I think the knock on Hamhuis is trying to critique his play in Nashville versus Vancouver. In Nashville, back in the day, We only had 2 strong D-men. Weber and Suter (After Kimmo Timmonen left). Hamhuis was never given the opportunity to play with a linemate that was a true 2nd line D-man. Whether it be DeVries or Klein, Hamhuis was always paird with a 3rd line player. Of course that explains how bad our 3rd line was.

In Vancouver, Hamhuis is surrounded not only by a better linemate, but a better team overall then he was 2 years ago.

But using Hamhuis as a reference is a good indicator of what our current problem is. We do not have a #3 D-man on our team. Josi and Ellis are #4 D-men at this point in their career. What we need is a true #3 D-man that can pair up with one of them and the other moving down to the 3rd line to pair up with Klein. That is David Poile's big challenge between now and the Trade Deadline. I'd rather go all in for D now and then add a top 6 forward in the off season if we only had the ability to add one significant player.

Uh... reported attendance was 16,232. The arena holds 17,113. That's not a bad crowd by any stretch, but he now plays in front of 18,890 every time at home, no exceptions. Not quite there yet, guys.

Certainly bigger than a press conference though.
- micah555

Was in Vancouver a few years ago when your team wasn't all that great and got tickets easily to a game that might have been 1/2 to 2/3 full. St Louis and Chicago couldn't get fans to games at all a few years ago. The Preds have at least averaged over 14,000 a year, and that was in the leanest year. We're doing just fine thank you -- and if you really do sell out all your Tuesday games, more power to you. And most Pred fans want our ex-players to do well -

Was in Vancouver a few years ago when your team wasn't all that great and got tickets easily to a game that might have been 1/2 to 2/3 full. St Louis and Chicago couldn't get fans to games at all a few years ago. The Preds have at least averaged over 14,000 a year, and that was in the leanest year. We're doing just fine thank you -- and if you really do sell out all your Tuesday games, more power to you. And most Pred fans want our ex-players to do well -
- PredsLady

Surprisingly, I've heard a lot lately from Vancouver fans doubting their current sellout streak. But anyways, I loved Vancouver when I was there last. I want to go back badly.

Surprisingly, I've heard a lot lately from Vancouver fans doubting their current sellout streak. But anyways, I loved Vancouver when I was there last. I want to go back badly.
- kypredsfan

Vancouver is a beautiful city. I don't like most cities in the winter, but seeing that snow on the Canadian Rockies was just majestic. Vancouver is easily one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

Btw, I went to a game between the Canucks and Leafs around 2004 and was able to walk up to the window and get tickets, no problem. Not only that, but I noticed that there weren't a lot of people wearing Canuck colors. Most people came in regular street clothes. Judging by what I've seen lately that has changed, but it wasn't all that long ago that the team spirit was just so-so and anyone could get a ticket on gameday, even against a hated rival, so I really don't see a justification for the attendance mudslinging. Especially considering what a young, non-traditional market Nashville is.

The NHL should pray that they can expand to other non-traditional markets and have the kind of outcome that they're having in Nashville. More eyes on the game will make the game more popular. I think we all want that.

D

How does the NHL still allow Tim Peel to officiate gamws??? The Hurricanes got jobbed!

How does the NHL still allow Tim Peel to officiate gamws??? The Hurricanes got jobbed!
- slash&smash

What about that goal that got waved off for goal-tender interference during the Bruins-Sabres game. Total screwup. All Maguire could say was WOW

What about that goal that got waved off for goal-tender interference during the Bruins-Sabres game. Total screwup. All Maguire could say was WOW
- im4preds

So do you opt for a challenge system?
More Refs on ice?
Or fire them all and let Shanny sort them out....

Weve seen a lot of bad calls on Tootoo as well.

So do you opt for a challenge system?
More Refs on ice?
Or fire them all and let Shanny sort them out....

Weve seen a lot of bad calls on Tootoo as well.
- buelleo

Maybe one challenge per game or something like that. I want it contained.

Not enough room for more refs on ice. hell, i would sit the linesmen in the stands. let the refs breakup the fights, drop the pucks on faceoffs, etc. Remember when MLB got rid of all the old umps? not a good idea at all.

Toots may out live his early years rep but i doubt it

Vancouver is a beautiful city. I don't like most cities in the winter, but seeing that snow on the Canadian Rockies was just majestic. Vancouver is easily one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

Btw, I went to a game between the Canucks and Leafs around 2004 and was able to walk up to the window and get tickets, no problem. Not only that, but I noticed that there weren't a lot of people wearing Canuck colors. Most people came in regular street clothes. Judging by what I've seen lately that has changed, but it wasn't all that long ago that the team spirit was just so-so and anyone could get a ticket on gameday, even against a hated rival, so I really don't see a justification for the attendance mudslinging. Especially considering what a young, non-traditional market Nashville is.

The NHL should pray that they can expand to other non-traditional markets and have the kind of outcome that they're having in Nashville. More eyes on the game will make the game more popular. I think we all want that.

D
- Predaceous

I don't think I was mudslinging. I was just pointing out the shot back at Hamhuis was hardly full value.

Those are the Coastal Mountains. The Rockies don't start until near the Alberta Border.

The Leafs weren't in Vancouver in 2004. They played on Sat, 22 Nov 2003. I find it completely impossible to believe that game wasn't sold out against a national rival (which their own massive fan base) on a Saturday night during the West Coast express era.

http://canucks.nhl.com/cl...oxscore.htm?id=2003020297

At the bottom there, it says 18630 in attendance. That's a full house. Were you buying from scalpers?

Surprisingly, I've heard a lot lately from Vancouver fans doubting their current sellout streak. But anyways, I loved Vancouver when I was there last. I want to go back badly.
- kypredsfan

The sellouts are real. There is a season ticket base of 17000. I'm sure there are plenty of times throughout the year the seats don't get filled by the people who own the tickets. Preseason games are especially poorly attended.