Nashville Predators News
Predators Hurting Because of Juuse Saros’ Bad Early Season Starts | The Hockey Writers
Juuse Saros is a great goaltender whose numbers could be much better if his first month of playing did not consistently go wrong. Jeff does a great job putting the season in net in perspective for both Rinne and Saros.
Renegades of Puck: April 2nd – Dallas Review/Chicago Preview
Fellow On The Forecheck writer Shaun Smith joins for his usual segment after a week in the wilderness, along with the usual preview/review of the last and next games, along with host Charlie Saunier, Greg Moshopoulus and the Ultimate Predator. Great pregame listening before today’s matinee.
NHL Rookie Notebook: Tolvanen helping drive Predators’ recent run | Sportsnet
In this edition of the rookie notebook, Emily Sadler discusses the benefits of a patient development for Eeli Tolvanen, plus a look at other rookies in the league, including yet another strong showing from Calder favorite Kirill Kaprizov, who leads all rookies with 30 points in 35 games.
Bryce Chevallier Presents His Model’s Choices for Calder Trophy | Twitter
Here’s what makes Kaprisov so good. He’s a beast in all areas with the puck and can contribute to the forecheck.
Also, he ranks 7th in the league in taking on defenders 1v1 with the puck only behind the likes of McDavid, MacKinnon, Draisaitl, Barzal and co. [from InStat] pic.twitter.com/zfFHF3jdQF
— Bryce Chevallier (L’Architecte) (@FauxCentre) April 3, 2021
Response regarding how Predators forward Eeli Tolvanen fits in the list
Yes, Tolvanen is at 7 right now. Defensive beast but lower value in other areas
— Bryce Chevallier (L’Architecte) (@FauxCentre) April 3, 2021
Hockey is for Everyone
USA Hockey announces roster for 2021 Worlds | The Ice Garden
Look, I know this was included already, but this is me lodging a formal complaint over the omission of American hero Maddie Rooney. Also, Michelle is an excellent writer and deserves another share.
Lisa Haley named NWHL’s senior VP of Hockey Operations – The Ice Garden
Former Toronto Six assistant coach Lisa Haley takes over executive position in the leagues Hockey Operations.
Around the NHL
Rise of virus variants has Canucks worried about outbreak worsening | Sportsnet
Games have been postponed, and Darren Dreger announced late yesterday evening that more positive tests returned:
As expected additional positive cases have been determined with the Vancouver Canucks. It’s also believed a variant has been identified in some of the cases.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) April 3, 2021
MacKinnon scores twice, Avalanche top Blues to extend point streak to 13 | NHL.com
MacKinnon continues to do MacKinnon things (but not THAT MacKinnon thing), and boy oh boy am I just overjoyed to have them in the division again next season. Just ecstatic.
Hinostroza traded to Blackhawks by Panthers | NHL.com
Vinnie Hinostroza was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks on Friday by the Florida Panthers for Brad Morrison. Hinostroza has been a non-factor for the Panthers this season, and Stan Bowman loves to recycle, so Vinnie heads back to the Windy City.
NHL Buzz: Hart to start for Flyers after goalie was scratched | NHL.com
One of last season’s breakout goaltenders, Carter Hart was scratched for two games to “work on his game”. Also covered is Petr Mrazek’s return to Carolina after a conditioning stint in Chicago for the AHL’s Wolves, this season’s temporary home for the Nashville Predators prospects.
Tweet of the Day
Chris is pretty good at making me laugh (and making others angry – which also makes me laugh), but this one got me good.
We gotta call my man Stan Bowman captain planet because he has the recycling game on lock https://t.co/2TXcrtmZU1
— DJ Bodega Cat (@yolo_pinyato) April 2, 2021
Song of the Day
I’ve recently discovered just how good JJ Cale’s debut album Naturally is, and while “Magnolia” is my favorite song on the album, you may recognize this one that was made a hit when covered by Lynyrd Skynyrd. Also on the album was “After Midnight”, which was covered by Eric Clapton, and Cale didn’t know it happened until he heard the Top 20 hit on the radio and was pleasantly surprised.
Here’s a fun fact that entertains maybe only me: He recorded this album in two Middle Tennessee studios – one in my current home of Hendersonville, and the other across the lake in Mt. Juliet. Neat!