Training camp is on and here are my initial impressions…
Pace – The first thing that stood out to me in observing today’s session. Up tempo every second, up and down the ice… the pace was breakneck at times.
Skating – There was a LOT of skating, different drills without the puck, suicides, figure eights and much more. Some of the younger players were grabbing their shorts at times. This will be a highly conditioned team… it will be the only way they survive.
Push Ups – Several times during each session, new head coach Peter Laviolette had groups of players do pushups on the ice. I’m not sure if it was for lack of effort or not getting the drills right, but I haven’t seen those since watching my son’s high school practices years ago.
Viktor Arvidsson – This youngster can fly. I tweeted earlier that my eye just seems to be drawn to this young player whenever he is on the ice. This one bears watching.
Filip Forsberg – Once again, showing his growth and improvement… he really appears to be determined to make this team.
During the second session of the day, a rather loose and confident Predators General Manager David Poile had a brief press availability and had some interesting things to say…
- About RFA Ryan Ellis – “It’s a typical negotiation that has gone past the time where you would like to have something done.” “It’s a difference of dollars…” Did anyone else notice a lack of mention in several Preds blogs regarding Ellis as a part of this blueline?
- About RFA Taylor Beck – “We’re going to wait and see after some preseason games.” “He has been up and down almost as much as any player in the organization.” There was a real feeling of ‘show me’ here in David Poile’s voice.
I asked the GM what was waking him up at night – “I’m actually sleeping good… I feel really good… there’s been a lot of changes made both on and off the ice.” “I don’t like making changes just to change… I like making changes to be better.”
- On Pekka Rinne – “When Pekka’s in goal, he gives us a chance to win every game and we play differently.” “He is more confident and his confidence and swagger is there.”
David Poile was pretty adamant that Ryan Ellis is still part of the Predator’s plans, but he couldn’t hide his disappointment with Ellis not being in camp.
Day three on the ice will feature a scrimmage with some players that the coaches and scouts really want to see, guys that will have an opportunity to show what they can do. Things get going at around 10am.
---------------------------------
Random Notes
- The news of Brandon Leipsic’s concussion is a bad break for the youngster. He’s listed as day-to-day, but reality is, every day missed makes things twice as hard.
- Bruins first round pick David Pastrnak has injured his shoulder… I was impressed with the youngsters play here in Nashville during the prospect tournament.
- Other early camp injuries in the league include Drew Doughty, Claude Giroux, Kyle Palmieriand Jonathan Drouin.
- I’m kinda shocked at the scorched earth tactics coming out of Columbus. Even more surprised thaty it’s John Davidson doing the torching. Look is Ryan Johansen worth the $& million a year he was asking for… nope. But Columbus was insulting in their $3.5 million offer. This one keeps getting uglier.
- Alexander Ovechkin is back at left wing in Washington.
--------------------------------------
You are invited to follow me on Twitter. Search for @PredPAPaul… Not only will I be updating when I get news or updates, but we are having a bit of fun by getting your input on Gnash introductions, weigh in on Twitter and who knows, we may use your introduction for the best mascot in the NHL at the next Preds game! You can also keep up with all the goings on with SlapShot Radio by following the show on Twitter @SlapShotRadio1
Also... make sure to "like" SlapShot Radio on Facebook... here's the
link.
-------------------------------------
SlapShot Radio is back with our season premier on Wednesday October 1st. It’s our annual season preview show featuring three time Stanley Cup winner Terry Crisp and long time Predators beat writer Josh Cooper. Our premier sponsor is back, that’s
Dr. Jane Bacon at Hermitage Family and Cosmetic Dentistry … make your appointment at 615-872-7762.
Want to be part of the SlapShot Radio family? We have preseason advertising specials for every budget. Advertisers… reach out to me to access our activated listener base via email at paul(@)slapshotradio(dot)com
Radio station owners/programmers, join the SlapShot Radio Network… contact me using the email above to carry SlapShot Radio on your station, we are satellite delivered every week via SkyView on the SlapShot Radio Network. Each show contains two full breaks for your usage.
Our podcasts are posted… Click
here to download or listen to any of this season’s podcasts.
-------------------------------------
KINDLE USERS: Please subscribe to Predators Buzz, a one-stop feed for all things Predators-related on HockeyBuzz. Your subscription includes a free 14-day trial and is just 99 cents per month thereafter. For more information,
click here.
Nashville Predators Blogger •Predators Radio Network • 
Join the Discussion:
»