Wednesday's notes: Predators Progress

by Dirk Hoag on Jan 25, 2012 10:13 AM EST in Nashville Predators News

Back on December 8, the Nashville Predators sported an unimpressive 12-11-4 record, and as I wrote in the game preview for that day, they were due for a slumpbuster. Sure enough, the Columbus Blue Jackets came to the rescue, as they dominated the Preds that night through 57 minutes, but then yielded to an incredible comeback that saw Nashville score twice in the final minutes of regulation, and again in overtime to pull off a remarkable 4-3 win.

That game launched the Preds into this 18-5-0 streak heading in to the All-Star break, but did it do something more? Has that comeback, and the 6-5 stunner which followed a couple weeks later, given this bunch a jolt of confidence that has led to stronger team play?

Whatever the formula is which has led to this recent run, let's just hope that the coaching staff has it bottled up and ready to go when play resumes in a week's time. Until then, this bunch has earned a few days off...

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While reading this morning, listen to the radio highlights of last night's game, and an interview with Patric Hornqvist:

Predators Blackhawks highlights 2012-01-24 (mp3)

Patric Hornqvist on 1025 2012-01-24 (mp3)

Nashville Predators News

Smashville 24/7: Focus turns to Central Division lead
Ryan breaks down the head-to-head-to-head-to-head battle for Central Division supremacy.

Paul McCann - A Good Way to Begin a Break
Paul sets up tonight's SlapShot Radio show.

Rinne Picks Up 10 Wins in Remarkable January | PuckScene.com
Not a bad month's work for Peks.

Nashville: The Boys From Beulah Land March to the Playoffs | The Hockey Writers
Comparing the Preds to the "prettiest girl at the cotillion"? I'd like to see Barry Trotz's reaction to that!

Hartnell added to All-Star Game - Predators Insider
Coach Trotz is glad to see his former player get the All-Star nod.

Nashville Predators' Patric Hornqvist uses foot to help Mike Fisher score - The Tennessean
Good stuff here on Hornqvist's kick, and Yip's fight last night.

Bridgestone Arena & Nashville Predators Promote David Kells To Vice President Of Booking - Nashville Predators
The Preds promote from within to fill a key role in the organization.

Around the Wide Wide World of Hockey

Thomas' White House snub, All-Star Game + 30 Thoughts | Hockey | CBC Sports
"With Nashville comfortably in the playoff race, a couple of teams indicated they'd heard defenceman Ryan Suter was off the market and the Predators were going for it."

Did Blues’ Barret Jackman prey on Matt Cooke’s reputation for boarding call? (Video) | Puck Daddy
You know, it sure does look like Jackman embellished this "hit". At the very least, Jackman is responsible for turning himself into the boards to go in face-first. He knew Cooke was right there with him and knew there was going to be contact.

Pizzo’s Points: The Art of the Chirp - Backhand Shelf
Sharing some of the NSFW dialogue that takes place on the ice.

Weighing the Options: Toronto Maple Leafs' Mikhail Grabovski - The Hockey Writers
Ooh, if he came available on the trade market, Grabovski might make a fine addition at center.

Appendectomy won't keep Stars' Jamie Benn from playing in All-Star game - The Dallas Morning News
Some guys will do anything to drop a little weight to gain advantage in the Fastest Skater competition.

Changing of the (old) guard at NHL’s all-star game - The Globe and Mail
The age of Lidstrom, Selanne, Pronger, et al is passing swiftly.

Elliott comes full circle with All-Star appearance - NHL.com
Brian Elliott was cast off by the Senators, but has turned into a bargain beauty for the St. Louis Blues, with some of the best goaltending numbers in the NHL so far.

NHL's Central Division Dominant Again As All-Star Break Arrives - SBNation.com
And just think, the Central's Fantastic Four would still be together under the proposed realignment, too. It would suck to come in 5th behind this bunch and miss the playoffs.

Scott Gomez has a tough life - Backhand Shelf
Meh. I've seen worse.

Amateur hockey violence making referees lose control of games: study - National Post
A referee's job can get downright ridiculous at times, given how players, coaches, and parents can get going.

And Meanwhile, Heaven's Falling - Preds 3, Hawks 1 - Second City Hockey
The Blackhawks didn't expect to sit in 4th place at the All Star break, that's for sure.

Fleury shines as Penguins win seventh straight, beat Blues 3-2 (SO) - PensBurgh
Those pesky Blues managed to earn an OTL point on home ice against the Penguins.

Minnesota Wild @ Colorado Avalanche: Game Recap - Hockey Wilderness
The Wild skipped past the Avalanche for 8th spot in the West.

Oilers At Canucks Recap ; Going Post-al (3-2Ws/o) - Nucks Misconduct
Vancouver its the break with a cushy 9-point lead in the Northwest Division.

Bob, Tails Never Fails - Broad Street Hockey
The Flyers took a shootout decision at Florida.

Recap: Caps 5, Bruins 3 - Japers' Rink
The Washington Capitals went without three big stars last night but still got it done.

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Comments

AO

Unbelievable that he is sticking it to the fans and not attending this weekend.
I hope the NHL does it right and really spotlights guys like giroux, stamkos, kane, couture, and tavares. Great time to make those guys superstars with no Crosby or AO.

by wrandsw on Jan 25, 2012 10:56 AM EST via mobile reply actions

Ovi got suspended for three games, didn’t think it would be right to show up at this thing while under suspension. I get that. There’s more to it, of course. Shanny’s verdict here was awful, IMO. But the game will live without him, and those folks you mentioned are already superstars. We’re way past the Sid-Ovi show.

by el pucko on Jan 25, 2012 12:09 PM EST up reply actions

No way

AO is throwing a 2 yr old tantrum. Suspension or not the all star game is for the fans. It is that way in every sport. He should be there and put on a show.
As for the other guys being superstars, they do not get the pub that AO and Crosby get. Those guys I mentioned are young and could be marketed just as easily as the big 2. On the ice they are superstars. Off the ice they play second fiddle and this weekend is a great time for them to be the center of attention.

by wrandsw on Jan 25, 2012 1:14 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

I’d say those other guys don’t get the pub that Ovi and Sid got when those two were clearly the best players in the league and had a nice rivalry to stoke the fire, culimating with an epic playoff series. But that was two years ago. If what you say is true, then it’s great that 8 won’t show at the ASG. Someone else can wear the funny hat and sunglasses.

On the tantrum thing, I think one thing you need to consider is that he’s captain of that team and the reaction of his teammates matters. I think Marcus has this point below. If you’re him, especially him, you might be worried how it looks if you’re having fun at ASG while serving a 3-game suspension.

by el pucko on Jan 25, 2012 4:37 PM EST up reply actions

Suter should be off the market

and they should be buyers.

Forsberg is sometimes referred to a disaster (which should be saved for Brendan Witt and Chester the Jester Pickard references), but he was a ~point a game, made Radulov better, produced some in the playoffs, and really only cost the Preds a 3rd line forward in Upshall and what may be a career AHLer in Parent.

I know there is some comfort in getting something instead of nothing for Suter, but unless there is a main event JVR or Couturier type guy coming back, its better to keep Suter and play for keeps.

And there is no guarantees when it comes to youthful prospects.
Hossa netted the Thrashers Erik Christiansen?
Kovalchuk netted them Johnny Oduya and Berfgors?

Give up something of a value that wouldn’t take away from the current roster, bring in a Zach Parise, or at least a Mike Fisher type, and go big. Maybe Suter and Weber will be convinced to stay with a trip to the Western Finals or better.

In the alliterative words of PekkaPontiff:
Plan the Predator Parade!!!!

"If you aren't diving, you aren't trying"-Jordin Tootoo
PekKarlsson: The genetic mutant solution to all of Nashville and Ottawa's problems. Shea and Alfie approve.

by PekKarlsson on Jan 25, 2012 11:00 AM EST reply actions 1 recs

Blum, Pickard & a pick for a 2nd-line caliber center? I could go for that.

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Managing Editor of On the Forecheck, SB Nation's blog covering the Nashville Predators, and a guy who can help you save money on all things hockey-related at Hockey Gear HQ.

by Dirk Hoag on Jan 25, 2012 11:43 AM EST up reply actions

Give us some names Dirk.

Why a center? Push Spaling down to 4th line? Move Legs or Fish to wing?

Was last night the beginning of the end of Smithson in Nashville?

by wrandsw on Jan 25, 2012 11:55 AM EST up reply actions

Wasn't Smithson hurt?

"If you aren't diving, you aren't trying"-Jordin Tootoo
PekKarlsson: The genetic mutant solution to all of Nashville and Ottawa's problems. Shea and Alfie approve.

by PekKarlsson on Jan 25, 2012 12:04 PM EST up reply actions

I missed the scratches report so I did not hear the reason for Smithson’s scratch.

Would love to have Roy from Buffalo.

by wrandsw on Jan 25, 2012 12:17 PM EST up reply actions

Yes, I’d push Spaling to the 4th and move Smith over to the wing. Give me Legwand/Fisher/New Guy, backed up by the checkers and PK specialists.

Smithson was hurt last night, according to Tom Callahan.

As for names? I’ll try to come up with a few during the next few days. Grabovski, as noted above in the links, would be nice.

Follow @Forechecker

Managing Editor of On the Forecheck, SB Nation's blog covering the Nashville Predators, and a guy who can help you save money on all things hockey-related at Hockey Gear HQ.

by Dirk Hoag on Jan 25, 2012 12:52 PM EST up reply actions

Don't disagree but

Isn’t it ironic that we are talking about adding a center instead of a winger? I can’t imagine there were many on here in october saying we would need more depth at center.

Still think a rugged d man is needed for the bottom pair. Ellis and hillen get pushed around on the road when Trotz can’t control the matchups

by wrandsw on Jan 25, 2012 1:22 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

For me at least, I’ll take whoever the most talented forward available may be, regardless of his position. Our forwards are pretty flexible, so we can move people around if need be.

Defense keeps you in games........offense wins them!

by Grizzledbear on Jan 25, 2012 8:34 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

what do you think about Allen or Gleason from Carolina?

by Only Fan In J.C. ? on Jan 26, 2012 11:17 PM EST up reply actions

He's got another year after this but

Derek Roy is on the outs in Buffalo, 4 M cap hit (though 5.5 M in salary next year) and
has had
70 pts in 82 gms,
69 pts in in 80 gms,
and 35 in 35

before this year’s disaster…..

he is small, feisty, fast, apparently a more productive version of what Lombardi was supposed to be if healthy…..

A couple of prospects, or propect and pick, could do it. He has had some playoff success before, too.

"If you aren't diving, you aren't trying"-Jordin Tootoo
PekKarlsson: The genetic mutant solution to all of Nashville and Ottawa's problems. Shea and Alfie approve.

by PekKarlsson on Jan 25, 2012 12:09 PM EST up reply actions

I like the Roy thought!!

by ablairnash on Jan 25, 2012 12:29 PM EST up reply actions

I dunno, Roy is one of the reasons the Sabres have been so bad this season. Not sure there’s much octane left in his tank.

Defense keeps you in games........offense wins them!

by Grizzledbear on Jan 25, 2012 8:31 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

That is exactly what I was thinking. The youngsters are stepping to step up on the forward line more and more. I think it would be better to just get a really good 2nd line forward instead going all in on a elite goal scorer. *Although Parise in gold would be nice.

by ablairnash on Jan 25, 2012 12:27 PM EST up reply actions

Grizzled would be happy

and while financial struggles in NJ likely mean Parise can be had,

the cost may be prohibitive for Poile. It would likely take a couple of higher end prospects, maybe including a guy off the current group (Ellis, Josi).

Parise is more of a Cadillac……I think Poile is looking to add something between a Honda Accord (yes!) or a Pinto (………..).

"If you aren't diving, you aren't trying"-Jordin Tootoo
PekKarlsson: The genetic mutant solution to all of Nashville and Ottawa's problems. Shea and Alfie approve.

by PekKarlsson on Jan 25, 2012 12:45 PM EST up reply actions

And making Gbear happy should be a priority!

Just for once, GMDP, do something for me. :)

Parise will cost a lot to get, and I don’t think Lou L. will move him anyway as long as the Devils are in the playoff hunt. But dreaming up what it might take to get him if they did look to move him, I’d say Ellis, Watson, maybe Lindback and a #1 pick would be the starting point. I’d do it if I knew ZP would sign with us, but that’s a big if.

Poile is probably looking for a pre-owned yugo……..as long as the cost isn’t to high. :D ……..:/

Defense keeps you in games........offense wins them!

by Grizzledbear on Jan 25, 2012 8:30 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

XM Home Ice

says Poile sent out an email (to who?) stating that the team will step up it’s efforts to resign Suter long term. Home Ice put it in the context that the Preds are taking him off the trade market.

by bhamhockey on Jan 25, 2012 12:07 PM EST up reply actions

Interesting

I think that should be the plan; unless they go on a skid near the deadline due to injury, goals dry up, whatever, COMBINED with a ridiculous offer from another team,

plan on adding and not subtracting, and negotiate with Suter throughout.

Also a good sign: they are apparently talking, which I am infering from ‘stepping up efforts’…..perhaps confirming that there are efforts/talks/discussion as we speak!

"If you aren't diving, you aren't trying"-Jordin Tootoo
PekKarlsson: The genetic mutant solution to all of Nashville and Ottawa's problems. Shea and Alfie approve.

by PekKarlsson on Jan 25, 2012 12:41 PM EST up reply actions

I have a feeling these “stepped up” efforts to sign Suter long term are code words for “I was just to busy trying to sign Suter to have time to make any trades”.

Defense keeps you in games........offense wins them!

by Grizzledbear on Jan 25, 2012 8:39 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

I certainly don’t think the Preds are sellers, but who is out there to buy? Most Western Conference teams aren’t going to deal with the Preds because it might come back to bite them later and in the Eastern Conference the teams that actually have good players are locked in a battle to make the playoffs themselves.
It’s easy to say get a top 6 forward, but they aren’t exaclty a lot of those floating around who are better than what we have. And I won’t even get into the potential disaster messing with this team’s current chemistry could become.

by Melissa Vanderpool Wallace on Jan 25, 2012 12:17 PM EST up reply actions

You are advocating

standing pat?

There are bargains; Ponikorovsky was traded for a song and, really, Mike Fisher did not cost that much last year. And the most he did to hurt the chemistry was get his teammates to push back their offseason vay-cay for a couple of weeks, and skate a bit into May :)

You are right, there are risks to consider….but like anything, little gambles may yield little rewards, yipster gambles may yield yipper rewards, and a bigger gamble may yield even greater rewards.

Curious: did you at the time, or in hindsight, regret the Forsberg gamble?

"If you aren't diving, you aren't trying"-Jordin Tootoo
PekKarlsson: The genetic mutant solution to all of Nashville and Ottawa's problems. Shea and Alfie approve.

by PekKarlsson on Jan 25, 2012 12:28 PM EST up reply actions

The Blues and Avs made a big trade last season, so it’s not that impossible for teams in the same conference to deal with each other. You just have to offer up what the other team is interested in.

Defense keeps you in games........offense wins them!

by Grizzledbear on Jan 25, 2012 8:42 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

Break

I know the common thought is that the all-star break is good for the players, but I think it couldn’t come at a worse time for the Preds. They’re on a roll! Hopefully they can remain focused and keep it up after the rest.

Note to Webs, Sutes, and Smith: take it easy at the game guys!

TN Sports fan in Hoosier Country....

by Evanbio on Jan 25, 2012 11:09 AM EST reply actions

That's what I'm worried about too

Last year the Avs were on a roll going into the break, competing with the Canucks for top seed in the NW division. Then they had one of the most epic collapses in recent league history. I think the Preds have the right structure in place from preventing that from happening, though .

by bhamhockey on Jan 25, 2012 12:03 PM EST up reply actions

If I remember correctly, their injuries piled up really high post-break. While I’m worried we won’t stay as hot, I think that the entire team is playing Trotz’ system to near perfection and I don’t think that will stop when they come back from break.

by dnorm4 on Jan 25, 2012 1:30 PM EST up reply actions

but it do something more?

World Wide Weber.
There is no tenderness or humanity in fanaticism.
~Joe Strummer

by cisar on Jan 25, 2012 11:29 AM EST reply actions

Mercy!

Would some gentleman please get Jas a julep?

by Hockey Hillbilly on Jan 25, 2012 11:35 AM EST reply actions

David Poile mentioned our team would be better in the 2nd half of the season….it didn’t take that long.

Now, when you look at the Preds on the ice, you see forwards AND Dmen who can move the puck. We don’t need to rely on the dump and chase every game…we are actually (gasp) MOVING the puck into the offensive zone….( GASP) We are spending more time, it seems, in the offensive zone, which in turn inproves our defensive play.

Our young guys are maturing. Our old guys are contributing. Pekka is Pekka.

I hate the fact Sutes hasn’t signed and is waiting on a Pred move, but if this team can get a good two way forward for the stretch run, I believe we can make a run.

My hockey team is better than your hockey team

by Predator Don on Jan 25, 2012 12:31 PM EST reply actions

If Sutes is waiting to sign until the Predators show "a commitment to winning"...

Then what the hell do you call what our team has done since Mid-December. Chemistry is a huge issue for most hockey teams…key in on TEAMS. The Predators play more like a team than most any other NHL organization aside from the Wings. Rolling four lines that can score and are defensively sound is a testament that this sytem with this group of guys is working.

C’Mon Suter..Just sign…trust us, it’ll only get better and with farm-raised talent to boot.

by HardCorePredFan316 on Jan 25, 2012 1:01 PM EST up reply actions

If Suter And Weber don't sign

It’s because they don’t want to be here. I believe they are being offered contracts comprable to Pekka’s—maybe even a little more, so if they go it is either because of those extra dollars they expect to get elsewhere or just because they don’t like Nashville—whether it’s the coach, the front office, the lack of respect across the league or whatever.
I just don’t buy this Nashville can’t win with that system stuff anymore.

by Melissa Vanderpool Wallace on Jan 25, 2012 1:39 PM EST up reply actions

In Suter's case...

I know it is more than just about the money and success of the team. From little things he has said, I get the feeling he is tired of skating in Weber’s shadow. If he were on any other team he would be the absolute #1 guy and would have already gotten ASG recognition and possibly Norris consideration IMO. Do we honestly think that the Preds will ever have 2 Norris candidates from the same team in this small market? Not bloody likely.

When asked in an interview on 102.5 about the ASG and whether he hoped he and Weber would be placed together he said “Who knows? They might just pick me first.” I have to wonder if his family and agent are urging him to go somewhere and be the #1 guy and get the recognition he deserves. Admit it..right now outside of the team and this immediate fanbase, Suter is just the other (lesser) half of the Dynamic Duo as far as the league is concerned.

by TitanPredBearFan on Jan 25, 2012 2:57 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

Suter

He should be careful what to wish for, part of the reason he’s great is his partner.
In the end he is not Shea and should be content being himself. Doesn’t have the shot, the offensive skills or physical presence. He’s a 1A type guy and that’s a fair observation.
He should be paid but c’mon Suter your team that needs more talent according to yourself is only 3 points behind Detroit!

by virgil trucks on Jan 25, 2012 3:13 PM EST up reply actions

I definitely get the feeling Suter is a little tired of playing Robin to Weber’s Batman and is ready to go off and become Nightwing, but just as Nightwing never gets the same press as Batman, I don’t think Suter will ever get the same kind of accolades as Weber. Their styles are too different. Suter’s contributions may even be greater than Weber’s but they don’t stand out like Shea’s 100MPH slapshot and they still won’t on another team.

by Melissa Vanderpool Wallace on Jan 25, 2012 3:24 PM EST up reply actions

Yeah but has Lidstrom

ever had the booming shot or the physical presence that Weber brings? Nope, not hardly. But he is widely regarded as one of the best D Men to ever play the game. It’s not a stretch or exaggeration to include Suter in that class. Sure Suter doesn’t necessarily score as many goals as Lidstrom, but on the right team he could even become the go to guy in that aspect also. The Preds depend on him to set up Weber, but we’ve seen, especially the past couple years, that Suter has a deceptively good shot himself.

by TitanPredBearFan on Jan 25, 2012 5:42 PM EST up reply actions

Despite our good play of late, it’s hard to look at this roster and think it’s Stanley Cup caliber right now, let alone a perennial Cup contender. That perception is the likely impediment in getting Suter signed. I wouldn’t doubt it in the least if Sutes is waiting to see what, if anything, Poile does before the trade deadline.

Defense keeps you in games........offense wins them!

by Grizzledbear on Jan 25, 2012 8:51 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

Adrian Dater thinks we could do it.
Has us at #7 on power rankings, before last nights chicago game, chicago is currently #6, again, before last nights game.

Barry Trotz’s band of steel-toed skaters is officially red hot, quietly climbing to the elite level of the standings. Adding to the good news: defenseman Ryan Suter is back after two weeks on the injured list. There’s the usual speculation that the small-market Preds may need to trade the All-Star by the deadline, but I’ll go on record as saying GM David Poile would commit a grievous mistake by doing so. This team could win the Stanley Cup this year, but only if Suter is on the roster. Sometimes you have to just go for it now and stop worrying about the unknown.

World Wide Weber.
There is no tenderness or humanity in fanaticism.
~Joe Strummer

by cisar on Jan 25, 2012 9:39 PM EST up reply actions

Well, there’s one person anyway. :)

I’d keep Suter as well. May as well go all in while the time is ripe.

Defense keeps you in games........offense wins them!

by Grizzledbear on Jan 25, 2012 10:00 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

Anything is possible-really! Who would have EVER thought we could beat the Russkies in the Olymics that memorable year? All is possible to those that want it. AND WE WANT IT!

Repeat it, visualize Weber, Suter, and Rinne holding the Cup; visualize them beating whoever the Eastern Conf. winner is. Do it, do it, do it!!! Negative breeds negative, positive breeds positive. Always

"I am you, you are me, and we are all together" Beatles

by amyinsparta on Jan 26, 2012 11:25 AM EST up reply actions

So, if I visualize the Canes getting to the Cup finals it will happen? :p

Defense keeps you in games........offense wins them!

by Grizzledbear on Jan 26, 2012 5:57 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

It already has. ;)

"We want to keep beating them...to break their pride and break their season...is a huge thing for us." - David Legwand

by DonBorvio on Jan 26, 2012 10:19 PM EST up reply actions

And it happened without visualization techniques. ;)

Defense keeps you in games........offense wins them!

by Grizzledbear on Jan 26, 2012 11:57 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

On AO

Does anyone else think that Ovechkin is skipping because it would be a little embarrassing and disingenuous to go and goof off in front of the cameras when you have 2 games left on a suspension? I personally don’t think it would look very good for him to show up, particularly to his teammates. I am pretty sure i would have declined if I were in his shoes.

by Marcus Newman on Jan 25, 2012 1:17 PM EST reply actions

this is the reason he gave … now I think there’s more to it than that, but that’s what he said … I can see that

by el pucko on Jan 25, 2012 3:11 PM EST via Android app up reply actions

I'm just enjoying the ride right now

And (hopefully?) trusting Poile and the guys to take care of the front office business for this year and next. This is some of the most fun I remember having watching Preds hockey, and as Doc would say, “Wyatt, we are rolling”

by Stu0624 on Jan 25, 2012 1:25 PM EST reply actions