Good season boys. I might be down there in the fall to see the new look predators. Good luck on keeping the changes from being too drastic.
And thanks, Paul McCann, for you're always entertaining blogs. Do you think this playoff run inspires the ownership to dig deeper into their pockets?
- Morris

I don't see it that way. Obviously the current formula doesn't work. The PReds really had no business losing the way they did with this roster. I am not even saying that the Yotes shouldn't have beaten us, but certainly not 4-1.

I was very sorry to see you guys lose. Quite a few people I talk hockey with here in South Florida were pulling for you, me included.

I hope the Preds can have a successful off-season, and part of me wonders if Jason Garrison will end up playing for you next season as my Panthers are rather well-stocked at defense and he reportedly wants a lot of money, and you guys may be looking for top-4 d-men.

Screw all the folks taking shots at Joel Ward. Things happen during games, it was certainly not intentional, and all those taking the shots at him should lace em' up, go out there, and play mistake free, hard nosed hockey against a very fast guy like Hagelin. Let the poor guy be.

Good season boys. I might be down there in the fall to see the new look predators. Good luck on keeping the changes from being too drastic.

And thanks, Paul McCann, for you're always entertaining blogs. Do you think this playoff run inspires the ownership to dig deeper into their pockets?
- Morris

The ownership has already shown they are willing to dig deeper in their pockets for proven players in our system. Pekka's contract proved that. The bigger question is going to be how the new CBA handles revenue-sharing. The idea behind RS was so that teams in smaller markets can remain competitive against the larger revenue streams only available to larger markets. Without it, the NHL would look like MLB where the same small number of teams are the ones with the probable shot at a championship. Revenue sharing and the cap make the teams responsible for what they put on the ice, not the biggest wallet. The new CBA needs to remove the mid-cap spending limit penalty.

I don't see it that way. Obviously the current formula doesn't work. The PReds really had no business losing the way they did with this roster. I am not even saying that the Yotes shouldn't have beaten us, but certainly not 4-1.
- nikoli1206

Well, I'm not saying there's nothing to be done to improve the roster as-is, but 15 of 27 on the active roster are FAs this summer. So a lot of the building this off-season probably means tough decisions about who to retain and who to let walk. Especially if they're not likely to make a splash to get a Parise/Semin etc.

The ownership has already shown they are willing to dig deeper in their pockets for proven players in our system. Pekka's contract proved that. The bigger question is going to be how the new CBA handles revenue-sharing. The idea behind RS was so that teams in smaller markets can remain competitive against the larger revenue streams only available to larger markets. Without it, the NHL would look like MLB where the same small number of teams are the ones with the probable shot at a championship. Revenue sharing and the cap make the teams responsible for what they put on the ice, not the biggest wallet. The new CBA needs to remove the mid-cap spending limit penalty.
- RockiesTop

Don't get me started on how MLB's wild west mentality is totally ridiculous.

I'm actually not familiar on how the mid-cap spending limit penalty works. Care to explain?

What a disaster.

Nashville appeared to be well built with the depth of a Vezina candidate, an elite D-core, 4 nicely balanced lines, grit, character, heart leadership, some experience, along with a solid coach and poised for a deep run.

We all know that Radulov and Kostitsyn violated team policy and suspending those two players for a single game was more than enough to get the message across. That message was driven home even further with the Preds winning that game 2-0; Basically saying "we can win without you two if we have to!" However, suspending them for a second game was not only an unnecessary risk and more or less pointless, but it was a CRITICAL ERROR and EXTREMELY POOR judgement by Trotz (and Poile if he had a say).

In short, Trotz/Poile overextended "team policy" and made the mistake of placing it before what's most important, WINNING! If the Preds win, everything is washed under the bridge and soon forgotten. If the Preds lose, EVERYONE LOSES and this little incident has now become a stain on this franchise who were among the early favorites to go the distance. I wouldn't be surprsied in the least if Radulov and Kostitsyn shrugged this off, but it's the rest of the team that I feel bad for... This was their playoffs as much as it was the fans' playoffs too!

Furthermore, whether or not this mismanaged playoff run will have any impact on resigning Weber and Suter has yet to be seen and we may never know, but I'd be willing to bet that this collapse hasn't helped matters either.

Lastly, Radulov. I'd be shocked if Radulov ever played another game as a Pred. I think this whole circus has all but sealed his fate in that A: He'll return to the KHL or B: Knowing his character, it won't be long before he publically demands a trade, ultimately decreasing his trade value as one last slap in the face to Nashville's organization.

All I can say is that if Weber, Suter, Radulov and key depth players like Gaustad and both Kostitsyn's (SK is RFA) don't return next season, as much as I hate to say it, I think Nashville returns to the middle of the pack. Trading away their 2012 1st rounder now hurts even more as well.

What a mess.

A disappointing end to an otherwise good season. I can't say I know how to improve the Preds I was hoping/betting that with that roster they would go to at least the WCF, but to go out sooner than they did against the nucks, you have to be kidding me.

Key questions to be asked in the off season.
1. Does Trotz's get an extention next year? Can he coach talent? Has he overstayed his welcome?

2. Weber stays or gets traded? I say he Stays

3. Suter stays or goes? GONER

4. 22 a pred next year? Keeper

5. AK back? 50/50

6. Rads - great move to bring him back to NSH, we needed what he brought, he may not have lived up to expectations, but he didnt have a lot of time to adjust back to the NHL. After all without him Detroit series may have lasted much longer.

7. How much longer will the ownership accept this team not meeting expectations before they make some changes? Second time trotz was given great players to work with and the second time he has failed. Yes, players are the ones who plays, but I THINK, Trotz FAILS in adapting to what the other team is doing. Trotz continuously does the same thing every game. I'm not saying FIRING Trotz is the answer, he does well, but I question whether he can coach a team in the post season. I say stick with him for now.

8. POWER PLAY - Jesus, no one has even mentioned this, once again how many series do we have to loose before this gets corrected. NSH first power play in the league for the regular season. Playoffs 12th. Look at the Nucks, 1 then 2nd in the league, playoff power play fails they go out early. NSH bad power play early exit. THIS IS THE SINGLE REASON WE FAILED in the POST SEASON AGAIN. NOT RADS.....

Thank you for indulging my rant.....

What a disaster.

Nashville appeared to be well built with the depth of a Vezina candidate, an elite D-core, 4 nicely balanced lines, grit, character, heart leadership, some experience, along with a solid coach and poised for a deep run.

We all know that Radulov and Kostitsyn violated team policy and suspending those two players for a single game was more than enough to get the message across. That message was driven home even further with the Preds winning that game 2-0; Basically saying "we can win without you two if we have to!" However, suspending them for a second game was not only an unnecessary risk and more or less pointless, but it was a CRITICAL ERROR and EXTREMELY POOR judgement by Trotz (and Poile if he had a say).

In short, Trotz/Poile overextended "team policy" and made the mistake of placing it before what's most important, WINNING! If the Preds win, everything is washed under the bridge and soon forgotten. If the Preds lose, EVERYONE LOSES and this little incident has now become a stain on this franchise who were among the early favorites to go the distance. I wouldn't be surprsied in the least if Radulov and Kostitsyn shrugged this off, but it's the rest of the team that I feel bad for... This was their playoffs as much as it was the fans' playoffs too!

Furthermore, whether or not this mismanaged playoff run will have any impact on resigning Weber and Suter has yet to be seen and we may never know, but I'd be willing to bet that this collapse hasn't helped matters either.

Lastly, Radulov. I'd be shocked if Radulov ever played another game as a Pred. I think this whole circus has all but stealed his fate in that A: He'll return to the KHL or B: Knowing his character, it won't be long before he publically demands a trade, ultimately decreasing his trade value as one last slap in the face to Nashville's organization.

All I can say is that if Weber, Suter, Radulov and key depth players like Gaustad and both Kostitsyn's (SK is RFA) don't return next season, as much as I hate to say it, I think Nashville returns to the middle of the pack. Trading away their 2012 1st rounder now hurts even more as well.

What a mess.
- As_I_See_It

All valid points, however, the Preds decided to go for it. They were in no position to wait until next year and just go with the current players they had. This was the year to go for a run and they did. Regardless of outcome, it was the right thing to do.

A disappointing end to an otherwise good season. I can't say I know how to improve the Preds I was hoping/betting that with that roster they would go to at least the WCF, but to go out sooner than they did against the nucks, you have to be kidding me.

Key questions to be asked in the off season.
1. Does Trotz's get an extention next year? Can he coach talent? Has he overstayed his welcome?

2. Weber stays or gets traded? I say he Stays

3. Suter stays or goes? GONER

4. 22 a pred next year? Keeper

5. AK back? 50/50

6. Rads - great move to bring him back to NSH, we needed what he brought, he may not have lived up to expectations, but he didnt have a lot of time to adjust back to the NHL.

7. How much longer will the ownership except this team not meeting expectations?
- PREDX1

I'll let you know right now the Oilers and many other teams will gladly snag Trotz.

Suter and Tootoo for that matter.

A disappointing end to an otherwise good season. I can't say I know how to improve the Preds I was hoping/betting that with that roster they would go to at least the WCF, but to go out sooner than they did against the nucks, you have to be kidding me.

Key questions to be asked in the off season.
1. Does Trotz's get an extention next year? Can he coach talent? Has he overstayed his welcome?

2. Weber stays or gets traded? I say he Stays

3. Suter stays or goes? GONER

4. 22 a pred next year? Keeper

5. AK back? 50/50

6. Rads - great move to bring him back to NSH, we needed what he brought, he may not have lived up to expectations, but he didnt have a lot of time to adjust back to the NHL.

7. How much longer will the ownership except this team not meeting expectations?
- PREDX1

After this playoff run, I really don't see the value that Tootoo brings to this team anymore. He had a great first half and then proceeded to do nothing but get dumb penalties in crucial games. His turnovers were pretty awful as well.

I will be FLOORED if AK comes back. I do not see Poile forgiving the antics that went on in Arizona.

I will even be surprised if Rads is back. I think he will be given an offer, I just think that a big part of him doesn't want to be here. Just a hunch.

All valid points, however, the Preds decided to go for it. They were in no position to wait until next year and just go with the current players they had. This was the year to go for a run and they did. Regardless of outcome, it was the right thing to do.
- nikoli1206

Suspending 1/3 of your top two lines ESPECIALLY DURING THE 2ND ROUND OF THE PLAYOFFS for any longer than necessary is suicide. Trotz knew that he was playing a game of "russian roulette" (no pun) by taking on unnecessary risk and extending the suspension beyond a game.

Unfortunately, Trotz played a little too long...

Suspending 1/3 of your top two lines ESPECIALLY DURING THE 2ND ROUND OF THE PLAYOFFS for any longer than necessary is suicide. Trotz knew that he was playing a game of "russian roulette" (no pun) by taking on unnecessary risk and extending the suspension beyond a game.

Unfortunately, Trotz played a little too long...
- As_I_See_It

I am willing to bet that decision was made by not only Trotz but by leadership as a whole...including Weber Suter and Legwand. While I do see your point, I had no problem with it as what they did was extremely ridiculous. Sitting them for the extra game didn't cost us the series. The team playing like garbage did.

I see Nashville's roster staying intact - for the most part. I expect Suter to walk. At that point, they can move Josi up to play with Weber, and perhaps try to re-sign Gill for a couple years (he seemed to fit in with the team well). If there's still a hole for a top-4 defenseman, then they can find something on the market in the $3MM range. That is plenty.

I do see Poile making a $4+ million offer to Radulov, but that's a crap shoot. Good news is, there are gonna be some mid-to-high priced wingers on the market this year. I for one would love to see the following lines next year:

33-15-47 (if not Rads - another top line wing)
10-12-74
57-11-27
18-13-24

6-59
8-49 (can always keep Cube or go with Blum too)
75-7 (Blum...or possibly Eckholm)

Preds have plenty of cap space to bring in a first or second line forwrd and a top 4 defenseman.

This probably means the end for TooToo. If it comes down to 22 & 18...give me 18.

Benching them for Game 3 was right; Game 4 was stupidity. Sorry, but that was one of the worst blunders so far by a team this year. Those two guys score, and you need them. Part of me still thinks that there are other ways to punish them, behind the scenes. Fines, harder practice etc....

Bad decision. Oh, and Mike Smith totally deserves credit. He's a beast and could rarely be beat.

Dont forget when we took VAN to 6 games last year we lost: Sullivan, Ward, Dumont, Franson, Smithson, Goc, Blum, Geoffrion, O'Brien
- buelleo

+1

I see Nashville's roster staying intact - for the most part. I expect Suter to walk. At that point, they can move Josi up to play with Weber, and perhaps try to re-sign Gill for a couple years (he seemed to fit in with the team well). If there's still a hole for a top-4 defenseman, then they can find something on the market in the $3MM range. That is plenty.

I do see Poile making a $4+ million offer to Radulov, but that's a crap shoot. Good news is, there are gonna be some mid-to-high priced wingers on the market this year. I for one would love to see the following lines next year:

33-15-47 (if not Rads - another top line wing)
10-12-74
57-11-27
18-13-24

6-59
8-49 (can always keep Cube or go with Blum too)
75-7 (Blum...or possibly Eckholm)

Preds have plenty of cap space to bring in a first or second line forwrd and a top 4 defenseman.

This probably means the end for TooToo. If it comes down to 22 & 18...give me 18.
- holycow_75

Id try and trade Radulov for something good. He doesn't seem to fit the mold of Nashville and likely could fetch something decent. You don't have to worry about him bolting either if the going got tough....

Also, trading two first rounders and a 2nd rounder for both Fisher and Gaustad is terrible. Both guys aren't top line players. Overpayment.

Benching them for Game 3 was right; Game 4 was stupidity. Sorry, but that was one of the worst blunders so far by a team this year. Those two guys score, and you need them. Part of me still thinks that there are other ways to punish them, behind the scenes. Fines, harder practice etc....
.
- BodyCheckRadio

I can understand why you would think that... but what difference did they make last night in game five? None.

The scratching of those two in game three and four had very little to do with the outcome of the series.

The distractions their actions drove is another story.

Benching them for Game 3 was right; Game 4 was stupidity. Sorry, but that was one of the worst blunders so far by a team this year. Those two guys score, and you need them. Part of me still thinks that there are other ways to punish them, behind the scenes. Fines, harder practice etc....

Bad decision. Oh, and Mike Smith totally deserves credit. He's a beast and could rarely be beat.
- BodyCheckRadio

All these arm chair coaches are driving me crazy. In case you missed it, we won game 3 in a shutout. How do you go to the guys that played so well in game 3 and say thanks for your effort your back on the bench. That's crap. And by the way, how many goals did Rad and AK46 score last night? ZERO! And how does all these experts figure that Rad and AK46 were our two best forwards anyhow? Wilson had more points in the regular season than AK46 and in case you missed it, he DID score last night.

After this playoff run, I really don't see the value that Tootoo brings to this team anymore. He had a great first half and then proceeded to do nothing but get dumb penalties in crucial games. His turnovers were pretty awful as well.

I will be FLOORED if AK comes back. I do not see Poile forgiving the antics that went on in Arizona.

I will even be surprised if Rads is back. I think he will be given an offer, I just think that a big part of him doesn't want to be here. Just a hunch.
- nikoli1206

I was suprised Tootoo wasn't traded over the summer for antics last year. Hopefully Toots can extend his career like Scotty Nichol.

I'm glad Radulov came back. I hope Poile is able to re-sign him, but even if he doesn't come back (Slava Malamud predicts he's played his last NHL game) then at least we've put the whole bailing on his contract mess behind us and can move forward as an organization.

*Suter won't be back. I would be thoroughly shocked if he re-signs. I'm going to hate him regardless of where he ends up simply because I feel like he lied to the fans and this organization, but if he ends up as a Red Wing I will hate him like no other.

*I'd love to see Gaustad and Gill back next season, but I think Gaustad goes back to Buffalo. As for Gill, he's already past the age where Preds Mgmt tends to re-sign players to the roster, but we'll see. He definitely made the defense better.

*Weber - Keep trying to re-sign him. If he doesn't put pen to paper by the trade deadline then ship him out. No more of this holding on to our UFA dmen in hopes of advancing in the playoffs. It didn't work with Hamhuis, it didn't work with Suter, it probably won't work with Weber. If he doesn't sign then give the team some building blocks for the future.

*Tootoo - I'd be surprised if he's back

*AK - Same here

*SK - I think they'll sign him for one more season. He's been productive during the regular season. If they can ever get him to shoot more consistently he could be quite a player for us.

*Wilson - I think that allowing him to play the last three games and putting him on the top line in the last game may have done some real good towards getting him to re-sign without making it difficult for Poile.

I wonder how many guys we let go, how many rookies we bring in, and whether or not Poile will continue to build towards a championship or try to revert back to the rebuild he attempted last summer.

D
- Predaceous

great thoughts. i was against rads coming back, but i agree w/ you ... at least thats over. no way he plays here again although poile has to kick those tires i guess. on point w/ suter plus the fact he wasnt near elite in the playoffs. love to have goose, but not so sure on gill. a gill type at the deadline may be better than burying a blum,etc for the season.... the cube is in limbo too and i doubt we see him but we probably dont want 3 new dmen. im not against ak46. that sounds strange to me coming from my own mouth. im w/ you though and doubt it. we need size, size and then some size up front. it kills us every year in the playoffs. goose was a help and ak46 is hard to knock off the puck but we need to be able to hit people. lastly i will say this. while smith was outstanding, imo, the bigger difference was the yotes skaters top notch team defense. they were much better positioned, more aggressive and intense than us for much of the series. we matched that last night fairly well just couldnt score. much more attack oriented than we are. they were the difference in the series to me.

If for no other reason than physical size and toughness, I think the LA forwards will prove too much for the Coyotes defense. Nashville still lacks that.
- Section106

that is much more of an issue, imo, than scoring has ever been.

Poile and Trotz, outwardly display a cool and collected manner when working with the players. As a business owner, I try to keep level-headed when working with and for my employees.

However, I sometimes feel my lack of fervor and demonstative gymnastics result in employess who feel they can skate by with no recourse.

We did see Preds management sit 46 & 47 for curfew, a no brainer. We did see 33 scratched for ? Should we have seen 12,74,11,20, and others scratched...?

Preds had too many "passengers" taking up space on the roster and BT and DP couldn't light a fire under the leaders who didn't pack their own "want to" in the playoffs!

Poile and Trotz, outwardly display a cool and collected manner when working with the players. As a business owner, I try to keep level-headed when working with and for my employees.

However, I sometimes feel my lack of fervor and demonstative gymnastics result in employess who feel they can skate by with no recourse.

We did see Preds management sit 46 & 47 for curfew, a no brainer. We did see 33 scratched for ? Should we have seen 12,74,11,20, and others scratched...?

Preds had too many "passengers" taking up space on the roster and BT and DP couldn't light a fire under the leaders who didn't pack their own "want to" in the playoffs!
- Fangor

Unfortunately...some of those passengers are going to be riding the trian for years to come...

A disappointing end to an otherwise good season. I can't say I know how to improve the Preds I was hoping/betting that with that roster they would go to at least the WCF, but to go out sooner than they did against the nucks, you have to be kidding me.

Key questions to be asked in the off season.

7. How much longer will the ownership accept this team not meeting expectations before they make some changes? Second time trotz was given great players to work with and the second time he has failed. Yes, players are the ones who plays, but I THINK, Trotz FAILS in adapting to what the other team is doing. Trotz continuously does the same thing every game. I'm not saying FIRING Trotz is the answer, he does well, but I question whether he can coach a team in the post season. I say stick with him for now.

8. POWER PLAY - Jesus, no one has even mentioned this, once again how many series do we have to loose before this gets corrected. NSH first power play in the league for the regular season. Playoffs 12th. Look at the Nucks, 1 then 2nd in the league, playoff power play fails they go out early. NSH bad power play early exit. THIS IS THE SINGLE REASON WE FAILED in the POST SEASON AGAIN. NOT RADS.....

Thank you for indulging my rant.....
- PREDX1

You are not going to fire a coach who took you to the 2nd round for 2 consectitive years for the 1st time in franchise history. This team is 13 years old, it takes time to build depth. It was important for BT to coach 1000 games and win 500 games, it brings stability for the organization that needed it the most. I think BT will coach 2 more years then move on to greener pastures. BT window is closing but if he leaves it will be on his terms!

Shutting down a PP in the playoffs is a 100 times easier than the regular season. You are playing the same time for a series and can prepare more and adjust if need be. If you face an opponet once or twice you will not spend a lot of time on the opposing team PP.

What a disaster.

Nashville appeared to be well built with the depth of a Vezina candidate, an elite D-core, 4 nicely balanced lines, grit, character, heart leadership, some experience, along with a solid coach and poised for a deep run.

We all know that Radulov and Kostitsyn violated team policy and suspending those two players for a single game was more than enough to get the message across. That message was driven home even further with the Preds winning that game 2-0; Basically saying "we can win without you two if we have to!" However, suspending them for a second game was not only an unnecessary risk and more or less pointless, but it was a CRITICAL ERROR and EXTREMELY POOR judgement by Trotz (and Poile if he had a say).

In short, Trotz/Poile overextended "team policy" and made the mistake of placing it before what's most important, WINNING! If the Preds win, everything is washed under the bridge and soon forgotten. If the Preds lose, EVERYONE LOSES and this little incident has now become a stain on this franchise who were among the early favorites to go the distance. I wouldn't be surprsied in the least if Radulov and Kostitsyn shrugged this off, but it's the rest of the team that I feel bad for... This was their playoffs as much as it was the fans' playoffs too!

Furthermore, whether or not this mismanaged playoff run will have any impact on resigning Weber and Suter has yet to be seen and we may never know, but I'd be willing to bet that this collapse hasn't helped matters either.

Lastly, Radulov. I'd be shocked if Radulov ever played another game as a Pred. I think this whole circus has all but sealed his fate in that A: He'll return to the KHL or B: Knowing his character, it won't be long before he publically demands a trade, ultimately decreasing his trade value as one last slap in the face to Nashville's organization.

All I can say is that if Weber, Suter, Radulov and key depth players like Gaustad and both Kostitsyn's (SK is RFA) don't return next season, as much as I hate to say it, I think Nashville returns to the middle of the pack. Trading away their 2012 1st rounder now hurts even more as well.

What a mess.
- As_I_See_It

1st- they werent suspended for a 2nd game and trotz was clear on that point. he choose, and imo rightfully so, to stick w/ the lineup that had just played preds hockey and won what turned out to be our only game. im good w/ that. 2nd- imo rads was never returning anyway. he was here to burn that remaining year on his contract and thats why i was adamatly against his return in late march. im sure poile will do his due dilligence, but weve seen the last of him. you are right about 1 thing though.... that decision will be talked about for a while. i also believe based on suters choice of words, etc in the media he has near zero chance of returning so it will be quite an overhaul, but dont be surprised if we are right back in this spot again next year. we, and trotz, always seem to be our best when we are written off rather than favored.