If you miss our POTG Radio show tonight, I will assume it is because you will be shopping and seeking autographs in Brentwood at Best Buy.
Here are the details from the Predators...
ATTENTION SEASON TICKET HOLDERS!!!
Special Shopping Night Opportunity Tonight
December 7, 2009
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Best Buy in Brentwood
1600 Galleria Blvd
Brentwood, TN 37027
Get autographs from Shea Weber and Jerred Smithson from 7:00 – 8:00 pm*
Register to win Best Buy prizes
More Later...
Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass
Monday, December 7, 2009
Alexander Sulzer Recalled by the Predators
The Alexander Sulzer yo-yo continues with his recall this morning. Maybe he will get in a game on Tuesday.
Here is the complete text of the release from the Predators...
PREDATORS RECALL ALEXANDER SULZER FROM MILWAUKEE
Nashville, Tenn. (December 7, 2009) – Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced today that the club has recalled defenseman Alexander Sulzer (al-ehx-AN-duhr SUHLT-suhr) from Milwaukee (AHL).
Sulzer, 25 (5/30/84), has been recalled from the Admirals three times this season, and has played in five games with the Predators in 2009-10, posting his first career point/assist on Oct. 22 at Ottawa, while averaging 12:46 of ice time and notching a plus-two rating. During his most recent stint with Milwaukee, the Kaufbeuren, Germany native notched three assists in three games from Dec. 2-5, giving him 10 points (1g-9a) in 10 AHL games this season.
The Predators played their second game of a four-game homestand tomorrow night when they host the Vancouver Canucks at 7 p.m. Tickets to this game, and all other regular season contests, are now on sale and can be purchased by logging onto nashvillepredators.com. Tickets are also available by calling (615) 770-PUCK and at all Ticketmaster locations.
More Later...
Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass
Here is the complete text of the release from the Predators...
PREDATORS RECALL ALEXANDER SULZER FROM MILWAUKEE
Nashville, Tenn. (December 7, 2009) – Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced today that the club has recalled defenseman Alexander Sulzer (al-ehx-AN-duhr SUHLT-suhr) from Milwaukee (AHL).
Sulzer, 25 (5/30/84), has been recalled from the Admirals three times this season, and has played in five games with the Predators in 2009-10, posting his first career point/assist on Oct. 22 at Ottawa, while averaging 12:46 of ice time and notching a plus-two rating. During his most recent stint with Milwaukee, the Kaufbeuren, Germany native notched three assists in three games from Dec. 2-5, giving him 10 points (1g-9a) in 10 AHL games this season.
The Predators played their second game of a four-game homestand tomorrow night when they host the Vancouver Canucks at 7 p.m. Tickets to this game, and all other regular season contests, are now on sale and can be purchased by logging onto nashvillepredators.com. Tickets are also available by calling (615) 770-PUCK and at all Ticketmaster locations.
More Later...
Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass
Weekend Wrap-Up and POTG Radio Returns
After a couple of weeks off with the Predators playing Monday night games, POTG radio returns tonight at 7 p.m. Central with Hockey Buzz's Columbus writer Eric Smith and Anthony Curatolo, one of the Hockey Guys, who reps the Islanders, Flyers and the NHL for Crash The Crease, Hockey Independent, and Hendrick's Hockey. It will be an East-West type program with a discussion about Columbus and the Western Conference as well as the Flyers coaching change and other Eastern Conference talk.
Eric Smith gives us a mention in his most recent post and previews some of the concern and/or panic that may be on the verge of settling in in Columbus with the Blue Jackets losing eight of their last nine games. The Preds and Jackets meet twice in the next week, here on Thursday and there on Monday so this will be a timely discussion.
Anthony Curatolo will also be an interesting guest. He writes about a wide range of teams but is ultimately a Flyers fan so there should be plenty to talk about with the coaching changes and Dan Carcillo's exploits on Saturday.
In Preds Nation...
With Vancouver coming to town, John Glennon takes a look at Predators with potential to play in the Vancouver Olympics in February.
Jim Diamond has his weekly Preds prospects round up at the Examiner.
Forechecker has an article about Wade Belak and Barry Trotz's choice to dress him over Patric Hornqvist on Saturday. John also blogs about the lack of energy in the building on Saturday. Everyone got mad at Adrian Dater about comments about the Preds attendance, but the fans have not turned out as expected this year and the ones that have come out have been very quiet at times.
Final thoughts on Saturday's loss come from Brandon Felder, Paul McCann, What the Puck, See Puck City, and The View from 111.
Admirals Short Shifts has news of the Ads win on Saturday as well as another goalie swap with Cincinnati which saw Mark Dekanich return to Milwaukee and Jeremy Smith going back to the Cyclones. There is a third article that deserves a read about a view of what is going on in Nashville from a Milwaukee perspective.
Mike Russo of the Trib has a look at the Preds losing Greg Zanon from the other side of the fence.
If you didn't catch the 303:30 podcast on Saturday here is the link. As always, it is a good one.
David Poile gets an Honorable Mention of sorts in Puck Daddy's Top Ten GMs of the Decade.
If you are wondering, Sports Club Stats now has the Preds with a 38% chance to make the playoffs, down from around 60% last week.
Around the NHL...
On Saturday's HNIC broadcast there was discussion about renaming the post season Awards after more recent players. I'm not real excited about messing with tradition.
Are you ready for some Winter Classic?
Matt at View from My Seats takes a look at a player from each team that fans can appreciate. Who do you think the Pred's player is?
Mirtle at the Globe and Mail has a story about NHL players Tweeting.
For those who missed it over the weekend, here is the fight/sucker punch that caused Dan Carcillo to draw a four game suspension from the league. For comparison purposes, I also include the Scott Walker punch on Aaron Ward during the playoffs last year that originally resulted in a suspension but was later rescinded so that Walker could play in game six of the playoff series. This seems inconsistent to me.
Anyone who saw J.S Giguere in the Ducks shootout loss last night has to be wondering what the heck happened to him. He used to be a decent goalie.
Finally, the Montreal Canadiens 100 year Celebration on Friday night was really enjoyable to watch. I'm sure there will be repeats for years on the NHL Network so if you see it scheduled, check it out.
More Later...
Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass
Eric Smith gives us a mention in his most recent post and previews some of the concern and/or panic that may be on the verge of settling in in Columbus with the Blue Jackets losing eight of their last nine games. The Preds and Jackets meet twice in the next week, here on Thursday and there on Monday so this will be a timely discussion.
Anthony Curatolo will also be an interesting guest. He writes about a wide range of teams but is ultimately a Flyers fan so there should be plenty to talk about with the coaching changes and Dan Carcillo's exploits on Saturday.
In Preds Nation...
With Vancouver coming to town, John Glennon takes a look at Predators with potential to play in the Vancouver Olympics in February.
Jim Diamond has his weekly Preds prospects round up at the Examiner.
Forechecker has an article about Wade Belak and Barry Trotz's choice to dress him over Patric Hornqvist on Saturday. John also blogs about the lack of energy in the building on Saturday. Everyone got mad at Adrian Dater about comments about the Preds attendance, but the fans have not turned out as expected this year and the ones that have come out have been very quiet at times.
Final thoughts on Saturday's loss come from Brandon Felder, Paul McCann, What the Puck, See Puck City, and The View from 111.
Admirals Short Shifts has news of the Ads win on Saturday as well as another goalie swap with Cincinnati which saw Mark Dekanich return to Milwaukee and Jeremy Smith going back to the Cyclones. There is a third article that deserves a read about a view of what is going on in Nashville from a Milwaukee perspective.
Mike Russo of the Trib has a look at the Preds losing Greg Zanon from the other side of the fence.
If you didn't catch the 303:30 podcast on Saturday here is the link. As always, it is a good one.
David Poile gets an Honorable Mention of sorts in Puck Daddy's Top Ten GMs of the Decade.
If you are wondering, Sports Club Stats now has the Preds with a 38% chance to make the playoffs, down from around 60% last week.
Around the NHL...
On Saturday's HNIC broadcast there was discussion about renaming the post season Awards after more recent players. I'm not real excited about messing with tradition.
Are you ready for some Winter Classic?
Matt at View from My Seats takes a look at a player from each team that fans can appreciate. Who do you think the Pred's player is?
Mirtle at the Globe and Mail has a story about NHL players Tweeting.
For those who missed it over the weekend, here is the fight/sucker punch that caused Dan Carcillo to draw a four game suspension from the league. For comparison purposes, I also include the Scott Walker punch on Aaron Ward during the playoffs last year that originally resulted in a suspension but was later rescinded so that Walker could play in game six of the playoff series. This seems inconsistent to me.
Anyone who saw J.S Giguere in the Ducks shootout loss last night has to be wondering what the heck happened to him. He used to be a decent goalie.
Finally, the Montreal Canadiens 100 year Celebration on Friday night was really enjoyable to watch. I'm sure there will be repeats for years on the NHL Network so if you see it scheduled, check it out.
More Later...
Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Predators Lose Quietly to Wild 5-3
Barry Trotz Post Game Comments
Jason Arnott and Marty Erat Comment
Coach Todd Richards, Antti Miettinen and Josh Harding
After one of the more inspiring wins of the season on Friday in Chicago, the Nashville Predators returned home and offered token resistance in losing to the Wild 5-3 at the Sommet Center on Saturday night in a game that wasn't near as close as the score might indicate.
Minnesota got goals from five players and Josh Harding was rarely threatened in net as the Wile extended their winning streak to five games while their point streak now stands at seven.
The game got off to an uneven start as both teams appeared cautious not to give up too much early. The Predators initially were not creating much traffic around Wild goalie Josh Harding.
The Predators were the beneficiaries of back to back power plays starting at the 6:04 mark of the first and were able to get their first goal at 9:27 on a slap shot through traffic from behind the left circle by Marty Erat. It was the Predators first power play goal after five games with none dating back to November 25th when their six game man advantage streak ended.
At 18:16, Andrew Ebbett tied the game for Minnesota when he took a knee high flip pass from Marty Havlat and redirected it past Dan Ellis from about three feet in front of the net for the score.
With 11.7 seconds left in the period with heavy traffic in front of the Pred's net the puck slipped away from Dan Ellis after a shot by James Sheppard and trickled over the line to put the Wild ahead 2-1 at the end of the first period.
The second period was plagued by numerous turnovers and uncrisp play primarily by the Predators. Minnesota continued to create chances and lead in shots. Finally, at 11:12 on the power play Marty Havlat fired a shot from the blue line and Ellis did not control the rebound, Former Pred Andrew Burnette shoved it past Ellis to make it a 3-1 game.
Things continued to deteriorate for the Predators. At 17:37, after a poor attempt at a break out by the Preds a turnover led to a fairly easy goal for Antti Miettinen where the Preds offered only token resistance, giving the Wild a 4-1 lead.
A look at the stats through two periods, told the lop-sided story, The Wild were outshooting the Predators by a 28-16 margin and were guarding the puck much more efficiently, leading 10-3 in take-aways and had only had 5 give-aways compared to the Predator's 13. The Wild also were at 57% in the face off circle.
Pekka Rinne entered the game for the Predators to start the third period. At 2:33, Jason Arnott was called for slashing which led to a power play goal by Eric Belanger a minute later. Belanger's goal was unassisted and set up by a poor cross ice clearing pass by David Legwand that gave him an easy shot at the Pred's net to make it 5-1.
One of the few late game bright spots occurred at 9:05 when Jason Arnott skated from behind the Wild net and fired the puck from the red line and it deflected off Goalie Josh Harding for Arnott's 10th goal of the season to bring the Preds within three at 5-2.
With 12 seconds left in the game, Marcel Goc scored his fourth goal of the season that made the score a somewhat respectable 5-3. The margin was not indicative of the difference in the two team's play in the game.
Barry Trotz appeared somewhat frustrated after the game. "There wasn't a lot of detail in our game. We weren't very firm in our own end, which I thought we had been in our last few games."
On pulling Dan Ellis after two periods Trotz explained, "Ellis gave us a tremendous game last night and gave us two good periods today. I call it the 'mercy rule'."
Goalie Dan Ellis was not phased by the loss or being pulled. "I felt I had enough energy to go the whole way," Ellis said. "I felt fine and I still feel fine."
Somewhat surprising was the scratch of Patric Hornqvist in favor of Wade Belak. Coach Trotz simply explained, "Coach's choice."
The mood was completely different in the Wild locker room after their big win. "I feel pretty confident," Coach Todd Richards related. "Coupled with where we're at and we are doing a lot of things right."
After a day off on Sunday, the Predators will return to the practice rink on Monday to prepare for the game with Vancouver on Tuesday night.
More Later...
Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass
Preds Want Revenge Against Wild
After a much better effort on Friday night against the Chicago Blackhawks, The Nashville Predators (16-10-2) hope to revenge their Wednesday night overtime loss to the Minnesota Wild (12-12-3) tonight at the Sommet Center.
This is like a severe case of deja vu taking another look at this match-up in the span of three days. A couple of things have changed on the Preds side with roster moves that sent Mike Santorelli to Milwaukee with Cal O'Reilly and Ryan Jones coming up in return.
O'Reilly got his first assist of the year in last night's game against the Hawks while Ryan Jones did not make the scorecard.
The Wild won their game last night in Minnesota with in 5-4 shoot-out against the Ducks to get to the .500 mark for the first time this season since their second game. They have now won four straight games for the first time since October 11-18, 2008 and also have a six game point streak.
Guillaume Latendresse has had a big impact since being acquired from Montreal. He had the game-winning goal in last night's shootout and has had 2 goals and an assist in four games for the Wild since coming over from Montreal.
Neither coach has officially announced the staring goaltender for tonight's game. I would imagine that Pekka Rinne (11-6-1, 2.61, .907) will go for the Preds but Barry Trotz may be impressed enough with last night's performance to send Dan Ellis (5-4-1, 2.53, 913) out once again.
Nicklas Backstrom (11-9-3, 2.70, .906) probably will go for the Wild but Josh Harding (1-3-0, 3.41, .861) is not out of the question.
Preds Keys to the Game
More Balanced Play...
In last night's win, the Goc-Erat-Tootoo line was the dominant scoring force while in the game on Wednesday against the Wild, the traditional first line carried the load. Last night the Arnott line only managed two shots. The Preds need to get out of the roller-coaster syndrome and return to a more balanced scoring attack with all lines contributing.
Continued Full Ice Defensive Effort...
Last night's game was not a text book example of what a great defense is supposed to look like, but with the help of Dan Ellis, they managed to get the job done. The Legwand-Smithson-Ward line was outstanding in keeping the young guns under wraps. The only goal allowed was a highlight film effort by Jonathan Toews that few could stop.
Wear the Third Jersey Proudly...
After losing their first game in the thirds a week ago Friday, the Preds came back to win on Saturday in the new threads. We will consider that the Friday game was not "official" since the thirds are supposed to be worn on Saturday nights in Smashville. The Preds had a big advantage over the years when wearing the old mustards and that needs to keep going with the new retro thirds too.
Next Up...
The Preds will play four of their next five games at home before disappearing for the rest of the month except for a Boxing day game against Chicago. Vancouver will visit the Sommet Center on Tuesday in the Preds next game.
More Later...
Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass
This is like a severe case of deja vu taking another look at this match-up in the span of three days. A couple of things have changed on the Preds side with roster moves that sent Mike Santorelli to Milwaukee with Cal O'Reilly and Ryan Jones coming up in return.
O'Reilly got his first assist of the year in last night's game against the Hawks while Ryan Jones did not make the scorecard.
The Wild won their game last night in Minnesota with in 5-4 shoot-out against the Ducks to get to the .500 mark for the first time this season since their second game. They have now won four straight games for the first time since October 11-18, 2008 and also have a six game point streak.
Guillaume Latendresse has had a big impact since being acquired from Montreal. He had the game-winning goal in last night's shootout and has had 2 goals and an assist in four games for the Wild since coming over from Montreal.
Neither coach has officially announced the staring goaltender for tonight's game. I would imagine that Pekka Rinne (11-6-1, 2.61, .907) will go for the Preds but Barry Trotz may be impressed enough with last night's performance to send Dan Ellis (5-4-1, 2.53, 913) out once again.
Nicklas Backstrom (11-9-3, 2.70, .906) probably will go for the Wild but Josh Harding (1-3-0, 3.41, .861) is not out of the question.
Preds Keys to the Game
More Balanced Play...
In last night's win, the Goc-Erat-Tootoo line was the dominant scoring force while in the game on Wednesday against the Wild, the traditional first line carried the load. Last night the Arnott line only managed two shots. The Preds need to get out of the roller-coaster syndrome and return to a more balanced scoring attack with all lines contributing.
Continued Full Ice Defensive Effort...
Last night's game was not a text book example of what a great defense is supposed to look like, but with the help of Dan Ellis, they managed to get the job done. The Legwand-Smithson-Ward line was outstanding in keeping the young guns under wraps. The only goal allowed was a highlight film effort by Jonathan Toews that few could stop.
Wear the Third Jersey Proudly...
After losing their first game in the thirds a week ago Friday, the Preds came back to win on Saturday in the new threads. We will consider that the Friday game was not "official" since the thirds are supposed to be worn on Saturday nights in Smashville. The Preds had a big advantage over the years when wearing the old mustards and that needs to keep going with the new retro thirds too.
Next Up...
The Preds will play four of their next five games at home before disappearing for the rest of the month except for a Boxing day game against Chicago. Vancouver will visit the Sommet Center on Tuesday in the Preds next game.
More Later...
Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass
Weekend Update from Pred Land
It's a cold Saturday Morning in December with a home game tonight at the Sommet Center. How could things get much better than that? A big win last night against the Blackhawks is the only thing that could made it any better.
POTG Radio Returns on Monday...
After a couple of week's of Monday night Predators games, POTG radio will return this Monday with Hockey Buzz's Columbus writer Eric Smith and Anthony Curatolo who reps the Islanders, Flyers and the NHL for Crash The Crease, Hockey Independent, and Hendrick's. It will be an East-West type discussion with a discussion about Columbus and the Western Conference as well as the Flyers coaching change and other Eastern Conference talk.
Round-Up from Last Night's 4-1 Win over the Hawks...
Here is our game story with NHL video.
John Glennon has full coverage with the story, notes and a blog.
Fellow bloggers Forechecker, Mark at The View from 111, and See Puck City, have the angles covered.
Here's what the Chicago MSM had to say about the Hawks loss.
In Pred Nation...
Dirk "Forchecker" Hoag broke a huge story yesterday on the Sommet having a tax lien and we gushed over him with some serious "blog crush"(derivative of "man crush") words. Brad Schrade at the Tennessean wasn't quite so glowing in his words for Dirk. In fact, he wrote his story as if he had gathered in information himself. The Nashville Post was much classier, giving full credit where credit was due.
David Boclair at the Nashville Scene wants to blame the Preds recent woes on the new third jersey. I don't think so.
From @cellblock303 "CONFIRMED 303:30 GUESTS : Ads PBP man @aaronadmirals & #Wild Beat Writer @bbrothers50!" The podcast should is up and ready for a listen on the way to the game.
The Admirals got blown out 5-1 last night by Texas. The highlight of the game was the Teddy Bear toss at the first intermission.
Teddy Bear Toss (photo by Short Shifts)
Bad news on Colin Wilson from @Short_Shifts: "Colin Wilson missed tonight's game. He was in California for an "appointment". Still nursing lower body injury. Status for tomorrow unknown."
This is different. Plan ahead for Sticks and Stitch Night on March 7.
Around the NHL...
The NHL made it official that the 2010 NHL Draft will be in Los Angeles on the same week as the Awards Show making a media double-header convenient for all. I really like the logo. It has a In-N-Out Burger feel to it.
Dater takes on the latest NHL press release as only he can do.
In more serious news, the Philadelphia Flyers canned John Stevens and hired Peter Laviolette on Friday.
Finally, Jackson found this story that is like the ultimate Twitter incident...
More Later...
Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass
POTG Radio Returns on Monday...
After a couple of week's of Monday night Predators games, POTG radio will return this Monday with Hockey Buzz's Columbus writer Eric Smith and Anthony Curatolo who reps the Islanders, Flyers and the NHL for Crash The Crease, Hockey Independent, and Hendrick's. It will be an East-West type discussion with a discussion about Columbus and the Western Conference as well as the Flyers coaching change and other Eastern Conference talk.
Round-Up from Last Night's 4-1 Win over the Hawks...
Here is our game story with NHL video.
John Glennon has full coverage with the story, notes and a blog.
Fellow bloggers Forechecker, Mark at The View from 111, and See Puck City, have the angles covered.
Here's what the Chicago MSM had to say about the Hawks loss.
In Pred Nation...
Dirk "Forchecker" Hoag broke a huge story yesterday on the Sommet having a tax lien and we gushed over him with some serious "blog crush"(derivative of "man crush") words. Brad Schrade at the Tennessean wasn't quite so glowing in his words for Dirk. In fact, he wrote his story as if he had gathered in information himself. The Nashville Post was much classier, giving full credit where credit was due.
David Boclair at the Nashville Scene wants to blame the Preds recent woes on the new third jersey. I don't think so.
From @cellblock303 "CONFIRMED 303:30 GUESTS : Ads PBP man @aaronadmirals & #Wild Beat Writer @bbrothers50!" The podcast should is up and ready for a listen on the way to the game.
The Admirals got blown out 5-1 last night by Texas. The highlight of the game was the Teddy Bear toss at the first intermission.
Teddy Bear Toss (photo by Short Shifts)Bad news on Colin Wilson from @Short_Shifts: "Colin Wilson missed tonight's game. He was in California for an "appointment". Still nursing lower body injury. Status for tomorrow unknown."
This is different. Plan ahead for Sticks and Stitch Night on March 7.
Around the NHL...
The NHL made it official that the 2010 NHL Draft will be in Los Angeles on the same week as the Awards Show making a media double-header convenient for all. I really like the logo. It has a In-N-Out Burger feel to it.
Dater takes on the latest NHL press release as only he can do.
In more serious news, the Philadelphia Flyers canned John Stevens and hired Peter Laviolette on Friday.
Finally, Jackson found this story that is like the ultimate Twitter incident...
More Later...
Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass
Predator's Season Ticket Holder Family Photo Day
Here is some information for all season ticket holders (Full and half season) that want to pose with "Santa Gnash" or a Predator Dancer for your Christmas card pictures.
I don't need any pictures but would love to see how the other half lives parking in the 6th Avenue Garage.
Picture from the Preds of their Christmas Parade Float
Here is the official information from the Preds...
This holiday- themed event is exclusively for full and half season ticket holders. Bring your camera to take photos of your family on the ice, meet-and-greet with Santa Gnash and Predators dancers, and get a jump start on your holiday shopping in the Pro shop with your 20% discount!
*Free parking will be provided in the 6th Avenue garage (located on the corner of 6th Ave. and Demonbreun).
More Later...
Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass
I don't need any pictures but would love to see how the other half lives parking in the 6th Avenue Garage.
Picture from the Preds of their Christmas Parade FloatHere is the official information from the Preds...
Season Ticket Holder Family Photo Day
December 6, 2009
12:30pm-2:30pm
December 6, 2009
12:30pm-2:30pm
This holiday- themed event is exclusively for full and half season ticket holders. Bring your camera to take photos of your family on the ice, meet-and-greet with Santa Gnash and Predators dancers, and get a jump start on your holiday shopping in the Pro shop with your 20% discount!
*Free parking will be provided in the 6th Avenue garage (located on the corner of 6th Ave. and Demonbreun).
More Later...
Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass
Friday, December 4, 2009
Predators Stun Blackhawks With 4-1 Win
Paced by outstanding goaltending by Dan Ellis and balanced scoring, the Nashville Predators surprised the Chicago Blackhawks with a 4-1 victory at the United Center on Friday night. The win moves the Predators within three points of the Hawks in the tough Central Division.
Ellis stopped 34 of 35 shots by the Hawks and was under constant pressure for the entire sixty minutes of play.
Dan Hamhuis, Martin Erat, Jordin Tootoo and Joel Ward all had goals in a contest that was a one goal game up until the Preds broke it open with two goals in the last couple of minutes.
The Preds started the game giving all they had but were completely out skated in the first period by the more talented Hawks team. Jonathan Toews broke through with the first goal at 11:50 when he faked Dan Hamhuis and made an incredible move on Dan Eliis that few goal keepers could have anticipated.
Dan Hamhuis made up for the miscue at 17:04 in the first with a slap shot from the right circle that Cristobal Huet never saw due to a screen by Paric Hornqvist. Cal O'Reilly had the secondary assist on the play for his first point of the year as a Predator.
The Predators came out in the second and looked like a different team. After being out shot 15-6 in the first period, the Preds out-played and out-shot the Hawks 9-8 in the middle period.
A scary moment came early in the second at 1:17 when Kevin Klein was tripped near the board by Troy Brouwer in a very dangerous move that appeared to have ended the night for Klein. After some time in the locker room, Klein came back for four shifts in the period. The Preds had a very spirited power play after the penalty firing repeatedly at the net and getting three shots during the man advantage.
At 7:01 in the second Jordin Tootoo fired a shot at the net that went off Martin Erat for a goal that put the Preds up 2-1. The goal was reviewed for no apparent reason.
During a Chicago power play, at 14:15 David Legwand made the defensive play of the game, going to his knees in the crease to keep the puck out of the net.
The theme of the third period was desperate hockey by the Blackhawks. On a Predator power play just past the midpoint of the period, the Preds did not get a shot and spent most of the man advantage in their own defensive zone. The pressure by the Hawks was intense from that point forward.
Just when Pred fans were waiting for the the other shoe to fall, at 17:57 at the end of a good shift by the Erat-Tootoo-Goc line, Jordin Tootoo blew a shot from the slot past Huet to put the Preds up 3-1 and seal the game.
Surprisingly, thirty five seconds later, after a line change, David Legwand made a cross ice pass to Joel Ward who was skating in the slot for a beautiful one-timer to make it 4-1 Preds.
The line of Erat-Tootoo-Goc played an outstanding game picking up two goals and three assists while the primary Hawks defenders completely shut down the Preds first line that only managed two shots, both by Jason Arnott.
The Predators left immediately after the game to return home where they will face the Minnesota Wild on Saturday night at the Sommet Center at 7 p.m.
More Later...
Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass
Predators Face Hawks in Chicago
The Nashville Predators (15-10-2) head into Chicago (17-6-3) to face the Blackhawks in a key battle as the Preds are now five points back in second place in the Central Division.
This is the fourth meeting of the year between the two teams with Chicago winning two of three games, 3-1 in Nashville on October 15, and 2-0 in Chicago on October 24. The Preds held the Hawks scoreless on October 29 in a 2-0 Pekka Rinne shutout. The Hawks held the Preds to 13 shots in the first meeting which was at the height of the Predator's early season ineptness.
Dan Ellis (4-4-1, 2.70, .906) will be in net for the Preds and it appears that Christobal Huet (13-5-2, 2.16, .909) will start for the Hawks.
The Preds will try out a new look tonight after Mike Santorelli was sent to Milwaukee and replaced by Cal O'Reilly. John Glennon indicates that the Preds will sport a fourth like of Cal O'Reilly, Patric Hornqvist and Ryan Jones, who was recalled yesterday to replace the injured Dave Scatchard.
Preds Keys To The Game
Don't Look Back...
The Preds need to put the past two losses as well as the two resounding defeats to Chicago in October in the rear view mirror. They need to try to recapture some of what they had during the seven game win streak.
Play a Full 60 Minutes...
The Predators have developed an annoying habit of not playing with full intensity for the entire game. It seems that there has been at least a period in six of the last seven games that has been played with much less enthusiasm. They need to start quickly, forecheck, and try to keep the puck in the Chicago zone as much as possible.
Lines Need to Mesh...
Barry Trotz has indicated that he wants to go back to more of a four line game including a very young fourth line. The first line played well in the game against the Wild and needs to continue to do so tonight. Steve Sullivan needs to remember what he did in his four point night and keep doing it as does Jason Arnott and J. P. Dumont.
Up Next...
The Preds will leave immediately after the game and return to Nashville for a rematch with the Minnesota Wild on Saturday night at the Sommet Center.
More Later...
Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass
This is the fourth meeting of the year between the two teams with Chicago winning two of three games, 3-1 in Nashville on October 15, and 2-0 in Chicago on October 24. The Preds held the Hawks scoreless on October 29 in a 2-0 Pekka Rinne shutout. The Hawks held the Preds to 13 shots in the first meeting which was at the height of the Predator's early season ineptness.
Dan Ellis (4-4-1, 2.70, .906) will be in net for the Preds and it appears that Christobal Huet (13-5-2, 2.16, .909) will start for the Hawks.
The Preds will try out a new look tonight after Mike Santorelli was sent to Milwaukee and replaced by Cal O'Reilly. John Glennon indicates that the Preds will sport a fourth like of Cal O'Reilly, Patric Hornqvist and Ryan Jones, who was recalled yesterday to replace the injured Dave Scatchard.
Preds Keys To The Game
Don't Look Back...
The Preds need to put the past two losses as well as the two resounding defeats to Chicago in October in the rear view mirror. They need to try to recapture some of what they had during the seven game win streak.
Play a Full 60 Minutes...
The Predators have developed an annoying habit of not playing with full intensity for the entire game. It seems that there has been at least a period in six of the last seven games that has been played with much less enthusiasm. They need to start quickly, forecheck, and try to keep the puck in the Chicago zone as much as possible.
Lines Need to Mesh...
Barry Trotz has indicated that he wants to go back to more of a four line game including a very young fourth line. The first line played well in the game against the Wild and needs to continue to do so tonight. Steve Sullivan needs to remember what he did in his four point night and keep doing it as does Jason Arnott and J. P. Dumont.
Up Next...
The Preds will leave immediately after the game and return to Nashville for a rematch with the Minnesota Wild on Saturday night at the Sommet Center.
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Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass
Dirk "The Forechecker" Hoag Scoops Everyone on Sommet Story
It is rare for one blogger to devote an entire post to give props to another but this is really a special occasion on a story with far reaching ramifications that will be picked up by hockey outlets all across North America.Dirk "The Forechecker" Hoag has scooped everyone on a story that the Sommet Group (Personel Department LLC) has a IRS lien against them which makes you wonder further why Sommet's Brian Whitfield was so willing to open the mudslinging with information about David Freeman having a similar lien against him.
Dirk received a tip on the lien and did the legwork to find a back issue of the Nashville Business Journal to confirm the story.
This is a great example about how the world of media is changing and the playing field has been leveled to the point where new media writers are breaking big news that has been missed by the mainstream media.
When congratulated on the scoop, Dirk replied, "I regret that I have but one blog to give for my hockey team."
Congrats again to Dirk, and thanks for doing a great job. Make sure and read the original post here.
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Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass
Cal O'Reilly Call-Up Completes Swap with Mike Santorelli going to Milwaukee
Capping a busy two day's of player shuffling between Nashville and Milwaukee and Milwaukee and Cincinnati, we now know that Cal O'Reilly will join the Predators in Chicago before tonight's game.
Admiral's Short Shifts has been taking the lead in all the transactions being the first to report that Mike Santorelli was being sent to Milwaukee and that Cal O'Reilly was not at the morning skate for the Ads.
Cal O'Reilly has 21 points in 17 games with the Admirals logging four goals and 17 assists. With the Predators, he played six games with no points.
Here is the complete release from the Predators...
NASHVILLE PREDATORS RECALL CAL O’REILLY FROM MILWAUKEE
-Also reassign Santorelli to the Admirals-
Nashville, Tenn. (December 4, 2009) – Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced today that the club has recalled center Cal O’Reilly from Milwaukee (AHL), and reassigned forward Mike Santorelli to the Admirals.
O’Reilly, 23 (9/30/86), started the season in Milwaukee before being recalled to Nashville on Oct. 15. He was pointless in six games, and was reassigned on Oct. 30. In 17 games at the AHL level, the Toronto, Ont., native leads the Admirals in points (21) and is tied for fifth in the league in assists (17).
Santorelli, 23 (12/14/85), has suited up for 21 of Nashville’s 27 games this season, posting three points (2g-1a). The Vancouver, B.C., native scored his first NHL goal on Oct. 28 at Minnesota, and collected his first career assist two games later on Oct. 31 vs. Dallas. He is also 3-for-3 in shootouts for the Predators this season. This is Santorelli’s second trip to Milwaukee, as he amassed eight points (4g-4a) in four games with the club from Oct. 16-24.
The Predators round out a two-game road set tonight at the United Center in Chicago (7:30 p.m., FOX Sports Tennessee), before returning to Nashville for a four-game homestand from Dec. 5-12. Tickets to these games, which include matchups against Minnesota, Vancouver, Columbus and Detroit, and all other regular season contests, are now on sale and can be purchased by logging onto nashvillepredators.com. Tickets are also available by calling (615) 770-PUCK and at all Ticketmaster locations.
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Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass
Admiral's Short Shifts has been taking the lead in all the transactions being the first to report that Mike Santorelli was being sent to Milwaukee and that Cal O'Reilly was not at the morning skate for the Ads.
Cal O'Reilly has 21 points in 17 games with the Admirals logging four goals and 17 assists. With the Predators, he played six games with no points.
Here is the complete release from the Predators...
NASHVILLE PREDATORS RECALL CAL O’REILLY FROM MILWAUKEE
-Also reassign Santorelli to the Admirals-
Nashville, Tenn. (December 4, 2009) – Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced today that the club has recalled center Cal O’Reilly from Milwaukee (AHL), and reassigned forward Mike Santorelli to the Admirals.
O’Reilly, 23 (9/30/86), started the season in Milwaukee before being recalled to Nashville on Oct. 15. He was pointless in six games, and was reassigned on Oct. 30. In 17 games at the AHL level, the Toronto, Ont., native leads the Admirals in points (21) and is tied for fifth in the league in assists (17).
Santorelli, 23 (12/14/85), has suited up for 21 of Nashville’s 27 games this season, posting three points (2g-1a). The Vancouver, B.C., native scored his first NHL goal on Oct. 28 at Minnesota, and collected his first career assist two games later on Oct. 31 vs. Dallas. He is also 3-for-3 in shootouts for the Predators this season. This is Santorelli’s second trip to Milwaukee, as he amassed eight points (4g-4a) in four games with the club from Oct. 16-24.
The Predators round out a two-game road set tonight at the United Center in Chicago (7:30 p.m., FOX Sports Tennessee), before returning to Nashville for a four-game homestand from Dec. 5-12. Tickets to these games, which include matchups against Minnesota, Vancouver, Columbus and Detroit, and all other regular season contests, are now on sale and can be purchased by logging onto nashvillepredators.com. Tickets are also available by calling (615) 770-PUCK and at all Ticketmaster locations.
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Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass
Mike Santorelli Returned to Milwaukee
As was initially reported by Admirals Short Shifts via a midnight Tweet and confirmed this morning, @Short_Shifts: Mike Santorelli is in Milwaukee. Reassignment transaction will post today.. They also indicate that @Short_Shifts: "May be expecting another player movement today..."
Santorelli has seen his minutes per game drop to single digits for the last nine games that he has dressed including a season low 4:53 in the Preds last game in Minnesota.
In 21 games with the Predators, Santorelli has two goals and one assist and is a minus six. His main contribution to the team has been in the shoot-out where he has gone three for three including a game deciding goal in the season opener in Dallas.
Santorelli has also played four games at Milwaukee where he fared much better with four goals and four assists.
We will add the official release from the Predators once it is received.
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Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass
Santorelli has seen his minutes per game drop to single digits for the last nine games that he has dressed including a season low 4:53 in the Preds last game in Minnesota.
In 21 games with the Predators, Santorelli has two goals and one assist and is a minus six. His main contribution to the team has been in the shoot-out where he has gone three for three including a game deciding goal in the season opener in Dallas.
Santorelli has also played four games at Milwaukee where he fared much better with four goals and four assists.
We will add the official release from the Predators once it is received.
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Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass
TGIF Notes from Pred Nation and the World of Hockey
The Predators take on the Chicago Blackhawks tonight and will have their work cut out from them in an effort to turn around a couple of outings in which they gave up five goals a a game. They will send Dan Ellis out against the Hawks and have made one (or maybe two) moves to shake up the roster.
We will have our Preds-Hawks preview and keys to the game later this afternoon and will update you immediately if indeed Mike Santorelli is sent to Milwaukee (see below).
In Pred Nation...
John Glennon has his notes from Chicago an tonight's game at a glance.
There were lots of shakeups in Milwaukee in addition to Ryan Jones coming to Nashville on Thursday. Short Shifts has all the moves.
Late last night we saw this from @Short_Shifts: "Trusted source indicates Mike Santorelli has also been re-assigned to Milwaukee. Will look for official confirm tomorrow AM."
The City Paper has a post about Marcel Goc.
Dirk continues his grades for November with the defensemen.
The Sports Authority Oked the name change to the Sommet Center but the Preds are holding off pending an amicable resolution.
Mark has his weekly View at The View from 111
Around the NHL...
Comcast (which includes Versus) has purchased a majority stake in NBC/Universal. Steve Lepore at Puck The Media has some bold NBC/Versus marriage proposals.
Brendan Shanahan was named Vice President of Hockey and Business Development in an announcement on Gary Bettman's radio show on Thursday. So much for the NHLPA rumors.
Rosie's Rebounds takes on this weird week that we just had.
As the Preds head into Chicago, the Hawks resigned their young core to long term contracts. Patrick (20 cent) Kane, Jonathan Toews, and Duncan Keith all received extensions. Here are the details from the Hawks site.
Something new on the NHL site is a page where the top dog tweeters have their posts listed. We also added the new NHL TweetMixx at the botton of this page. Check it out.
Finally, Matt at View From My Seats has twenty jokes about Tiger Woods and hockey. No mercy for Tiger. He has one thing going for him that Steve McNair didn't. At least he lived to be able to apologize.
More Later...
Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass
We will have our Preds-Hawks preview and keys to the game later this afternoon and will update you immediately if indeed Mike Santorelli is sent to Milwaukee (see below).
In Pred Nation...
John Glennon has his notes from Chicago an tonight's game at a glance.
There were lots of shakeups in Milwaukee in addition to Ryan Jones coming to Nashville on Thursday. Short Shifts has all the moves.
Late last night we saw this from @Short_Shifts: "Trusted source indicates Mike Santorelli has also been re-assigned to Milwaukee. Will look for official confirm tomorrow AM."
The City Paper has a post about Marcel Goc.
Dirk continues his grades for November with the defensemen.
The Sports Authority Oked the name change to the Sommet Center but the Preds are holding off pending an amicable resolution.
Mark has his weekly View at The View from 111
Around the NHL...
Comcast (which includes Versus) has purchased a majority stake in NBC/Universal. Steve Lepore at Puck The Media has some bold NBC/Versus marriage proposals.
Brendan Shanahan was named Vice President of Hockey and Business Development in an announcement on Gary Bettman's radio show on Thursday. So much for the NHLPA rumors.
Rosie's Rebounds takes on this weird week that we just had.
As the Preds head into Chicago, the Hawks resigned their young core to long term contracts. Patrick (20 cent) Kane, Jonathan Toews, and Duncan Keith all received extensions. Here are the details from the Hawks site.
Something new on the NHL site is a page where the top dog tweeters have their posts listed. We also added the new NHL TweetMixx at the botton of this page. Check it out.
Finally, Matt at View From My Seats has twenty jokes about Tiger Woods and hockey. No mercy for Tiger. He has one thing going for him that Steve McNair didn't. At least he lived to be able to apologize.
More Later...
Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Ryan Jones Recalled by the Predators
We just received a tweet from our friends at Admirals Short Shifts that indicated Ryan Jones had been recalled from Milwaukee by the Nashville Predators. We are awaiting official confirmation from the Preds.This is a somewhat surprising development considering that Jones has played 15 games with the Ads and only has 4 goals and an assist to show for his efforts. He is also a -6 for his time in Milwaukee.
Jones started the season with Nashville where he played eight games with no goals or assists and was -2.
The call-up may be related to Dave Scatchard being scratched the last two games due to an unknown upper body type injury. We will add the Predators release when available.
Here is the official release from the Predators...
NASHVILLE PREDATORS RECALL RYAN JONES FROM MILWAUKEE
Nashville, Tenn. (December 3, 2009) – Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced today that the club has recalled forward Ryan Jones from Milwaukee (AHL).
Jones, 25 (6/14/84), started the season with Nashville, playing in eight of the club’s first 10 games. He averaged 9:01 and did not register a point. Since being assigned to the Admirals on Oct. 26, the Chatham, Ont., native has posted five points (4g-1a) in 15 games.
The Predators round out a two-game road set tomorrow night at the United Center in Chicago (7:30 p.m., FOX Sports Tennessee), before returning to Nashville for a four-game homestand from Dec. 5-12. Tickets to these games, which include matchups against Minnesota, Vancouver, Columbus and Detroit, and all other regular season contests, are now on sale and can be purchased by logging onto nashvillepredators.com. Tickets are also available by calling (615) 770-PUCK and at all Ticketmaster locations.
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Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Predators Salvage A Point Against the Wild
The Nashville Predators traveled to Minnesota and came away with a point in a game that the Wild won 5-4 in overtime.
The Wild got the winning goal on an odd play where Guillaume Latendresse took a shot from the left goal line past a sprawling Pekka Rinne. The puck hit the side of the net and kicked straight out to Andrew Ebbett who wristed the puck into an open net for the final tally.
The Predators got of to a bad start in the first period as they turned the puck over repeatedly in their defensive zone. Barry Trotz was very upset with the puck management that had led to a 3-2 deficit for the Preds at the end of the first period.
The Preds tied it up in the second on a goal by Steve Sullivan on a play that was mishandled by Wild goalie Niklas Backstrom.
The Wild and Preds traded goals in the third that set up the overtime period.
In an unusual display of offense by the Preds, Jason Arnott scored two goals and added an assist in the game. Even more impressive was Steve Sullivan's one goal and three assists, plus 3 performance. Marcel Goc added the other Predator goal. J.P. Dumont also had a pair of assists.
Pekka Rinne allowed five goals on 27 shots but was repeatedly hung out to dry by mis-plays in the defensive zone.
The game also featured a heavyweight battle between Wade Belak and Derek Boogaard at the mid point of the first period that served little purpose at all other than to justify the two players taking up a roster spot for the evening.
The road trip won't get any easier as the Preds left for Chicago immediately after the game where they will face the Blackhawks on Friday night before returning home to Nashville to face the Wild again on Saturday night.
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Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass
Pred's Prospects Look to World Junior Tournament.
Several Predator prospects made progress toward playing in the World Junior Hockey Championships that begin on Boxing day in Canada. Canadians Ryan Ellis and Gabriel Bourque made the 36 man tryout roster for Team Canada while Mattias Ekholm actually was named to Team Sweden today.
Prospects Jani Lajunen (Finland) and Roman Josi (Switzerland) may also be named to their country's teams in the next few days.
Here is the complete release from the Nashville Predators regarding the prospects...
2010 World Junior Championships teams
In addition to having 2009 draftees Ryan Ellis and Gabriel Bourque named to Canada’s 36-man tryout roster for the 2010 World Junior Championships, 2009 pick Mattias Ekholm was named to team Sweden’s roster for the 2010 World Juniors today.
Ellis – drafted 11th overall (first round) in June – has amassed 22 points (3g-19a) and a plus-21 rating in just 18 games for the Ontario Hockey League’s Windsor Spitfires in 2009-10. The Hamilton, Ont., native, who missed nearly one month of the season due to injury from Oct. 8-Nov. 5, has been on a roll lately with nine points (3g-6a) in his last five contests, including his first career hat trick in a 9-2 victory over Kingston on Sunday (Nov. 29). This will potentially be the 5-9, 172-pound defenseman’s second trip to the World Junior Championships, as he won gold with Canada at the 2009 WJC, posting seven points (1g-6a) in six games.
Bourque – selected 132nd overall (fifth round) this past summer – is currently tied for seventh in league points (36) and tied for fifth in league assists (24) in 26 games playing for the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League’s Baie-Comeau Drakkar. The Rimouski, Que., native posted four points (1g-3a) in his last game, a 5-4 victory over Val-d’Or on Sunday night (Nov. 29), has 10 points (5g-5a) in his last five games, and is the League’s only player with more than 30 points and 50 penalty minutes.
Ekholm – drafted 102nd overall (fourth round) in June – plays among men, some nearly twice his age, with Mora IK of Sweden’s second division. He ranks first among junior-aged defensemen, and second among all junior players in points (1g-11a), in addition to leading all under-20 players in ice time (23:17). The Borlange, Sweden native is also tied for seventh among all league blueliners in points.
2008 draftees Jani Lajunen (Finland) and Roman Josi (Switzerland) are top candidates for their respective nation’s junior teams, which have yet to be named. Lajunen, drafted 201st overall (seventh round) in 2008 is currently playing for the Espoo Blues in Finland’s highest league, while Josi plays for Bern in Switzerland’s highest league. Josi, selected 38th overall (second round) in 2008, leads all league defensemen in goals (9) and ranks fifth among league blueliners in points (20).
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Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass
Prospects Jani Lajunen (Finland) and Roman Josi (Switzerland) may also be named to their country's teams in the next few days.
Here is the complete release from the Nashville Predators regarding the prospects...
2010 World Junior Championships teams
In addition to having 2009 draftees Ryan Ellis and Gabriel Bourque named to Canada’s 36-man tryout roster for the 2010 World Junior Championships, 2009 pick Mattias Ekholm was named to team Sweden’s roster for the 2010 World Juniors today.
Ellis – drafted 11th overall (first round) in June – has amassed 22 points (3g-19a) and a plus-21 rating in just 18 games for the Ontario Hockey League’s Windsor Spitfires in 2009-10. The Hamilton, Ont., native, who missed nearly one month of the season due to injury from Oct. 8-Nov. 5, has been on a roll lately with nine points (3g-6a) in his last five contests, including his first career hat trick in a 9-2 victory over Kingston on Sunday (Nov. 29). This will potentially be the 5-9, 172-pound defenseman’s second trip to the World Junior Championships, as he won gold with Canada at the 2009 WJC, posting seven points (1g-6a) in six games.
Bourque – selected 132nd overall (fifth round) this past summer – is currently tied for seventh in league points (36) and tied for fifth in league assists (24) in 26 games playing for the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League’s Baie-Comeau Drakkar. The Rimouski, Que., native posted four points (1g-3a) in his last game, a 5-4 victory over Val-d’Or on Sunday night (Nov. 29), has 10 points (5g-5a) in his last five games, and is the League’s only player with more than 30 points and 50 penalty minutes.
Ekholm – drafted 102nd overall (fourth round) in June – plays among men, some nearly twice his age, with Mora IK of Sweden’s second division. He ranks first among junior-aged defensemen, and second among all junior players in points (1g-11a), in addition to leading all under-20 players in ice time (23:17). The Borlange, Sweden native is also tied for seventh among all league blueliners in points.
2008 draftees Jani Lajunen (Finland) and Roman Josi (Switzerland) are top candidates for their respective nation’s junior teams, which have yet to be named. Lajunen, drafted 201st overall (seventh round) in 2008 is currently playing for the Espoo Blues in Finland’s highest league, while Josi plays for Bern in Switzerland’s highest league. Josi, selected 38th overall (second round) in 2008, leads all league defensemen in goals (9) and ranks fifth among league blueliners in points (20).
More Later...
Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass
Predators Head Into the Wild
After a successful disappearing act on Monday night, the Nashville Predators (15-10-1) travel in to the Wild to face Minnesota (10-12-3) in a critical Western Conference match tonight at 7 p.m. at the Xcel Energy Center.
After an 11-2 run that included a seven game win streak, the Predators have gone 1-2 in their last three games. The Wild are on a modest streak going 3-0-1 in their last four games and are 7-3-1 at home this season.
The Preds played the Wild in Minnesota on October 28 in an odd game where Dan Ellis gave up three goals in 2:18 in the second period and was pulled in favor of Pekka Rinne who shut down the Wild for the rest of the game and got credit for the 4-3 victory.
This will be the second game in a row for Preds Goalie Pekka Rinne (11-6-0, 2.47, .913) to play a fellow Finnish goalie that is in consideration for the National Olympic team. On Monday it was Mikka Kiprusoff and tonight it will be Niklas Backstrom (9-9-3, 2.59, .910).
The Wild's point leaders are Mikko Koivu (6 g,8 a) and ex-Pred Andrew Brunette (9 g, 10 a). The Preds continue to be led by J.P. Dumont (5 g, 12 a) but have seven others in double digits in points.
Minnesota is almost as anemic in scoring goals as the Preds have been averaging 2.44 goal per game compared to the Preds at 2.27.
Both teams are in the leagues least penalized category with the Preds ranked first (8.9 min per game) and the Wild fourth (11.0). Nashville and Minnesota are similar on the power play (16.7% and 18.7% respectively) and on the penalty kill (80.0% and 81.9%).
The Wild are without several key players due to injury. Petr Sykora (concussion), Brent Burns (concussion), and Pierre-Marc Bouchard (concussion) are out. D Kim Johnsson (illness) missed practice on Tuesday is questionable. Antti Miettinen (illness) and Martin Havlat (hamstring) have been out but are expected to return.
Preds Keys to the Game...
Forget Monday's Loss
The Preds need to shake off Monday's loss and get their head back in the game with the confidence and swagger that they were playing with during their seven game win streak. It will be important for the Preds get on the scoreboard first to take the home crowd out of the game. Pekka needs to be confident and receive defensive support in front of him.
Control the Pace of the Game...
The Wild have not played since Saturday so they will be well rested and will try to establish their game early. The Preds need to quicken the pace of the game and not fall into the Wild's more deliberate style of play. They need to shoot early and often and keep pressing the puck toward the Wild zone every chance they get. The Preds need to reach the 65 or better range of Corsi shots.
Special Teams Need to Lead the Way...
After a six game power play streak where the Preds scored two per game the last three games of that streak, the PP has gone three games without a goal, going 0-12. That needs to change tonight with the PP unit getting on the board quickly. The shoot first mentality needs to return. The team has fallen back into the passing mode and have looked tentative on the power play.
The penalty kill was also MIA in the last game on Monday going 0-2. Part of that was too much Calgary but that can't be the situation tonight.
More later...
Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass
After an 11-2 run that included a seven game win streak, the Predators have gone 1-2 in their last three games. The Wild are on a modest streak going 3-0-1 in their last four games and are 7-3-1 at home this season.
The Preds played the Wild in Minnesota on October 28 in an odd game where Dan Ellis gave up three goals in 2:18 in the second period and was pulled in favor of Pekka Rinne who shut down the Wild for the rest of the game and got credit for the 4-3 victory.
This will be the second game in a row for Preds Goalie Pekka Rinne (11-6-0, 2.47, .913) to play a fellow Finnish goalie that is in consideration for the National Olympic team. On Monday it was Mikka Kiprusoff and tonight it will be Niklas Backstrom (9-9-3, 2.59, .910).
The Wild's point leaders are Mikko Koivu (6 g,8 a) and ex-Pred Andrew Brunette (9 g, 10 a). The Preds continue to be led by J.P. Dumont (5 g, 12 a) but have seven others in double digits in points.
Minnesota is almost as anemic in scoring goals as the Preds have been averaging 2.44 goal per game compared to the Preds at 2.27.
Both teams are in the leagues least penalized category with the Preds ranked first (8.9 min per game) and the Wild fourth (11.0). Nashville and Minnesota are similar on the power play (16.7% and 18.7% respectively) and on the penalty kill (80.0% and 81.9%).
The Wild are without several key players due to injury. Petr Sykora (concussion), Brent Burns (concussion), and Pierre-Marc Bouchard (concussion) are out. D Kim Johnsson (illness) missed practice on Tuesday is questionable. Antti Miettinen (illness) and Martin Havlat (hamstring) have been out but are expected to return.
Preds Keys to the Game...
Forget Monday's Loss
The Preds need to shake off Monday's loss and get their head back in the game with the confidence and swagger that they were playing with during their seven game win streak. It will be important for the Preds get on the scoreboard first to take the home crowd out of the game. Pekka needs to be confident and receive defensive support in front of him.
Control the Pace of the Game...
The Wild have not played since Saturday so they will be well rested and will try to establish their game early. The Preds need to quicken the pace of the game and not fall into the Wild's more deliberate style of play. They need to shoot early and often and keep pressing the puck toward the Wild zone every chance they get. The Preds need to reach the 65 or better range of Corsi shots.
Special Teams Need to Lead the Way...
After a six game power play streak where the Preds scored two per game the last three games of that streak, the PP has gone three games without a goal, going 0-12. That needs to change tonight with the PP unit getting on the board quickly. The shoot first mentality needs to return. The team has fallen back into the passing mode and have looked tentative on the power play.
The penalty kill was also MIA in the last game on Monday going 0-2. Part of that was too much Calgary but that can't be the situation tonight.
More later...
Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass
Hump Day Highlights in the Hockey World
The last thing Pred fans wanted to see in last nights Chicago-Columbus match was an overtime three point game but the eleven round shootout was a thrill to watch. Brent Seabrook finally got one in to give Chicago the extra point. Check it out if you missed it.
We will be back later today with our preview of tonight's Predators at Minnesota game. Here is today's round-up to keep you up to date in the mean time.
In Pred Nation...
Bryan Mullen has an article about the compressed schedule that has given the players few days off. The Tennessean also has a game at a glance for tonight's game with Minnesota. Here are Tuesday's notes from practice that includes Trotz saying no player moves a few hours before sending Sulzer to Milwaukee.
Dirk started his November report card with the Goalies. Much improved over October, but still room for improvement. He also has an article on attendance that is a key component of revenue sharing that the Preds desperately need.
Paul McCann takes the Globe and Mail to task for their slanted article on the Freeman email.
Mark at the View from 111 adds more perspective to the Flames debacle on Monday as does See Puck City.
David Boclair talks about the trials of Alexander Sulzer who may have to go to the Olympics to get more playing time.
Predators.com has updated pictures of all the Preds with their mustaches they they are growing for Prostate cancer awareness. This is a rough looking group of guys. You can also make a donation at the site.
Preds.com also has the weekly Milwaukee Admiral update.
Kelly returns with an update at Confessions of a Predators Fanatic.
Here's a random interview by Lake 94.5 FM with Pred prospect Ryan Maki.
Around the NHL...
After tremendous outcry from fans to do away with the "double standard" that has appeared to be afforded to the top players, Alexander Ovechkin was suspended for two games. for his knee on knee hit on Tim Gleason in the Caps game with Carolina on Monday. With the injury that he suffered himself it is questionable if he would play anyway. After a variety of alleged "dirty hits" over the last few years that have never received any supplemental discipline this will finally place him in the "repeat offender" category.
Gary Bettman uses the "E word" (expansion) for the first time and confirms that all thirty teams will saty put.
Here is the latest edition of Inside Hockey TV with our friend Associate Editor Tim Rosenthal as well as columnist Christopher Conroy and host McKenzie Lavoie.
It's time for the NHL Saturday picks one again. Go here to play.
Anyone who saw the game on Monday would not argue with Jerome Iginla as the NHL first star of the month for November.
Two months have passed since Charles Wang's deadline and the election is finally resolved. Nick at LTBLH has the latest on the Lighthouse Project.
Adrian Dater has a new post at No Holding Back that probably won't offend anyone (I'm disappointed). It is about hockey movies. One movie that many hockey fans have not seen is the The Rocket which is about Maurice Richard. As an American, I had no appreciation for the discrimination issues that existed during Richard's era and this movie really brought it to light.
More Later...
Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass
We will be back later today with our preview of tonight's Predators at Minnesota game. Here is today's round-up to keep you up to date in the mean time.
In Pred Nation...
Bryan Mullen has an article about the compressed schedule that has given the players few days off. The Tennessean also has a game at a glance for tonight's game with Minnesota. Here are Tuesday's notes from practice that includes Trotz saying no player moves a few hours before sending Sulzer to Milwaukee.
Dirk started his November report card with the Goalies. Much improved over October, but still room for improvement. He also has an article on attendance that is a key component of revenue sharing that the Preds desperately need.
Paul McCann takes the Globe and Mail to task for their slanted article on the Freeman email.
Mark at the View from 111 adds more perspective to the Flames debacle on Monday as does See Puck City.
David Boclair talks about the trials of Alexander Sulzer who may have to go to the Olympics to get more playing time.
Predators.com has updated pictures of all the Preds with their mustaches they they are growing for Prostate cancer awareness. This is a rough looking group of guys. You can also make a donation at the site.
Preds.com also has the weekly Milwaukee Admiral update.
Kelly returns with an update at Confessions of a Predators Fanatic.
Here's a random interview by Lake 94.5 FM with Pred prospect Ryan Maki.
Around the NHL...
After tremendous outcry from fans to do away with the "double standard" that has appeared to be afforded to the top players, Alexander Ovechkin was suspended for two games. for his knee on knee hit on Tim Gleason in the Caps game with Carolina on Monday. With the injury that he suffered himself it is questionable if he would play anyway. After a variety of alleged "dirty hits" over the last few years that have never received any supplemental discipline this will finally place him in the "repeat offender" category.
Gary Bettman uses the "E word" (expansion) for the first time and confirms that all thirty teams will saty put.
Here is the latest edition of Inside Hockey TV with our friend Associate Editor Tim Rosenthal as well as columnist Christopher Conroy and host McKenzie Lavoie.
It's time for the NHL Saturday picks one again. Go here to play.
Anyone who saw the game on Monday would not argue with Jerome Iginla as the NHL first star of the month for November.
Two months have passed since Charles Wang's deadline and the election is finally resolved. Nick at LTBLH has the latest on the Lighthouse Project.
Adrian Dater has a new post at No Holding Back that probably won't offend anyone (I'm disappointed). It is about hockey movies. One movie that many hockey fans have not seen is the The Rocket which is about Maurice Richard. As an American, I had no appreciation for the discrimination issues that existed during Richard's era and this movie really brought it to light.
More Later...
Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Sulzer Returns to Milwaukee
The Nashville Predators returned defenseman Alexander Sulzer to Milwaukee this afternoon so he will be in a position to see live game action on Wednesday when the Admirals play Peoria.
Barry Trotz has repeatedly said that he wanted to work Sulzer into a game but hasn't found the right opportunity. Playing in Milwaukee appears to be the only option at this point until something changes with the Preds top six defensemen.
Here is the full release from the Nashville Predators...
PREDATORS REASSIGN ALEXANDER SULZER TO MILWAUKEE
Nashville, Tenn. (December 1, 2009) – Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced today that the club has reassigned defenseman Alexander Sulzer (al-ehx-AN-duhr SUHLT-suhr) to Milwaukee (AHL).
Sulzer, 25 (5/30/84), did not dress during his most recent call-up, and has played in five games with the Predators this season, posting his first career point/assist on Oct. 22 at Ottawa, while averaging 12:46 of ice time and notching a plus-two rating.
The Predators play their next two games on the road – traveling to Minnesota on Wednesday (7 p.m., FOX Sports Tennessee) and Chicago on Friday (7:30 p.m., FOX Sports Tennessee) – before returning to Nashville for a four-game homestand from Dec. 5-12. Tickets to these games, which include matchups against Minnesota, Vancouver, Columbus and Detroit, and all other regular season contests, are now on sale and can be purchased by logging onto nashvillepredators.com. Tickets are also available by calling (615) 770-PUCK and at all Ticketmaster locations.
More Later...
Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass
Barry Trotz has repeatedly said that he wanted to work Sulzer into a game but hasn't found the right opportunity. Playing in Milwaukee appears to be the only option at this point until something changes with the Preds top six defensemen.
Here is the full release from the Nashville Predators...
PREDATORS REASSIGN ALEXANDER SULZER TO MILWAUKEE
Nashville, Tenn. (December 1, 2009) – Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced today that the club has reassigned defenseman Alexander Sulzer (al-ehx-AN-duhr SUHLT-suhr) to Milwaukee (AHL).
Sulzer, 25 (5/30/84), did not dress during his most recent call-up, and has played in five games with the Predators this season, posting his first career point/assist on Oct. 22 at Ottawa, while averaging 12:46 of ice time and notching a plus-two rating.
The Predators play their next two games on the road – traveling to Minnesota on Wednesday (7 p.m., FOX Sports Tennessee) and Chicago on Friday (7:30 p.m., FOX Sports Tennessee) – before returning to Nashville for a four-game homestand from Dec. 5-12. Tickets to these games, which include matchups against Minnesota, Vancouver, Columbus and Detroit, and all other regular season contests, are now on sale and can be purchased by logging onto nashvillepredators.com. Tickets are also available by calling (615) 770-PUCK and at all Ticketmaster locations.
More Later...
Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass
Tuesday Tidbits in Pred Nation
Last night's shellacking of the Predators by the Flames is one every Pred fan will want to put in the rear view mirror as soon as possible.
After being unable to upload our post game videos and audio last night they are now available with our post game article here.
During the early part of the game it was easy to be distracted from the ice with three big hockey stories breaking at one.
Locally, David Freeman shared an email with the Tennessean that he had sent to his senior staff explaining the situation with the tax lien filed by the IRS. Here is the email and here is the Tennessean story. The Globe and Mail gives the Canadian twist to the story.
This is one of the best cases of coming clean with the public and acknowledging what has occurred and that he mater will soon be resolved. Had Sommet not taken the low road in their response to the recent suit, it would have been resolved with little fan fare but since it became public this was the best way to come clean on the matter. Tiger Woods could take a lesson here.
The second big story was Keith Ballard's baseball type swing at the net that caught ex-Pred Thomas Vokoun in the head. This is one of the dumbest things I've seen in a while.
The third item that will receive a lot of pub was Alexander Ovechkin's second knee on knee hit in a week. This time he took out Carolina's Tim Gleason as well as injuring himself on the play. No secondary action was taken by the league in last week's incident but I don't see how it can be avoided this time. Unfortunately, suspending an injured player is not really punishment.
Other Stories on the Preds-Flames Game...
Bryan Mullen has a game story and a notes column at the Tennessean.
Jim Diamond has his story at the Examiner as does David Boclair at The City Paper.
Fellow bloggers Brandon Felder, Forechecker, What The Puck, and AJ and have all the angles covered in their posts.
The Preds will regroup for practice this morning at 10 a.m. and then hit the road this afternoon for Minnesota. Fortunately, it probably can't get much worse than it did last night.
More Later...
Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass
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