Fortunately Preds can protect their top 4 D, but are going to have to expose a forward they don't want to. Jarnkrok or Neal most likely exposed unless Poile can work out something.

JJ- Your man "Howdy Doody" Johansen just scored the biggest goal in Preds history. He continues to step up in some big moments. Right now Johansen >Toews
- predsfan97

You know, I truly wanted the Preds to win the Cup after they beat the Hawks this year until seeing your constant annoyance. One thing we say in sports is "act like you've been there before" You are being such a sore winner right now. Keep this in mind, this is the first time that your franchise has ever made it past the second round in about 20 years, which is pretty pathetic, you don't have any room to be coming in here acting the way that you're acting. Second, keep in mind that if your team does not win the cup this year, it is an epic failure. After buzz-sawing through the Hawks and Blues, for the season to not end in at least a Cup final appearance would be a huge failure. No pressure.

I haven't seen Debrincat play and I know he's breaking records...against juniors. Can someone give me a hockey eye scouting report? clearly he sees the ice and can shoot but how is his speed? Balance? And Strength for a kid his size?

Anybody think he can make the jump to a top six role next season?
- Bjm84

Smurf. AHL fodder. Will never produce at the NHL level due to his size.

This is the answer to WHY Scott, Bollig, Mashinter, Tootoo have been around even while the legions of armchair coaches pile on like a comparison between any of them and a top 6 forward is even relevant.

The coaching staff, the Kanes and the Toews of the world LIKE having those guys around and on the ice.

They are on the roster year after year . . . . not because Bowman took a nap . . . or Q is stupid . . . they are there because they have a relevant job to do, even if most fans don't see it and it plays out mostly between the ears and the chest cavities of the players.

The brass ring is (STILL) a guy like Probert or Lucic who can help you skating a regular shift and still intimidate the hell out of any would-be tough guys or the Cal Clutterbucks of the world.
- John Jaeckel

The difference between a Scott, Bollig, Mashinter, Tootoo and a Lucic, is that Lucic can play the game and skate a regular shift. You can put him on the ice against the Kessler and Perry type skilled douchebags of the league and you will not be fishing the puck out of your net like you will with the aforementioned bunch.

Fortunately Preds can protect their top 4 D, but are going to have to expose a forward they don't want to. Jarnkrok or Neal most likely exposed unless Poile can work out something.

JJ- Your man "Howdy Doody" Johansen just scored the biggest goal in Preds history. He continues to step up in some big moments. Right now Johansen >Toews
- predsfan97

Congrats on your Preds doing so well, to say they've been a surprise would be a major understatement (except to maybe Preds fans). All the pieces seems to be lining up well for Nashville and they have just as good of a chance as anyone left to win it all.

My recommendation to you, enjoy the success your team is having rather than instigating Blackhawks fans. Win gracefully because you never know when your team will be back in this position. Hawks fans were lucky to see their team win 3 Cups in a relatively short period of time. For me, I was happy that I focused on enjoying the ride because you never know when or if the team will get another chance.

This is the answer to WHY Scott, Bollig, Mashinter, Tootoo have been around even while the legions of armchair coaches pile on like a comparison between any of them and a top 6 forward is even relevant.

The coaching staff, the Kanes and the Toews of the world LIKE having those guys around and on the ice.

They are on the roster year after year . . . . not because Bowman took a nap . . . or Q is stupid . . . they are there because they have a relevant job to do, even if most fans don't see it and it plays out mostly between the ears and the chest cavities of the players.

The brass ring is (STILL) a guy like Probert or Lucic who can help you skating a regular shift and still intimidate the hell out of any would-be tough guys or the Cal Clutterbucks of the world.
- John Jaeckel

Ah but that's the key, having one of those types of players that can actually serve a dual purpose is what's been missing. Probably not for a lack of trying on Stan's part, those type players don't grow on trees.

JJ,

That grade may be for the regular season but the playoff grade is an F.

When you get shut out twice on home ice then get taken out in a sweep then you have some personnel and coaching issues that need to be addressed.

Major changes are needed and I'm not talking about trading Kruger, Darling and adding Debrincat as that wont get it done.

We shall see what Bowman can get done or will his loyalty to the core be his downfall?
- Hawkster

The playoff grade is more like an F- (no sarcasm). It is almost impossible to soil the sheets worse than the Hawks did against Nashville. That's not to say they can't bounce back next season, but this playoffs in isolation was abysmal.

Before you go writing off Tanner Kero, he was 59% at the face-off dot in the first round.

You can bet that caught the coaches eyes.
- dahawks8819

I wouldn't write Kero off just yet. I'm not expecting him to be a 2C or a major offensive contributor, but he could develop in a solid bottom 6 (likely bottom 3) forward. He just need to improve on the PK, he struggled a bit in that area.

You know, I truly wanted the Preds to win the Cup after they beat the Hawks this year until seeing your constant annoyance. One thing we say in sports is "act like you've been there before" You are being such a sore winner right now. Keep this in mind, this is the first time that your franchise has ever made it past the second round in about 20 years, which is pretty pathetic, you don't have any room to be coming in here acting the way that you're acting. Second, keep in mind that if your team does not win the cup this year, it is an epic failure. After buzz-sawing through the Hawks and Blues, for the season to not end in at least a Cup final appearance would be a huge failure. No pressure.
- Hossa1881

Getting a little ahead of themselves I'd say!

Nashville TV Station Thinks The Predators Are In The Stanley Cup Finals!

http://screengrabber.dead...-are-in-the-st-1795001697

Fortunately Preds can protect their top 4 D, but are going to have to expose a forward they don't want to. Jarnkrok or Neal most likely exposed unless Poile can work out something.

JJ- Your man "Howdy Doody" Johansen just scored the biggest goal in Preds history. He continues to step up in some big moments. Right now Johansen >Toews
- predsfan97

"Instant karma's gonna get you.."

This fascination with Anisimov is mind-numbing. First for no merit argument whatsoever he gets to play between Kane and Panarin, who are both quick and skilled. He must be too. Wrong - Anisimov has limited skill and is snail slow. He is not a complimentary piece to the other two. Kane and Panarin are going to get points if they play with an oil drum - stop seeing "chemistry" where it does not exist.

Kane and Panarin are all about puck possession. This line must start with the puck a lot after face-offs right? Wrong. Anisimov is dreadful at the face-off dot. He was absolutely pathetic in the play-offs. That Q kept trotting him out was ridiculous. Kane and Panarin not scoring enough in the play-offs? Can't score without puck possession and can't have puck possession if are only playing defence.

Anisimov is also injury-prone. Quite frankly when he gets injured I don't care as he is not a difference maker and I see him as an anvil for Kane and Panarin. However, it does make his salary look more idiotic. The Hawks have a pretzel logic theory with respect to salary - well he must be good or we would not have given him all that money. The Hawks also have a pretzel logic theory with respect to trades - well he must be good or we would not have traded the incredible Saad for him.

The Saad trade was a horrible trade and at this point is even up Saad for Anisimov with the cost savings being small because Anisimov is over-paid. Explain to me why Bowman still has a job?