While watching the game (and the ensuing reaction on Twitter) as the Tennessee Titans fell to New England 34-13 yesterday, I couldn’t help but draw some comparisons between our two local major league sports teams. The Titans, of course, gave Chris Johnson his huge payday about a year ago and haven’t exactly gotten their money’s worth. Yesterday’s 4-yard rushing effort doesn’t exactly have the home fans singing his praises:
Chris Johnson, though he did not get much help up front, still looks very indecisive running the ball. There is no question that he just isn’t the same guy that he was his first four years in the league. Giving him all of that money last season was a terrible decision.
This season, the two biggest names on the Nashville Predators are striking it rich – Shea Weber with his 14-year, $110 million deal, and Pekka Rinne with his 7 years and $49 million. It’s interesting how little we worry about these two living up to those deals, compared to what we see in football (Albert Haynesworth, anyone?). Yes, I had my objections to the Rinne deal, but that more to do with the length of it as opposed to the dollar figures, considering the way Mitch Korn has been able to develop talent over the years.
How about you, though? Do you worry about these two and their ability to deliver on the combined $21 million they’ll make in 2012-2013?
Ponder that question while reading your morning hockey notes…
Best of Nashville 2012 – The Nashville Scene
This year they have a reader poll for “Best Sports Blog”. Can you help us defend our title from 2011?
Nashville Predators News
NHL 13 Custom Covers Thread – Page 4 – Operation Sports Forums
For those of you who would prefer a Pekka Rinne cover when EA Sports NHL13 releases on Tuesday, here you go (found via @Cellblock303 tweet).
Around the Wide Wide World of Hockey
Players’ union looks at labour laws to block NHL lockout | canada.com
Now here’s a novel approach… the NHLPA is looking to Quebec labor law in a bid to halt, or at least slow down, the owners’ drive to a lockout.
NHL labor talks: No meetings scheduled, sides ‘a long way apart’ on Sunday – Sporting News
Between the pace of talks and now the legal options being used, it looks pretty much impossible for a new CBA to get hammered out this week.
Jets come up with ‘contingency’ plan – Winnipeg Free Press
The Winnipeg Jets have given fans up that their plans will be communicated once a lockout actually commences, so I would expect the Preds to wait on this as well.
Puckarinen ” IIHF.com: Rock of Rögle
Can former NHL goalie Martin Gerber help a recently-promoted team succeed in the Swedish Elite League? (expect lots of Euro stuff if we’re stuck with a lockout)
Understanding Lindback’s Expectations – The Goalie Guild
With his limited experience, this is a bit of a dice roll for the Lightning.
Book Review: Hamilton’s Hockey Tigers | The Hockey Writers
Hmm… maybe the nickname is why Jim Balsillie was so keen on the Predators.
All 2012/13 Scouting Reports Available! – Fantasy Hockey Scouts
If you’re looking for a truckload of useful information to help you get ready for your Fantasy Hockey Draft, Cam & the gang have an outstanding selection for you. I highly recommend them!