Paul McCann: An (almost) Perfect Homestand

Paul McCann: An (almost) Perfect Homestand
- pmccann

Not sure we have really addressed the scoring situation this past offseason particularly with the loss of Erat. I do like the depth however. Nice to know that if we get down a couple players we have some others to step in. Defence looked strong last night. Looks like a lot of 2 - 1 games this season ???

Not sure we have really addressed the scoring situation this past offseason particularly with the loss of Erat. I do like the depth however. Nice to know that if we get down a couple players we have some others to step in. Defence looked strong last night. Looks like a lot of 2 - 1 games this season ???
- wrister

I'm pretty sure we haven't addressed it at all. This team will have a hard time scoring again, but hey, they'll beat the snot out of the opposition.

I'm pretty sure we haven't addressed it at all. This team will have a hard time scoring again, but hey, they'll beat the snot out of the opposition.
- Predaceous

I love that kind of Hockey. It'll be nice though when the Pred's do have a real threat up front.

Still cant believe you guys let Halischuk walk.

It's been so drilled into the heads of the Preds ( ) that they can't score that I think they believe it. They need to be hypnotized into thinking they can score before a game. Yeah, I think that'll work!

Still cant believe you guys let Halischuk walk.
- poisondhearts37

Neither can I, but once Trotz gets it in his head that he either likes or dislikes a player it seems their roles or removal are set in stone.

I had heard, and subsequently dismissed, a rumor that Trotz didn't like Geoffrion. It wasn't long after that that we traded him to Montreal. I still don't know if the rumor is true, but the timing was pretty coincidental.

Neither can I, but once Trotz gets it in his head that he either likes or dislikes a player it seems their roles or removal are set in stone.

I had heard, and subsequently dismissed, a rumor that Trotz didn't like Geoffrion. It wasn't long after that that we traded him to Montreal. I still don't know if the rumor is true, but the timing was pretty coincidental.
- Predaceous

Trotz is a great coach. If he feels he cant get them to play as good as he thinks, Ill take his word for it. I love watching the Preds. Whats the word on Jones? I havent seen much about him? Think he will make the team? I know the Preds like to develop theyre talent. But some talents are just to good to go back.

Neither can I, but once Trotz gets it in his head that he either likes or dislikes a player it seems their roles or removal are set in stone.

I had heard, and subsequently dismissed, a rumor that Trotz didn't like Geoffrion. It wasn't long after that that we traded him to Montreal. I still don't know if the rumor is true, but the timing was pretty coincidental.
- Predaceous

Heard the same. But I don't think it was Blake ............

Neither can I, but once Trotz gets it in his head that he either likes or dislikes a player it seems their roles or removal are set in stone.

I had heard, and subsequently dismissed, a rumor that Trotz didn't like Geoffrion. It wasn't long after that that we traded him to Montreal. I still don't know if the rumor is true, but the timing was pretty coincidental.
- Predaceous

Smith will be the odd man out in 13/14...

Still cant believe you guys let Halischuk walk.
- poisondhearts37

Me neither. Bad move.

Not sure we have really addressed the scoring situation this past offseason particularly with the loss of Erat. I do like the depth however. Nice to know that if we get down a couple players we have some others to step in. Defence looked strong last night. Looks like a lot of 2 - 1 games this season ???
- wrister[/

So hard to know what to make of this team. Cautiously optimistic Beck, Smith, Forsberg, Wilson, Ellis, Jones continue their evolution. No idea what Stallberg brings offensively. Rinne gives you a chance most nights and you know what you are getting from Legwand, Fisher, Hornqvist and likely Cullen. No reason this team does not challenge for playoffs and maybe more.

So hard to know what to make of this team. Cautiously optimistic Beck, Smith, Forsberg, Wilson, Ellis, Jones continue their evolution. No idea what Stallberg brings offensively. Rinne gives you a chance most nights and you know what you are getting from Legwand, Fisher, Hornqvist and likely Cullen. No reason this team does not challenge for playoffs and maybe more.
- predsfan97

I am just not sure what you mean by "maybe more". This team is a borderline playoff team...and most would bet against them at this point. The Preds should be absolutely thrilled if they make the playoffs this year...to think they do anymore than that is a bit crazy.

You say there is no reason that they don't challenge for the playoffs...here are 8: Blackhawks, Wild, Blues, Ducks, Canucks, Sharks, Kings, and Coyotes. All of these teams are likely better than the Preds are this year. Edmonton will only be better and has owned this team in recent history.

There are plenty of reasons they don't challenge for a spot...the biggest one is that they have one of the weakest offenses in the NHL.

I'm pretty sure we haven't addressed it at all. This team will have a hard time scoring again, but hey, they'll beat the snot out of the opposition.
- Predaceous

Trotz and Poile will not tolerate any hockey player that cannot/will not play good defense. Unfortunately, the world of hockey isn't saturated with snipers that do that. Maybe some but not a huge inventory. So we'll always be scoring by committee. We just need the damn committee to score.

I am just not sure what you mean by "maybe more". This team is a borderline playoff team...and most would bet against them at this point. The Preds should be absolutely thrilled if they make the playoffs this year...to think they do anymore than that is a bit crazy.

You say there is no reason that they don't challenge for the playoffs...here are 8: Blackhawks, Wild, Blues, Ducks, Canucks, Sharks, Kings, and Coyotes. All of these teams are likely better than the Preds are this year. Edmonton will only be better and has owned this team in recent history.

There are plenty of reasons they don't challenge for a spot...the biggest one is that they have one of the weakest offenses in the NHL.
- nikoli1206

So hard to take you seriously as a Preds fan with that punk Draper on your Avatar. Time for you to update that or go back to the Red side. So sweet the Preds beat the Red Wangs on their probable last playoff match up.

Think the Preds are better than the Wild and are good enough for third seed in the new central. Even you must agree last year was a perfect storm of poor play and injuries and it netted them the best defensive prospect in hockey. Some puck luck and Rinne may get them back to the final eight.

So hard to take you seriously as a Preds fan with that punk Draper on your Avatar. Time for you to update that or go back to the Red side. So sweet the Preds beat the Red Wangs on their probable last playoff match up.

Think the Preds are better than the Wild and are good enough for third seed in the new central. Even you must agree last year was a perfect storm of poor play and injuries and it netted them the best defensive prospect in hockey. Some puck luck and Rinne may get them back to the final eight.
- predsfan97

It is hard to take you seriously when you talk about a bottom feeder team as a playoff team the next year without adding any big pieces to the puzzle.

Draper was a consummate professional that did whatever he was asked from his team. The Wings have had plenty of "punks" on their roster...of which Kris was never one. I put him on as my avatar when he retired as he was one of my favorite players in the NHL and had nothing to do with being on the "Red side". So you taking me as a Wings fan is misguided.

As far as the "perfect storm" goes, yes injuries certainly hurt the team last year. However, this team placed 4th worst in the NHL...not just outside of the playoffs. They stunk and haven't made major improvements to their roster.

Have they gotten better...maybe. But this team will rely heavily on players like Wilson, Forsberg, and Jones to take HUGE strides to be a playoff team. If the young guns fail to step up (again), this team will easily be bottom 10 in the league...and maybe worse.

It is hard to take you seriously when you talk about a bottom feeder team as a playoff team the next year without adding any big pieces to the puzzle.

Draper was a consummate professional that did whatever he was asked from his team. The Wings have had plenty of "punks" on their roster...of which Kris was never one. I put him on as my avatar when he retired as he was one of my favorite players in the NHL and had nothing to do with being on the "Red side". So you taking me as a Wings fan is misguided.

As far as the "perfect storm" goes, yes injuries certainly hurt the team last year. However, this team placed 4th worst in the NHL...not just outside of the playoffs. They stunk and haven't made major improvements to their roster.

Have they gotten better...maybe. But this team will rely heavily on players like Wilson, Forsberg, and Jones to take HUGE strides to be a playoff team. If the young guns fail to step up (again), this team will easily be bottom 10 in the league...and maybe worse.
- nikoli1206

Grabovski - 3 helpers! $3 Mill = the preds need a poop load of help!

It is hard to take you seriously when you talk about a bottom feeder team as a playoff team the next year without adding any big pieces to the puzzle.

Draper was a consummate professional that did whatever he was asked from his team. The Wings have had plenty of "punks" on their roster...of which Kris was never one. I put him on as my avatar when he retired as he was one of my favorite players in the NHL and had nothing to do with being on the "Red side". So you taking me as a Wings fan is misguided.

As far as the "perfect storm" goes, yes injuries certainly hurt the team last year. However, this team placed 4th worst in the NHL...not just outside of the playoffs. They stunk and haven't made major improvements to their roster.

Have they gotten better...maybe. But this team will rely heavily on players like Wilson, Forsberg, and Jones to take HUGE strides to be a playoff team. If the young guns fail to step up (again), this team will easily be bottom 10 in the league...and maybe worse.
- nikoli1206

I think you underestimate Trotz's ability to build a good team. I also think you underestimate how severe the number and timing of our injuries last year. We didn't get two Sidneys and an Ovi but we got 4 good signings and some young guys that are going to play well, as well and some good players that are healthy now. "Have they gotten better...maybe." Have they gotten better? An absolute certainty. Without debate. I won't say the oft used, "You must not watch hockey" because of course you do but I will say that calling this team a bottom feeder is silly, at best.

I think you underestimate Trotz's ability to build a good team. I also think you underestimate how severe the number and timing of our injuries last year. We didn't get two Sidneys and an Ovi but we got 4 good signings and some young guys that are going to play well, as well and some good players that are healthy now. "Have they gotten better...maybe." Have they gotten better? An absolute certainty. Without debate. I won't say the oft used, "You must not watch hockey" because of course you do but I will say that calling this team a bottom feeder is silly, at best.
- R4Z0R

I called last year's team a bottom feeder.

The Preds certainly got deeper...but look at what we signed. Nystrom and Hendricks are 3rd/4th liners would will add grit...but probably not much scoring (Hendricks will chip in a little I am guessing). Stalberg may play on the 2nd line, but is massively unproven without having a Toews, Hossa, or Kane on his line. The Preds can't even come close to matching what he had for line mates. He will have a ton to prove with us before I am sold that he will be a scoring winger. Finally, the Preds added a 36 year old Matt Cullen that plays center...a position the Preds have SEVEN other players on their roster capable of playing. I like Cullen, but where does he start? Ahead of Leggy and Fisher? I like Cullen, but I don't understand where he fits.

I am not ready to call this team as bad as they were last year. Injuries...especially to Pekka...made them fade big time in the stretch. But I am definitely not ready to call them playoff contenders. I think they are still a year or two away...that is if some of the young guys develop as I think they will.

The problem is arguably our 2 best scorers (Wilson and Horny) are fragile and injury prone. Horny got hurt again last night vs. the Caps.

I called last year's team a bottom feeder.

The Preds certainly got deeper...but look at what we signed. Nystrom and Hendricks are 3rd/4th liners would will add grit...but probably not much scoring (Hendricks will chip in a little I am guessing). Stalberg may play on the 2nd line, but is massively unproven without having a Toews, Hossa, or Kane on his line. The Preds can't even come close to matching what he had for line mates. He will have a ton to prove with us before I am sold that he will be a scoring winger. Finally, the Preds added a 36 year old Matt Cullen that plays center...a position the Preds have SEVEN other players on their roster capable of playing. I like Cullen, but where does he start? Ahead of Leggy and Fisher? I like Cullen, but I don't understand where he fits.

I am not ready to call this team as bad as they were last year. Injuries...especially to Pekka...made them fade big time in the stretch. But I am definitely not ready to call them playoff contenders. I think they are still a year or two away...that is if some of the young guys develop as I think they will.
- nikoli1206

CHI
STL
MIN-NAS-DAL
COL
WIN

The fight will be MIN-NAS-DAL, with NAS-DAL being the real question. Best case we end up in 8th seed and 1 and done.

We are what we are.....a good* goalie with no backup, solid but some young D with the O made up of low 2nd, 3rd and 4th line guys.

*Rinne was great, but with injury this year he's good....for now.

Heard the same. But I don't think it was Blake ............
- wrister

Blake was the only Geoffrion on the team at the time. Incidentally, I've heard that Sebastian is better than Blake from people who've played with both. I'm not sure why Sebastian got dropped, but I was sad to see him go.

I called last year's team a bottom feeder.

The Preds certainly got deeper...but look at what we signed. Nystrom and Hendricks are 3rd/4th liners would will add grit...but probably not much scoring (Hendricks will chip in a little I am guessing). Stalberg may play on the 2nd line, but is massively unproven without having a Toews, Hossa, or Kane on his line. The Preds can't even come close to matching what he had for line mates. He will have a ton to prove with us before I am sold that he will be a scoring winger. Finally, the Preds added a 36 year old Matt Cullen that plays center...a position the Preds have SEVEN other players on their roster capable of playing. I like Cullen, but where does he start? Ahead of Leggy and Fisher? I like Cullen, but I don't understand where he fits.

I am not ready to call this team as bad as they were last year. Injuries...especially to Pekka...made them fade big time in the stretch. But I am definitely not ready to call them playoff contenders. I think they are still a year or two away...that is if some of the young guys develop as I think they will.
- nikoli1206

Having the Draper face on this site is just so wrong on so many levels....

The problem is arguably our 2 best scorers (Wilson and Horny) are fragile and injury prone. Horny got hurt again last night vs. the Caps.
- wareaglePREDS

Wilson is quickly becoming a nothing player to me. He looked like garbage the other night and is just too inconsistent. He needs to earn his second line minutes IMO.

Wilson is quickly becoming a nothing player to me. He looked like garbage the other night and is just too inconsistent. He needs to earn his second line minutes IMO.
- nikoli1206

Man you got to come back to reality. Outside of Wilson, whose there to be a top guy?

Friggin Leggy?
Smith? Hell be gone before season is over

Our real hopes for top line guys are Horny, Willy, Borq and Stal.