A call for nominations: Nashville Predators MVP, 1st Quarter

by Dirk Hoag on Nov 20, 2009 3:17 PM EST

Over the course of the weekend, the Nashville Predators will hit the quarter-pole of this 2009-10 NHL regular season, which makes a fine point to consider which players have stood out from the rest in carrying the team to its 11-8-1 record.

On Monday, I'll open a poll so that the collected readers here at OtF can make just such a selection, but in order to populate that poll, I'd like to get your input.

In the comments below, I'd like to invite you to nominate your Nashville Predators MVP for the 1st quarter of the season. Do you go with the leading scorer, J.P. Dumont? Or perhaps one of the four guys tied for the team-lead with 5 goals - Jason Arnott, Patric Hornqvist, Steve Sullivan, or Shea Weber? How about Pekka Rinne in goal, or Jerred Smithson for his defensive work and surprising offensive punch?

Make your case in the comments, which I'll leave open through Monday at noon, after which I'll compile the list, feature the most persuasive commentary for each player, and open up the poll. One feature I should note is that if you like a particular comment, click the actions button below it, which then reveals a Rec button, so you can recommend the good ones.

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Comments

re: Preds MVP (so far)

It’s a tie between Pekka Rinne and JP Dumont for MVP thus far. Rinne has finally provided stability in net and the #’s in his past 8 games are astounding. But, on the other hand, as JP Dumont goes, this team goes. Not only is he the points leader, but when he was out, they looked lost. He may not wear a C or an A on his chest but, more than anyone else, this is HIS team.

Jeremy K. Gover
section303.com

by Gover on Nov 20, 2009 3:36 PM EST reply actions

Welcome aboard!

I forgot to catch your first-time post yesterday… just heading out to walk the dogs and listen to the latest 303:30!

More fun than a stick to the face!
On the Forecheck is SB Nation's blog covering the Nashville Predators.

by Dirk Hoag on Nov 21, 2009 5:00 PM EST up reply actions

J.P. Dumont

We are 9-3-1 in games that he has participated in, 8-0-1 when he has scored a point. He has averaged over a point per game; no one else on the team comes close to that scoring rate. There is no way that the goal-starved Predators would be over .500 without his offensive contribution.

by Lil cutie on Nov 20, 2009 3:42 PM EST reply actions 1 recs

My vote goes to...

It should be a surprise to no one that I’m nominating Jerred Smithson for MVP of the season so far. He has scored four goals in 20 games, which already matches his total goals scored for the entire 08-09 season. He’s still great on the penalty kill, especially when paired with Joel Ward. And I honestly think the fact that he’s playing on the second line has given him a huge mental boost, helping his overall game. I have seen no one that compares to him in terms of off-season improvement. He used his summer wisely and is now standing out, at age 30, among a team with many younger players. This speaks volumes to his work ethic and dedication to the team and the sport.

by whatthepuck on Nov 20, 2009 3:51 PM EST reply actions

J.P. DUUUUUUUUUUUUUMONT as Paul says

No doubt he’s the playmaker. Take a look at how hard other teams go after him and try to check him relentlessly. I really like alot of the players. I think our whole defense core is worthy as well (Bullion, Weber, Suter, Franson, and Klein). They are getting it done defensively as a unit just as J.P. is getting it done offensively. In any case,
GO PREDS
Beat the Blue Jackets!

by KentS on Nov 20, 2009 3:58 PM EST reply actions

JPMVP

At the start of a season of surprising performances (Smithson, Bouillon and Hornqvist among them), steady but inventive J.P. Dumont stands tall. Joel Ward embodies Predator grit but Dumont gets the job done.

by Hockey Hillbilly on Nov 20, 2009 5:16 PM EST reply actions

quietly, it's . . .

Bouillon. without him, our D as a whole is nowhere near what it is now. JP’s play-making is certainly missed when he’s out, but i shutter to think how terrible our blueline would be if Klein and Hammer had to still be paired up.

by HartnellsMop on Nov 20, 2009 5:20 PM EST reply actions

Joel Ward

For being one of the most consistent and motivated players throughout the first quarter.

Besides, any counter to this argument will obviously be racist and immediately aired out on MSNBC. grin

by Poiju on Nov 20, 2009 7:05 PM EST reply actions

pffft...NOT JP

Dumont has been good so far, but has just 3 goals. He sets Arnott and Sullivan up well, but 12 assists on the top line isn’t exactly the most difficult way to lead the team in points. It has to be either Weber, who plays significantly more ice time than any of the other players above, or Rinne. Webs has played good defense as usual and is tied for the team’s goal lead as a defenseman! The team has a negative goal differential, and the positive record seems to be the product of Rinne keeping the game close late. He’s clutch.

by Sam Page on Nov 20, 2009 7:35 PM EST reply actions

MVPs

I’ll have one nomination for players expected to do well (Pekka) and another for one that has quietly calmed the defensive shuttle between Nashville and Milwaukee (Cody Franson). He has steadily laid claim to the 6th D spot to the point that Sulzer is going to receive a charity start from Trotz. Franson’s offense was not questioned in the preseason but his defense was and now he is logging important minutes and not looking out of place in tough situations. I think he is probably here to stay.

by Preds On The Glass on Nov 20, 2009 9:27 PM EST reply actions

JP Dumont

with an Honorable Mention to Jerred Smithson… and Wardo… and the Cube… and Pekka.

"Get to the Choppa!"

by PredHead on Nov 21, 2009 12:17 PM EST reply actions

Mabye a bit of Love for Ryan Suter

He’s played well, he’s contributed offensively and has worn an A on his jersey during Jason Arnott and Shea Weber’s abscences from the lineup.

Space Weed Says Telling it like it is without a care about the mainstream's feelings
"DO NOT get stuck behind Kyle Wellwood in the buffet line. This isn't really etiquette, but it will prevent you from starving to death"- Down Goes Brown on Etiquette for Jason Spezza's wedding

by Kevin Sellathamby on Nov 21, 2009 12:20 PM EST reply actions