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I’ve been pondering the way the Predators season has ended for quite a few days now, not sure how to put it all in perspective. I’ve tried to write this for the last four days… Just like lot of folks in Pred Nation, it’s been hard to separate the excitement of the playoff run with the bitter taste of the game seven loss in San Jose. So, in the way that a lot of programs end their seasons, I will ask the question… after the 2015/16 season…
What have we learned here?
The Kids Are Alright – The experience gained in the last two years of playoff disappointment is crucial to the development of your core players… valuable experience for Filip Forsberg, Calle Jarnkrok, Miikka Salomaki, Viktor Arvidsson, Roman Josi, Mattias Ekhom, Colton Sissons, Anthony Bitetto and Ryan Johansen. These hard lessons help younger players learn what it takes to be successful in the playoffs.
Believe the Hype - You hear so much about how important home ice advantage is… and after the Predators won their first round series against Anaheim, there was much dismissing of this age old chestnut… home ice? We don’t need no stinkin’ home ice… until they did. This is where you look back and say a better record in overtime during the regular season… a win or two you let slip away in November…wherever 11 points could’ve been made up to keep the team at home or at least inside the division…
Pekka Rinne is Good - That lesson needed to be learned again. Rinne was outstanding in these playoffs, that being said… Rinne’s workload may need to be managed a bit more as the big Finn will turn 34 in November. It wouldn’t surprise me to see Carter Hutton move on as he is an unrestricted free agent and probably wants a crack at a starter’s job, so Marek Mazanec would be counted on to help reduce Rinne’s number of games played.
Titans Are Hockey Fans - In a long overdue exhibition of joint support… many members of the Tennessee Titans were showing their public support for the Predators, led by Delanie Walker. It has taken quite awhile, but the awesome community support shown by the players in their offseason was incredible! I think there are a bunch of new Pred fans at Nissan Stadium! Good on ya boys!
I will be spending the next few weeks concentrating on what the future holds for this team. What UFA’s will re-sign, which ones may not… which of the developing players in Milwaukee will step up or step off. What the RFA’s will do and how much it may cost. What kind of moves are to be made to get this team to the next level…
It has been one helluva ride.
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With no teams in the playoffs… the TSN team has too much time on its hands…
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Random Clean Out Day Notes
- Injuries - Filip Forsberg had a back issue, Roman Josi was playing with a broken finger and a broken nose, Craig Smith still hasn’t disclosed his injury, but did say it was bothering him throughout the playoffs.
- Mattias Ekholm and Ryan Ellis both took off for Russia Saturday, Ekhom will join Team Sweden and Ellius Team Canada for the IIHF Worlds going on in St. Petersburgh.
- And before the offer sheet nonsense even gets started… direct quotes from Filip Forsberg (s/t to the Preds website) “It’s the first time that I’m in that situation, but I love being here in Nashville,” Forsberg said. “I love everything about this city, and I really love what we have going on here with the team. And the fans are the best in the League as well, so there’s no other place I want to be.”
- David Poile and Peter Laviolette will have their season ending presser tomorrow.
- The Preds announced the signing of 2014 third round selection Justin Kirkland yesterday to a three year ELC. The 19 year old has spent three years with the Kelowna Rockets of the WHL, posting almost a point a game this past season 67 points in 69 games.)
Season eight of SlapShot Radio is on! Join us every Wednesday night at 7 on 102.5 the Game. Pete Weber and I cover the playoffs from pillar to post. This week we have Steve Carlson from the classic Slap Shot, Puck Daddy Greg Wyshynski and NHL Stats Guru Rob Vollman.
SlapShot Radio is the longest running hockey show in the mid-south delivering great hockey talk to the most energetic and engaged fans in radio. Our premier, day one sponsor is Dr. Jane Bacon at Hermitage Family and Cosmetic Dentistry … make your appointment at (615) 872-7762. Also, our newest member of the SSR Sponsorship family is Mark Lonsway at ReMax Fine Homes, call him for all your real estate needs at (615) 207-7799.
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