Saturday’s Dump & Chase: A Full Weekend of Hockey

Nashville Predators News

Predators’ Prospects Report: Post-season Primer Part IV - On the Forecheck
I'm sure you are aware of Eeli Tolvanen, but do you know our other prospects that are playing in the postseason?

The Weekender: Failing to Make a Statement - On the Forecheck
Dan Bradley discusses where Tolvanen will fit into the line up, Thursday's disappointment, and Earthquake interrupted 1989 World Series (as an A's fan living in the Bay Area at the time, I will never forget this.

Eeli Tolvanen is coming

Based on my limited understanding of the Finnish language, I asked my favorite off-ice Finn to explain how to say Eeli’s name. I also had him clarify the Miikka Salomaki dilemma.

In other words, it isn’t “sallow”. You have to shorten the short “O” sound dramatically. The “maki” part should rhyme with “tacky”.

If you are interested in my fixation on the proper pronunciation of foreign names, it all stems from my 10 years as an ESL teacher and trying to ensure I got all the names right.

Fishing with Austin Watson

Do you like fishing? Do you like Austin Watson? If you said “yes”, I’ve got the event for you!

Speaking of Eeli Tolvanen, check out his sweet ‘stache.

And speaking of the KHL, can we get this fan to Bridgestone? He’s a shoo-in for the Hunt Brothers Pizza Fan of the Game.

Around Hockey

Starting goaltenders battling fatigue as playoffs loom
I feel like it's a matter of attrition at this point in the season. How good is your back up? Can you afford to rest your starting goaler and still maintain an advantage in the playoffs? I feel like the Nashville Predators are in a good enough spot on all of these fronts (way ahead of the Winnipeg Jets, THE Juuse Saros) which makes me wonder why Pekka Rinne started last night...

Bruised but not broken, Patrik Laine will return to Jets lineup in a week or 2 | CBC News
This injury should give Patrik Laine a chance to work on some new riddles for you to solve when you want to cross his bridge.

Kucherov still leads, but Art Ross race is far from over thanks to McDavid, Malkin, MacKinnon | The Hockey News
I'm pulling for Nathan MacKinnon. How about you?

Blue Jackets are rolling at right time – ProHockeyTalk
A closer look at the recent success of the Columbus Blue Jackets. (hint: it involves Seth Jones)

Vladimir Tarasenko returns to Blues at pivotal time
Is this the push the St. Louis Blues need to gain some traction on their chase for a playoff spot?

Shorter goalies find niche in what has become big man's position
A little bit from Juuse Saros in here. But, what I think they're saying is it's not the size of the goalie in the fight, but the size of the fight in the goalie. Or something. I may have mixed up my analogies here.

NHL - NCAA hockey rivalries - and school spirit - run deep in NHL locker rooms
None of our guys make an appearance, but I think it's interesting to find out who all in the NHL played together in college.

Bleeding Out | by Clint Malarchuk
Out of all of the great articles on this website, the articles like this one are probably the most valuable. While it may be inspiring to see a badly injured athlete rise and walk (or skate) off the ice, the injury doesn't just go away when they disappear down the tunnel. More than anything, the recurring theme I read is that it's important to get the help you need before it becomes an emergency.

Sedin brothers continue to exhibit poise, class for Canucks
Ever since Ozzie Canseco played a few games with Jose Canseco and the Oakland A's, I've always loved the idea of twin brothers playing for the same team. Henrik and Daniel Sedin have given me all the practical experience I've needed...even if I really don't care for the Vancouver Canucks.

Eeli Tolvanen Hot Take

Look, I know I talk about Eeli Tolvanen more than is healthy. However, I fear that many read a little too much into this. While I am excited about his arrival and have been since his early dominance in his KHL season, I am also a realist. I don’t think he will come in and be a dominant force for the remainder of the season. I don’t think he’ll come in and play more than 9 games (if that). I actually want Jokerit to go as far as they can so he can get the best and most playoff experience possible before crossing the pond. I am, of course, excited. Tolvanen’s gold will likely be my next jersey once a number is acquired.

What I’m excited about is the potential. Tolvanen is playing like a mature forward at 18 and will come to a town and team with his countrymen as teammates to help ease the transition. And, come on, the sage wisdom and guidance of Pekka Rinne?! That’s gotta be worth Pekka’s weight in gold (get it?). He may not be a year one All-Star, but this kid is the future.