On October 1st I wrote… “While I do believe this Predator team will be in the mix for a playoff spot come springtime, the team needs to show it learned the lessons of last year,” six games in, I wonder at how much this team has learned.

While it is way too early to push the panic button, the cause for concern is real after being out scored 16-2 in the past four games, all losses, three of these at home. The power play is poor, the lack of shooting is distressing and the struggles at the blueline are leaving capable goaltending out to dry.

At this point in the fall, it’s pretty difficult to be a Nashville sports fan… the Preds are 2-4, the Titans are 0-5 and after breaking through to a bowl last season, the Vanderbilt football team seems to have regressed. What’s a Nashville fan to do?

The Predators head off on a two week long road trip, a chance to bond, build the team and improve communications, coaches normally like this kind of trip, especially early in the season. It is desperately needed right now for this team. You can say anything you want about Coach Barry Trotz, but the hallmark of his teams have been their resiliency. While the effort was better last night and the team didn’t hang their heads after giving up two quick goals, the lack of early season urgency is a source of frustration.

The major lesson of last season can be summed up in a favorite saying of mine… The first rule of holes is… when you are in one… stop digging! Sound advice for this team as they head to Washington for a Saturday night tilt with the Capitals.

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Interesting rumor from Eklund regarding Predators d-man Dan Hamhuis.

Hey Pred Nation... what are your thoughts? Hamhuis for Plekanec... discuss...

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HockeyBuzz Radio is back with a new season. Our Wednesday night show is available on podcast at www.hockeybuzzradio.com. Thanks to Dirk “Forechecker” Hoag for filling in as co-host. The show featured former Buffalo Sabre Rob Ray, capitals radio guy Steve Kolbe and Chicago blogger Al Cimaglia.

Our next show will be on Wednesday night, October 28th.

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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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