Coach Barry Trotz was quoted on nashvillepredators.com as saying “this is the year that David Legwand and Martin Erat have to elevate their game. I think if they have career years, we are going to make the playoffs and if not it will be a battle right to the end to make the playoffs." While Coach Trotz does have a firm grasp of the obvious here, it is unusual to have him call out these two players so publicly, putting a substantial amount of pressure squarely on these two second line stallwarts.

It is about time…

Both of these players have star level contracts. David Legwand is scheduled to make $4.5 million this season, Erat? An astounding $5.25 million. With almost $10 million wrapped up in these two players, it is reasonable to expect more than Legwand’s 20g / 22a / -3 in 73 games and Erat’s 17g / 33a / -7 in 71 games.

I’ll be the first one to say that Legwand’s two-way game has dramatically improved over the past few seasons. His smooth skating sometimes makes it look like he isn’t working as hard as others, but he is giving the effort. That being said... The effort needs to show results. Same goes for Erat… plenty of upside, especially in his offensive game that needs to be realized this season. Erat needs to simplify his game... less fancy skating, looping around the back of the net, and more driving the front and just shooting the puck.

These are two talented players that did not live up to expecations last season. With big contracts come big expectations… For these two players, it is time for potential to become reality.

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Scott Nichol signed with the San Jose Sharks yesterday… a one year deal.

I hate to see Scooter go… good guy, solid player, and a credit to the Nashville community, but concussion issues limited him last season. I will miss running into him at our neighborhood Starbucks.

Good luck Scott!

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Random schedule stuff…

> The announcement of the Winter Classic was the worst kept secret in the world, but the Flyers/Bruins matchup on New Year’s Day should be a fun game.

> The NHL announced the extension of their contract with NBC at the Winter Classic presser… this was a heavily criticized contract (mostly by those who don’t understand the game, or those who think that hockey doesn’t belong anywhere south of Montreal) that is working for all parties. Ratings are up… revenue is solid.

> The Olympics are driving some crazy schedule stuff, but none crazier than Vancouver’s 14 game road trip! OK… it’s officially a 14 game road trip driven by Vancouver hosting the 2010 Winter Games… but it’s just not that bad for the team. They’ll do eight games of the roadie before Feb 15th and the other six after the break, including a March 7 date in Nashville. For Canuck fans… the six week break in between home games (1/27 – 3/13) will be hell. There is an upside however… The Canucks have an eight game homestand in December, including a 12/22 matchup with the Preds. They go on the road for four, then return home for nine of their next eleven before vacating GM Place for the Olympics.

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My Five Best Dates on the Preds Schedule

5. 10/8/09 - Opening Night – Let’s get it started! After a long hot summer this Thursday game starts the home portion of the schedule against the Colorado Avalanche

4. 3/16/10 – Old Home Night – Strictly personal as I finally get the chance to call a game involving the team I grew up with. This will be the first time the Flyers have been in Nashville since 2005… In the early days of the franchise, I used to be conflicted whenever the Preds took on Philly, but I am an 80 game a year Flyer fan now. Still… this one will be special for me. This game also begins the final push for the Preds, starting a run of nine home games in the last thirteen to finish the regular season.

3. 11/23/09 – Doubleheader Day in Nashville – A good day for sports freaks. Pred game (against the Wings no less…) starts at 5pm… as soon as the game is over, head home to watch the Titans on Monday Night Football. (corrected from previous version)

2. 1/18/10 – Hellooo Toronto – The Leafs make only their third visit to Music City on this MLK Day game.

1. 3/2/10 – 24 days between home games – The Olympic break causes a strange schedule quirk with the Preds going almost a month between home games. This game starts a 17 game March for the team, including 10 home games.

So… what are your five top dates for the season?

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You are invited to follow me on Twitter. Search for PredPAPaul… Not only will I be updating when I get news or updates… I’ll also be updating during Pred home games in season with information and explanations from the PA box.

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HockeyBuzz Radio is on hiatus until October… we’ll be weighing on conditioning camp and may even put up a podcast or two during the summer. Keep checking in at www.hockeybuzzradio.com for the latest on the upcoming season and regular columns from hockey writer Mark McGee.

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