I asked Peter Laviolette how much pressure he’s felt from above as this slump has progressed: “I haven’t felt any.”
— Adam Vingan (@AdamVingan) November 22, 2019
Yes, there are links coming, but I wanted to start with this. I don’t write articles as often as I’d like to, but this seems like a slap in the face during the Year of the Fan. No, I don’t think Laviolette will be fired today, this week, this month, or even this season, but I know he feels pressure from above.
It isn’t that this is a CYA answer to appear to be cool and calm in the face of an impending storm—this seems like a cocky answer to me. No, I haven’t heard the words being spoken, but I can see the words that aren’t spoken. There is a very simple way to handle this question, which I believe is not only a fair question, but a question I’m surprised no one else had asked yet. The solution here is to heap pressure on yourself. It would have been easy to do the following:
“You know, Adam, I put an incredible amount of pressure on myself. So much pressure that if there were any pressure from above, I wouldn’t notice it because I’ve spent the entire month doing everything I can to get us back on track.” -what Peter Laviolette should have said https://t.co/hyKsa1TlFK
— Streetwise Professor (@SCSOTF) November 22, 2019
Sorry for posting my own tweet, but I’d already typed it out once. Anyway, his response comes off as cocky and somewhat antagonistic towards the fans. No, he can’t come right out and say “Oh, yeah, David Poile has chewed me out and threatened my job a few times…I’d better figure it out or start editing my CV,” but making it seem like he’s a the laid-back hero of a song by the Eagles is a surefire way to further enrage a fanbase that is already gathering the pitchforks about Kyle Turris.
And, after all, a NHL team’s job is to entertain its fans and make them happy enough to give the team money in exchange for that joy and entertainment.
So, rant over; here are some fresh links:
Nashville Predators News
Nashville Predators 3, Vancouver Canucks 6 Game Recap: Penalties; Killed. – On the Forecheck
It was soul-crushing, so if you haven’t seen it, read this instead.
Babs to the Bone: Mike Babcock is not your guy, Predators fans – On the Forecheck
Look, Smashville, I know there’s quite a bit of knife sharpening going on right now, but Mike Babcock’s availability is not a convenient solution.
Matt Duchene is not the Nashville Predators’ salvation—and that’s not his fault – On the Forecheck
Kate, our Dear Leader, takes an incredible look a the “one more forward” phenomenon that has been affecting the Predators as of late.
#Preds pic.twitter.com/pqYrkzzYG8
— Nick Morgan (@_nsmorgan) November 21, 2019
Around Hockey
More injuries for Penguins as Schultz, Bjugstad out long-term – ProHockeyTalk
Injuries keep stacking up for the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Islanders’ point streak hits 16 games, a new franchise record
The only other coach the Predators have ever had is having quite a good time with the New York Islanders.
Hockey Canada’s decision to change minor hockey division names was overdue and is for the better – TheHockeyNews
I like the change; it was incredibly outdated, confusing, and offensive anyway.
How will Sheldon Keefe change the Maple Leafs? Friends and foes weigh in – TheHockeyNews
Everyone has very nice things to say about the new guy behind the bench in Toronto.
Struggling Canucks show excellence on power play to beat Predators – Sportsnet.ca
I really just clipped this because the Canadian media referred to the Vancouver Canucks as “struggling”. However, it should be noted that, through the struggle, they destroyed the Predators.
Steven Stamkos suffers lower-body injury – TSN.ca
Losing Steven Stamkos would be terrible for the Tampa Bay Lightning right now.
Jordan Binnington’s shutout helps St. Louis Blues beat Calgary Flames – TSN.ca
The Calgary Flames have lost six games in a row. I heard the players had a meeting after the game…I think that’s a wonderful idea.