenzy

The first day of the NHL free agency period has been described as a "frenzy". In looking at some of the deals that were consummated today, a more apt description might be "foolishness".

In the foolishness, uh, frenzy, of the first day of free agency, the Nashville Predators did......wait for it.....

nothing.

And that is not a bad thing.

The Predators did lose some unrestricted free agents, players that had been an integral part of last season's team. Marcel Goc, Joel Ward, and Steve Sullivan were all signed by other teams on this first day of free agency.

Watching players go out the door and seeing no splashy signings occur is frustrating to the fans, but why don't we pause for a moment and assess what has happened today and how the Predators can still be successful in free agency.

There are several considerations to keep in mind:

There is a general feeling that many of these contracts signed today were divorced from the reality of the player's performance. Specifically, many general managers overpaid for players such as Ville Leino, Joel Ward, and Thomas Fleischmann, to name a few. This is not a criticism of those specific players, but these contracts are representative of GM's that had money to spend and are banking on players to continue to improve their performance and have rewarded a solid season or playoff campaign.

If you ask me to explain how experienced GM's get caught up in the frenzy of overpaying for a player, well, I am at a loss to do so. Perhaps some GM's feel the pressure to do something (Imma lookin at you, Scott Howson) to keep their job. They certainly were filling a roster need. When you overpay as many of the GM's did today, there is, however, a disconnect between performance and payment. And this can be a conceit of a GM and his team- believing that his coach or his system can squeeze even more out of a player than his former coach. Yes, we all know of players that have benefited from a change of scenery, but a change of scenery at an inflated salary makes no sense.

There is also the particular case of the Florida Panthers, who were so far below the salary floor that they had to spend an enormous amount  of cash to get to the floor. The Panthers skewed the market by virtue of having to pay for players to get closer to the floor. They were willing to take on contracts (Brian Campbell) and pay above market rates for players (Thomas Fleischmann), and their actions no doubt had an influence on the market for contracts on this first day.

Predators GM David Poile is chided and often criticized for "doing nothing" during free agency, especially early on in the process. I don't believe for a moment that Poile doesn't work the phones and attempted to get a deal done, but Poile is going to do a deal at the right price. Part of that is the self imposed budget of the team, but credit has to be given to Poile for being savvy enough to be a good judge of talent and what that talent is reasonably worth. His peers operate with different salary constraints and different team needs, which can (and did this free agent period- see: Florida) skew offers to the FA's.

Another consideration is organizational depth. As Predator fans, we are grateful for and we have cheered the development of our young players. This past season, we relied heavily on those players to step into key roles in the regular season and the playoffs. The advent of free agency doesn't mean that our young talent has disappeared or has had a setback in their development. One of the strengths of the Predator organization is the depth and improving talent in our system. Many teams have significant holes in their system or feel they need that one special player to get them to the Cup, and they attempt to plug those holes through free agency. That is part and parcel of the frenzy that is free agency, and perhaps indicative of a weakness in a team's farm system. All of us agree that the Predators could use more consistent scoring, but is it better to develop that scoring or attempt to buy it?

This brings us to where the Predators are right now. This team, if nothing else, is consistent in embracing their philosophy of the "Predator Way". That philosophy has been to draft well and develop players, and when the time is right, give them an opportunity to shine. As mentioned, we saw some younger players thrust into key roles this past season, and they performed admirably. It is obvious that they have to improve, that their game has to make a jump to the next level for this team to continue to be successful.

This also means that the Predators have to have existing players on whom they depend perform to expectations. It is imperative that the guys that are the core of this team have to produce; that is why they have the contracts they do. This is another obvious point, but it is one that the Predator nation needs to keep in mind. It is easy to be enamored with another team's forward and fall in love with their production. What we have to keep in mind is that we have players that have the ability to perform at the level of any of the free agents that were signed today to unreal contracts. This puts the onus to produce on the core of the Predators roster.

Were the Predators going to deviate from that philosophy today? Only if the right player to fill a need was available at the right price. Were those players available- at the right price?

No.

That doesn't mean that the Predators will not still be active. However, it will be on their terms; a player that can fill a need and at the right price.

Here is a bit of coach speak: you dance with who brung ya.

And the Predators are going to be dancing with with their core players and developing young talent.

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:

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.

Predators Hire Muller to Coach AHL Affiliate

The Nashville Predators today announced the hiring of Kirk Muller to be the Head Coach of the AHL Milwaukee Admirals, the primary development affiliate of the team. Muller replaces Lane Lambert, the Admirals former Head Coach who was promoted to be an assistant coach with the Predators.

Here is the press release from the Predators:

Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced today that Kirk Muller has been named the head coach of the team’s primary developmental affiliate, the American Hockey League’s Milwaukee Admirals.

“Kirk Muller was everything we were looking for in our development coach,” Poile said. “With his playing pedigree, experience as a captain and Stanley Cup winner, and his solid communication skills, we feel our young players and prospects are in great hands.”

Muller, 45 (2/8/66), has spent the past five seasons as an assistant with the Montreal Canadiens, helping them reach the playoffs in each of the past four campaigns, and advance to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2010. Known as an excellent communicator, motivator and an outstanding strategist, the Kingston, Ont., native is credited for transforming a Habs penalty killing unit that has finished in the top half of the League each season since his arrival, including a seventh-place ranking in 2010-11. The Canadiens did not give up a power-play goal in their seven 2011 postseason contests, going 21-for-21. During his second season behind the Montreal bench in 2007-08, the club posted its best record since the 1988-89 club the advanced to the Stanley Cup Finals, going and Eastern Conference best 47-25-10 (105 points).

Prior to joining the Montreal staff on June 20, 2006, Muller spent one season as head coach of the Queen's University Golden Gaels (Canadian University) in his hometown of Kingston. He also served as an assistant coach on Canada’s entries at the 2005 Lotto Cup Tournament, winning a gold medal, and the 2006 Under-18 World Championships.
Selected second overall by New Jersey in the 1984 Entry Draft, Muller retired after an illustrious 19-season career in 2003 (N.J., MTL, NYI, TOR, FLA, DAL) which saw him post 959 points (357g-602a) in 1,349 regular-season games (42nd all-time) and 69 points (33g-36a) in 127 playoff games. The nine-time 20-goal scorer and five-time 30-goal man played in six NHL All-Star Games (1985, 1986, 1988, 1990, 1992, 1993), with his best season coming in 1992-93, when the left winger tied a career-high with 94 points (37g-57a) and pitched in 17 (10g-7a) more during the Canadiens run to the 1993 Stanley Cup. He also represented Canada at four World Championships (1985, 1986, 1987, 1989) and in the 1984 Olympics

Muller will join the Predators coaching staff at the team's development camp this week in Nashville.

Muller is a coach that will bring a wealth of experience to the Admirals, and should be instrumental in helping with the development of the young forwards in Milwaukee. The Predators have a patient system, meaning they give a player time to develop physically and to develop their on ice game. Muller's experience and success in the NHL will hasten the development of some of these younger players.

It is well known that Muller wants to be a head coach in the NHL, and that this will probably not be a long term stop for him. It will be good experience for Muller and it will be good for his charges in Milwaukee. I expect to see both the players and the organization benefit from this hire.

How has the hockey community reacted to the hiring of Muller by the Predators organization? Here are some comments from the TSN.ca website:

 Muller will make an excellent coach so I hope he doesn't get back into the Habs organization..lol. He was such a great and respected player for many years and I'm sure his teams will respond very well to his coaching and wish him great success. Go Bruins

That's the 2nd A-coach that the Habs have lost that would have been an upgrade at head coach. Kirk will have his own NHL team soon. This stop just gives him a chance to prove that he can mold the young talent

Congratulations Captain Kirk, you definintely deserve to be top dog on a hockey bench.... but it should have been in the big leagues not the AHL. Muller was the architect of the Habs special teams which for much of the past few years have been the best in the league despite losing their pp quarterback every year (souray, markov to injury etc). Mark my words, Muller will be coaching in the NHL by the end of this contract as this guy is way too good to be in the AHL for long. Good luck Kirk and hopefully the Habs leadership will be smart enough this time to bring in one of their own when it's time to replace JM (soon I hope!!!!)

Muller was very well thought of inside the Canadiens organization, and his loss behind the bench will be felt by the Habs. This is his proving ground before attempting to step into the role of an NHL bench boss, and I believe that it will be a good run for him.

That will be good for Muller, his players, and the Predators organization.

Lambert Named Assistant Coach; Mitch Korn Re-signed

Lane Lambert will step behind the Nashville Predators bench next season, taking the place of Associate Coach Brent Peterson. Peterson will be moving to an administrative role with the Predators front office as the advance of his Parkinson's disease has limited his ability to coach.

Here is the press release from the Predators organization:


Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced today that Lane Lambert, formerly the head coach of the team’s primary developmental affiliate, the American Hockey League’s Milwaukee Admirals, will join the Nashville coaching staff as an assistant for the 2011-12 season. Poile also announced the re-signing of goaltending coach Mitch Korn.

“Lane is one of the best young up-and-coming coaches in the sport today,” Poile said. “Similar to our philosophy on player development, we believe in promoting from within whenever possible. Lane has successfully coached and mentored more than half the players on our current roster, and many more who are coming through the pipeline, so he will fit seamlessly into Barry Trotz’s staff.”

In four seasons as the Admirals head coach from 2007-11, Lambert led the club to a 178-118-37 record, the sixth-most wins in the AHL in that span while giving up the second-fewest goals (821). Milwaukee posted 40-or-more wins and 90-or-more points all four seasons under Lambert as well, making them the first team in League history to reach the marks in eight consecutive campaigns. The Melfort, Saskatchewan native helped the Ads capture a pair of West Division titles in his tenure in Milwaukee, posting the Western Conference’s highest point total in 2010-11 (102 pts, 44-22-14 record) despite seeing 10 of his core players recalled to the Predators during the campaign. He also captured a division title in 2008-09 when he led a young squad to 49-22-9 record, tying for the most points (107) in the AHL. The win total tied a club record since the team joined the AHL for the 2001-02 campaign.

Eleven members of Nashville’s 2011 playoff roster played for Lambert in Milwaukee, and 17 of the 33 players who suited up for the Predators for at least one 2010-11 regular season game spent time playing under his tutelage.

Prior to joining the Admirals as an assistant coach in 2006-07, Lambert spent one season as an assistant for the Bridgeport Sound Tigers, and three seasons as a coach in the Western Hockey League – two as head coach of the Prince George Cougars (2003-05) and one as an assistant for the Moose Jaw Warriors (2002-03). Lambert finished an 18-year playing career with the Houston Aeros in 2000-01.

Korn, who joined the organization on July 23, 1998, has worked with the Predators’ goaltenders and those in the Nashville developmental system for the last 13 years. The well-known goaltending coach has helped several Nashville goaltenders burst onto the NHL scene, the most recent being 2011 Vezina Trophy finalist Pekka Rinne, who ranked second in save percentage (.930) and third in goals-against average (2.12) this past season. His success cultivating netminders dates back to the 1998 Expansion Draft. Two-time Czech Olympian, 2010 World Champion and NHL All-Star Tomas Vokoun developed into one of the NHL’s elite netminders under Korn’s watch, while Chris Mason would follow, becoming a legitimate NHL starter after several seasons of working with Korn. In 2007-08, Dan Ellis developed into a No. 1 goalie after playing in just one NHL game prior to joining the Predators, leading the NHL in save percentage (.924) in his first full campaign, before giving way to rookie Rinne in 2008-09.
“Mitch Korn is the best goaltending coach in the National Hockey League, as evidenced by his development of this organization’s goaltenders from Year One with Mike Dunham and Tomas Vokoun, to this past season with Vezina Trophy finalist Pekka Rinne and promising rookie Anders Lindback,” Poile said. “Our goaltending is a big part of our success, and Mitch is at the forefront of that.”

Prior to joining the Predators on July 23, 1998, Korn spent seven seasons coaching the netminders in the Buffalo Sabres organization, where he enjoyed great success while working with two-time Hart Trophy-winner Dominik Hasek. While working with Korn, Hasek captured four Vezina Trophies and led the NHL with the best save percentage five times. Korn also saw Buffalo’s goaltending tandem (Hasek and Hall-of-Famer Grant Fuhr) capture the NHL’s Jennings Trophy (lowest team goals-against average) during the 1994-95 season. Besides Hasek and Fuhr, Korn also coached Olaf Kolzig, Steve Shields and Martin Biron.

Korn, who runs goaltending and defensemen schools around the country in the off-season, also contributes regularly to several hockey publications including USA Hockey Magazine and Goalies’ World.