#11 David Legwand (center/winger) – David Legwand might be one of two Americans on our team but I think he fell prey to the European player syndrome that I mentioned previously. He found himself on the receiving end of a handsome, long term contract at the end of last season so his drive to have a career year this season was probably fairly low. Game in, game out, I had a lot of issues with his lack of performance. He was, in a word, underwhelming. And yet, he somehow still managed to surprise me every once in a while with flashes of exceptional offensive ability. There were a few instances where he’d leave me saying to myself, “did I just see LEGWAND score a goal?!”. Also, who knew he’d be great on the wing? Some of his best moments of the year came when he found himself flanking the center and not playing it. Leggy gets a lot of flak from a lot of fans, myself included, but he has the ability to be a great player. Maybe next year, he’ll really rise to the occasion and be consistently good if Coach Trotz leaves him on the wing. I’d like to see that happen. We have a surplus of centers so we can afford to switch things up a bit.
#12 Scott Nichol (center) – Poor, poor Scooter. His season was abbreviated due to one seriously bad concussion. While he’s not a big name guy for us, I do believe his presence was missed while he was sidelined. Nichol has great penalty killing instincts and also creates a lot of jump on the penalty kill that sometimes leads to shorthanded goals. Yes, we have a lot of role players and penalty killers on this team but Nichol is just one of those guys that you want to succeed because he is so likable. He wasn’t too shabby in the faceoff circle either. I’ll miss him if he doesn’t get resigned over the summer.
#14 Radek BONK! (center) – Radek Bonk is not my favorite player on our team. I am often irritated by him when I see that he’s just kind of lazily hanging out on the ice DURING A GAME. I don’t think he has any pep in his step (or skate, maybe?) and that irks me to no end because you can’t/won’t/don’t win hockey games by being lazy. However, the man is amazing at face offs. So, maybe he channels all his on-ice energy into that one moment so he’s spent for anything else. And then sometimes, he goes and plays the clutch role and comes through with some big goal and I’m left screaming, “BONK!?”. Needless to say, the man has me scratching my head a lot because I can’t ever seem to figure out what game he’s playing. If we don’t keep him around for the next season, I’m pretty sure someone will need to be on suicide watch for Martin Erat though. Without another Czech on the team, he’ll have to actually umm, well, you know...use the English language when he speaks. God forbid.
#19 Jason Arnott (center) - Captain Jason Arnott of the Black Pea...err, just kidding. I had to say that again though because I really was amused every time I saw "Captain Jason Arnott" in print because it seemed so Pirates of the Caribbean-esque. In Jason's second full season as captain, I found him to be much more vocal this time around. A lot of people found that to be an unappealing quality of his but I actually enjoyed it. While sometimes it might have been a little controversial, Arnott often said what everyone else was thinking but was too polite to say. It was refreshing. On the ice, Jason put up some great numbers and even set a new franchise record for most goals scored by a single player in a season. But, I did find his performance to be somewhat inconsistent; he'd play a great few games and then go for a while with nothing to show for it. However, as the captain of a team who's most consistent quality was its ability to remain inconsistent, it almost made perfect sense for him to play this way. Jason makes a good captain but I'd still love to see what this team would look like under the leadership of someone like Shea Weber. Like I said before though, I don't expect anyone else to be captain as long as Arnott's a part of this team.
Next up: Ryan Suter, Jordin Tootoo, Jerred Smithson, Steve Sullivan
Monday, April 27, 2009
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
2008-2009 Season Wrap Up: Part 2
#6 Shea Weber (defense) – Towards the end of the season last year, I could see glimmers of brilliance from Shea Weber. If he hadn’t been sidelined with a knee injury at the start of the 2007-2008 season, I would have expected last year to be his breakout year. If this year hadn’t been his breakout year, I would have been disappointed. Thankfully, Shea does not disappoint. OH. MY. GOSH. The boy is amazing. Seriously, if you went back through all my game recaps, you’d probably see that I said “SHEA FREAKING WEBER” at least once during every game. And while I’m pretty sure that Jason Arnott is going to remain the captain of this team for as long as he remains a Predator, Shea Weber is well on his way to having a C on his jersey. I’d love to see him get a permanent ‘A’ next season, though I’m sure that will go back to Steve Sullivan, if we can keep him around as well. In any event, it’s players like Shea Weber that keep me excited about the seasons to come.
#7 Greg deVries (defense) – With Marek Zidlicky gone, someone was going to have to take the brunt of fan ridicule. So I guess you could say that this season’s Zidlicky was Greg deVries. In saying that though, at least Zidlicky had something to offer the team on a power play unit. deVries, on the other hand...I’m not sure what he had to offer this team besides experience in the locker room. Towards the end of the season, I literally almost forgot he was on our team. He was non-existent on the ice except when taking penalties, which seemed to become his specialty. Oh, he was also good at forgetting to stay on his guy which often allowed the other team to score a goal. Unlike Zanon, deVries doesn’t have much to offer the team in terms of defensive talent. He can easily be replaced with one of the many defensemen waiting in the wings. I have a feeling we won’t be seeing him again next year. If for some crazy reason, we do see him in a Predators jersey again next season, he should prepare himself for another year of verbal assault.
#8 Kevin Klein (defense) – I could tell during training camp and pre-season that Kevin had what was needed to be a good defenseman for our team this season. However, it was unbelievably frustrating to see how long it was going to take Coach Trotz to come to this realization as well. Klein took some lessons from the Weber School of Power Shots because that boy’s shot was almost as lethal-looking as Shea’s from time to time. Due to lack of ice time and definite inconsistency in his defensive partner pairing, I think Kevin struggled a bit to find the perfect fit on this team. However, he made the most of what he was given and I look forward seeing more of him. Hopefully we can find a decent fit for him…like Alexander Sulzer, maybe?
#10 Martin Erat (winger) – First of all, will someone PLEASE let the man play his natural tendency of left wing instead of throwing him on right wing all the time? Secondly, Erat found himself on my list more often than not this season. I was disappointed in the lack of effort he seemed to have, especially at the beginning of the season. He eventually hit his stride but he still didn’t produce numbers like he should have. Now, some have speculated that this lackluster performance is a typical European player standard after the player secures a high dollar, multiyear contact. I expected more from him than that but I am leaning more towards that sentiment myself. Thirdly, I am still waiting for him to learn more English or at the very least, learn how to speak the English he does know better, without using “umm, well, you know” every other word. Fourthly, the fact that he doesn’t speak English so well, even after being in America for so long, endears him to me even more. And making fun of/re-creating his accent is great conversational fodder so maybe I take back wanting him to learn English better. Without that little bit of extra fun, Erat becomes just another player to me. OH! I almost forgot! I loved his feistiness this season. I’m not really sure where all of it came from but every time it made an appearance, it was awesome. If he EVER dropped the gloves, I wouldn’t know what to do with myself.
Next up: David Legwand, Scott Nichol, Radek BONK!, Captain Jason Arnott
#7 Greg deVries (defense) – With Marek Zidlicky gone, someone was going to have to take the brunt of fan ridicule. So I guess you could say that this season’s Zidlicky was Greg deVries. In saying that though, at least Zidlicky had something to offer the team on a power play unit. deVries, on the other hand...I’m not sure what he had to offer this team besides experience in the locker room. Towards the end of the season, I literally almost forgot he was on our team. He was non-existent on the ice except when taking penalties, which seemed to become his specialty. Oh, he was also good at forgetting to stay on his guy which often allowed the other team to score a goal. Unlike Zanon, deVries doesn’t have much to offer the team in terms of defensive talent. He can easily be replaced with one of the many defensemen waiting in the wings. I have a feeling we won’t be seeing him again next year. If for some crazy reason, we do see him in a Predators jersey again next season, he should prepare himself for another year of verbal assault.
#8 Kevin Klein (defense) – I could tell during training camp and pre-season that Kevin had what was needed to be a good defenseman for our team this season. However, it was unbelievably frustrating to see how long it was going to take Coach Trotz to come to this realization as well. Klein took some lessons from the Weber School of Power Shots because that boy’s shot was almost as lethal-looking as Shea’s from time to time. Due to lack of ice time and definite inconsistency in his defensive partner pairing, I think Kevin struggled a bit to find the perfect fit on this team. However, he made the most of what he was given and I look forward seeing more of him. Hopefully we can find a decent fit for him…like Alexander Sulzer, maybe?
#10 Martin Erat (winger) – First of all, will someone PLEASE let the man play his natural tendency of left wing instead of throwing him on right wing all the time? Secondly, Erat found himself on my list more often than not this season. I was disappointed in the lack of effort he seemed to have, especially at the beginning of the season. He eventually hit his stride but he still didn’t produce numbers like he should have. Now, some have speculated that this lackluster performance is a typical European player standard after the player secures a high dollar, multiyear contact. I expected more from him than that but I am leaning more towards that sentiment myself. Thirdly, I am still waiting for him to learn more English or at the very least, learn how to speak the English he does know better, without using “umm, well, you know” every other word. Fourthly, the fact that he doesn’t speak English so well, even after being in America for so long, endears him to me even more. And making fun of/re-creating his accent is great conversational fodder so maybe I take back wanting him to learn English better. Without that little bit of extra fun, Erat becomes just another player to me. OH! I almost forgot! I loved his feistiness this season. I’m not really sure where all of it came from but every time it made an appearance, it was awesome. If he EVER dropped the gloves, I wouldn’t know what to do with myself.
Next up: David Legwand, Scott Nichol, Radek BONK!, Captain Jason Arnott
Monday, April 20, 2009
2008-2009 Season Wrap Up: Part 1 of Many
Okay, my self-imposed break from hockey is over. This morning, a couple of people asked me if I took a break because I was bitter, and for a second, I thought I had. I mean, I’m definitely disappointed that the last home game I saw was such a sad and unworthy representation of our team and our season. However, when I think back on that night, I came to the understanding that the Predators organization as a whole was not ready to let go of the season. Anyone you talked to from the front office was optimistic that we would be going to the playoffs again. And while that might have been the correct PR thing to do at the time, I could just tell everyone honestly believed we’d still be playing hockey right now. The sendoff we gave the players and vice versa was stunted in its delivery, as we all held to the hope of playoffs to come. Unfortunately, it will remain the lasting impression of this tumultuous season.
For the past three seasons, I have taken a look back at each individual player because I felt as though it was the only fair way to properly wrap things up. This season will be no different. I will be breaking it up though, for everyone’s sake, because it’s just a heck of a lot of reading (and writing on my part) to do it all in one fell swoop.
Without further ado, player-by-player, in ascending order of jersey number…Let the wrap up begin!
#2 Dan Hamhuis (defense) – Paired with Greg Zanon for pretty much the entire season, Hammer had the luxury of being one of the few players not constantly shuffled around in the lineup. This worked to his advantage as I don’t recall myself being upset with him too much throughout the season. He threw some great hip checks, which I love oh so much. I also liked that he took the shots he was presented with instead of playing Passy McPasserson like so many of our guys tend to do. All in all, he had a decent year. Do I think he could step up his game for next season? Yes, but for some reason, I’m always left feeling that way about his performance. I’m still waiting for him to have a spectacular year...but I might not ever see it.
#3 Wade Belak (winger) – We got Wade over Thanksgiving in the trade I dubbed my Thanksgiving Miracle; the one in which we sent Nick Tarnasky aka WASTE OF ROSTER SPACE to Florida. I knew next to nothing about Belak when we got him and I don’t know too much more about him now. However, Belak > Tarnasky any day...as a fighter, as an offensive threat (grain of salt, people, grain of salt), as a fun guy to have in the locker room, etc. I’m not really going to delve into the topic of whether or not fighting in hockey is necessary anymore but as long as Belak’s fighting, I’m okay with it. At least I know I’m going to see something good.
#4 Ville Koistinen (defense/winger) – Let’s be honest. Koistinen just flat out underperformed this season. Maybe it was due to the fact that last season's defensive partner, Marek Zidlicky, was sent to Minnesota during the summer. Maybe it was the fact that there was so much inconsistency in Coach Trotz's decision as to who would play: Koistinen or Klein? Or maybe, just maybe, he wasn't that great to begin with...as a defenseman. If we decide to keep him around (which I HIGHLY doubt), is it possible to have a player on your team specifically for shoot outs only? Eh, I won't miss him when he's gone.
#5 Greg Zanon (defense) - Last year, I did not have such kind words for Greg. I thought his play wasn't very strong and he made a lot of mistakes on the ice that cost us goals. But this year, he freaking turned it around and played like he did his rookie year...and I loved him. Zanon, once again, became our on-ice backup goalie, shift after shift. What a phenomenal shot blocker this guy can be. I know we've got a stock pile of defensemen in our system but I think Zanon is worth keeping around. Are you listening, Front Office?
Next up: Shea Weber, Greg deVries (ahem...I'll try to be nice), Kevin Klein and Martin Erat.
For the past three seasons, I have taken a look back at each individual player because I felt as though it was the only fair way to properly wrap things up. This season will be no different. I will be breaking it up though, for everyone’s sake, because it’s just a heck of a lot of reading (and writing on my part) to do it all in one fell swoop.
Without further ado, player-by-player, in ascending order of jersey number…Let the wrap up begin!
#2 Dan Hamhuis (defense) – Paired with Greg Zanon for pretty much the entire season, Hammer had the luxury of being one of the few players not constantly shuffled around in the lineup. This worked to his advantage as I don’t recall myself being upset with him too much throughout the season. He threw some great hip checks, which I love oh so much. I also liked that he took the shots he was presented with instead of playing Passy McPasserson like so many of our guys tend to do. All in all, he had a decent year. Do I think he could step up his game for next season? Yes, but for some reason, I’m always left feeling that way about his performance. I’m still waiting for him to have a spectacular year...but I might not ever see it.
#3 Wade Belak (winger) – We got Wade over Thanksgiving in the trade I dubbed my Thanksgiving Miracle; the one in which we sent Nick Tarnasky aka WASTE OF ROSTER SPACE to Florida. I knew next to nothing about Belak when we got him and I don’t know too much more about him now. However, Belak > Tarnasky any day...as a fighter, as an offensive threat (grain of salt, people, grain of salt), as a fun guy to have in the locker room, etc. I’m not really going to delve into the topic of whether or not fighting in hockey is necessary anymore but as long as Belak’s fighting, I’m okay with it. At least I know I’m going to see something good.
#4 Ville Koistinen (defense/winger) – Let’s be honest. Koistinen just flat out underperformed this season. Maybe it was due to the fact that last season's defensive partner, Marek Zidlicky, was sent to Minnesota during the summer. Maybe it was the fact that there was so much inconsistency in Coach Trotz's decision as to who would play: Koistinen or Klein? Or maybe, just maybe, he wasn't that great to begin with...as a defenseman. If we decide to keep him around (which I HIGHLY doubt), is it possible to have a player on your team specifically for shoot outs only? Eh, I won't miss him when he's gone.
#5 Greg Zanon (defense) - Last year, I did not have such kind words for Greg. I thought his play wasn't very strong and he made a lot of mistakes on the ice that cost us goals. But this year, he freaking turned it around and played like he did his rookie year...and I loved him. Zanon, once again, became our on-ice backup goalie, shift after shift. What a phenomenal shot blocker this guy can be. I know we've got a stock pile of defensemen in our system but I think Zanon is worth keeping around. Are you listening, Front Office?
Next up: Shea Weber, Greg deVries (ahem...I'll try to be nice), Kevin Klein and Martin Erat.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Stick to the day job, boys
I love that the Atlanta Thrashers organization has a sense of humor. They missed a few though because Tomas Vokoun's Franklin Motors commercial from a couple of seasons back could totally be included in this montage.
"Oh, I need a quiet place where I can go and clear my head. My little blue car from Franklin Motors!" Seriously...it never gets old.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
This is me, taking a break
I do plan on starting my season wrap up sometime soon but don't expect to see anything new from me before the end of the week. Last week wore me down so I am taking a break from writing (or thinking) about hockey for a just little while longer.
When I do start, the wrap ups will come player-by-player, in ascending order of jersey number, because well, that's just how I roll.
To anyone that cares, I believe I will be at the local Nashville "tweetup" tomorrow night, barring any unforeseen circumstances.
When I do start, the wrap ups will come player-by-player, in ascending order of jersey number, because well, that's just how I roll.
To anyone that cares, I believe I will be at the local Nashville "tweetup" tomorrow night, barring any unforeseen circumstances.
Friday, April 10, 2009
4/10/09 - Nashville at Minnesota: L 4-8 Final
After such an emotional game last night, this was a heartbreaking follow up. It has been so long since the Predators haven't been on the winning side of the season that I'm having a very hard time remembering what it feels like. For the record, it feels quite crappy.
Oh, man...Jason Arnott kind of sounded like he was on the verge of tears during his post-game interview with Pete and Terry. That just makes it worse.
I could say a million and one things right now but unfortunately, most of my thoughts would be negative. At this point, the negative thoughts won't change a thing. Our season is done. We put on a good show right up until the very end and that is the one thing I will always love about this team.
Now comes all the post-season thoughts. I'm probably going to take it player by player because I'll have plenty to say about every one of them. Gah, I'm going to be doing a lot of writing.
A final thought on the evening: The fact that we did not make it to the playoffs this year will most assuredly give this team more drive next season.
Oh, man...Jason Arnott kind of sounded like he was on the verge of tears during his post-game interview with Pete and Terry. That just makes it worse.
I could say a million and one things right now but unfortunately, most of my thoughts would be negative. At this point, the negative thoughts won't change a thing. Our season is done. We put on a good show right up until the very end and that is the one thing I will always love about this team.
Now comes all the post-season thoughts. I'm probably going to take it player by player because I'll have plenty to say about every one of them. Gah, I'm going to be doing a lot of writing.
A final thought on the evening: The fact that we did not make it to the playoffs this year will most assuredly give this team more drive next season.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
4/9/09 - Nashville at Detroit: EPIC W 4-3 Final SO
Observations:
Jedidiah played just two games with us...two games. That is all kinds of sad to me.
Steve Sullivan needs to learn how to control his breakaway opportunities. He has gotten a lot of them lately and capitalized on very few of them.
I'm not disappointed in our play so far. We were all over Detroit in the first period. I was actually inmpressed with our effort to stay with them.
Wow...we outshot the Red Wings 10-4 in the first period. For some reason, I feel as though that is usually our pattern. Detroit will come out swinging in the second.
ESPN2 was playing the BU/Vermont game...ugh, it was a struggle to keep watching our game because I so badly wanted to watch my hockey baby Captain America Colin Wilson. LOVE HIM.
Scooter!!!!!!! Shut your mouth, Scott Nichol. Awww, yay, Scooter.
And the Detroit in-game announcer got it all wrong when he called Scott Nichol's goal being scored by Jordin Tootoo. Ummm, Tootoo wasn't even on the ice, dude.
I can't believe how many rebounds Chris Osgood gives up.
Pekka Rinne was on his game tonight. He made some amazing saves and not just one at a time but in save-after-save sequences.
My hockey baby scored BU's first goal of the night! Yay, yay, YAY Colin Wilson!
Okay, no more penalties, please. That will be what kills us and costs us the game.
Shot count at the end of the second: 18-15, in favor of Detroit. I did say that such is the pattern...and I would be right.
I think Detroit's third goal gave Osgood a big boost of confidence. He was making some great saves when we were coming down on him after that goal.
I know a lot of people think that Jason Arnott isn't a very good captain but he always seem to know when to step up his play and come through in the clutch. He showed me he wears the 'C' for the reason.
Okay, I am literally shaking right now because I can not believe what I just witnessed. We still have a shot. I said I wasn't ready to let the season go and thank GOD the team wasn't ready either. OH. MY. GOSH. Oh my gosh. I don't even know what to say right now. Wait, yes I do. COLUMBUS BLUEJACKETS, BEAT THE ST. LOUIS BLUES ON FRIDAY.
Also, my favorite thing EVER: seeing Jason tell everyone to "watch the head, watch the head!" as all the guys came out to celebrate the win. It's about time you learned, Jason. hahahaha
A second also: Colin Wilson scores the game winning goal to send Boston University to the National Championship game against Miami of Ohio. Ugh, that kid...I have a major cougar crush on him. I can not wait to see him in a Predators jersey and not just during training camp.
Jedidiah played just two games with us...two games. That is all kinds of sad to me.
Steve Sullivan needs to learn how to control his breakaway opportunities. He has gotten a lot of them lately and capitalized on very few of them.
I'm not disappointed in our play so far. We were all over Detroit in the first period. I was actually inmpressed with our effort to stay with them.
Wow...we outshot the Red Wings 10-4 in the first period. For some reason, I feel as though that is usually our pattern. Detroit will come out swinging in the second.
ESPN2 was playing the BU/Vermont game...ugh, it was a struggle to keep watching our game because I so badly wanted to watch my hockey baby Captain America Colin Wilson. LOVE HIM.
Scooter!!!!!!! Shut your mouth, Scott Nichol. Awww, yay, Scooter.
And the Detroit in-game announcer got it all wrong when he called Scott Nichol's goal being scored by Jordin Tootoo. Ummm, Tootoo wasn't even on the ice, dude.
I can't believe how many rebounds Chris Osgood gives up.
Pekka Rinne was on his game tonight. He made some amazing saves and not just one at a time but in save-after-save sequences.
My hockey baby scored BU's first goal of the night! Yay, yay, YAY Colin Wilson!
Okay, no more penalties, please. That will be what kills us and costs us the game.
Shot count at the end of the second: 18-15, in favor of Detroit. I did say that such is the pattern...and I would be right.
I think Detroit's third goal gave Osgood a big boost of confidence. He was making some great saves when we were coming down on him after that goal.
I know a lot of people think that Jason Arnott isn't a very good captain but he always seem to know when to step up his play and come through in the clutch. He showed me he wears the 'C' for the reason.
Okay, I am literally shaking right now because I can not believe what I just witnessed. We still have a shot. I said I wasn't ready to let the season go and thank GOD the team wasn't ready either. OH. MY. GOSH. Oh my gosh. I don't even know what to say right now. Wait, yes I do. COLUMBUS BLUEJACKETS, BEAT THE ST. LOUIS BLUES ON FRIDAY.
Also, my favorite thing EVER: seeing Jason tell everyone to "watch the head, watch the head!" as all the guys came out to celebrate the win. It's about time you learned, Jason. hahahaha
A second also: Colin Wilson scores the game winning goal to send Boston University to the National Championship game against Miami of Ohio. Ugh, that kid...I have a major cougar crush on him. I can not wait to see him in a Predators jersey and not just during training camp.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
4/7/09 - Chicago at Nashville: L 4-2 Final
Two quick goals from Chicago at the beginning of the second period changed the entire momentum of the game. Not even the rousing crowd support that had everyone on their feet for the last four minutes could garner enough gumption from the guys on the ice to pull through and score. Somehow, though Chicago already secured their spot in the playoffs, they were the hungrier team.
With St. Louis' easy win against Phoenix, they were able to overtake us for the eighth spot in the Western Conference. However, it's not over until it's over. As I said last night, I'm not ready to let this season go. This team should not be ready to let this season go. We have two games left and we can still do this.
Play like you mean it and leave it all on the ice, boys. I don't want my last impression of this season (on home ice) to be what it was last night.
With St. Louis' easy win against Phoenix, they were able to overtake us for the eighth spot in the Western Conference. However, it's not over until it's over. As I said last night, I'm not ready to let this season go. This team should not be ready to let this season go. We have two games left and we can still do this.
Play like you mean it and leave it all on the ice, boys. I don't want my last impression of this season (on home ice) to be what it was last night.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
I'm not ready to let the season go
All observations about tonight are on hold until tomorrow morning. I need to see what the outcome of the St. Louis/Phoenix game is before I publish my thoughts.
I can't do this right now, I just can't.
I can't do this right now, I just can't.
Monday, April 6, 2009
I know, I know...
...I didn't post a recap of Saturday's game. This is partly due to having an extremely late (albeit awesome) night with Bethany and mostly because I didn't have it in me to write anything due to the lack of sleep I experienced.
However, I could not have been happier with the outcome of the night. Jason Arnott sucked it up, showed the team (and its fans) what it means to be a captain, and put himself back into the thick of things despite having said he wouldn't play until Tuesday's game at the earliest. I had a whole new level of respect for him after I realized he was going to play on Saturday night.
It was odd, surreal and yet completely satisfying to see Jed Ortmeyer at home in a Predators jersey again. He might not have scored a goal or assisted on any goals in his two games played so far but I think he has made a great effort on the ice, no matter which line he's playing on.
The four minute double minor high-sticking call against Jerred Smithson at the end of the first period was probably the most ridiculous call I've seen a ref make all season. The best part about it? Jerred made sure the refs knew he wasn't buying that call either because he strung together a list of obscenities that would have made Jason Arnott proud.
Coach Trotz's decision to put Ville Koistinen in the shootout was about the most asinine decision I thought he had ever made up until Ville scored. Then I took some time to think it over and realized that it was a brilliant move. Steve Mason probably had absolutely no scouting report from the Columbus coaches on Koistinen, thus making it much harder to figure out his tendencies as a shooter.
The comeback win against Columbus was huge. With that said, I think we need at least two out of the next three wins to guarantee our fifth playoff berth.
The atmosphere in the Sommet tomorrow night is going to be electric.
Tear it up, boys.
However, I could not have been happier with the outcome of the night. Jason Arnott sucked it up, showed the team (and its fans) what it means to be a captain, and put himself back into the thick of things despite having said he wouldn't play until Tuesday's game at the earliest. I had a whole new level of respect for him after I realized he was going to play on Saturday night.
It was odd, surreal and yet completely satisfying to see Jed Ortmeyer at home in a Predators jersey again. He might not have scored a goal or assisted on any goals in his two games played so far but I think he has made a great effort on the ice, no matter which line he's playing on.
The four minute double minor high-sticking call against Jerred Smithson at the end of the first period was probably the most ridiculous call I've seen a ref make all season. The best part about it? Jerred made sure the refs knew he wasn't buying that call either because he strung together a list of obscenities that would have made Jason Arnott proud.
Coach Trotz's decision to put Ville Koistinen in the shootout was about the most asinine decision I thought he had ever made up until Ville scored. Then I took some time to think it over and realized that it was a brilliant move. Steve Mason probably had absolutely no scouting report from the Columbus coaches on Koistinen, thus making it much harder to figure out his tendencies as a shooter.
The comeback win against Columbus was huge. With that said, I think we need at least two out of the next three wins to guarantee our fifth playoff berth.
The atmosphere in the Sommet tomorrow night is going to be electric.
Tear it up, boys.
Friday, April 3, 2009
4/3/09 - Nashville at Chicago: L 1-3 Final
Observations:
Jed is playing on a line with Jerred! Woohoo! Bringing the RoShamBo boys back together.
The Italian Stallion got scratched tonight in lieu of Jed?! I don't even know what to say.
Wow....Koistinen got to play tonight and as a forward. I REALLY don't know what to say now.
Good pressure early in the first. These lines aren't so bad right now.
Hammer's wearing the 'A' tonight. I like that choice.
I really like the pairing of Cal O'Reilly and Steve Sullivan.
The first Chicago goal was all Pekka's fault, unfortunately. And I haven't said that in a long while but yeah, totally his fault.
Pekka's play scared me in the first. He looked, dare I say, nervous, out there. It almost makes me wonder if he's succumbing to the pressure of getting us to the post season.
Nice, Baby Cal, niiiiice.
Ugh, Suter and deVries as a defensive pair?! No, Trotz. N-O, no.
Pekka's weakness is getting goals up over his shoulder. Chicago did their homework.
Smart move by Greg Zanon, jumping into the Blackhawks bench to make sure we didn't get called for Too Many Men on the Ice.
Where did we get the random surge of pressure with about 30 seconds left to go in the second period? I wish I could have seen that for the entire 20 minutes of play instead of just that brief little moment in time.
I hate that JP completely disappears on the ice when Arnott is not out there with him.
I really don't know what to say. I'm slowly starting to lose it and I beginning to think that it's possible that the team is losing it too. All of our injuries are killing us.
WE CAN NOT LOSE TOMORROW NIGHT.
Jed is playing on a line with Jerred! Woohoo! Bringing the RoShamBo boys back together.
The Italian Stallion got scratched tonight in lieu of Jed?! I don't even know what to say.
Wow....Koistinen got to play tonight and as a forward. I REALLY don't know what to say now.
Good pressure early in the first. These lines aren't so bad right now.
Hammer's wearing the 'A' tonight. I like that choice.
I really like the pairing of Cal O'Reilly and Steve Sullivan.
The first Chicago goal was all Pekka's fault, unfortunately. And I haven't said that in a long while but yeah, totally his fault.
Pekka's play scared me in the first. He looked, dare I say, nervous, out there. It almost makes me wonder if he's succumbing to the pressure of getting us to the post season.
Nice, Baby Cal, niiiiice.
Ugh, Suter and deVries as a defensive pair?! No, Trotz. N-O, no.
Pekka's weakness is getting goals up over his shoulder. Chicago did their homework.
Smart move by Greg Zanon, jumping into the Blackhawks bench to make sure we didn't get called for Too Many Men on the Ice.
Where did we get the random surge of pressure with about 30 seconds left to go in the second period? I wish I could have seen that for the entire 20 minutes of play instead of just that brief little moment in time.
I hate that JP completely disappears on the ice when Arnott is not out there with him.
I really don't know what to say. I'm slowly starting to lose it and I beginning to think that it's possible that the team is losing it too. All of our injuries are killing us.
WE CAN NOT LOSE TOMORROW NIGHT.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
JED!!!!!!!!!!!!
He's baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack!
John Glennon also reported that Jason Arnott skated a full practice today but is still questionable for either of the next two games.
Obviously though, the news that really matters to me, and what I've been waiting to hear all day, is that Jed Ortmeyer will be sporting a Predators jersey again on Friday! Thank you, thank you, thank you Front Office. Seriously, THANK. YOU.
John Glennon also reported that Jason Arnott skated a full practice today but is still questionable for either of the next two games.
Obviously though, the news that really matters to me, and what I've been waiting to hear all day, is that Jed Ortmeyer will be sporting a Predators jersey again on Friday! Thank you, thank you, thank you Front Office. Seriously, THANK. YOU.
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