Which goalie starts for Nashville on Opening Night? Even Barry Trotz doesn't know

by Dirk Hoag on Sep 30, 2009 5:09 PM EDT Comment 7 comments

More photos » Karl B DeBlaker - AP

In a somewhat surprising admission to the Nashville City Paper's David Boclair, Predators coach Barry Trotz claims not to have decided upon a starting goaltender for the opening game of the season, which comes Saturday night in Dallas.

Dan Ellis has put up better numbers in pre-season action, but Pekka Rinne carried the team in the second half last year, and has been talked about repeatedly as the team's #1 netminder. Is this, just like the demotion of Alexander Sulzer and Cal O'Reilly, an indication that the coaching staff is unhappy about what they've seen out some of the team's younger players?

Or instead, is this a case where the team is simply waiting as long as they can before naming a starter, for competitive purposes?

The other interesting news out of Boclair's article is that Wade Belak will serve as the emergency 6th defenseman, following the assignment of Cody Franson earlier today.

A tip o' the hat goes to @predsgirl for the article link.

Poll

Who should start in net for Nashville Saturday night in Dallas?

Dan Ellis

65 votes

Pekka Rinne

61 votes

126 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

Ellis had the better preseason.

i have zero problem with him starting Saturday, especially against Dallas. that boy threw a shutout there before.

by HartnellsMop on Sep 30, 2009 5:27 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

So short-sighted

How about we go with the goalie that could’ve won the Calder Trophy last year? I can’t believe the Preds are prepared to shake Rinne’s confidence by questioning his starting position before the season has begun.

Even if he did have a bad preseason and starts off the year a bit slow, Rinne (and the team, by extension) will benefit in the long run by putting faith in their number one goalie. Moves like this can seriously stunt a player’s development and, aside from a small short term gain, have no benefit to anyone.

If the Preds management is this fickle, it shouldn’t be any wonder why we can’t find a consistent starting goalie. Same goes for the offensive talent as well, since young players are yanked after one or two poor performances.

by Lil cutie on Sep 30, 2009 6:51 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I’m with you, I think if the plan is for Rinne to be the #1, then there had better be a very good reason for him not to start the first game of the season. After Saturday, they don’t play again until Thursday, so workload isn’t an issue…

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by Dirk Hoag on Sep 30, 2009 9:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm fine with Ellis playing the first game, considering his success against Dallas,

but after that, Pekka until proven otherwise.

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by Aditya T (smashville) on Sep 30, 2009 7:12 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

so what if ellis loses 1-0. im w/ cutie and dirk. we need to start rinne in the 1st 2 games and go from there. im w/ cutie on the young forwards as well. ive often wondered if trotz can develop young offensive star talent w/o killing their confidence. i appreciate his demand for them to play both ends of the ice, but wonder if he would have benched crosby his rookie year if he hadnt back-checked hard enough.

by predswilrule on Sep 30, 2009 9:19 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I really don't care about Ellis' success about Dallas

because it could all be circumstantial. The sample size isn’t that great. I think the bigger message is to Pekka, who by all rights, has earned the job.

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by Sam Page on Oct 1, 2009 12:11 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Trotz is a clown

If Rinne isn’t given the clear cut #1 job, whoever made that decision should be fired. That guy is an absolute stud. As a goaltender, it fascinates me how little coaches, even NHL level, understand goaltending.

If Rinne doesn’t lose it between the ears, he has the ability to be an all-star every year, and as a Blues fan I would give my left nut for a goalie of his caliber.

by namshite on Oct 1, 2009 3:18 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs