Wednesday's notes: David Poile & The Holy Grail

by Dirk Hoag on May 18, 2011 10:07 AM EDT in Nashville Predators News

He's one of the most universally admired and respected executives in the NHL, and has been named a finalist for GM of the Year again this season. But Nashville's David Poile, despite a long and honored career, still has yet to enjoy the kind of post-season success that he has during the regular season or the numerous international tournaments which he's been a part of.

Follow after the jump for a feature piece on the Preds' GM this morning, along with the rest of your morning news & notes...

Nashville Predators News

Nashville Predators GM David Poile has storied career but still no Stanley Cup - The Tennessean
Josh Cooper pens an outstanding profile of Poile's long NHL road, and the one goal which continues to elude him. One could argue, however, that the opportunity facing the Predators over the next 3-5 years presents perhaps the best shot he's ever had at winning it all.

Predators promote two - Nashville Post
The Preds have a new director of marketing (the 3rd leader on that front in the last 2 years), as David Kells gets a promotion.

Does Future Include Nashville For Defenseman Shane O’Brien? - Predlines
I'll go with "no". SOB was fun to have around, though.

Shea Weber looks back at first year of his captaincy - Nashville Predators Examiner
There were some bumps along the way during the first half of the year, but overall you'd have to consider the Shea Weber Era off to a good start.

Preds On The Glass: POTG Hump Day Headlines, News and Morning Links
Buddy extends an invitation to join him for some roller derby action...

Paul McCann - Winnipeg and Second Chances
Paul notes that long-term NHL success is by no means a sure thing in Winnipeg, given how small a market that is.

Around the NHL

Bruins even up series; Tyler Seguin (4 points) leads B's to 6-5 win - Stanley Cup of Chowder
Their going gaga in Beantown over Seguin's two goals and two assists last night.

Bourne Blog: Tyler Seguin and the trouble with great expectations - Puck Daddy
It's great when a rookie chips in for you, but that doesn't mean they should be immediately placed in a key role, writes Justin Bourne.

Tampa Bay Lightning D Pavel Kubina is progressing slowly but update still is "not very good" | Lightning Strikes

Nobody is saying "concussion", but that's sure what it sounds like here for the big Tampa defenseman.

CBCSports.ca - Thornton finally growing fangs, plus 30 thoughts

Elliotte Friedman's 30 Thoughts has a few Nashville connections this week.

Is this the End of the Thrashers? - Bird Watchers Anonymous
The Falconer returns after a long absence from BWA, walking through the likely scenarios which face the Thrashers over the next few weeks.

In the Right Hands: Recent Events in Atlanta, Phoenix Speak Volumes of Wang’s Commitment to Isles | The Hockey Writers
A good observation here, that despite all the turmoil over the last several years, Charles Wang is still hanging in there trying to get the Islanders situation turned around.

Single Round Heroes - Houses of the Hockey
All it takes is a few games for a guy to go from the outhouse to the penthouse.

Time to Revisit the Spezza to Columbus Conversation - The Cannon
Seeing Jason Spezza play alongside Rick Nash at the World Championships gets tongues wagging in Columbus.

Dan Carcillo suspended two games - Broad Street Hockey
And here you thought the Flyers were done for the season...

Pegula to buy the Amerks? - Die By The Blade
A nice development percolating in Buffalo, where new Sabres owner Terry Pegula is reportedly close to purchasing the Rochester Americans, with the opportunity to reestablish what used to be a great relationship.

On Frozen Blog › Renewed Questions of Leadership
The Capitals are going to receive extra scrutiny after another disappointing playoff run.

The Power of Personalization | The Business of Sports
One sports business blogger highlights the NHL's customized email tactics.

Down Goes Brown: Should Canadian hockey fans be cheering for the Canucks?
Heck, some folks considered Nashville as "Canada's Team" during the last round.

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Comments

Buddy is right

Imagine Shea Weber and Ryan Suter if a) they were on roller skates, b) they skated on a flat oval track, and c) they were women. You’ve just imagined Ramb0 Sanb0 and Slammylou Harris of the Nashville Roller Girls. Se you Saturday night, Buddy!

by Hockey Hillbilly on May 18, 2011 11:05 AM EDT reply actions

Anyone who hasn't seen the Nashville Rollergirls...

You are soooo missing out. As mentioned before Ramb0 Samb0 and Slammylou are awesome. Lest we not forget Four Leaf Roller and Union Jack-You-Up are the best blocking tandem in the league. And what about the 5ft 3in rollergirl version of Jordin Tootoo named Jady Fury. She is all kinds of badass.

Support your local teams on Saturday night at Municipal. It’s not like you have anything else to do, and it freakin rocks.

by HardCorePredFan316 on May 18, 2011 11:28 AM EDT up reply actions

+Lady Fury

by HardCorePredFan316 on May 18, 2011 11:29 AM EDT up reply actions

O'Brien

With the status of Boullion not yet determined, the only reason O’Brien won’t be back is because the Predators are sure one of the d-men in Milwaukee will be on the opening night roster next season. From my perspective, that’s a shame. I liked his overall game and from all reports he was a great teammate. Yes, he pulled a few gaffes, but so did Klein and those sacred cows Weber and Suter. And O’Brien was the only one who consistently was willing to mix it up when opponents took liberties with our forwards at the net. If he leaves, I hope he goes to the Eastern Conference.

The truth is neither libelous nor slanderous.
Reason and logic instead of hope and faith.

by shoot the puck on May 18, 2011 2:09 PM EDT reply actions

Valid points, all. Let me add that SOB was a gritty presence on the PK and that gave Sutes and the Sheamonster a break in at least one area of the game.

by Hockey Hillbilly on May 18, 2011 3:22 PM EDT up reply actions

I was really happy with SOB’s season, I just think he’s going to get a good offer somewhere else. I also get the sense (just seeing him around the team, nothing specific) that there’s more optimism about Bouillon’s recovery than Lombardi’s.

Managing Editor of On the Forecheck, SB Nation's blog covering the Nashville Predators, and HockeyGearHQ, a site devoted to hockey equipment. Catch me on Twitter, or join OTF on Facebook!

by Dirk Hoag on May 18, 2011 3:25 PM EDT up reply actions

I'm with you totally

We need a guy who is going to do the dirty work that only SOB seemed willing to do. I hope we keep him.

by Tim P on May 18, 2011 4:01 PM EDT up reply actions

whoops...

mean to reply to STP.
I’m not too optimistic about Frankie B’s return….or Lombardi’s

by Tim P on May 18, 2011 4:02 PM EDT up reply actions

I’m thinking a good offer somewhere else will not be so much in terms of dollars the Predators can’t match it if they so desire. But with Boullion under contract for next season the Predators can’t be blamed for waiting as long as possible to determine his availability. In the meantime, SOB has his own future to secure, so Dirk is probably right. More than just too bad. If he leaves I think the Predators lose a big contributor to their success this past season, and if he really wants to stay, GMDP needs to make it happen.

The truth is neither libelous nor slanderous.
Reason and logic instead of hope and faith.

by shoot the puck on May 18, 2011 4:43 PM EDT up reply actions

As much as SOB no doubt wants to cash in on his UFA status, I think length of contract will be just as important to him. I’d like to have him back next season, but not for more than that. Doubt a one year deal would be what he’s looking for.

by Grizzledbear on May 19, 2011 2:20 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Excellent point

Managing Editor of On the Forecheck, SB Nation's blog covering the Nashville Predators, and HockeyGearHQ, a site devoted to hockey equipment. Catch me on Twitter, or join OTF on Facebook!

by Dirk Hoag on May 19, 2011 10:17 AM EDT up reply actions