12/29/08 - Nashville at Colorado: L 1-5 Final

Observations:

I kind of hate that just because Kevin Klein made his first glaring mistake of the season last night, he got replaced by Ville Koistinen in the lineup tonight. I should have known though. That's a classic Coach Trotz move right there.

btw, Terry Crisp...it's AL-titude, not ALL-titude.

The defensive pairing of Greg Zanon and Dan Hamhuis = not my favorite right now.

What a stop by Budaj on Shea Weber's blast from the point towards the end of the first. I hope it hurt his glove hand just a little.

You know who I'm really disappointed in right now? Captain Jason Arnott. I'm really annoyed that he hasn't been able to put away any of the chances that he's had right at the net. He had the perfect opportunity to stuff the puck into the open net behind Budaj in the last few seconds of the first on the 4-on-4. He COMPLETELY missed it; didn't even put his stick on it, actually. WHAT. THE. PUCK. Seriously, Jason...I'm mad at you right now.

Dan Ellis must have really been under the weather since Trotz seemed to have no inclination whatsoever to pull Pekka after Colorado's third, fourth, fifth goal.

What was up with all the line changes?!? Here's a hint, Trotz: THEY'RE NOT WORKING.

Jordin Tootoo getting dumped over the boards and into the Colorado bench was pretty funny. I'm not gonna lie.

I don't like hearing assistant coach Peter Horachek say "maybe we'll find away to make something happen" when asked about what to do when we're down by three. If one of the coaches doesn't even seem to be confident in our ability to score...THAT IS A PROBLEM.

ERAT SHOULD NEVER EVER BE PUT IN A POSITION WHERE HE HAS TO PLAY DEFENSIVE-MINDED.

Did we just give up after the second?! If it's possible for hockey players to phone it in, we totally did.

Boys, boys, boys, boys, BOYS! I don't know how much more of this I can take. It's definitely time for a major heart-to-heart. Rest assured you will be hearing from me again very soon.

12/28/08 - Nashville at Edmonton: L 2-5 Final

Observations:

Who would have ever thought that Vernon Fiddler and Martin Erat would become good line mates? Not me, that's for sure. You definitely won't hear me complaining though. Erat is finding his way back into my good graces. And even though I couldn't see the goal (the internet feed was HORRIBLE at the time), I could tell it was a good one.

I was also VERY happy to hear them call Shea Weber's name again. It seems like it has been forever since he scored.

Joel Ward and Richie Rich Peverley were the standouts to me tonight. Peverley especially. Both seemed really hungry to find ways to score tonight. It was unfortunate that neither of them could capitalize on the chances they created.

Unfortunately, this will be the end of my positive thoughts on tonight's effort...

Can we say HORRIBLE defensive giveaway by Kevin Klein that led to Edmonton's third goal?! Seriously, that was the first time I've ever seen him make such a horrible mistake. That was disappointing.

Edmonton's fourth goal just a few seconds later was definitely Elly's fault. He could and SHOULD have stopped that. Pete and Terry just said that he wasn't feeling good today so that could possibly be the reason he wasn't as sharp as he should have been. Still though, NO EXCUSES.

I blame deVries for Edmonton's fifth goal. I don't think I need to say anything else because that should explain it all.

Had Legwand and Erat been able to put one in shorthanded during our lone power play in the third, it would have been a much needed boost for the team. I hate Legwand's ability to create almost chances. So frustrating.

It was weird to hear Edmonton's announcers say that the Predators have been "phenomenal" in the second period so far this season. I kept thinking "Really? Really?!? The SECOND PERIOD?". I will credit our second period stats to the ridiculously low-scoring games we've been having here lately. Games that end with a 0-1 score in our favor probably have a lot to do with our "phenomenal" second period.

Seriously, I was all ready to talk about how our guys were coming back around as it seemed to be that way after the end of the first. However, those thoughts were premature. I guess I'll have to reserve all judgement about our offensive-minded comeback when I see that we finally make one.

The Predators fly out tonight and head to Denver to face off against the Colorado Avalanche for the third time this season on Monday. With the logjam of teams floating around the eighth seed in the Western conference, games against teams in the same boat as us are of the utmost importance to win. I hope that the back-to-back scenario doesn't work against us tomorrow night. Tomorrow night's game will be locally televised on FS Tennessee. Puck drops at 8:30pm CST.

Get it together, boys.

12/26/08 - Detroit at Nashville: W 2-3 Final

Observations:

My first thought tonight was that there were WAY too many Red Wings fans at the Sommet. I mean, I know they normally come out of the wood works but there was definitely a higher concentration of them tonight. Including a really annoying and LOUD jerk of a fan directly behind us. I never mind a little friendly rivalry during a game but this guy was just downright obnoxious.

Never in a million years did I think that Greg Zanon would be the one to light the lamp first tonight. It's about time we scored directly off the face off. That was a nice goal.

Kevin Klein's shot from the point at the end of the power play was killer too. I am so glad to see him out there playing. He deserves the ice time because between Klein and Koistinen, Kevin is a much better all around player. Not to mention that his shot is very similar to Shea Weber's shot and you know how I feel about that boy's shot.

Vernon Fiddler is stepping up his game quite a bit. I think he has definitely deserved a spot on the second line for right now. With that said, Erat's game is also improving as he managed a multi-point game tonight with a secondary and primary assist. I think he and Fiddler are starting to gel well together. The same can not be said for Legwand and Erat though. I don't know what happened to that pairing but something has definitely disintegrated between the two of them.

I know I have said this quite a few times already this season but it bears repeating that the Smithson-Bonk-Tootoo line is one of the best lines we've got. No, they might not be scoring goals but they are generating a lot of chances and putting pressure on the opposing team like they should. At some point in the near future, I'm expecting to see some scoring from the three of them.

Speaking of line chemistry, something is amiss with Jason Arnott and JP Dumont. Our leaders aren't getting things done and that concerns me. It might be time for a little line shake up to get things going again. I noticed Trotz threw Antti Pihlstrom out there with Arnott and Ward for a couple of shifts but I don't know if that's really the answer either.

We played a surprisingly aggressive and physical game tonight. Also surprisingly, Detroit's game seemed to be much more mellow than usual. The Predators were hitting everybody and every Predator was hitting. I'd like to see this style of play continue.

Tonight marked the first sellout of the season. Seeing the Sommet packed to its fullest made my heart real happy. Major props to all the Preds fans who caught spontaneous ovation fever again. Those moments can never be planned or recreated. And in the moment, it is one of the biggest rushes of emotion you can experience during a sporting event. The last few minutes of the third period were awesome and you know our boys had to feel good hearing us cheer them on like that. It's sad to say that it's been a while since we've really had reason to cheer.

All in all, this was probably one of the best games we played in a long while. I still have issue with the fact that our top scorers aren't bringing it like they have been BUT no matter what, we beat the Red Wings. What a great belated Christmas present.

The Predators are on the road again, travelling to Edmonton and Colorado for games on Sunday and Monday, respectively. The Edmonton Oilers game will be radio-broadcast only (boo to that, NHL!). Puck drops at 7:00pm CST.

Hockey Holidays

'Twas the night before a hockey game, down at the Sommet
Excitement hung in the air due to the next day's foray;
The skates were hung in each locker with care,
Knowing that Detroit soon would be there;
The players were at home nestled snug in their beds,
While visions of Red Wings danced in their heads;
And Gnash all alone in his jersey and cap,
Had just settled down for an afternoon nap,
When out on Broadway there arose such a clatter,
Gnash sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the front door he flew like a flash,
Ran down a flight of stairs in a mad dash.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below,
When, what to his wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature zamboni, and eight men in hockey gear,
With a short and stout driver, so easy to spot,
He knew in a moment it must be Coach Trotz.
More rapid than tigers his skaters they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;
"Now, Arnott! Now, Dumont! Now, Weber and Pihlstrom!
On, Erat! On, Legwand! On, Tootoo and Smithson!
Out to the ice! Don't trip and fall!
Now skate away! Skate away! Skate away all!"
Each player paused, with Gatorade to drink,
Then quickly and sprightly took to the rink,
Out on the ice, they knew just what to do,
Shooting the pucks, and sometimes dodging them too.
And then, in a twinkling, he heard from the eight,
The cutting and scraping of each little skate.
As he drew in his hand, and was turning around,
Down the tunnel Coach Trotz came with a bound.
He was dressed in a suit, from his head to his foot,
His clothes were all ironed, his tie pinned down to stay put;
A bag of pucks he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.
His eyes -- how they twinkled! His dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow;
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath;
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook, when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly.
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And Gnash laughed when he saw him, in spite of himself;
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave him to know he had nothing to dread;
Trotz addressed the players and went straight to his work,
Barking out his orders; then turned with a jerk,
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, back down the tunnel he rose;
He sprang to the zamboni, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
Gnash heard him exclaim, as he drove out of sight,
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good fight."

12/23/08 - Nashville at Florida: L 0-3 Final

So I kind of took the night off tonight since I had a few friends over for a little holiday party. The game was on in the background but I definitely wasn't paying close attention. I'm glad I wasn't paying much attention because I'm pretty sure I would be more pissed than I am right now.

With our offense as sluggish as it has been here lately, being shut out seems about right at this point.

I'm irritated and disappointed. With two days off before we play again, I don't know what in the world the guys can do while off the ice to somehow bring us to the level we need to be at in order to stand a chance at beating the Red Wings.

Basically, what I need to do is not think about it so much and remember that's it only a game.

I pray that the Predators don't do the same.

I'm sorry, but you're going to have to repeat that

Jason, I have absolutely no clue what you're saying right now because I can not tear my eyes away from what is happening over your right shoulder...

12/20/08 - New York Islanders at Nashville: W 0-1 Final

Observations:

Sixwire should NOT be allowed to perform the National Anthem anymore.

Vernon Fiddler with another goal?! Fids is on a roll; shaving that mustache off might have helped with his mojo.

Antti Pihlstrom needs to stop it with the rookie mistakes that are costing us penalties. The jury's still out on this kid for me. I'm not sure if I like him or not.

Shea Weber and Ryan Suter still remain very in sync with each other. They had a nice play at the end of the first period that was solid, classic defense. That is one pairing I hope Trotz doesn't decide to change anytime soon.

JP Dumont has been off with his puck control here lately. He needs to work on that.

True to his word, Coach Trotz put Martin Erat on a line with Peverley and Fiddler tonight. Erat did put forth more effort tonight than I have seen from him in a while. He was definitely passing more. He's learning to let go. However, he also found his way onto the top line AND the power play?! What the puck, Trotz? E needs to spend a little more time in the doghouse first.

David Legwand = continual major disappointment

Jordin Tootoo got moved up to the Pihlstrom-Legwand line for the night but I think he has better chemistry with Radek Bonk and Jerred Smithson.

Major Side Note - Dear Little Girl Sitting in Front of Us Tonight: What's with all the staring? Didn't your mother teach you that it's not nice to stare? Seriously...you were annoying.

Since I gave all the players Christmas wishes earlier this week, now it's time for mine: Can we maybe for once have this huge blowout game where we just score over and over and over again? I miss those kinds of games so much.

If we keep playing like this, I'm going to rename our team Sleepytime 2009. Seriously...I think I'll start recording these games and play them back for my as-of-yet unborn children when they are having a hard time falling asleep. 10 minutes in and they'll be out like a light.

I continue to find problems with our lack of offense each night. Even the top line isn't finding the back of the net. This is a major concern that needs to be fixed quickly if we have any chance of making it to the playoffs. And if we do happen to make it to the playoffs, we're going to have to step it up about 17 notches if we have any hope of winning even one game in the first round. Our goaltending and defense remains solid but we can not rely on that and just hope for the best.

Maybe most importantly, this year's team seems to lack the heart that I found so endearing with last year's team. I don't know if having more stability in ownership has given the guys reason to play it safe or what but I'm kind of disappointed. To quote a John Mayer song, "Something's missing and I don't know how to fix it".

A milestone

Congratulations, Jason! Here's to a few hundred more.

Well...

I asked, Barry answered. I just didn't expect an answer so quickly.

"There are some guys that aren't pulling their weight and they need to step up," Predators Coach Barry Trotz said. "I don't think there's been anything from Martin Erat. He's doing nothing offensively, so we'll put him on a checking line."

Tomorrow's game could prove to be reallll interesting.

12/18/08 - Nashville at Phoenix: L 1-2 Final

Observations:

I think it's interesting to watch very similar teams play against each other. There was much talk before the game about how evenly matched we were to Phoenix. For the entire first period, I think all the players on ice could have traded jerseys with each other and no one would have known the difference. Even the power play/penalty kill units were scarily similar.

Martin Erat and Rich Peverley both stood out to me during the first twenty minutes of play. Peverley's game gets better the more games in a row he plays. And Erat...well, he needs to do something out there. He seemed to be out for every shift early in the first and I was getting all excited to see him return to form. However, towards the end of the first, he stood out to me but it wasn't because of his smart play. Where is my favorite puck hogging Czech?! Something is very off with his game and I don't like it.

Trotz, KEEP THE FREAKING LINES TOGETHER! What the poo were you doing with the boys out there? Don't try to keep up with Gretzky. Could you just stick to what works, please? Thanks.

Was that really a Franklin Motors commercial during the last break before the second period started? It made me miss Vokoun's "oh, my little blue car from Franklin Motors..." commercial so much. Nothing beats that commercial...NOTHING.

The majority of Wednesday's practice was spent focusing on the power play/penalty kill lines. Ummm...I think maybe we need to focus on our power play a little bit more. Bonk, Legwand and Peverley? Really? REALLY?!

That Fiddler goal kind of caught me off guard. I think it caught Bryzgalov off guard too. If the top lines are not getting it done, at least we know that the third and fourth lines can pick up the slack.

Note to whoever is in charge of the little features during intermissions: Keep the LOL's coming. Fiddler declaring it Brent Peterson Day with his sudden perv 'stache was PRICELESS. Coach Peterson's aversion to talking about Fiddler's moment of hilarity was equally amusing.

I would have definitely liked to be on the winning side of things tonight as I think the Predators are the better team. No matter the similarities to Phoenix, we have the players who can and should put the puck away. Our biggest problem right now, however, is that those players aren't quite getting that job done. How are you going to fix that, Trotz?

The Predators fly home tonight and will have a rare face off against the New York Islanders Saturday night at the Sommet. It's not often we get to see Eastern Conference teams at home so it should be an interesting match up. The game will be televised locally on FS Tennessee and broadcast on WRQQ 97.1. Puck drops at 7:00pm CST.

"It's that time of year..."

So the rest of the song goes "when the world falls in love" but honestly, the Predators have a few things to get sorted before I do any kind of falling in love over them this Christmas.

With that in mind, here’s what I’d like to give each player this holiday season. Then maybe the loving can commence.

2 Dan Hamhuis (defense) – better puck control, less turnovers, to never lose his boyish good looks

3 Wade Belak (winger) – more fights, a few more goals, for Predators fans to love him even though he wears Marek Zidlicky’s former number

4 Ville Koistinen (defense) – more consistent play

5 Greg Zanon (defense) – better padding when he’s taking those pucks to the body

6 Shea Weber (defense) – a better on-air personality so people actually assume he’s not as boring as he puts off, an All-Star bid that comes from having votes on the ballot and not from the “pity” nod by the league

7 Greg deVries (defense) – for Predators fans to stop calling him “the new Zidlicky”

8 Kevin Klein (defense) – more ice time, less healthy scratch games, for people to stop thinking he’s evil after seeing his crazy eyes

10 Martin Erat (winger) – more goals, more consistency in his game, a year’s worth of free highlights at the salon of his choosing, a better English vocabulary so he uses less “wells” “ums” and “you knows”

11 David Legwand (center) – all he wants for Christmas is his one front tooth, his one front tooth, his one front tooth; oh, and less pressure to be the “franchise guy” even though he has that big contract

12 Scott Nichol (center) – to maintain a good face off percentage, to be a few inches taller so he'll be more evenly matched against the big guys from other teams

14 Radek Bonk (center) – to maintain a good face off percentage, to end the season with a better +/- than last year, a razor so he’ll look less like a homeless man with all that facial scruff

19 Jason Arnott (center) – anger management courses in case defending his teammates ever gets worse than it did during the Vancouver game on the 9th, to always be on a line with JP Dumont

20 Ryan Suter (defense) – to score more goals so he can get out of the Shea Weber shadow, a dog

22 Jordin Tootoo (winger) – a few more goals, more fan support (because he can never have enough), to never be traded to Columbus

25 Jerred Smithson (center) – to maintain a good face off percentage, to stay solid on the penalty kill, to score a few more goals, to be more talkative in public

28 Ryan Jones (winger) – to stay called up to the NHL, to be on a better line once he does get called up

29 Joel Ward (winger) – world peace (seriously, this boy has everything he could ever want so I don’t know what else he would ask for)

35 Pekka Rinne (goal tender) – more playing time, a better on-air personality when Pete and Terry are interviewing him from the bench during a game (the fans need to be entertained, Pekka!)

37 Rich Peverley (winger) – more ice time, less healthy scratch games, chemistry with his linemates

38 Vernon Fiddler (winger) – to score more short handed goals, a razor for that nasty 'stache you've got going on right now

39 Dan Ellis (goal tender) – for the team to remain consistent in front of him, for him to break the starting goalie curse that has seemed to plague the Predators for the past few years, a lifetime supply of Pedialyte (or similar substitute) so he will stay hydrated during games

41 Jed Ortmeyer (winger) – to play in the NHL again (::single tear:: I miss you, Jed)

42 Antti Pihlstrom (winger) – a copy of English for Dummies so he can learn to speak better in front of the media (Pekka might need to borrow this occasionally)

71 Jean Pierre Dumont (winger) – the other half of his tooth back from when he got hit during the Vancouver game on the 9th, to always be on a line with Jason Arnott

Also, I’d like to think that if the Predators could collectively wish for one thing this Christmas, it would be to win the Stanley Cup.

Wouldn't that be nice?

Edit: It was mentioned to me *cough* Jeremy *cough* that maybe I should have included Sullivan in this Christmas wish list. I guess since I did indulge the wishes of Ryan Jones, Jed Ortmeyer and Antti Pihlstrom, I have to let #26 get his wishes in too.

26 Steve Sullivan (winger) - to take a full body hit from anyone and not fall over in agony and excruiating pain, to play in the NHL again, to make a splashy comeback on the top line with Arnott and Dumont that has all Predators fans saying "Radulov who?"

Hmmm...

I'm not sure what to make of this.

Highlight: Fiddler's new perv 'stache.

12/13/08 - Dallas at Nashville: W 0-3 Final

First, I have to say Happy Birthday to my dear friend, Melissa. This is the fourth year (I think) in a row that I've been able to take her to a hockey game on her birthday. I couldn't think of a better present to give a fellow Predators fan on their birthday...a game and a win.

Observations:

Joel Ward had a great game tonight. I didn't know how ridiculously sick his first goal was until I saw the replay. I feel like I almost need to retract what I said in the one of the last recaps about letting Erat play on the top line with Arnott and Dumont. Tonight, Joel Ward had such a good game that I can't think of anyone else he should play with.

Martin Erat's breakaway opportunity in the first was yet another point for Trotz to remember when thinking about who to include in the shootout line up. Erat should have had that goal. I'm really not happy with his play right now.

Our play in the second period was very reminscent of the Predators of last season. The second period has always been our weakest. Not that we played horribly but it was defintely not the hight point of the night. We still need to work on our discipline when it comes to drawing a penalty and not taking a penalty at the same time.

Jordin Tootoo was tearing it up out there tonight. That line continues to impress me even though it doesn't really make sense when you think about it. Tootoo and Jerred Smithson both had some quality scoring chances tonight. It's good to see that the team can generate offense from more than just the top line.

The shutout tonight had to feel so good for Dan Ellis. The team played well in front of him. He was able to see every puck and he controlled his rebounds excellently as well. Good job, Dan.

Even though the Dallas Stars have been struggling as of late, I think the Predators played one of their most solid games of the season thus far. There were no glaring mistakes from anyone in particular. I also think we put in a full team effort tonight. Let's continue on with this pattern of play, shall we?

The Predators have a four day break in their schedule and won't return to action until Thursday night. They'll be in Phoenix to take on the Coyotes for the first time this season. The game will be televised locally on FS Tennessee. Puck drops at 8:00pm CST.

12/11/08 - Nashville at Columbus: L 1-2 Final SO

Observations:

What a mis-handled puck play by Dan Ellis early in the first. I'm just glad Ryan Suter was there to block the shot because I thought for sure Columbus had a goal right then.

I'm not sure how I feel about putting Ryan Jones on a line with Peverley and Belak. That seems like an unfortunate combination. He's such a good play maker that it's hard to see him playing with guys that aren't as keen on the offense.

With about four minutes left in the first, we only had one shot on goal, to Columbus's nine. Then all of a sudden we get a little jump on our offense for the last few minutes. Even still, the SOG stat at the end of the period were 10-5, in the Bluejackets favor. That kind of offense is not going to get the job done. What is up with our slow starts every night?

Ummm...after watching the feature on the making of the 2009 player's calendar, I have just one comment. Ryan Suter is an interesting fellow. Who doesn't like dogs?!

I know some people really like Joel Ward on the top line with Arnott and Dumont but I've always been partial to Erat filling out the top line. It worked out really well last season, until Trotz switched things up by replacing him with Radulov. Erat also gets to play left wing on this line and as that's his natural tendency anyway, it makes sense that he would perform well there. But whatever...I say this all the time, I am not Coach Trotz.

Good pressure in the Columbus end on the second period 5-on-3 and yet we only managed one shot on goal. Maybe it's because we're used to being on the other end of a 5-on-3.

Wow. 0-0 at the end of the second. What an oh-so-familiar place this is turning out to be for us this season.

Kevin Klein has some ridiculous deke capabilites.

Martin Erat scores his first goal since November 6th. This time, keeping his head down and focusing on the puck paid off.

NO MORE SHOOTOUTS!!! No more Erat in the shootout. For goodness sakes, put Klein in over him at this point.

ARGH...we can't win them all but it's the freaking Bluejackets. Oh well. The Predators fly back tonight and will be at home against the Dallas Stars (minus still-suspended Sean Avery) on Saturday night. The game will be televised locally on FS Tennessee and you can also catch it on 104.5 The Zone. Toys for Tots will be on hand again to collect new, unwrapped toys. The 2009 Predators calendar will also be handed out to all in attendance. Puck drops at 7:00pm CST.

12/9/08 - Vancouver at Nashville: L 3-1 Final

It still stings a little to think about this game and all that transpired. I don't have it in me to do a proper recap because I have a feeling I would go off on a tangent of epic proportions.

In an effort to show some restraint, I'm choosing to find a few positive takeaways from the game instead of focusing on what I can not change.

1. I like that Kevin Klein was involved in every scrap last night. It showed that wasn't afraid to defend his teammates and for a guy that doesn't get much play; I have to really respect him for that.

2. Rich Peverley was the surprise fight of the night and he held his own. I always enjoy seeing fights pop up from unexpected players.

3. Major kudos are in order for an unbelievable full-team effort on the second period seven minute penalty kill. The extra long shift that had Joel Ward caught out there without a stick was an especially noteworthy performance.

4. The less-than-sold out crowd support during the aforementioned penalty kill was outstanding. Seriously, it was so loud in the Sommet that I thought for a second I was at a playoff game.

5. Love, love, LOVE Jason Arnott's quote from Brandon Felder's post-game blog. That is why I think he fits the role of our captain so well

This was the type of game that becomes much-discussed and not easily forgotten. This was the type of game that incites the players, coaches and fans alike.

Ultimately, this was the type of game that defines us as a team. We're not going down without a fight and if we go down, we're going all in.

I need a moment

In a word: frustration, agitation and irritation.

Okay, so maybe that was three words but if you can't tell, I'm kind of pissed. And judging by his comments (or lack thereof) post-game, so is Coach Trotz as well as the entire team, I'm sure. Anyway, as the title of this post clearly states, I need a moment to process it all. The recap will be up at some point tomorrow. Probably in the evening, since I can't access Blogger from work.

I have much to say now but I'll probably be a little calmer (and nicer) if I wait until tomorrow. So until tomorrow...

P.S. Burrows can kiss it.

12/8/08 - Nashville at St. Louis: L 3-6 Final

First things first; much deserved congratulations to Pekka Rinne for being named the NHL's First Star of the Week. This is awesome recognition for our rookie goalie.

Observations:

Something I forgot to mention from Saturday's game that was definitely worth noting: Kevin Klein was back in the lineup, with Ville Koistinen scratched for the night. Tonight's game found both defensemen in the same scenario. Koistinen's made enough mistakes here lately to warrant an extended period on the bench.

The Belak-Janssen fight was pretty hardcore. However, I think it was a dirty play by Cam Janssen to literally pick Wade Belak up at the end to try and throw him over the boards and into the Blues bench. What is this? The WWE?!

Antti Pihlstrom scored his first career NHL goal on the power play in the first period. He had great instincts to find the open shot to the back of the net. I think I'm finally starting to see some chemistry with him on the line with Legwand and Erat too. I still think Ryan Jones needs to come on back though...

The Blues first goal of the game late in the first was most definitely due to a bad defensive effort on our part. Horrible play in front of the net. Not that I'm expecting Erat to have amazing defensive abilities but even the most offensive-minded player knows you shouldn't pass the puck so close to the front of the net. Pekka was doing all he could and it was obvious he was not happy with that one going in behind him.

I'm inclined to think that Rich Peverley is in le grand maison du chien (the big dog house for those that don't speak French) if Coach Trotz prefers to dress Wade Belak for the Fiddler-Nichol line. I kind of hate that for him but he was having a hard time finding chemistry early in the season.

Kevin Klein nabs his second breakaway goal of the season to put us up 2-1 in the second...wait a minute...it was only his second goal of the season. Both of his goals have been breakaways. Let's think about this, Trotz. LET THE MAN PLAY. Breakaway goals might just be his specialty; and they're just so pretty to watch.

6-on-3, 5-on-3...UUUUGGGGHHHH...

GREAT shot to tie the game up 3-3, JP. Now that's the way to come back from those PK's.

I hate when Shea's shot is so hard that it breaks his own stick.

We had some really nice 5-on-5 possession time deep in the St. Louis zone halfway through the third. It's good to see we can play well-rounded hockey and not just focus on special teams.

I forgot how much I love when Dan Ellis does an interview with Pete and Terry from the bench. I'd rather see him on the ice but I do love his on-camera report with the two of them.

We were not our usual third period team tonight. The Blues got our number late in this game. Our record against them so far this season (0-2-1) is pretty crap. We don't play them again until February so it should be interesting to see how the season series ends up.

This night started with my congratulations and ends with a bit of sympathy for Pekka Rinne, who now knows what an NHL defeat feels like. Judging by his reactions after every Blues goal scored, you could kind of tell he knew it just wasn't his night.

The Predators return home late tonight and get ready to take on the Vancouver Canucks at the Sommet Center tomorrow night. The game will be radio-broadcast only. Puck drops at 7:00pm CST.

Coming Soon to a Blog Near You!

Within the next couple of weeks, I'll be releasing a new feature on What The Puck called Bec's Bites. With this new feature comes a guest poster, Bec, who will delve into the foray of the lighter side of the NHL. Think What the Puck with a touch of Perez Hilton.

I'm really excited about this addition to my blog and I hope Bec and her take on things will be received with open arms and hearty laughter.

Watch out for her bite...it's coming soon.

12/6/08 - Minnesota at Nashville: W 0-1 Final

Observations:

After last Saturday's game, we all had to expect a better showing tonight. Getting spanked 6-2 in our barn is not something our boys want to experience often. I was so happy to see us stay way more disciplined this time around.

The shot count at the end of the first (18-4, Nashville) had me second guessing why exactly we didn't get the puck in net. Both goalies had some amazing saves tonight. Pekka's second shutout of the season gives me so much hope for the future of our goaltending. Honestly, I will be happy with whichever netminder Trotz decides to play from here on out.

I hate to say this but the Belak-Boogaard fight was a major disappointment. I had a feeling they would give it a go again tonight but neither one seemed to really get a good hit in this time around. The refs broke it up too soon too, in my opinion.

Alright, I wish had more to say about this game tonight but with low scoring games, I feel like there's not much that can be said. Besides "great save by goalie so-and-so" or "oh! that shot went just a little wide!" what else can be said really?

I had a fantastic night at the game though. Sitting in 105 again was like coming home for me. I love watching the game up close and personal like that. And tonight I also had the pleasure of getting acquainted with a few guys from Toronto. They were in town for the week, had never been to Nashville before, or a Predators game for that matter. This might actually be one of my favorite parts about hockey...sharing the experience of watching Predators hockey (in the Sommet, specifically) with people who have never experienced it before. They were all Toronto Maple Leafs fans but were very complementary of the atmosphere in the Sommet and decided before the game was over to make their Nashville trip an annual one. I'm hopeful they will take their experience back with them to Toronto and spread the Nashville love to Canada...goodness knows we need it!

The Predators have a funky schedule in the next week: travelling to St. Louis on Monday; back home Tuesday night to take on Vancouver; on the road again against Columbus on Thursday and then back home again Saturday night to face off with the Dallas Stars. With the exception of the Vancouver game, all match ups will be televised locally on FS Tennessee. Puck drops against St. Louis at 7:30pm CST.

12/4/08 - Colorado at Nashville: W 2-3 Final

Observations:

Good ice positioning for Vernon Fiddler on that first goal. Way to score on the breakaway too. We haven't seen enough of those goals this year. A lot of our players actually had good positioning on ice tonight. I don't know how easy that is to work on in practice but I think whatever we're doing is working.

Great pokecheck by Pekka at the end of the first. If he hadn't of had such quick reflexes, the game could have easily been 3-2 for Colorado at that point.

David Legwand scores with 0.3 seconds left in the first as a direct result of a sweet pass from Ville Koistinen. I didn't see that one coming, especially from such a tough angle. That was a great little souvenir for his milestone game. NICE!!

2nd period play was all kinds of boring. Our PP is not worth much...especially if Trotz is going to insist on using Radek Bonk every other shift.

Jordin Tootoo, drawing penalties and not taking them...definitely showing some maturity on the ice. If he keeps this up, I might have to start liking him.

Third period play was not much better than the second. I could have fallen asleep we were so blah out there, with the exception of the last minute or so of the game.

So we finally won at home again. It was a good feeling but at the same time, there wasn't enough drama and emotion keeping me in it tonight. We played alright but I also feel like we were sleepwalking out there after the first period was over. Neither team had amazing offensive opportunities so maybe everyone just got caught in a groove and decided to sail through the rest of the game on cruise control. Maybe we're just saving the chippy play for our rematch against Minnesota on Saturday.

The Predators are at home again (yay! I haven't said that often enough) Saturday night. They will face off against the Minnesota Wild, hopefully looking for revenge after such a poor showing last Saturday. Toys for Tots will be collecting unwrapped toys before the game and 25% of ticket sales will go to the Monroe Carrell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt. Both are worthy causes so if you don't have a ticket to the game already, maybe that will help make the decision to fork over the cash a little easier. The game will also be radio broadcast only, if you need one more reason to head on down to the Sommet. Puck drops at 7:00pm CST.

12/1/08 - Nashville at Buffalo: W 2-0 Final

Could we please play like this more often, boys?

Observations:

We had some pretty good jump early in the game. Coach Trotz specifically said we needed to be more disciplined and it seemed we did a good job of that.

Poor Tim Peel...taking a shot to the body from Shea Weber is definitely not something you wanted to do, I'm sure. You took it rather well though. I didn't see any yellow ice around your feet.

Pekka Rinne looked sharp tonight. I'm glad to see he's getting more play even if Trotz called this a somewhat unimportant game due to the fact that it was an inter-conference match up.

Terry Crisp said "the howdy doody dipsy doodle" in reference to a tripping call on Ryan Suter early in the second. How is that hockey speak?! Anyone, anyone?

Solid defensive play by Dan Hamhuis and Ville Koistinen tonight. They are the two that stood out to me the most in this game. Ville was doing a great job on the forecheck and Hamhuis was right in front of the net to block shots.

Ladies and gentlemen, Brent Peterson's 'stache is back. All is right with the world again.

I love how enthusiastic Jason Arnott is when scoring a goal. He looks like a kid, which makes me happy because you can tell he still really enjoys what he does for a living.

What a way to score, Dumont! Great job of getting across ice to jam it in behind Ryan Miller.

I'd definitely like to see more of what I saw on the ice tonight. We were well-disciplined, with very few penalties against us. However, can we say STILL INCONSISTENT?! Horrible game on Saturday followed by a great game tonight. What a ridiculous cycle we've got going on here.

The Predators return home for *GASP* two home games in a row. We take on the Colorado Avalanche again on Thursday night then face off against the Wild on Saturday. Thursday is also College Night and Hockey Happy Hour (half price beer and soda through the first intermission). The game will be televised locally on FS Tennessee and broadcast on 104.5 The Zone. Puck drops at 7:00pm CST.