The Nashville Predators came back from a 4-0 deficit with four unanswered goals to tie the game 4-4in the final period but lost 5-4 when Brent Seabrook scored a third period game-winning goal to give the Chicago Blackhawks a much needed road win on Saturday night at Bridgestone Arena.
The win was sweet revenge for a Chicago team that lost to the Preds 6-1 last Sunday at the United Center and had only won one game against the Predators during the season.
Patrick Sharp, Dave Bolland, Patrick Kane, Vicktor Stalberg, and Seabrook all scored single markers for the Blackhawks. Andrew Shaw had two assists on the evening.
Nashville got two goals from Captain Shea Weber and single goals from Marty Erat and Alexander Radulov as well as three assists from Ryan Suter and two from David Legwand during the contest.
Pekka Rinne stopped 32 of 37 shots in a game that was far better than the stats showed. Corey Crawford was the big winner, stoppping 29 of 33 predator shots.
Chicago moved within a point of the Predators in the standings, tying Detroit at 97 points as it remained a tight battle for the fourth seed and the runner-up slot in the Central Division.
The Preds will face Minnesota on Tuesday at the Bridgestone Arena before hosting Dallas on Thursday and finishing the season in Denver against Colorado next Saturday.
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Friday, March 30, 2012
Predators move into fourth in the West with 4-1 win over Detroit
The Nashville Predators headed into Joe Louis Arena on Friday night and stole a 4-1 win over the Detroit Red Wings, which was only the Wings' sixth loss on home ice of the year. The victory was Barry Trotz's 500 NHL win and could not have come at a better time.
The victory gave Nashville 98 points and moved them a point ahead of Detroit in the race for fourth place, and home ice advantage, in the Western Conference and the looming showdown between the two squads in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Alexander Radulov scored a goal and picked up an assist to lead Predator scorers and show why the Preds were patient waiting for his return. The other goals came from Gabriel Bourque, the unlikely, Frankie Bouillon, and an empty netter from Shea Weber.
Jiri Hudler spoiled the shutout with a late goal as the only scorer for Detroit.
Pekka Rinne picked up his NHL leading 42nd win, stopping 31 of 32 Red Wing shots. Jimmy Howard took the loss and gave up three goals on 26 Predator shots.
The Predators returned home to play Chicago on Saturday night at Bridgestone Arena where they hope to put more distance between them and the sixth place Blackhawks.
Make the jump for more detail from the game...
The victory gave Nashville 98 points and moved them a point ahead of Detroit in the race for fourth place, and home ice advantage, in the Western Conference and the looming showdown between the two squads in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Alexander Radulov scored a goal and picked up an assist to lead Predator scorers and show why the Preds were patient waiting for his return. The other goals came from Gabriel Bourque, the unlikely, Frankie Bouillon, and an empty netter from Shea Weber.
Jiri Hudler spoiled the shutout with a late goal as the only scorer for Detroit.
Pekka Rinne picked up his NHL leading 42nd win, stopping 31 of 32 Red Wing shots. Jimmy Howard took the loss and gave up three goals on 26 Predator shots.
The Predators returned home to play Chicago on Saturday night at Bridgestone Arena where they hope to put more distance between them and the sixth place Blackhawks.
Make the jump for more detail from the game...
Friday's NHL Race for the Cup
Here are today's updated facts and figures from NHL Media Services on the playoff races in the NHL.
Chicago and Boston could clinch tonight if the chips fall correctly for each team.
Make the jump for all the details. (Click on each item to enlarge)...
Thursday, March 29, 2012
The Playoffs start now for the Nashville Predators
Late Wednesday night, after a much needed day off, the Nashville Predators players were spread all over Smashville as they clinched a spot in the NHL playoffs for the seventh time in the last eight seasons without even taking the ice.
By virtue of Anaheim' 3-1 regulation win over San Jose, the Preds were put in the position where no other team could mathematically eliminate them from the post-season. In reality, it had been a foregone conclusion that Nashville would be in the playoffs for quite a while but putting the math behind them was one of many steps that the team has wanted to accomplish this season.
The Predators are currently in fifth place in the Western Conference, a point behind Detroit and three points ahead of Chicago. Realistically, these three teams are the only ones with a chance to exchange slots in the middle of the pack down the stretch.
By virtue of Anaheim' 3-1 regulation win over San Jose, the Preds were put in the position where no other team could mathematically eliminate them from the post-season. In reality, it had been a foregone conclusion that Nashville would be in the playoffs for quite a while but putting the math behind them was one of many steps that the team has wanted to accomplish this season.
The Predators are currently in fifth place in the Western Conference, a point behind Detroit and three points ahead of Chicago. Realistically, these three teams are the only ones with a chance to exchange slots in the middle of the pack down the stretch.
Nashville Predators sign Anthony Bitetto to ELC (Release)
NASHVILLE PREDATORS SIGN DEFENSEMAN ANTHONY BITETTO
Nashville, Tenn. (March 29, 2012) – Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced today that the club has signed 2010 draft pick Anthony Bitetto (AN-thu-nee biht-EHT-oh) to a two-year entry-level contract.
Bitetto, 20 (7/15/90), recently completed his sophomore season at Northeastern University, where he paced all Husky defensemen in points and goals (4g-11a-15pts). As a freshman in 2011-12, the 6-1, 210-pounder finished seventh among Hockey East defensemen in points (3g-17a-20pts), and tied for eighth in Conference rookie scoring, being named to the 2010-11 Hockey East All-Rookie Team. The Island Park, N.Y., native did not miss a game during his two-year collegiate career, compiling 35 points (7g-28a) in 72 games.
Nashville's fourth choice, 168th overall (sixth round), in 2010 Entry Draft spent two seasons with the Indiana Ice from 2008-10, being named a 2010 All-USHL Second Team selection, and helping the Ice claim the 2009 Clark Cup as USHL champions.
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Buddy Oakes for PredsOntheGlass
Nashville, Tenn. (March 29, 2012) – Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced today that the club has signed 2010 draft pick Anthony Bitetto (AN-thu-nee biht-EHT-oh) to a two-year entry-level contract.
Bitetto, 20 (7/15/90), recently completed his sophomore season at Northeastern University, where he paced all Husky defensemen in points and goals (4g-11a-15pts). As a freshman in 2011-12, the 6-1, 210-pounder finished seventh among Hockey East defensemen in points (3g-17a-20pts), and tied for eighth in Conference rookie scoring, being named to the 2010-11 Hockey East All-Rookie Team. The Island Park, N.Y., native did not miss a game during his two-year collegiate career, compiling 35 points (7g-28a) in 72 games.
Nashville's fourth choice, 168th overall (sixth round), in 2010 Entry Draft spent two seasons with the Indiana Ice from 2008-10, being named a 2010 All-USHL Second Team selection, and helping the Ice claim the 2009 Clark Cup as USHL champions.
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Buddy Oakes for PredsOntheGlass
Thursday's NHL Race for the Cup
Here are today's updated facts and figures from NHL Media Services on the playoff races in the NHL.
With last night's San Jose loss in regulation, the Nashville Predators moved in to a guaranteed playoff spot in the Western Conference.
Chicago, Boston and New Jersey could clinch tonight if the chips fall correctly for each team.
Make the jump for all the details. (Click on each item to enlarge)...
With last night's San Jose loss in regulation, the Nashville Predators moved in to a guaranteed playoff spot in the Western Conference.
Chicago, Boston and New Jersey could clinch tonight if the chips fall correctly for each team.
Make the jump for all the details. (Click on each item to enlarge)...
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Are you ready to go "Pekka-ing" this Friday?
One of the highlights will be the placement around the area of several larger-than-life (that would be real big) cutouts of Predator Goalie, Pekka Rinne making one of his patented Pekka-moves.
"Tebowing" was popular in the past but the next big thing is going to be "Pekka-ing". If you see one of the cutouts, make your best "Pekka-like" move and get someone to snap a picture. If you can't find a cutout, you can go solo on your own.
Once you get your best move on, send your photo in to the Nashville Predators social media sites (Facebook and Twitter) to join in on the fun.
The Predators strongly recommend stretching before any attempt at Pekka-ing.
Have fun with it and be ready for Friday night's game in Detroit and for the Playoff Ticket sale on Saturday befor the Predators face off against Chicago at 7 p.m. at the Bridgestone Arena.
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Buddy Oakes for PredsOntheGlass
Wednesday's Race for the Cup
Back by popular demand is the daily "Race for the Cup" update from NHL Media Services. This was a highly popular feature that we ran last year so we will do it again this year for the rest of the season.
Click on the images to enlarge.
Make the jump for the latest standings, schedules and clinching scenarios...
Click on the images to enlarge.
Make the jump for the latest standings, schedules and clinching scenarios...
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Blues finally win at home against the Predators in 3-0 shellacking
After the St Louis Blues had gone five games against the Nashville Predators without a regulation win, they finally showed the Preds why they are the leader in the clubhouse for the President's Trophy with a 3-0 win at Scottrade Center on Tuesday night.
Brian Elliott was dominant in goal with his third straight shutout, stopping all of Nashville's 24 shots. Pekka Rinne was a hard luck loser, giving up three goals on 24 Blues' shots.
The Blues got all the offense they needed from Jamie Langenbrunner's second period goal. David Perron and T. J. Oshie's goals were just icing on the cake for the Blues.
Barry Trotz was denied his 500th win by his friend and rival, Ken Hitchcock who appears to be a lock for the Jack Adams' Trophy for coach of the year. The Preds also missed a chance to lock up a playoff berth had they managed a point in the game.
The Predators returned home after the game and will practice on Wednesday and Thursday before heading to Detroit for a match for fourth place with the Wings on Friday.
Make the jump for more details from the game...
Brian Elliott was dominant in goal with his third straight shutout, stopping all of Nashville's 24 shots. Pekka Rinne was a hard luck loser, giving up three goals on 24 Blues' shots.
The Blues got all the offense they needed from Jamie Langenbrunner's second period goal. David Perron and T. J. Oshie's goals were just icing on the cake for the Blues.
Barry Trotz was denied his 500th win by his friend and rival, Ken Hitchcock who appears to be a lock for the Jack Adams' Trophy for coach of the year. The Preds also missed a chance to lock up a playoff berth had they managed a point in the game.
The Predators returned home after the game and will practice on Wednesday and Thursday before heading to Detroit for a match for fourth place with the Wings on Friday.
Make the jump for more details from the game...
Win Vince Gill's Predators' seats on the glass!
Nashville Predators' fan Vince Gill is offering a unique opportunity to a lucky Preds' fan.
On April 3, at 7 p.m. when the Predators play the Wild at Bridgestone Arena, Vince will be performing at Carnegie Hall in New York City with Sting, Elton John and others, and he wants a lucky fan to use his two first-row Preds tickets in Section 110.
For a chance to win Vince's two first-row seats, go to nashvillepredators.com/friendofvince to enter the contest before 12 p.m. this Friday, March 30. Winner will be notified soon after.
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Buddy Oakes for PredsOntheGlass
On April 3, at 7 p.m. when the Predators play the Wild at Bridgestone Arena, Vince will be performing at Carnegie Hall in New York City with Sting, Elton John and others, and he wants a lucky fan to use his two first-row Preds tickets in Section 110.
For a chance to win Vince's two first-row seats, go to nashvillepredators.com/friendofvince to enter the contest before 12 p.m. this Friday, March 30. Winner will be notified soon after.
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Buddy Oakes for PredsOntheGlass
Monday, March 26, 2012
Recent national anthem faux pas and the way it should be done
There has been a rash of bad national anthem performances lately. Here is before the match between the Toronto Rock and the . Buffalo Bandits on Toronto Rock vs. Buffalo Bandits on March 16, 2012 at the Air Canada Centre.
This one from Saturday's Penguins and Senators game in Ottawa was more serious but still had the players giggling and smirking like grade-schoolers.
Finally, here is the way it is supposed to be done by Dennis Morgan before the Predators and Jets game at the Bridgestone Arena, also on Saturday.
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Buddy Oakes for PredsOntheGlass
This one from Saturday's Penguins and Senators game in Ottawa was more serious but still had the players giggling and smirking like grade-schoolers.
Finally, here is the way it is supposed to be done by Dennis Morgan before the Predators and Jets game at the Bridgestone Arena, also on Saturday.
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Buddy Oakes for PredsOntheGlass
Predators playoff tickets go on sale this Saturday, March 31
Even thought the Nashville Predators have not officially wrapped up a playoff berth, tickets for the Stanley Cup Playoffs go on sale Saturday, March 31 to the general public.
However, it is a foregone conclusion that the Predators will make the playoffs for their seventh trip to the playoffs in the last eight years.
As part of the ticket sales campaign, the Preds will host a pre-game plaza party before Saturday's game with the Chicago Blackhawks that will include a PEDIGREE® Adoption Day where dogs will be available for adoption.
Make the jump for all the details on the public sale...
However, it is a foregone conclusion that the Predators will make the playoffs for their seventh trip to the playoffs in the last eight years.
As part of the ticket sales campaign, the Preds will host a pre-game plaza party before Saturday's game with the Chicago Blackhawks that will include a PEDIGREE® Adoption Day where dogs will be available for adoption.
Make the jump for all the details on the public sale...
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Predators demoralize Blackhawks in 6-1 win
The Nashville Predators may have played one of their more solid all round efforts of the season as they totally their devastated their divisional rival, the Chicago Blackhawks with a 6-1 win at the United Center on Sunday night.
In a rare national television appearance, even the expert commentators gushed about the performance of the Predators and the dominance they showed at both ends of the ice.
Nashville's goals came from a host of Predators including Matt Halischuk, Andrei Kostitsyn, Patric Hornqvist, Frankie Bouillon, Shea Weber, and Mike Fisher. Fisher, Weber, Halischuk, and Hornqvist added assists for two point nights.
Alexander Radulov picked up an assist and was +2 to keep his point streak alive and led Preds offensive players in ice time at 20:37.
Pekka Rinne was rarely challenged in net stopping 24 of 25 Hawks shots and gave up a late goal to Viktor Stalberg in just missing a chance at a shutout. Corey Crawford gave up four goals on 15 shots before being replaced by Ray Emery who gave up a pair of goals on nine shots.
The Predators reclaimed fourth place, and home ice advantage, by moving past Detroit with 96 points. The Predators will travel to St. Louis where they will play the Blues on Tuesday night when Coach Barry Trotz will have a chance to pick up his 500th win as the Predators coach.
Make the jump for more detail from the game...
In a rare national television appearance, even the expert commentators gushed about the performance of the Predators and the dominance they showed at both ends of the ice.
Nashville's goals came from a host of Predators including Matt Halischuk, Andrei Kostitsyn, Patric Hornqvist, Frankie Bouillon, Shea Weber, and Mike Fisher. Fisher, Weber, Halischuk, and Hornqvist added assists for two point nights.
Alexander Radulov picked up an assist and was +2 to keep his point streak alive and led Preds offensive players in ice time at 20:37.
Pekka Rinne was rarely challenged in net stopping 24 of 25 Hawks shots and gave up a late goal to Viktor Stalberg in just missing a chance at a shutout. Corey Crawford gave up four goals on 15 shots before being replaced by Ray Emery who gave up a pair of goals on nine shots.
The Predators reclaimed fourth place, and home ice advantage, by moving past Detroit with 96 points. The Predators will travel to St. Louis where they will play the Blues on Tuesday night when Coach Barry Trotz will have a chance to pick up his 500th win as the Predators coach.
Make the jump for more detail from the game...
Early "double save" set tone for Predators 3-1 win over Winnipeg
The Nashville Predators defeated the Winnipeg Jets 3-1 on Saturday night at Bridgestone Arena in front of a franchise record 22nd sellout crowd. The Preds also played to a national audience, making a rare appearance on the CBC's Hockey night in Canada.
The Predators saw the return of their defense and goal-tending which had been noticeably absent in recent games. After losing three out of their last four games and giving up eleven goals in their last two outing, the Preds looked more like the team that they are known with Pekka Rinne dominating in net and the defense taking away time and space from the opponent.
The Predators had given up the first goal in the last four contests so there was a focus on trying to get on the board first in the game with the Jets.
The key to fulfilling that goal came at 12:24 in the opening period when Rinne and and defenseman Kevin Klein teamed up on a "double save." Rinne made a great block on the initial shot by Andrew Ladd and laid prone on the ice when Klein skated into the crease and blocked and cleared the rebound shot from Bryan Little to keep the game in a scoreless tie.
Klein made light of the stop saying, "(Rinne) saves my butt enough times, so it’s nice to help him out."
Rinne was more serious about the importance of the play. "It's always tough when you give up the first goal and the last couple of games we have given up the first goal and it has been a momentum changer and tonight it was a key moment."
Predators' coach Barry Trotz saw it as a game-changing play. "It was huge. At that point, they (Winnipeg) only had three shots in twelve minutes and then they had a quick flurry and Peks responded and Kleiner helped him out and that was huge for us."
The Predators eventually did get the first goal at 2:26 in the second period on a slick play that started with Klein springing Alexander Radulov who fed the puck to Matt Halischuk on a breakaway that allowed him to pick up his career high 13th goal.
Klein's assist tied him for his career high 18th point. Klein described the effort, "It was nice to chip in. I just got it up to Radulov, and he made a great play, and Halischuk finished with a heck of a shot, and that’s always nice getting those."
The final 3-1 score resulted from Gabriel Bourque picking up a goal later in the second period, Tim Stapleton bringing the Jets within a goal at 12:53 in the third period, and then Captain Shea Weber picking up the power play, empty-netter in the closing seconds.
Trotz discussed the importance of the defensive focus at the season's end and in the playoffs. "If you are going to win playoff rounds and championships, the defense is going to be your foundation and the offense will piggyback on that because you are going to defend well and you will get opportunities that you will capitalize on."
"That's where we've gotten away from the balance in the last little while. We've gotten away from the diligence and work ethic because we were a deeper team. You have to work the same, have the same foundations, and manage the game the way it demands. If we do that, we'll be able to do what we need to do."
At the end of the night, the Predators remained in fifth place at 94 points, two points ahead of Chicago who they will play on Sunday night at the United Center. With Detroit winning 5-4 in Carolina on Saturday, they are still a point out of fourth place and home ice advantage in the playoffs.
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Buddy Oakes for PredsOntheGlass
The Predators saw the return of their defense and goal-tending which had been noticeably absent in recent games. After losing three out of their last four games and giving up eleven goals in their last two outing, the Preds looked more like the team that they are known with Pekka Rinne dominating in net and the defense taking away time and space from the opponent.
The Predators had given up the first goal in the last four contests so there was a focus on trying to get on the board first in the game with the Jets.
The key to fulfilling that goal came at 12:24 in the opening period when Rinne and and defenseman Kevin Klein teamed up on a "double save." Rinne made a great block on the initial shot by Andrew Ladd and laid prone on the ice when Klein skated into the crease and blocked and cleared the rebound shot from Bryan Little to keep the game in a scoreless tie.
Klein made light of the stop saying, "(Rinne) saves my butt enough times, so it’s nice to help him out."
Rinne was more serious about the importance of the play. "It's always tough when you give up the first goal and the last couple of games we have given up the first goal and it has been a momentum changer and tonight it was a key moment."
Predators' coach Barry Trotz saw it as a game-changing play. "It was huge. At that point, they (Winnipeg) only had three shots in twelve minutes and then they had a quick flurry and Peks responded and Kleiner helped him out and that was huge for us."
The Predators eventually did get the first goal at 2:26 in the second period on a slick play that started with Klein springing Alexander Radulov who fed the puck to Matt Halischuk on a breakaway that allowed him to pick up his career high 13th goal.
Klein's assist tied him for his career high 18th point. Klein described the effort, "It was nice to chip in. I just got it up to Radulov, and he made a great play, and Halischuk finished with a heck of a shot, and that’s always nice getting those."
The final 3-1 score resulted from Gabriel Bourque picking up a goal later in the second period, Tim Stapleton bringing the Jets within a goal at 12:53 in the third period, and then Captain Shea Weber picking up the power play, empty-netter in the closing seconds.
Trotz discussed the importance of the defensive focus at the season's end and in the playoffs. "If you are going to win playoff rounds and championships, the defense is going to be your foundation and the offense will piggyback on that because you are going to defend well and you will get opportunities that you will capitalize on."
"That's where we've gotten away from the balance in the last little while. We've gotten away from the diligence and work ethic because we were a deeper team. You have to work the same, have the same foundations, and manage the game the way it demands. If we do that, we'll be able to do what we need to do."
At the end of the night, the Predators remained in fifth place at 94 points, two points ahead of Chicago who they will play on Sunday night at the United Center. With Detroit winning 5-4 in Carolina on Saturday, they are still a point out of fourth place and home ice advantage in the playoffs.
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Buddy Oakes for PredsOntheGlass
Barry Trotz speaks after Nashville's 3-1 win over Winnipeg
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Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass
Friday, March 23, 2012
Predators sign Joonas Rask to entry-level contract
The Nashville Predators announced that they had signed 2010 seventh round pick, Joonas Rask to a two-year, entry-level contract. He has played his entire career in Finland and there was no indication that he would be coming to North America to play in the near future.
Make the jump for the full release from the Predators...
Make the jump for the full release from the Predators...
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Radulov scores, Penguins cruise to 5-1 win over Nashville
On a night when hockey fans everywhere were looking for a Stanley Cup Final preview, all that was shown was how hot the Pens are and the importance that home ice could play in the finals. In the end, the Pens won 5-1 in a game that was much closer than the final score.
Pittsburgh did what top teams do and converted on all of their scoring chances and rode the home ice to an easy victory. Nashville played the roll of the road team and out-played the Pens in many ways but were unable to convert their scoring chances into a victory.
Evgeni Malkin scored two goals and may have locked up the Hart trophy race with the national TV following. James Neal had four assists and showed why the Pens went after him last season to play on Sidney Crosby's wing. Pascal Dupuis, Matt Cooke, and Chris Kunitz also scored for the Pens.
The Predators lone goal came from Alexander Radulov in his season NHL four-season debut and left Predators fans dreaming of things to come.
Marc-Andre Fleury won the battle for the NHL lead in goalie wins, being the first one to 40, stopping 29 of 30 Predators shots. Pekka Rinne was repeatedly victimized by poor defense while stopping 18 of 23 Penguins shots.
The Predators will return home and face the Winnipeg Jets (A.K.A. the ex-Atlanta Thrashers) in a special 6 p.m. start time on Saturday night. They remain in fifth place in the Western Conference with 92 points.
Pittsburgh did what top teams do and converted on all of their scoring chances and rode the home ice to an easy victory. Nashville played the roll of the road team and out-played the Pens in many ways but were unable to convert their scoring chances into a victory.
Evgeni Malkin scored two goals and may have locked up the Hart trophy race with the national TV following. James Neal had four assists and showed why the Pens went after him last season to play on Sidney Crosby's wing. Pascal Dupuis, Matt Cooke, and Chris Kunitz also scored for the Pens.
The Predators lone goal came from Alexander Radulov in his season NHL four-season debut and left Predators fans dreaming of things to come.
Marc-Andre Fleury won the battle for the NHL lead in goalie wins, being the first one to 40, stopping 29 of 30 Predators shots. Pekka Rinne was repeatedly victimized by poor defense while stopping 18 of 23 Penguins shots.
The Predators will return home and face the Winnipeg Jets (A.K.A. the ex-Atlanta Thrashers) in a special 6 p.m. start time on Saturday night. They remain in fifth place in the Western Conference with 92 points.
Bridgestone Arena continues to rack up awards
Nashville's Bridgestone Arena continues to receive awards for being one of the top facilities in the United States.
For the second time in three years Bridgestone was named the Venue of the Year by the Academy of Country Music. The award for 2011 follows their initial top venue award in 2009. Winners are ineligible for consecutive nominations so there was not an "off year" in 2010.
Make the jump for the full release with plenty of details from Bridgestone Arena and the Nashville Predators...
For the second time in three years Bridgestone was named the Venue of the Year by the Academy of Country Music. The award for 2011 follows their initial top venue award in 2009. Winners are ineligible for consecutive nominations so there was not an "off year" in 2010.
Make the jump for the full release with plenty of details from Bridgestone Arena and the Nashville Predators...
Predators and Penguins: Is this a Cup Final Preview?
Tonight's contest between the Nashville Predators and Pittsburgh Penguins has suddenly taken on a circus-type atmosphere and has all the eyes in the hockey world focused on Consol Energy Center for tonight's 6 p.m. CDT puck drop on national TV (NHL Network).
The Penguins are the NHL hottest team, going 12-0-1 since February 11. The team that was already clicking on all cylinders was bolstered by the return of Sidney Crosby last week. In four games, Crosby has had nine assists, including four in Tuesday's 8-4 win over Winnipeg.
The Pens also feature the current front-runner in this year's Hart Trophy race, Evgeni Malkin who has carried the team in Crosby's absence, scoring 43 goals and adding 50 assists. James Neal has also blossomed into a point per game star in Pittsburgh in his first full season there, scoring 35 goals and picking up 37 assists.
The Predators are hoping to see the season debut of Alexander Radulov who has returned from being the best player in Russia's Kontinental Hockey League to complete the final year of his entry level contract and hopes to lead the Preds deep into the playoffs.
Nashville's team has been built for a deep playoff run and looks to be as good as any NHL team on paper. The Predators feature the NHL's best defensive pairing in Shea Weber and Ryan Suter. They have also pieced together offense by committee with eleven players in double digits in goals.
Trading deadline additions Hal Gill, Andrei Kostitsyn, and Paul Gaustad only made a strong team stronger and with the addition of Radulov, the team boasts five lines of forwards and four defensive pairings that are NHL ready. Battles for playing time are at a premium in Smashville.
Tonight's goalie match-up features the two net-minders that lead the NHL in wins with 39. Pekka Rinne (39-15-8, 2.41, .923) will face Marc-Andre Fleury (39-14-4, 2.26, .916) and both are potential Vezina finalists.
The game will feature a couple of reunions to add to the human interest side of the story-line. Ex-Pen Hal Gill will be facing the squad that has many of his teammates from his 2009 Stanley Cup winning effort. It will also be ex-Pred Steve Sullivan's first game against Nashville where he still maintains a residence.
Sullivan is a real professional so little will be voiced on his end, but he was one of the more bitter Predators, along with Jason Arnott, when Radulov bolted for the KHL four years ago so there will be little love lost in their reunion on the ice.
In summary, tonight's Preds-Pens contest will be one with broad appeal not only in North America, but world-wide with the addition of Radulov to the mix, and it could be a preview of things to come in late May and June.
More Later...
Buddy Oakes for PredsOntheGlass
The Penguins are the NHL hottest team, going 12-0-1 since February 11. The team that was already clicking on all cylinders was bolstered by the return of Sidney Crosby last week. In four games, Crosby has had nine assists, including four in Tuesday's 8-4 win over Winnipeg.
The Pens also feature the current front-runner in this year's Hart Trophy race, Evgeni Malkin who has carried the team in Crosby's absence, scoring 43 goals and adding 50 assists. James Neal has also blossomed into a point per game star in Pittsburgh in his first full season there, scoring 35 goals and picking up 37 assists.
The Predators are hoping to see the season debut of Alexander Radulov who has returned from being the best player in Russia's Kontinental Hockey League to complete the final year of his entry level contract and hopes to lead the Preds deep into the playoffs.
Nashville's team has been built for a deep playoff run and looks to be as good as any NHL team on paper. The Predators feature the NHL's best defensive pairing in Shea Weber and Ryan Suter. They have also pieced together offense by committee with eleven players in double digits in goals.
Trading deadline additions Hal Gill, Andrei Kostitsyn, and Paul Gaustad only made a strong team stronger and with the addition of Radulov, the team boasts five lines of forwards and four defensive pairings that are NHL ready. Battles for playing time are at a premium in Smashville.
Tonight's goalie match-up features the two net-minders that lead the NHL in wins with 39. Pekka Rinne (39-15-8, 2.41, .923) will face Marc-Andre Fleury (39-14-4, 2.26, .916) and both are potential Vezina finalists.
The game will feature a couple of reunions to add to the human interest side of the story-line. Ex-Pen Hal Gill will be facing the squad that has many of his teammates from his 2009 Stanley Cup winning effort. It will also be ex-Pred Steve Sullivan's first game against Nashville where he still maintains a residence.
Sullivan is a real professional so little will be voiced on his end, but he was one of the more bitter Predators, along with Jason Arnott, when Radulov bolted for the KHL four years ago so there will be little love lost in their reunion on the ice.
In summary, tonight's Preds-Pens contest will be one with broad appeal not only in North America, but world-wide with the addition of Radulov to the mix, and it could be a preview of things to come in late May and June.
More Later...
Buddy Oakes for PredsOntheGlass
Smashville on the Glass - Radulov Returns Edition (Podcast)
Ryan and I were working overtime with a late night edition of Smashville on the Glass podcast where we break down all the information on the return of Alexander Radulov as well as tonight's match up between the Predators and Penguins which could be an early Stanley Cup Final Preview.
Ryan also added post practice audio from Radulov where he seems to be in a festive mood.
Listen in the player below or go to Blog Talk Radio or iTunes to download...
More later...
Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass
Ryan also added post practice audio from Radulov where he seems to be in a festive mood.
Listen in the player below or go to Blog Talk Radio or iTunes to download...
Listen to internet radio with SmashvilleOnTheGlass on Blog Talk Radio
More later...
Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Want a chance to be in a Predators' commercial?
I received the following information from Dan Bell Casting who will be in Nashville from Thursday until Saturday looking for folks to be in a Predators commercial in a couple of weeks.
Get in touch with them if you are interested. I know nothing more than the information that follows...
CASTING TENNESSEE SPORTS FANS FOR A PAID COMCAST/XFINITY PROJECT!
Are you a die hard Memphis Grizzlies or Nashville Predators fan that watches or goes to the games regularly with friends and family? Do you live in the Memphis or Nashville area? Do you use Comcast or Xfinity?
IF SO, WE WOULD LOVE TO INTERVIEW YOU AND YOUR FAMILY & FRIENDS THIS WEEK! WE ARE STARTING THE INTERVIEWS IN NASHVILLE THURS 3/22-SAT 3/24 AND THEN HEADING TO MEMPHIS SUN 3/25-TUES 3/27.
If chosen, you will be paid $500 and some will be given tickets to a game to be part of a commercial that shoots in early April.
Please email the info requested below ASAP to TNsportsfans@gmail.com
1. YOUR NAME
2. AGE
3. YOUR AVAILABILITY TO INTERVIEW THIS WEEK/END
4. WHICH TEAM YOU LOVE AND WHY
5. CONTACT INFO (PHONE/EMAIL)
6. WHO YOUR CABLE PROVIDER IS
THANKS AND GOOD LUCK!
www.danbellcasting.com
Get in touch with them if you are interested. I know nothing more than the information that follows...
CASTING TENNESSEE SPORTS FANS FOR A PAID COMCAST/XFINITY PROJECT!
Are you a die hard Memphis Grizzlies or Nashville Predators fan that watches or goes to the games regularly with friends and family? Do you live in the Memphis or Nashville area? Do you use Comcast or Xfinity?
IF SO, WE WOULD LOVE TO INTERVIEW YOU AND YOUR FAMILY & FRIENDS THIS WEEK! WE ARE STARTING THE INTERVIEWS IN NASHVILLE THURS 3/22-SAT 3/24 AND THEN HEADING TO MEMPHIS SUN 3/25-TUES 3/27.
If chosen, you will be paid $500 and some will be given tickets to a game to be part of a commercial that shoots in early April.
Please email the info requested below ASAP to TNsportsfans@gmail.com
1. YOUR NAME
2. AGE
3. YOUR AVAILABILITY TO INTERVIEW THIS WEEK/END
4. WHICH TEAM YOU LOVE AND WHY
5. CONTACT INFO (PHONE/EMAIL)
6. WHO YOUR CABLE PROVIDER IS
THANKS AND GOOD LUCK!
www.danbellcasting.com
Predators make it official and give Radulov his sweater back
The Nashville Predators made it official that Alexander Radulov has returned to the team and will finish the regular season under the terms of the final year of his entry level contract.
Predators' General Manager David Poile made the symbolic gesture of giving Radulov a Predator gold sweater with his old number "47" emblazoned on the back.
Radulov appeared happy to be in Nashville and rejoining his old NHL team. Make the jump for the full release from the Nashville Predators...
Predators' General Manager David Poile made the symbolic gesture of giving Radulov a Predator gold sweater with his old number "47" emblazoned on the back.
Radulov appeared happy to be in Nashville and rejoining his old NHL team. Make the jump for the full release from the Nashville Predators...
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Rads is back! Hold on for the ride!
This one picture tweeted by Kevin Wilson of Alexander Radulov ond Barry Trotz standing in the Predators dressing room after the Preds 6-3 loss to the Edmonton Oilers speaks volumes.
The return of "Rudy" Radulov has the potential to be the greatest sport's story in Nashville pro sports history if David Poile's gamble of inserting the highly skilled, suspended player into the line-up results in a Stanley Cup parade down lower Broad.
It is a story that will be written over the next few weeks/months and the entire hockey world across all continents will be watching. Smashville is in the media cross-hairs. Enjoy the ride Predator Fans! This is what you have always dreamed of.
Here's another one with our buddy, Jay Grossman in tow. Surreal...
More Later...
Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass
Dubnyk, Hemsky lead Edmonton to 6-3 (sp)Oiler win (thanks to Terry Crisp for the pun)
Note: I was relegated to the couch as my engine blew on the way to the rink :(
Devan Dubnyk played a career game in goal and Ales Hemsky picked up his first career hat trick to lead the Edmonton Oilers to a 6-3 win over the Nashville Predators at Bridgestone Arena on Tuesday night.
All the focus during the day from Predator fans was on the pending arrival of Alexander Ovechkin but the sold out crowd of 17,113 was there for a victory and were sorely disappointed and took exception repeatedly to questionable calls on the ice from the officials.
In the end, Dubnyk's 41 saves and Hemsky's hattie were the difference on a night when the breaks never went the Predators way.
The Oilers also got goals from Darcy Hordichuk, Ryan Jones and Sma Gagner. The Preds offense came from David Legwand's two goals and Patric Horquist's single marker.
Pekka Rinne was chased from the net seconds into the second period when he gave up his third goal on seven shots. Anders Lindback fared somewhat better in relief, stopping ten goals on 12 shots.
The Predators remained at 92 points at the end of the evening, with the tie-breaker for fourth over Detroit. Chicago bested Columbus to pull within two points of the Preds and Red Wings.
The Predators will leave for Pittsburgh on Wednesday after practice where they will take on the red-hot Penguins on Thursday night.
Devan Dubnyk played a career game in goal and Ales Hemsky picked up his first career hat trick to lead the Edmonton Oilers to a 6-3 win over the Nashville Predators at Bridgestone Arena on Tuesday night.
All the focus during the day from Predator fans was on the pending arrival of Alexander Ovechkin but the sold out crowd of 17,113 was there for a victory and were sorely disappointed and took exception repeatedly to questionable calls on the ice from the officials.
In the end, Dubnyk's 41 saves and Hemsky's hattie were the difference on a night when the breaks never went the Predators way.
The Oilers also got goals from Darcy Hordichuk, Ryan Jones and Sma Gagner. The Preds offense came from David Legwand's two goals and Patric Horquist's single marker.
Pekka Rinne was chased from the net seconds into the second period when he gave up his third goal on seven shots. Anders Lindback fared somewhat better in relief, stopping ten goals on 12 shots.
The Predators remained at 92 points at the end of the evening, with the tie-breaker for fourth over Detroit. Chicago bested Columbus to pull within two points of the Preds and Red Wings.
The Predators will leave for Pittsburgh on Wednesday after practice where they will take on the red-hot Penguins on Thursday night.
Monday, March 19, 2012
While Smashville waits for Radulov, Erat named NHL Third Star of the week
While all the focus in Smashville appears to be on the potential return of Alex Radulov, Marty Erat quietly has a stellar week, scoring two goals and adding five assists and was named the NHL Third Star of the Week.
Make the jump for all the details from NHL Media Services...
Make the jump for all the details from NHL Media Services...
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Alexander Radulov appears headed for Nashville
According to multiple reports, it appears that Alex Radulov has been released from his KHL contract and will be headed to Nashville to finish the season with the Nashville Predators. Check out Josh Cooper and Amanda DiPaolo who are with the team in Anaheim for more details.
We will have more on the breaking story on Monday.
More Later....
Buddy Oakes for PredsOntheGlass
We will have more on the breaking story on Monday.
More Later....
Buddy Oakes for PredsOntheGlass
Predators salvage road trip with 3-1 comeback win over Anaheim
After having a marginal compete level for the first two periods on Sunday night at the Honda Center, the Nashville Predators roared back with three goals in the final period to take home a 3-1 win over the Anaheim Ducks and gain a much needed two points.
With the win, the Predators moved to move to 92 points and technically moved past Detroit into fourth place in the Western Conference by virtue of having one more non-shootout win than the Red Wings.
Anders Lindback broke his personal six game losing streak, stopping 30 of 31 Anaheim shots. Jonas Hiller gave up two Predator goals on 26 shots.
Anaheim's lone goal came early in the contest from Devante Smith-Pelly. The Predators' third period scoring came from Patric Hornqvist, Mike Fisher, and an empty netter from David Legwand.
The Predators ended their final west coast swing with a 2-1-1 record, picking up five of a possible eight points. They will face Edmonton at the Bridgestone Arena on Tuesday, before heading to Pittsburg for a game against the leagues hottest team on Thursday.
Make the jump for more detail from the game.
With the win, the Predators moved to move to 92 points and technically moved past Detroit into fourth place in the Western Conference by virtue of having one more non-shootout win than the Red Wings.
Anders Lindback broke his personal six game losing streak, stopping 30 of 31 Anaheim shots. Jonas Hiller gave up two Predator goals on 26 shots.
Anaheim's lone goal came early in the contest from Devante Smith-Pelly. The Predators' third period scoring came from Patric Hornqvist, Mike Fisher, and an empty netter from David Legwand.
The Predators ended their final west coast swing with a 2-1-1 record, picking up five of a possible eight points. They will face Edmonton at the Bridgestone Arena on Tuesday, before heading to Pittsburg for a game against the leagues hottest team on Thursday.
Make the jump for more detail from the game.
Offensive surge leads Kings to 4-2 win over Predators
In a very disappointing game for the Nashville Predator faithful, the Los Angeles Kings scored three times in the final period to take a 4-2 win that kept them alive in the Western Conference playoff race.
Nashville failed to take advantage of a Detroit overtime loss that with a victory could have propelled them into fourth place in the West. The Kings kept pace with Dallas, San Jose, and Phoenix in the race for for Pacific title and eighth place with the win.
Jonathan Bernier continued his outstanding play against Nashville, improving his lifetime record to 6-1 against the Predators. Pekka Rinne was the hard luck loser, giving up four goals on 27 Kings' shots.
The Kings picked up markers from Anze Kopitar, Dustin Penner, Dwight King, and Kyle Clifford while the Preds' goals came from Marty Erat and Mike Fisher.
The Predators will face the Anaheim Ducks on Sunday night at 7 p.m. CDT to try to pick up two points on the west coast swing.
Make the jump for more details from the game...
Nashville failed to take advantage of a Detroit overtime loss that with a victory could have propelled them into fourth place in the West. The Kings kept pace with Dallas, San Jose, and Phoenix in the race for for Pacific title and eighth place with the win.
Jonathan Bernier continued his outstanding play against Nashville, improving his lifetime record to 6-1 against the Predators. Pekka Rinne was the hard luck loser, giving up four goals on 27 Kings' shots.
The Kings picked up markers from Anze Kopitar, Dustin Penner, Dwight King, and Kyle Clifford while the Preds' goals came from Marty Erat and Mike Fisher.
The Predators will face the Anaheim Ducks on Sunday night at 7 p.m. CDT to try to pick up two points on the west coast swing.
Make the jump for more details from the game...
Friday, March 16, 2012
Predators Foundation Wine Event set for March 23
The Nashville Predators and their fundraising organization, the Predators Foundation, will have their annual wine tasting event nest Friday night at the Bridgestone Arena.
Over 200 wines will be available and a silent auction will accompany the event. There will also be a VIP dinner at the Patrón Platinum Club for those who are interested.
Make the jump for completed details from the Predators...
Sharks beat Predators 2-1 in a shootout
Ryan Clowe scored the only goal in a shootout to give the San Jose Sharks a 2-1 win over the Nashville Predators at the HP Pavilion on Thursday night.
The only goals scored during regulation play came from Patric Hornqvist and Joe Thornton on the power play.
Pekka Rinne and Antti Niemi both played well in goal. Rinne stopped 34 of 35 Sharks' shots while Antti Niemi stopped 32 of 33 Predator shots.
Make the jump for more details from the game...
The only goals scored during regulation play came from Patric Hornqvist and Joe Thornton on the power play.
Pekka Rinne and Antti Niemi both played well in goal. Rinne stopped 34 of 35 Sharks' shots while Antti Niemi stopped 32 of 33 Predator shots.
Make the jump for more details from the game...
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Predators face San Jose with chance to move into fourth place
With the Alexander Radulov distraction appearing to come to an end for this season with news from various sources indicating that the wayward Russian will not be allowed to return, the Nashville Predators need to focus on tonight's game (9:30 p.m. CDT) with the San Jose Sharks where a win could move them into fourth place in the Western Conference, and the first round home-ice advantage that would go with it.
The Detroit Red Wings have stumbled the last two nights with losses to the L.A. Kings and Anaheim Ducks and now sit at 91 points with only eleven games remaining. With a victory tonight, the Predators would also be at 91 points with a game in hand, allowing the Preds to move into fourth place and control their destiny going forward.
The Predators will have their work cut out for them as games at the Shark Tank have always been tough tests with 13 of the last 17 games between the two teams being decided by one goal. The Preds are 2-1 with the Sharks this season and won 6-2 in their last meeting in Nashville of February 25.
Always a favorite in the Pacific Division, San Jose has not played as well as expected in recent games, going 2-5-3 in the last ten games, and losing 3-2 in overtime in their last game in Calgary on Tuesday night.
With so much hype over the last few days in the media about the possible return of Radulov, it will be a true test for Barry Trotz and his staff to keep the player's focus on winning with the players that are with the team and put all the distractions behind them.
After the game with the Sharks, the Predators will travel to Los Angeles where they will play the Kings on Saturday and the Ducks on Sunday before returning to the Bridgestone Arena to host Edmonton next Tuesday.
More Later...
Buddy Oakes for PredsOntheGlass
The Detroit Red Wings have stumbled the last two nights with losses to the L.A. Kings and Anaheim Ducks and now sit at 91 points with only eleven games remaining. With a victory tonight, the Predators would also be at 91 points with a game in hand, allowing the Preds to move into fourth place and control their destiny going forward.
The Predators will have their work cut out for them as games at the Shark Tank have always been tough tests with 13 of the last 17 games between the two teams being decided by one goal. The Preds are 2-1 with the Sharks this season and won 6-2 in their last meeting in Nashville of February 25.
Always a favorite in the Pacific Division, San Jose has not played as well as expected in recent games, going 2-5-3 in the last ten games, and losing 3-2 in overtime in their last game in Calgary on Tuesday night.
With so much hype over the last few days in the media about the possible return of Radulov, it will be a true test for Barry Trotz and his staff to keep the player's focus on winning with the players that are with the team and put all the distractions behind them.
After the game with the Sharks, the Predators will travel to Los Angeles where they will play the Kings on Saturday and the Ducks on Sunday before returning to the Bridgestone Arena to host Edmonton next Tuesday.
More Later...
Buddy Oakes for PredsOntheGlass
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
The Morning After Round-Up: Predators 5, Coyotes 4 (SO)
The Nashville Predators got off to a good start on the four game road trip out west with a 5-4 shootout win over the always pesky Phoenix Coyotes.
Whenever the two teams meet you know that it will be a close contest with two of the NHL's best hockey minds behind the bench with Barry Trotz and Dave Tippet playing their chess match to get the most out of their players.
In the end, it was Trotz's deft move to put Andrei Kostitsyn on the ice for the Preds' first shooter. He has a good shot and is not well known in the Western Conference. It was also good to see Pekka Rinne return to good form in the shootout, shutting down all the Coyote marksmen.
The victory temporarily eliminated the "game in hand" that the Predators had with Detroit and pulled Nashville within two points of the Wings in the battle for home ice in the dreaded 4-5 match that the two teams appear destined for.
The Preds and Wings share common road opponents through Sunday in the Sharks and the two teams from the LA area so it will be interesting to see who makes up ground on the other before they each return home.
Here is our game story from last night. Make the jump for the full round-up of everything from the game...
Whenever the two teams meet you know that it will be a close contest with two of the NHL's best hockey minds behind the bench with Barry Trotz and Dave Tippet playing their chess match to get the most out of their players.
In the end, it was Trotz's deft move to put Andrei Kostitsyn on the ice for the Preds' first shooter. He has a good shot and is not well known in the Western Conference. It was also good to see Pekka Rinne return to good form in the shootout, shutting down all the Coyote marksmen.
The victory temporarily eliminated the "game in hand" that the Predators had with Detroit and pulled Nashville within two points of the Wings in the battle for home ice in the dreaded 4-5 match that the two teams appear destined for.
The Preds and Wings share common road opponents through Sunday in the Sharks and the two teams from the LA area so it will be interesting to see who makes up ground on the other before they each return home.
Here is our game story from last night. Make the jump for the full round-up of everything from the game...
Monday, March 12, 2012
Predators best the Coyotes in the shootout to pick up two points
In a game that was billed as a goaltender battle between Pekka Rinne and Mike Smith, two teams not known for offense, broke into a wide open game that ended with the Nashville Predators walking away with a 5-4 victory over a resilient Phoenix Coyotes team in a shootout.
The Predators got goals from Marty Erat, Mike Fisher, Frankie Bouillon, and Craig Smith while the Coyotes picked up markers from Daymond Langkow, Keith Yandle, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, and Raffi Torres to knot the score at 4-4 at the end of regulation as well as overtime.
Andrei Kostitsyn was the hero in the shootout as the only scorer to give the Predators the win in the skills competition and a huge two points that moved them to 89 on the season, only two behind Detroit.
Rinne and Smith both stopped 31 of 35 shots during full-out on ice play but Rinne stopped all three shooters in the shootout and Smith let Andrei Kostitsyn slip one in on his first Predator shootout attempt to claim the two points for Nashville.
The Predators are off until they met the Sharks in San Jose on Thursday night.
Make the jump for more detail from the game...
The Predators got goals from Marty Erat, Mike Fisher, Frankie Bouillon, and Craig Smith while the Coyotes picked up markers from Daymond Langkow, Keith Yandle, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, and Raffi Torres to knot the score at 4-4 at the end of regulation as well as overtime.
Andrei Kostitsyn was the hero in the shootout as the only scorer to give the Predators the win in the skills competition and a huge two points that moved them to 89 on the season, only two behind Detroit.
Rinne and Smith both stopped 31 of 35 shots during full-out on ice play but Rinne stopped all three shooters in the shootout and Smith let Andrei Kostitsyn slip one in on his first Predator shootout attempt to claim the two points for Nashville.
The Predators are off until they met the Sharks in San Jose on Thursday night.
Make the jump for more detail from the game...
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Dmitry Chesnokov visits SOTG Radio to discuss the potential return of Alexander Radulov
Puck Daddy's Dmitry Chesnokov joined us to discuss the potential return of Alexander Radulov to the Nashville Predators. Listen in to hear the latest from North America's best source for all things Russian hockey.
Listen in the following player or go to BlogTalkRadio or iTunes to download...
More Later...
Buddy Oakes for PredsOntheGlass
Listen in the following player or go to BlogTalkRadio or iTunes to download...
Listen to internet radio with SmashvilleOnTheGlass on Blog Talk Radio
More Later...
Buddy Oakes for PredsOntheGlass
The Morning After Round-Up: Predators 3, Red Wings 2
The Western Conference race is as crazy as it ever has been with the St. Louis Blues jumping out to a three point lead over Vancouver and the Predators remaining eight points back with 14 games to go.
The Blues are ready to embark on a seven game road trip starting today that should tell the tale of whether that can indeed be a contender in the President's trophy race.
The Predators have a legitimate shot at fourth place, ahead of Detroit, who has a four point lead over Nashville, with the Preds having a game in hand. Both teams are headed to the west coast and will need to win on the road to capture home ice in the first round.
For the Predators, it all starts Monday night at 9 p.m. in Phoenix.
There is little doubt that the conference seeding and who grabs the final playoff slots will not be decided until the final week of the season.
Here is our game story from last night and Barry Trotz's postgame presser. Make the jump for the full round-up of everything from the game...
The Blues are ready to embark on a seven game road trip starting today that should tell the tale of whether that can indeed be a contender in the President's trophy race.
The Predators have a legitimate shot at fourth place, ahead of Detroit, who has a four point lead over Nashville, with the Preds having a game in hand. Both teams are headed to the west coast and will need to win on the road to capture home ice in the first round.
For the Predators, it all starts Monday night at 9 p.m. in Phoenix.
There is little doubt that the conference seeding and who grabs the final playoff slots will not be decided until the final week of the season.
Here is our game story from last night and Barry Trotz's postgame presser. Make the jump for the full round-up of everything from the game...
Hal Gill was key to Predators' penalty kill unit in 3-2 win over Detroit
While all the post game attention was focused on the Kostitsyn brothers, with Sergei making two perfect passes to Andrei that resulted in a pair of power play goals, the one player that may have had more to do with the 3-2 Predator win over Detroit was defenseman, Hal Gill.
Playing in his tenth game with Nashville, since coming over from Montreal, Gill is playing the role that he is known for, exactly as expected.
Barry Trotz explained, "Hal Gill did exactly what David went out and got Gill for. He's that big body, penalty killer, defends well, type of veteran player and he was huge today."
The Predators were short-handed four times for a total of six minutes of play and Gill was on the ice for 3:30 on the penalty kill. He really dominated play near the end of the second period when the Preds had back to back infractions that included ten seconds of five on three play by Detroit.
Gill was out for three separate shifts during the consecutive kills and dominated play, standing tall in front of the net, tying up the puck in the corner, and generally disrupting everything the Wings were trying to accomplish.
Trotz was pleased with the two power play goals by Andrei Kostitsyn but was even more complementary of the short-handed play. "We were four for four on the penalty kill. We had a real big kill there, with a little five on three there in those back to back penalties so it was really huge there."
Gill discussed the penalty kill, "We got a couple of big kills for us and Pekka made some big saves. We have to battle for wins sometimes and that's what we did.
Gill shares the credit with goalie, Pekka Rinne. "If he can see the puck, he can stop it, so we try to make it as easy on him as possible and let him do his job."
Rinne also enjoys having Gill on the ice with him. "He does everything. He's boxing out guys in front of me, he's blocking shots, using his reach, blocking passing lanes, and just a big guy, and a strong presence. He's an intimidating guy and when he gets to the pucks, he usually gets them out so he has been really valuable for us in this little stretch."
One of the reasons Gill is excellent in short-handed situations is because he really likes the penalty kill minutes. "It's just something that I've always enjoyed so it's a challenge and something that I can use my size and try to be in the way as much as I can. You try and read the play and you are playing against great players so I find it enjoyable."
After playing his entire career in the Eastern Conference, Gill is learning how the West is to be won. "There's a lot of rivalries here and a lot of teams that we have big games against."
As the season winds down Gill explains the importance of every point. "We are getting close to that time where everything is important and every two points are important. Tonight was a good battle for us and they had a little beat up team and they played hard and we matched it until we got the win."
On a lighter note, there were two Octopuses and a single catfish thrown onto the Bridgestone Arena ice and Gill was surprised to see the aquatic creatures on the playing surface and was shown with a look of confusion at one point on the Jumbotron.
After understanding the sentiment of dead creatures on the ice, Gill exclaimed, "That's nice! It's good to see some animals out there but I like the catfish better."
The Predators ended the evening with 87 points, four behind Detroit, with a game in hand. They remain eight points behind the division and conference leading St. Louis Blues.
Nashville will fly to Phoenix on Sunday and face the Coyotes on Monday at 9 p.m. CDT.
More Later...
Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass
Playing in his tenth game with Nashville, since coming over from Montreal, Gill is playing the role that he is known for, exactly as expected.
Barry Trotz explained, "Hal Gill did exactly what David went out and got Gill for. He's that big body, penalty killer, defends well, type of veteran player and he was huge today."
The Predators were short-handed four times for a total of six minutes of play and Gill was on the ice for 3:30 on the penalty kill. He really dominated play near the end of the second period when the Preds had back to back infractions that included ten seconds of five on three play by Detroit.
Gill was out for three separate shifts during the consecutive kills and dominated play, standing tall in front of the net, tying up the puck in the corner, and generally disrupting everything the Wings were trying to accomplish.
Trotz was pleased with the two power play goals by Andrei Kostitsyn but was even more complementary of the short-handed play. "We were four for four on the penalty kill. We had a real big kill there, with a little five on three there in those back to back penalties so it was really huge there."
Gill discussed the penalty kill, "We got a couple of big kills for us and Pekka made some big saves. We have to battle for wins sometimes and that's what we did.
Gill shares the credit with goalie, Pekka Rinne. "If he can see the puck, he can stop it, so we try to make it as easy on him as possible and let him do his job."
Rinne also enjoys having Gill on the ice with him. "He does everything. He's boxing out guys in front of me, he's blocking shots, using his reach, blocking passing lanes, and just a big guy, and a strong presence. He's an intimidating guy and when he gets to the pucks, he usually gets them out so he has been really valuable for us in this little stretch."
One of the reasons Gill is excellent in short-handed situations is because he really likes the penalty kill minutes. "It's just something that I've always enjoyed so it's a challenge and something that I can use my size and try to be in the way as much as I can. You try and read the play and you are playing against great players so I find it enjoyable."
After playing his entire career in the Eastern Conference, Gill is learning how the West is to be won. "There's a lot of rivalries here and a lot of teams that we have big games against."
As the season winds down Gill explains the importance of every point. "We are getting close to that time where everything is important and every two points are important. Tonight was a good battle for us and they had a little beat up team and they played hard and we matched it until we got the win."
On a lighter note, there were two Octopuses and a single catfish thrown onto the Bridgestone Arena ice and Gill was surprised to see the aquatic creatures on the playing surface and was shown with a look of confusion at one point on the Jumbotron.
After understanding the sentiment of dead creatures on the ice, Gill exclaimed, "That's nice! It's good to see some animals out there but I like the catfish better."
The Predators ended the evening with 87 points, four behind Detroit, with a game in hand. They remain eight points behind the division and conference leading St. Louis Blues.
Nashville will fly to Phoenix on Sunday and face the Coyotes on Monday at 9 p.m. CDT.
More Later...
Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass
Barry Trotz Speaks after Nashville's 3-2 Win over Detroit
More Later...
Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Predators Sign Jack MacLellan (Release)
NASHVILLE PREDATORS SIGN BROWN UNIVERSITY FORWARD JACK MACLELLAN
Nashville, Tenn. (March 10, 2012) – Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced today that the club has signed free-agent forward Jack Maclellan to a one-year entry-level contract.
Maclellan, 23 (6/5/88), recently completed his senior season at Brown University where he led the Bears in points (15g-15a-30pts), goals and assists in 30 games played. The 5-11, 175-pound left wing also ranked sixth in the ECAC in power-play goals (8), tied for second in shorthanded goals (2) and tied for fourth in the conference in game-winning goals (4). Brown’s team captain for the 2011-12 season, Maclellan was recently named a 2011-12 All-Ivy First-Team Selection and finalist for the 2012 Lowe's Senior CLASS Award. He finished his collegiate career last weekend as just the 23rd player in school history to record 100 points, registering 101 points (46g-55a) in 121 games.
The Calgary, Alta., native attended Nashville Predators Development Camp in the summer of 2011.
More Later...
Buddy Oakes for PredsOntheGlass
Friday, March 9, 2012
The Morning After Round-Up: Predators 4, Avalanche 2
Pekka Rinne moved into first place in the all time season's win total with last night's 4-2 win over Colorado. It was a very workmanlike game that moved the Predators to 85 points, only four behind Detroit, who will be at the Bridgestone on Saturday night.
The Predators appear to be fairly well locked in to the 4-5 match in the first round against Detroit or Sr. Louis. This would be a brutal match with either opponent. I think that a better match-up would be with the Wings, especially if the Preds could move into fourth.
However, the division is far from set with the Blues heading out on a seven game road trip starting on Sunday. The Wings and Preds are both headed to the west coast so anything could happen if any of the thre teams slip.
On another front, Alexander Radulov's KHL schedule has ended so there is plenty of speculation about a return to the Predators. If he were to return, he would join an already crowed roster that has five solid forward lines and four defensive pairings.
I'm sure if he came back to Smashville Barry Trotz could find a place to put him.
Here is our game story from last night. Make the jump for the full round-up of everything from the game...
The Predators appear to be fairly well locked in to the 4-5 match in the first round against Detroit or Sr. Louis. This would be a brutal match with either opponent. I think that a better match-up would be with the Wings, especially if the Preds could move into fourth.
However, the division is far from set with the Blues heading out on a seven game road trip starting on Sunday. The Wings and Preds are both headed to the west coast so anything could happen if any of the thre teams slip.
On another front, Alexander Radulov's KHL schedule has ended so there is plenty of speculation about a return to the Predators. If he were to return, he would join an already crowed roster that has five solid forward lines and four defensive pairings.
I'm sure if he came back to Smashville Barry Trotz could find a place to put him.
Here is our game story from last night. Make the jump for the full round-up of everything from the game...
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Rinne sets record for wins in Predators 4-2 victory over Colorado
The Nashville Predators picked up a much needed 4-2 win over a desperate Colorado Avalanche team on Thursday night at Bridgestone Arena.
Pekka Rinne was solid in goal in spite of seeing little rubber, stopping 15 of 17 shots in route to his franchise record setting 37th victory of the season. Semyon Varlamov took the loss, giving up three goals on 30 shots.
The Predators picked up goals from Mike Fisher, Brandon Yip, Sergei Kostitsyn, and finally an empty-netter from Marty Erat. The Avalanche scoring came from Jamie McGinn and Paul Stastny.
The win left Nashville with 85 points as they maintain their position in fifth place in the Western Conference, four behind Detroit, who they will play at home on Saturday night.
Make the jump for more detail from the game...
Pekka Rinne was solid in goal in spite of seeing little rubber, stopping 15 of 17 shots in route to his franchise record setting 37th victory of the season. Semyon Varlamov took the loss, giving up three goals on 30 shots.
The Predators picked up goals from Mike Fisher, Brandon Yip, Sergei Kostitsyn, and finally an empty-netter from Marty Erat. The Avalanche scoring came from Jamie McGinn and Paul Stastny.
The win left Nashville with 85 points as they maintain their position in fifth place in the Western Conference, four behind Detroit, who they will play at home on Saturday night.
Make the jump for more detail from the game...
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Predators to host Social Media Suite Night on March 24
If you missed the first Social Media Suite Night that the Nashville Predators held earlier this season, here is a second chance to have a unique experience during a Predators game at Bridgestone Arena.
It is set for Saturday, March 24 when the Preds play Winnipeg and it may be the only way to get a ticket to the game as the weekend games appear to be sold out for the season.
Make the jump for all the details from the Predators...
It is set for Saturday, March 24 when the Preds play Winnipeg and it may be the only way to get a ticket to the game as the weekend games appear to be sold out for the season.
Make the jump for all the details from the Predators...
The Morning After Round-Up: Kings 5, Predators 4
Tuesday night's 5-4 Predators loss to the Los Angeles Kings was a difficult game to watch. It was a hard fought game by both teams with few crisp passes and cycling the puck was almost non-existent.
Barry Trotz discussed the type of game that it was and and the reason for the outcome after the game.
"I think both teams, for the most part, were actually checking pretty well. When you look and see that it was 5-4, you think not so much, but teams had a high degree of pressure on the puck so therefore it got choppy and scrambley. From that part, the forechecking is part of your defensive game as well as a part of your offensive game and both teams forechecked pretty well."
"The difference was minor. It was a goal, a mistake, a wrap-around goal, a second chance; at the end of the day, you count up the number of battles you win and the number of battles you lose. I'd say they won a few more battles than we did and that was the difference."
One goal that really stood out was the one by Sergei Kostitsyn, where he took the puck down the ice and put it past Jonathan Quick on an unassisted play. It was a real breakthrough for him to shoot instead of passing.
The Predators will return to the ice at the Bridgestone Arena on Thursday night against the Colorado Avalanche, which is another team playing desperate hockey, fighting for the eighth spot in the Western Conference.
With St. Louis beating Chicago and pulling eight points ahead of the Predators it is becoming more difficult by the day for the Preds, with 16 games remaining, to be able to win the division and avoid the dreaded four-five match with Detroit or St. Louis.
Here is our game story from last night and Barry Trotz's postgame presser. Make the jump for the full round-up of everything from the game...
Barry Trotz discussed the type of game that it was and and the reason for the outcome after the game.
"I think both teams, for the most part, were actually checking pretty well. When you look and see that it was 5-4, you think not so much, but teams had a high degree of pressure on the puck so therefore it got choppy and scrambley. From that part, the forechecking is part of your defensive game as well as a part of your offensive game and both teams forechecked pretty well."
"The difference was minor. It was a goal, a mistake, a wrap-around goal, a second chance; at the end of the day, you count up the number of battles you win and the number of battles you lose. I'd say they won a few more battles than we did and that was the difference."
One goal that really stood out was the one by Sergei Kostitsyn, where he took the puck down the ice and put it past Jonathan Quick on an unassisted play. It was a real breakthrough for him to shoot instead of passing.
The Predators will return to the ice at the Bridgestone Arena on Thursday night against the Colorado Avalanche, which is another team playing desperate hockey, fighting for the eighth spot in the Western Conference.
With St. Louis beating Chicago and pulling eight points ahead of the Predators it is becoming more difficult by the day for the Preds, with 16 games remaining, to be able to win the division and avoid the dreaded four-five match with Detroit or St. Louis.
Here is our game story from last night and Barry Trotz's postgame presser. Make the jump for the full round-up of everything from the game...
Lindback gives Predators a chance to win in 5-4 loss to the Kings
On Tuesday night, a few of the 17,113 fans in attendance at the Predators game with the Kings may have had to check their program to see who the mysterious number 39 was that came into the game in relief of Vezina candidate, Pekka Rinne who had given up five goals on 24 shot in 42:57 minutes of play.
Anders Lindback had not set foot on the Bridgestone Arena ice during a game situation since he started in goal in a game against Buffalo on December 3. Since then he has started four games on the road and made one relief appearance in Dallas.
On Tuesday, Lindback's rare home relief appearance gave the Nashville Predators a chance to win in a game they eventually lost to the Los Angeles Kings 5-4.
The Predators had not played well in front of Rinne as coach Barry Trotz pointed out. "To me, it just wasn't Peks’ night. We weren’t helping him a whole lot. You have to help him in the crease area. You have to clear pucks, have your man a little firmer."
"Four is usually my limit with Peks and I thought we still had a lot of game to go with, so I thought I’d give him one more." So after Trevor Lewis put the Kings ahead 5-3 with 17 minutes left in the game, Rinne got the early shower.
"It was one of those games," Trotz explained. "There were a lot of pucks around the net. They just found their way. The first one, they dumped it in, threw it right back into the net and Peks couldn't find it, just a lot of those types of goals tonight."
Amazingly, the Predators defense that had allowed ten shots in the first three minutes of the third period stiffened when Lindback came on to the ice. He only faced four shots for the remainder of the game and handled each with ease.
Patric Hornqvist scored his second goal of the game and 20th of the season with 5:18 left on the clock to make it 5-4 and give Nashville, and Lindback, a chance for a comeback win in front of the sell-out crowd. The Predators kept the pressure on right up to the final horn but could not get another goal to send the game to overtime.
After the game, Lindback was somewhat sheepish and almost apologetic as he discussed his relief appearance as he stood beside a obviously dejected Rinne. "Sometimes it happens and I have to be ready."
Lindback explained how he prepares during games for unexpected appearances. "You just try to watch the game and see how the play is going. In between periods I usually try to stretch and keep warm."
Both teams appeared to have trouble controlling the puck for most of the game as there were few crisp passes and plenty of turnovers and interceptions.
"It was really bouncy overall out there tonight," said Lindback. "There were really weird bounces. I don't know if the weather being hot and cold lately could have been the reason."
Lindback enjoyed playing in front of the home fans for only the third time of the season. "It's awesome every time you go in and play in front of out fans who are always loud. It my job to always be ready."
Rinne and Lindback will have little time to prepare for the next contest that will come Thursday night at home against the Colorado Avalanche.
At the end of play on Tuesday, the Predators remained in fifth place in the Western Conference, eight points behind the St. Louis Bules, who moved into first place with a 5-1 win over Chicago.
More Later...
Buddy Oakes for PredsOntheGlass
Anders Lindback had not set foot on the Bridgestone Arena ice during a game situation since he started in goal in a game against Buffalo on December 3. Since then he has started four games on the road and made one relief appearance in Dallas.
On Tuesday, Lindback's rare home relief appearance gave the Nashville Predators a chance to win in a game they eventually lost to the Los Angeles Kings 5-4.
The Predators had not played well in front of Rinne as coach Barry Trotz pointed out. "To me, it just wasn't Peks’ night. We weren’t helping him a whole lot. You have to help him in the crease area. You have to clear pucks, have your man a little firmer."
"Four is usually my limit with Peks and I thought we still had a lot of game to go with, so I thought I’d give him one more." So after Trevor Lewis put the Kings ahead 5-3 with 17 minutes left in the game, Rinne got the early shower.
"It was one of those games," Trotz explained. "There were a lot of pucks around the net. They just found their way. The first one, they dumped it in, threw it right back into the net and Peks couldn't find it, just a lot of those types of goals tonight."
Amazingly, the Predators defense that had allowed ten shots in the first three minutes of the third period stiffened when Lindback came on to the ice. He only faced four shots for the remainder of the game and handled each with ease.
Patric Hornqvist scored his second goal of the game and 20th of the season with 5:18 left on the clock to make it 5-4 and give Nashville, and Lindback, a chance for a comeback win in front of the sell-out crowd. The Predators kept the pressure on right up to the final horn but could not get another goal to send the game to overtime.
After the game, Lindback was somewhat sheepish and almost apologetic as he discussed his relief appearance as he stood beside a obviously dejected Rinne. "Sometimes it happens and I have to be ready."
Lindback explained how he prepares during games for unexpected appearances. "You just try to watch the game and see how the play is going. In between periods I usually try to stretch and keep warm."
Both teams appeared to have trouble controlling the puck for most of the game as there were few crisp passes and plenty of turnovers and interceptions.
"It was really bouncy overall out there tonight," said Lindback. "There were really weird bounces. I don't know if the weather being hot and cold lately could have been the reason."
Lindback enjoyed playing in front of the home fans for only the third time of the season. "It's awesome every time you go in and play in front of out fans who are always loud. It my job to always be ready."
Rinne and Lindback will have little time to prepare for the next contest that will come Thursday night at home against the Colorado Avalanche.
At the end of play on Tuesday, the Predators remained in fifth place in the Western Conference, eight points behind the St. Louis Bules, who moved into first place with a 5-1 win over Chicago.
More Later...
Buddy Oakes for PredsOntheGlass
Barry Trotz Speaks after Nashville's 5-4 Loss to Los Angeles
More Later...
Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass
Monday, March 5, 2012
POTG previews Tuesday's game with the Kings on All the Kings Men Podcast
Check out our contribution to the All the Kings Men podcast that was recorded on Sunday night where we discussed the Kings and especially the Predators. The Royal Half and The Mayor also have segments.
Take a listen in the following player...
More Later...
Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass
Take a listen in the following player...
More Later...
Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass
Saturday, March 3, 2012
New Predators come up big in 3-1 win over Florida
The Nashville Predators beat the Florida Panthers 3-1 on Saturday night at Bank Atlantic Center in Sunrise, Florida.
The game marked the first time that the three new players for Nashville took the ice together and the trio hooked up for the game's first goal in the opening period when Paul Gaustad and Hal Gill assisted on Andrei Kostitsyn's first goal in a Nashville uniform.
Kostitsyn also assisted on David Legwand's goal in the final period. Mike Fisher had the second goal that ended up being the game winner. Wojtek Wolski had the lone goal for Florida.
The real hero of the night for the Predators was Pekka Rinne, who picked up his league leading 36th win while stopping 40 Panther shots that included 16 in the final period when they were playing desperate hockey.
The victory gave the Predators 83 points for the season and pulled them within six of the division leading Detroit Red Wing and only four points behind St. Louis.
Make the jump for more details from the game...
The game marked the first time that the three new players for Nashville took the ice together and the trio hooked up for the game's first goal in the opening period when Paul Gaustad and Hal Gill assisted on Andrei Kostitsyn's first goal in a Nashville uniform.
Kostitsyn also assisted on David Legwand's goal in the final period. Mike Fisher had the second goal that ended up being the game winner. Wojtek Wolski had the lone goal for Florida.
The real hero of the night for the Predators was Pekka Rinne, who picked up his league leading 36th win while stopping 40 Panther shots that included 16 in the final period when they were playing desperate hockey.
The victory gave the Predators 83 points for the season and pulled them within six of the division leading Detroit Red Wing and only four points behind St. Louis.
Make the jump for more details from the game...
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Do deadline deals lead to Stanley Cup titles? An historical look
The Nashville Predators were considered to be one of the big winners at the trade deadline with General Manager David Poile plugging holes on the team with Hal Gill, Andrei Kostitsyn, and Paul Gaustad.
Other teams that were active and appeared to improve their Cup chances included Boston, Vancouver, Detroit, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and a few others to varying degrees.
NHL Media Services put together a package of trades around the deadline that the eventual Stanley Cup Champions made since 1980. It is surprising that there are few championships that were won as a result of "blockbuster" deals, especially since the lockout in the 2004-05 season..
Make the jump for the complete list...
Other teams that were active and appeared to improve their Cup chances included Boston, Vancouver, Detroit, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and a few others to varying degrees.
NHL Media Services put together a package of trades around the deadline that the eventual Stanley Cup Champions made since 1980. It is surprising that there are few championships that were won as a result of "blockbuster" deals, especially since the lockout in the 2004-05 season..
Make the jump for the complete list...
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