When I became a contributor on this site in June of 2017, I was excited for the opportunity and in love with the direction of the site. I had learned a lot about the Nashville Predators and about hockey in general in 3-plus years of closely following the team, but knew very little about writing for audiences and the intricacies of the game. In the intervening two years, I’ve learned a lot more about the Predators and hockey as a whole, but without a doubt my favorite part of the journey has been getting to know you folks and sharing a bit of my humor and sarcasm at appropriate junctures.
Unfortunately, I came to the realization (while sitting at home working on call lists for my new job at 9:30 at night) that I no longer have as much time to contribute to this site in a writing capacity as I would wish. I respect Kate, Shaun, all the writers and most especially you active readers and commenters too much to give less than my full attention and effort each Thursday. I am so glad that I went out on a limb and applied for this opportunity two years ago, and I thank you all for reading and interacting with me. I absolutely still plan to spend plenty of time here, just not in a writing capacity.
Thank you all so much for what you’ve done for me, and I’ll see you in the comments section. Go Preds!
Nashville Predators News
Photos: Best of Viktor Arvidsson in 2018-19 | NHL.com
Preds news is very light today. Have some photos of everyone’s favorite MiniSwede!
Eeli Tolvanen: Growing Pains on the Small Ice? | On the Forecheck
ICYMI, Eric has another fantastic article breaking down the 2018-19 season of Nashville’s 2017 first round pick.
Central Division Roundup
Chicago Blackhawks 2018-19 season recap: Alex DeBrincat stats, analysis | Second City Hockey
Bad news: the Blackhawks had good things happen for them this year. Good news: they were still 6 points out of a playoff spot. Bad news: They got the third overall pick…so many conflicting emotions.
How much money do the Colorado Avalanche have and what do they need in Free Agency? | Mile High Hockey
A fairly thorough preview of what Colorado’s upcoming summer season may look like.
Dallas Stars End-of-Season Grades: Top Defense Pair | Defending Big D
These two fellas really hurt the Preds at times in the first round of the playoffs, but how did they perform this season as a whole?
2019 Minnesota Wild Year-End Player Review: Jared Spurgeon
Of the most commonly used Wild defensive pairings, BOOOOOOter and Spurgeon certainly seemed to be the most effective.
How the Blues Went From Last Place to the Stanley Cup Finals | The New York Times
How? Because the hockey gods don’t love us and anyone who is seriously pulling for the Blues has my condolences for the loss of their sanity @DonBorvio. (No one reads these links so it’s ok for me to do a call-out)
Maurice shouldn’t be immune from Jets performance review | Winnipeg Free Press
Winnipeg’s bench boss is facing much of the same kind of scrutiny that Peter Laviolette is getting this off-season…but without a Cup Final appearance (and with only two playoff series wins) to show for his efforts since being hired 5 years ago.
Around the Hockeyverse
Stanley Cup Final storylines | NHL.com
While I’m not fond of either team in this matchup, these two looked like the best teams in the league for long stretches of time so it should be a good one.
Binnington made stop with Bruins organization on road to Final with Blues
From sharing a starting job on an AHL club in fall 2017 to starting Game One of the Stanley Cup Final, Jordan Binnington has enjoyed quite a ride over the past 18-plus months.
Mrazek, McElhinney top targets for Hurricanes before free agency | NHL.com
While we don’t get the pleasure of seeing the Storm Surge in the Cup final, we can start following the Canes as they make moves to set up what they hope will be a great encore to a surprisingly successful 2018-19 season.