Nashville Predators News & Notes
Joe Rexrode: Consistency is Predators’ next step
Filip Forsberg and Ryan Johansen are still young and finding ways to navigate through the ups and downs an NHL hockey player faces. The Predators need them to be consistent scoring threats to reach the teams’ maximum potential.
Three keys to the offseason: Nashville Predators (Insider) | ESPN
The Predators need to take the next step in the 2016-2017. Craig Custance weighs in on what GM David Poile can do to improve his team and make it more…you guessed it…consistent.
Around the World of Hockey
Kings keep coach Darryl Sutter with long-term contract extension | CBSSports.com
Even in the wake of a disappointingly quick first round exit, it’s really hard to not re-sign a coach that has brought you two Stanley Cups in recent years.
3 things we learned in the NHL: The Big Vasilevskiy | Sportsnet.ca
Stars were dropping like flies, goaltenders are getting younger and younger, and a suspension may already be coming to the Lightning–Penguins series.
When adversity hits, the Lightning strike | USA Today
This could be a big chance for Lightning backup Andrei Vasilevskiy. He’s capable of being a top goalie in this league and with the expansion draft coming up the Lightning will likely have to choose between he and Bishop.
Ryan Callahan drills Kris Letang into the boards with a high, dirty hit | SB Nation
Ryan Callahan is a repeat offender, that hit was straight in the numbers, and Callahan showed no sign of letting up. I’d expect a call from NHL Player Safety if I were you, Ryan.
‘Miracle On Ice’ Veteran Wants Congressional Scrutiny On NHL Concussions | Huffington Post
“I am hopeful Congress will turn the attention they have shown other sports leagues on this issue toward the NHL.”
NHL Playoffs: Western Conference Finals Preview | The New York Times
Obviously we wish the Predators were in this one but it’s going to be a fun series to watch, either way.
NHL great Kevin Stevens arrested on federal drug charges | The Washington Post
Not too great, Cotton.
NHL Draft
Leafs still take Matthews in latest mock draft (Craig Button) | TSN
Button has Matthews ahead of Laine (as he should) and he has the Predators picking one of their big fans, Dante Fabbro. Fabbro is a solid two-way defenseman who makes a good first pass and has a booming shot from the point. Naturally, his favorite player is Shea Weber.
2016 NHL draft: The great No.1 debate — Auston Matthews or Patrik Laine?
Kyle Woodlief weighs in on the debate of who should go first overall and lists some risers and fallers in the draft. One of the risers is Cliff Pu. I can’t wait for that name to get announced on draft day…
2016 NHL Mock Draft: 1st Round (May) | The Draft Analyst
Steve Kounianos projects the Predators to pick up Kieffer Bellows. He’s a 50 goal scorer for the US National Development program, he’s skilled, and he’s hard on the forecheck. Yes please…