Are the Predators 'running out of gas', or just getting started?

by Chris Burton on Mar 31, 2010 5:17 PM EDT

11-5-1. If the Nashville Predators could average that record over a month of games, would you take it? I know I would. So I was a bit surprised at what I came across while surfing the hockey blogging scene today, which suggested Nashville might be trending downward. From Brandon Worley of NBC Sports (former SBN head hockey honcho):

The Predators have been one of the more underrated teams this season while they just continue to win and win, but lately it seems like the brutal schedule may be getting to them.

....

But a tough schedule like what the Predators went through? They'll make it to the playoffs just fine, but they'll have no gas left when they get there.

An interesting statement, that one. There's a couple of things to note here...

All NHL teams play the same amount of games (who knew?).
Nashville only plays four games from April 1 till the playoffs begin on the 14th.
The Predators play just two games in the season's final week, ending the year on Saturday, while most everyone else plays four games and end the year on Sunday.
While Brandon notes the shutouts and Dallas loss, what he didn't mention was a 7-2-1 mark in the last ten games of the month. Nothing about that suggests that "the schedule might be getting to them". Never mind that Pekka Rinne is perhaps the hottest goalie in the league not named Jimmy Howard.

Personally, I'm glad our guys are getting their rest leading up to the opening of a playoff series, as opposed to the past two weeks (in which they played 7 games). So thanks all the same, Brandon, but if I were a Western Conference foe, I'd prefer not to play the Preds on five days rest to open the postseason with just four games scattered over the previous two weeks. I think what we're seeing is what any NHL team goes through over the course of a season- a speed bump on the long trek to the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Poll

What say you-is the train poised to leave the tracks or are we hitting a speed bump?

THE TRAIN IS COMING OFF THE TRACKS!

27 votes

Meh. Speed bump.

139 votes

166 votes | Poll has closed

Tweet Comment 11 comments | 0 recs |

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Comments

Anyone asked about the ice?

Reason for this comes from George Plaster of 104.5 The Zone.

Someone in the media asked Shea Weber about the condition of the ice. That was when he sent out a “missile” saying that the arena staff needs to do something about the ice, since we are now in spring-like weather and the arena doesn’t feel cold when you go in. Someone in the staff might get on his case with that comment, but George is grateful that Weber made that comment in hopes that it gets done, because we all don’t want to see them fall apart and lose in the first round again.

If the grounds staff got their act together at LP Field and made sure the turf was in good condition than in the past, why can’t the ice crew at the arena do the same with the ice?

Flame Alchemist VS Fullmetal Alchemist (anime TV show) has the same rivalry as the Predators VS Red Wings. They both wear the same colors: Blue VS Red.

by RBMenace on Mar 31, 2010 5:51 PM EDT reply actions

the ice has been odd the last few games

I’ve never seen so many whiffs, I’m glad someone brought that up, even better if it’s Weber

by Great Paperclip on Mar 31, 2010 6:14 PM EDT up reply actions

Are you saying this is the reason for the “speed bump”? If you are, I don’t think that it is- other teams would be having the same problems, no?

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by Chris Burton on Mar 31, 2010 6:41 PM EDT up reply actions

The ice has been a known issue for years and there is a known way to help fix the problem. Unfortunately that would require the Sports Authority and Metro city council finding the testicular fortitude to pay for desiccant humidifiers. Beyond making the capital improvement to the building, the only other option is to crank up the HVAC system, close (and keep closed) the curtains around the seating areas, and hope that the outside temps remain relatively low.

by 101st on Mar 31, 2010 6:28 PM EDT reply actions

thanks!

to you 101st for finally answering this question. I’ve heard tell of a long term problem with the ice but could never find a real answer on any of the message boards. I had a student about four years ago (who played hockey for Belmont I think) who told me about the terrible ice which made me wonder, “WHY CAN”T THIS BE FIXED?!?!?!?!"

now I know….thanks.

Furthermore, I don’t see the ice as reason for this little string of bad games…the team took a beating this month and here’s to them getting some well deserved rest so they can go into the playoffs firing on all cylinders.

by Tim P on Mar 31, 2010 6:57 PM EDT up reply actions

could never find a real answer on any of the message boards

OtF isn’t your average message board, buddy. ;)

On the Forecheck: a blog that's more productive than a Predator power play!
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by Chris Burton on Mar 31, 2010 6:59 PM EDT up reply actions

that's why it's my homepage! :)

by Tim P on Apr 1, 2010 12:19 AM EDT up reply actions

The relatively constant use of the arena isn’t helping much. There were only 12 days this month without an event so the ice has been covered quite a bit … basketball tournaments, concerts, wine tasting, horses ….. plus concerts and hockey.

The team and the sheet of ice both get a rest next week.

by 101st on Mar 31, 2010 7:45 PM EDT up reply actions

Blaming the ice for a team losing a string of games doesn’t make sense. Both teams play on it and have to deal with it. What, have the Preds lost 2 (1 in an 11 round SO) games in the last 10 or something like that. They won’t be gassed, if they lose it will be because the team who beat them is better. After all, this is a hugely over achieving team.

by dewman8810 on Mar 31, 2010 8:28 PM EDT reply actions

Not one person is blaming losses on the ice situation. It may be a matter that better ice will prevent injuries. Why does dewman feel he needs to antagonize other teams. We are an over achieving team but this is no different this season than in the past – it is what we have to deal with. We are heading into the playoffs for the the 5th time. This means they will be in the playoffs for about half the time the preds have existed – pretty good for a young franchise.

by EXPECTATIONS on Mar 31, 2010 8:36 PM EDT reply actions

Bad ice is bad ice … part of the game this time of year. Now, there are identified issues which haven’t been rectified by the city, Authority and team in its managerial role (see the first two in the blame line since they must approve) … the HVAC deficiencies, the lack of a dehumidification system, etc.

The team is gassed. The haven’t had two consecutive days without a game since they returned from the Olympic break. 17 games in 29 days is a hellacious schedule.

http://www.bridgestonearena.com/calendar.php?forward=yes

by 101st on Mar 31, 2010 9:11 PM EDT reply actions