Friday afternoon notes: In search of depth
by Dirk Hoag on Nov 4, 2011 5:44 PM EDT
in Nashville Predators News
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The Navy football coach, on why the Midshipmen had two mascots on the sideline at their game against Army: " We're deep at goat." Sports Illustrated, December 25 1995
Every organization has its strengths and weaknesses, with the oft-cited "Predator Way" relying on a team-wide commitment to fundamental defensive hockey principles, along with strong goaltending, to weather the storms that come along during the long NHL season.
Over the last two weeks, we've seen that foundation help the team work through a particularly rough stretch of injuries, which forced a number of players to step up and assume more prominent roles for a few games, such as Matt Halischuk on a scoring line, or Brian McGrattan playing nearly 10 minutes against Vancouver. While they certainly didn't win every game, and looked "horrible, absolutely horrible" in some of the losses, the Predators did manage to steal some points here and there until things returned back to normal, which they began to do last night with Mike Fisher and Sergei Kostitsyn back in the lineup.
While I'd say this team still has holes to fill if it wants to truly compete with the best of the best, and contend for a Central Division championship or a Stanley Cup, it does appear to have some intriguing qualities that should help keep the Preds in the thick of the playoff hunt all season long. They may not be deep at goat, but they've got enough pluggers to play something akin to "Predator Hockey" even if some of the key components go missing for a few games at a time.
When fully healthy, this team probably ranks just behind the main contenders like Chicago, Vancouver, and San Jose in the West's second tier of teams. Take a couple Top 6 forwards out of the equation, however (as seems to happen every few weeks), and they slip, although not completely out of sight. Nashville boasts some depth, but it's more along the lines of "we have guys we can call upon in Milwaukee to round out the 4th line" rather than filling a major role. What will bear watching over the course of the season will be if David Poile is able to make a move to add such support, as has been boasted lately.
Enjoy your afternoon hockey notes...
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Nashville Predators News
Pekka Rinne Signs in Nashville, What Happens to other Goalies in System? - The Hockey Writers
Does the Pekka Rinne contract mean that other goalies are expendable? I could see that with Chet Pickard, perhaps, if someone wants to give him a second chance. But there's no reason Anders Lindback can't continue to be a solid backup here for at least a couple more seasons.
The Second Domino: The Comparables for Suter | The Predatorial
Jeremy brings up a number of examples to point to for guidance on a Ryan Suter contract, but one thing to remember is that the salary level in the summer of 2012 will be significantly higher than 1, 2, or 3 years ago, when many of these guys signed their contracts.
Smashville 24/7: Smashville On The Glass - Pekka Rinne extension
More podcast reaction from local bloggers to yesterday's deal.
What the Rinne signing means - Predators Insider
Josh Cooper compares Tom Ciggaran's statements yesterday to the words of Buffalo Sabres owner Terry Pegula. I think we're still a long way from enjoying that kind of ownership, but boy are things different from 2007.
Predators relish Rinne's impressive glove work - NHL.com
A heaping helping of glove love for Peks.
Around the Wide Wide World of Hockey
NHL Power Rankings, Western Conference: Chicago Leads The Way, Columbus Is Still Bad - SBNation.com
The Predators show up just outside the playoff pack in rankings compiled by the SB Nation Western Conference blog editors.
Tired Coyotes Can't Solve Rinne: Lose 3-0 to Nashville - Five For Howling
Here's the Phoenix perspective on last night's game.
The Hockey News: Proteau: Time for Flames to trade Iginla, Kiprusoff
Jarome Iginla for Brian McGrattan, Jack Hillen... and what the heck, we'll throw in Chet Pickard, too. Whattaya say, Mr. Feaster? It's worth noting that just hours after this column dogged Iginla for a slow start, he put up 2 goals and an assist in Detroit.
Don Maloney's Fighting an Unwinnable Battle Against Kyle Turris | Puck Drunk Love
I tend to agree with this. If the Phoenix GM's point is that he's not going to let this kid force his hand in a trade, and will move him only once he's signed a contract... well, hasn't Turris achieved his objective? Everybody knows that Turris has no future with the Coyotes.
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Brian McGrattan made one Top-5 list...
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Is Bobby Ryan too much of a "pretty goal" scorer?
James van Riemsdyk: Everything is Coming Up Doghouse - Backhand Shelf
He's got a fresh 6-year big-money contract, but JVR hasn't delivered the goods so far in Philadelphia.
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Is he a Canucks defenseman, or a James Bond villain?
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One guy who I am glad to see doing well is Sheldon Souray, whose career could have pretty much ended with that whole mess in Edmonton. Perhaps the most interesting game on tonight's schedule has the Stars hosting Colorado.
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Cory Clouston's tenure ended in horrible fashion last season, and new coach Paul MacLean has gotten them off to a fresh, and surprising start.
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The NHL continues to strike up corporate sponsorship deals.
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I'm just glad I have both Josh Harding and Niklas Backstrom on my main fantasy hockey team.
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Very "chicken or the egg"-type material here.
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Toronto stands alone in 1st place in the overall league standings.
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Solid advice here from Justin - if you can't hustle when you're in an odd-man rush, what the heck are you doing out there?
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Someone needs to ask this question of Craig Smith...
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we should've.....
traded for Hartnell when the price was a bag o’pucks and cal o’reilly instead of now seemingly untouchable since playing with Jagr……
We still need a rough type like him that can put in a cool 20g, 20a
Not sure he would be quite that cheap but he is definitely the type of player that we should be targeting.
by Marcus Newman on Nov 4, 2011 9:33 PM EDT via iPhone app up reply actions
Death by a thousand bee stings....
….just like I previously pontificated.
Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is where the Stanley Cup can be found.
by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Nov 4, 2011 6:15 PM EDT reply actions
#ThingsinRinnesGlove
I loved the glove article. Apparently Five For Howling thinks the fountain of youth is in there too though as they say yesterday was his 23rd birthday.
by ILovethe#6CannonFire on Nov 4, 2011 7:37 PM EDT reply actions
We have enough support from behind, we need someone to help pull the wagon from the front.
It’s not so much a supporting cast type player we need, we need a difference maker. Whether Poile actively pursues that type of player is the big question.
Defense keeps you in games........offense wins them!
by Grizzledbear on Nov 4, 2011 8:18 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Get me thee Zach and I’ll be changing my screen name to ZPHg (Zach Parise Hockey god). :D
Defense keeps you in games........offense wins them!
by Grizzledbear on Nov 4, 2011 10:30 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
i hope Cigarran’s gonna shell out this money like he’s alluding to…we could be something great if we can pick up some scoring.
I wanna believe what Cigarren is saying, but being currently just about 1.2M over the cap floor doesn’t stand as evidence of any big spending ways.
Defense keeps you in games........offense wins them!
by Grizzledbear on Nov 4, 2011 10:39 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
this year yes, but we just paid a buttload for Rinne, this same team that could’ve just as easily decided to give Lindback the job next season. Maybe times are a changing…I won’t hold my breath though.
Keep in mind that........
ownership isn’t paying Rinne his 7M until next season, so let’s not get all wowed about some potential spending spree by the big wigs.
Again, talk is cheap, ownership has to do it.
Defense keeps you in games........offense wins them!
by Grizzledbear on Nov 5, 2011 12:54 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Well they did plop down a lot of money
on Rinne (providing they don’t trade him like they did with Vokoun) so that’s a start. Locking up one of the big three, not being cheap about it is a good start.
However, I’d also like them to be sure they are being smart about it. Big money doesn’t always mean winning. The right money on the right players. Sustainability is also an issue. I hope they don’t throw around a lot of money, then 2 years from now declare they aren’t bringing in the money they thought they would, they are selling and moving the team.
I got a feeling he's very serious about keeping Weber and Suter if at all possible....
I think then we won’t get someone like ZP but maybe some older vets to solidify the team – vets that still put up points like Iginla maybe Alfredsson.
I poise the oft ask question,
what makes us think those players would waive their NTC to come here and what makes us think we wouldn’t get outbid for those players if they did become available by other teams?
Defense keeps you in games........offense wins them!
by Grizzledbear on Nov 5, 2011 3:45 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Make that pose, not poise………
Defense keeps you in games........offense wins them!
by Grizzledbear on Nov 5, 2011 3:51 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
You think N.J. would consider a young goalie like Anders in a trade? Brodeur has gotta be at the end of his career.
Hockey Fights Cancer and so do I
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He would have to be part of a package (not solo)
Plus would Parise sign long term with us? I don’t know what goalies the Devils have in the system, but they probably think they have a prospect as good as Lindback. Rinne, however, locked up to his contract, is super valuable as a trade to NJ… If you want to go down that road. Anyone know if there is a no-trade clause for Rinne is worst comes to worst?
I read that there is a no-trade clause in his contract. I can’t remember the source.
"I am you, you are me, and we are all together" Beatles
hmmmm interesting
my gut tells me Lindback becomes too good to remain a back up. He looks like he could start somewheres else, maybe we can flip him and a draft pick for a top 6 legitimate scoring threat…
I’d hate to see him go, because I think he is that good too…but hey, it would be to his advantage to start somewhere right.
I’d actually like to see Ignila come up for grabs. He’s got the kind of grit that would fit in great in Nashville.
Hockey Fights Cancer and so do I
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Plus...
we drafted Magnus, and I keep hearing good things about him. :)
by HardCorePredFan316 on Nov 5, 2011 2:14 AM EDT up reply actions
.949 in the SEL. I have my eye on him. Jeremy Smith is no slouch either.
R.I.P. Belak, Rypien, Boogaard, Lokomotiv.
Part Predator, part Lightning.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY PEKKA!!!
Some kid named Ekholm did really well in the SEL too……..forget what happened to him. ;p
Defense keeps you in games........offense wins them!
by Grizzledbear on Nov 5, 2011 5:22 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Keith Kincaid.
R.I.P. Belak, Rypien, Boogaard, Lokomotiv.
Part Predator, part Lightning.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY PEKKA!!!
Who?
Defense keeps you in games........offense wins them!
by Grizzledbear on Nov 5, 2011 2:05 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
They don’t want Lindy, they have Kincaid. All they have to do is be patient, rent a vet, and they have a star.
R.I.P. Belak, Rypien, Boogaard, Lokomotiv.
Part Predator, part Lightning.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY PEKKA!!!
A bit presumtive here, are we not? Wasn’t Jeff Frazee also a can’t miss goalie stud in their system?
Defense keeps you in games........offense wins them!
by Grizzledbear on Nov 5, 2011 3:42 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Feel free to ignore me, if you like. I’m used to it.
R.I.P. Belak, Rypien, Boogaard, Lokomotiv.
Part Predator, part Lightning.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY PEKKA!!!
Not ignoring, just questioning. :p
Defense keeps you in games........offense wins them!
by Grizzledbear on Nov 5, 2011 5:20 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Of course no guarantees. Frazee might also make strides, as well. Both could bust. But Kincaid’s getting lots of attention right now. I like what I’ve seen of him. He’s about as good as Dustin Tokarski, who’s TB’s next guy (likely NHL back-up in 2012-13, if people are reading Yzerman’s mind correctly.)
R.I.P. Belak, Rypien, Boogaard, Lokomotiv.
Part Predator, part Lightning.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY PEKKA!!!
Hmmm, the Bolts have seemed to have quite a few of these “it’s his turn” goalies recently but have to rely on two grizzled (yes, grizzled) vets at the moment. It’s a risky business predicting future goalie success.
Defense keeps you in games........offense wins them!
by Grizzledbear on Nov 5, 2011 7:15 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Of course it’s risky! It’s risky to sign Pekka to a 7-year contract. But it still has to be done.
R.I.P. Belak, Rypien, Boogaard, Lokomotiv.
Part Predator, part Lightning.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY PEKKA!!!
Let’s hope we’re saying that 4 or 5 years from now. ;)
Defense keeps you in games........offense wins them!
by Grizzledbear on Nov 5, 2011 9:17 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Well, yes. but I meant to say that you still have to make some kind of predictions if you want to take any action. Right now, Kinkaid is on the rise and the NJ management appear to have a lot of faith in him. They aren’t likely to bring in someone who’s at more or less the same level of experience to place ahead of Kinkaid. If he ever does get the starting job there, of course, he’ll get excoriated for not being Brodeur, but them’s the breaks.
R.I.P. Belak, Rypien, Boogaard, Lokomotiv.
Part Predator, part Lightning.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY PEKKA!!!
Hedberg (or is it Hedburg, I forget) seems to be doing well in NJ, so I don’t think they need to rush up anyone right now in any case.
Defense keeps you in games........offense wins them!
by Grizzledbear on Nov 6, 2011 2:25 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Hedberg is almost exactly 1 year younger than Brodeur. Like 362 days younger. He’s no more a long term bet than Marty.
R.I.P. Belak, Rypien, Boogaard, Lokomotiv.
Part Predator, part Lightning.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY PEKKA!!!
Not long term, but at least a stop gap for next season if need be. The Moose does well in a system like the Devils play.
Defense keeps you in games........offense wins them!
by Grizzledbear on Nov 6, 2011 2:50 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Tonight is the cyclones opening game of the season
Lets hope Pickard can do well, Would be nice to have the value of a 1st overall back.
Not to rain on the parade...
but Pickard is a bust, almost a Finley-sized bust. I hope I’m wrong, but everytime I see him on the ice I cringe. He cannot play a positional game and is constantly out of position and ovverreaching.
by HardCorePredFan316 on Nov 5, 2011 5:33 PM EDT up reply actions
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