Paul McCann: Improvement Noted, But Not Enough

Paul McCann: Improvement Noted, But Not Enough
- pmccann

In w/ the new CJ, out w/ the old.

Congrats on the new addition to the family, Paul! I also agree that it sucks for Weber that he won't even get a sniff at the Norris. That award system is broken.

I continue to be impressed with the youngsters. The Borque-Smith-Jarnkrok line is super fun to watch. Jarnkrok, at 22, shows a lot of the same skills as Forsberg, just with some maturity and ability to read the play that comes with age. And that deke on the shootout goal was NASTY. I find it amusing that many of the Detroit fans after the Legwand trade were saying Jarnkrok was a mediocre player, headed back to Sweden, etc. He has 3 points in 3 NHL games. Two of those against solid, playoff contenders with plenty to play for.

I also liked Sissons' game last night for the most part. Pekka still has some rust on his game. Oy!!!

If Trotz would open up these last few games, put the youngsters on the ice together (not with Clune), and I think fans would start to have some hope that there is offensive talent in the pipeline. The Preds still need at least one big-name proven offensive weapon (Vanek, Stastny, Gaborik, etc.).

One more quick note about Mike Fisher. As a veteran, on a non-playoff team, he could be mailing it in. And sure, he's not a top-line, 60-point guy. But that dude has heart, and shows it every night on the ice. Players like him, Hornqvist, Weber, and others...that's why fans keep coming even in the midst of a terrible season. Come on Poile & Preds Management - do something to give the fans some hope & reward these hard-working vets that deserve a team built for a long playoff run!

Congrats on the new addition to the family, Paul! I also agree that it sucks for Weber that he won't even get a sniff at the Norris. That award system is broken.

I continue to be impressed with the youngsters. The Borque-Smith-Jarnkrok line is super fun to watch. Jarnkrok, at 22, shows a lot of the same skills as Forsberg, just with some maturity and ability to read the play that comes with age. And that deke on the shootout goal was NASTY. I find it amusing that many of the Detroit fans after the Legwand trade were saying Jarnkrok was a mediocre player, headed back to Sweden, etc. He has 3 points in 3 NHL games. Two of those against solid, playoff contenders with plenty to play for.

I also liked Sissons' game last night for the most part. Pekka still has some rust on his game. Oy!!!

If Trotz would open up these last few games, put the youngsters on the ice together (not with Clune), and I think fans would start to have some hope that there is offensive talent in the pipeline. The Preds still need at least one big-name proven offensive weapon (Vanek, Stastny, Gaborik, etc.).

One more quick note about Mike Fisher. As a veteran, on a non-playoff team, he could be mailing it in. And sure, he's not a top-line, 60-point guy. But that dude has heart, and shows it every night on the ice. Players like him, Hornqvist, Weber, and others...that's why fans keep coming even in the midst of a terrible season. Come on Poile & Preds Management - do something to give the fans some hope & reward these hard-working vets that deserve a team built for a long playoff run!
- holycow_75

Mike Fisher is a true professional .

The Preds will be very good very soon , maybe even as early as next year. The Preds arent a whole lot of fun to watch but I suspect they get back to winning very soon. It would have been nice for you guys to have Pekka all season.

Cheers

It's sad to say, but as long as both Poile & Trotz are still with the organization, very little will change for the better, I believe. As I've said before and several Preds fans agree, a change is needed/has been needed for a while now. The Preds have so much talent, that are being swallowed up by a grind it out system that does not showcase what some of the players could do.

Makes me feel bad for some of the youngsters coming up, being told they have to grind games out, while the offensive production lacks, and in the end just have to accept it that it is how it will be night in and out.

Again, not to take anything away from a class act coach like Trotz, he deserves all the praise in the world for his service, loyalty, and hard work he has put in over the years here in Nashville, but a fresh start, a fresh system, just a clean breath of fresh air, different than what has grown the custom of this team for years, could do wonders for the organization and the immense talent it has.

It's sad to say, but as long as both Poile & Trotz are still with the organization, very little will change for the better, I believe. As I've said before and several Preds fans agree, a change is needed/has been needed for a while now. The Preds have so much talent, that are being swallowed up by a grind it out system that does not showcase what some of the players could do.

Makes me feel bad for some of the youngsters coming up, being told they have to grind games out, while the offensive production lacks, and in the end just have to accept it that it is how it will be night in and out.

Again, not to take anything away from a class act coach like Trotz, he deserves all the praise in the world for his service, loyalty, and hard work he has put in over the year here in Nashville, but a fresh start, a fresh system, just a clean breath of fresh air, different than what has grown the custom of this team for years, could do wonders for the organization and the immense talent it has.
- Hockeytown4life

Amen to that !!

I have to agree with hockey town's comment. We have traded off too much talent that is being successful in other systems because Trotz is stuck in his grind it out system. Until Trotz decides to spend his Summer attending coaching classes young scoring talent will be wasted playing defensive first hockey.

It's sad to say, but as long as both Poile & Trotz are still with the organization, very little will change for the better, I believe. As I've said before and several Preds fans agree, a change is needed/has been needed for a while now. The Preds have so much talent, that are being swallowed up by a grind it out system that does not showcase what some of the players could do.

Makes me feel bad for some of the youngsters coming up, being told they have to grind games out, while the offensive production lacks, and in the end just have to accept it that it is how it will be night in and out.

Again, not to take anything away from a class act coach like Trotz, he deserves all the praise in the world for his service, loyalty, and hard work he has put in over the year here in Nashville, but a fresh start, a fresh system, just a clean breath of fresh air, different than what has grown the custom of this team for years, could do wonders for the organization and the immense talent it has.
- Hockeytown4life

Well stated. He was THE perfect coach to start up a franchise and I will always think that. We need to move forward.

I find it amusing that many of the Detroit fans after the Legwand trade were saying Jarnkrok was a mediocre player, headed back to Sweden, etc.
- holycow_75

A lot of fans were disappointed to learn Jarnkrok was being shipped out. We had high hopes for that young man. I think part of the reason so many people changed their tune on their way out was to soften the blow. If you could convince yourself the Iron Hook had no future with the Wings, it was an easier pill to swallow. I'm happy for him though. He's going to get more opportunity in Nashville than Detroit, sadly. Looking at all of the prospects and youth in your system, you Predators appear to have a bright future ahead.

This won’t be a popular thing to say, but this season may have been head coach Barry Trotz’s best coaching job in his 15 years behind the bench in Nashville.
- pmccann

I disagree with this so much. To me his best coaching job was the year of the fire sale. That team had no business being in the playoffs, but they made it. After the tumultuous off-season the team had it was almost inconceivable that they would make the playoffs with a diminished roster and the threat of relocation not completely gone yet.

As for this season, it was the season that made me get on the bandwagon along with the increasing crowd of fans ready for a new coach. Just to give you some examples:

* Benching Del Zotto and having no credible explanation for it. There was no visible reason on the ice. And when you come out and say he's not veteran enough to not have to compete for a spot while he's your second most veteran defenseman it's just silly.

* Saying Forsberg didn't play well in the one game you saw in Milwaukee just as the kid is being called up really instills confidence in the young guy.

* Putting Clune in the lineup over more talented players because he plays the style you want, even if he's no good at it.

* He asked for the players Poile acquired in the offseason and proceeded to do nothing with them.

* Putting Stalberg on the 4th line all season while allowing Bourque to play on the 2nd line all season. Stalberg and Bourque had very similar numbers despite the disparity in talent surrounding them. They should have been switched long ago.

* I watched a practice where they were working on the 2 on 1 drill. In every single situation the guy carrying the puck also shot the puck. Not once did they attempt a pass around the defender and a one-timer into the net. Guess what they do during games? That's right, the exact same thing. And it fails every time.

* Allowing Jones to play through his mistakes, and never benching him, but not giving that same lattitude to other young players.

* Having this team play not to lose instead of playing to win if they have a lead in the 3rd.

* Emphasizing dump and chase instead of puck possession.

* His inability to develop the younger talent when the Preds are clearly getting younger.

These are just some of the items where I have issues with Trotz and the coaching job he's done. I'm ready for someone else to come in before he has a chance to ruin the creativity of Jarnkrok and Forsberg. Maybe someone else will unleash Stalberg as well. Who knows what we might have as far as offensive talent if we can just get them away from Trotz's system.

Paul McCann: Improvement Noted, But Not Enough
- pmccann

It seems to me like every season someone is saying this is the best job BT has done and each year it becomes more and more ludicrous

It seems to me like every season someone is saying this is the best job BT has done and each year it becomes more and more ludicrous
- wareaglePREDS

I'm to the point now where I feel that anything that goes right for the Preds is in spite of Trotz, not because of him. He has severely mismanaged his assets this season IMO.

I disagree with this so much. To me his best coaching job was the year of the fire sale. That team had no business being in the playoffs, but they made it. After the tumultuous off-season the team had it was almost inconceivable that they would make the playoffs with a diminished roster and the threat of relocation not completely gone yet.

As for this season, it was the season that made me get on the bandwagon along with the increasing crowd of fans ready for a new coach. Just to give you some examples:

* Benching Del Zotto and having no credible explanation for it. There was no visible reason on the ice. And when you come out and say he's not veteran enough to not have to compete for a spot while he's your second most veteran defenseman is just silly.

* Saying Forsberg didn't play well in the one game you saw in Milwaukee just as the kid is being called up really instills confidence in the young guy.

* Putting Clune in the lineup over more talented players because he plays the style you want, even if he's no good at it.

* He asked for the players Poile acquired in the offseason and proceeded to do nothing with them.

* Putting Stalberg on the 4th line all season while allowing Bourque to play on the 2nd line all season. Stalberg and Bourque had very similar numbers despite the disparity in talent surrounding them. They should have been switched long ago.

* I watched a practice where they were working on the 2 on 1 drill. In every single situation the guy carrying the puck also shot the puck. Not once did they attempt a pass around the defender and a one-timer into the net. Guess what they do during games? That's right, the exact same thing. And it fails every time.

* Allowing Jones to play through his mistakes, and never benching him, but not giving that same lattitude to other young players.

* Having this team play not to lose instead of playing to win if they have a lead in the 3rd.

* Emphasizing dump and chase instead of puck possession.

* His inability to develop the younger talent when the Preds are clearly getting younger.

These are just some of the items where I have issues with Trotz and the coaching job he's done. I'm ready for someone else to come in before he has a chance to ruin the creativity of Jarnkrok and Forsberg. Maybe someone else will unleash Stalberg as well. Who knows what we might have as far as offensive talent if we can just get them away from Trotz's system.
- Predaceous

You Ma'am are my new hero(ine)

You Ma'am are my new hero(ine)
- predswilrule

I'm just frustrated. Trotz's system was tolerable in the past for one reason and one reason only; we were winning. When the team starts losing the system is unbearable and boring.

Watching the Preds the last two seasons has almost killed my joy of hockey. I don't even know if I'll watch the playoffs this year because I have so much fan fatigue.

I also have seen enough of Trotz. I think Poile can stay. I don't know who is out there as a fitting replacement. Something tells me Poile will bring in some no name guy. I was thrilled about Housley coming in. That hire has paid dividends. Lambert has done a good job with the power play. We need a coach who can help the team win at both ends of the ice during five on five play. What if Peterson could come back to coach the defenseman. Housley could be promoted to head coach, eh?

Paul McCann: Improvement Noted, But Not Enough
- pmccann

15-17-5 Home record. 36 games this year the Preds have scored 2 goals or less! 26 games 1 or less. the Preds need O!!!

I disagree with this so much. To me his best coaching job was the year of the fire sale. That team had no business being in the playoffs, but they made it. After the tumultuous off-season the team had it was almost inconceivable that they would make the playoffs with a diminished roster and the threat of relocation not completely gone yet.

As for this season, it was the season that made me get on the bandwagon along with the increasing crowd of fans ready for a new coach. Just to give you some examples:

* Benching Del Zotto and having no credible explanation for it. There was no visible reason on the ice. And when you come out and say he's not veteran enough to not have to compete for a spot while he's your second most veteran defenseman it's just silly.

* Saying Forsberg didn't play well in the one game you saw in Milwaukee just as the kid is being called up really instills confidence in the young guy.

* Putting Clune in the lineup over more talented players because he plays the style you want, even if he's no good at it.

* He asked for the players Poile acquired in the offseason and proceeded to do nothing with them.

* Putting Stalberg on the 4th line all season while allowing Bourque to play on the 2nd line all season. Stalberg and Bourque had very similar numbers despite the disparity in talent surrounding them. They should have been switched long ago.

* I watched a practice where they were working on the 2 on 1 drill. In every single situation the guy carrying the puck also shot the puck. Not once did they attempt a pass around the defender and a one-timer into the net. Guess what they do during games? That's right, the exact same thing. And it fails every time.

* Allowing Jones to play through his mistakes, and never benching him, but not giving that same lattitude to other young players.

* Having this team play not to lose instead of playing to win if they have a lead in the 3rd.

* Emphasizing dump and chase instead of puck possession.

* His inability to develop the younger talent when the Preds are clearly getting younger.

These are just some of the items where I have issues with Trotz and the coaching job he's done. I'm ready for someone else to come in before he has a chance to ruin the creativity of Jarnkrok and Forsberg. Maybe someone else will unleash Stalberg as well. Who knows what we might have as far as offensive talent if we can just get them away from Trotz's system.
- Predaceous

Gripping the stick a little tight sista!

I also have seen enough of Trotz. I think Poile can stay. I don't know who is out there as a fitting replacement. Something tells me Poile will bring in some no name guy. I was thrilled about Housley coming in. That hire has paid dividends. Lambert has done a good job with the power play. We need a coach who can help the team win at both ends of the ice during five on five play. What if Peterson could come back to coach the defenseman. Housley could be promoted to head coach, eh?
- TerryB

I think Housley was brought in to replace Trotz if things didn't work out this season. They haven't. I wouldn't be surprised to see Housley as the bench boss next season with a whole new staff.

Gripping the stick a little tight sista!
- slash&smash

Yup! Ever since the lockout going to the arena has felt more like a chore than entertainment.

Yup! Ever since the lockout going to the arena has felt more like a chore than entertainment.
- Predaceous

Amen to that.

"Ughhh another game today?! Against who?? At least we can see player X from team X"

Yup! Ever since the lockout going to the arena has felt more like a chore than entertainment.
- Predaceous

That is exactly how I felt with after 2 years of season tickets for the Preds not too long ago, just didn't feel like it was worth it anymore and dropped them. It has worked since, been able to put the money towards other priorities, damn those bills that have to be paid, ha.

Going to the game tonight (of course), sitting in the first row up against the glass for the first time. Right next to the Sabres bench (well, next to the aisle next to the bench).

Yup! Ever since the lockout going to the arena has felt more like a chore than entertainment.
- Predaceous

It has gotten tough. All I can do is think of how behind I am elsewhere and how I could better spend my time. Not a good feeling.

Not winning, knowing we're outclassed far too often and now realizing the additional need for upcoming Spring chores makes it seem worse. Also, compressed seasons (two in a row now) add to that malaise.

Going to the game tonight (of course), sitting in the first row up against the glass for the first time. Right next to the Sabres bench (well, next to the aisle next to the bench).
- jochfr

Curious as to what kind of game we'll see. I mostly enjoyed Tuesday's game vs the Avs. At least it was entertaining. Hopefully these two teams will make it worth our trip down tonight. No offense to your Sabres but Preds really need to win one at home.

Yup! Ever since the lockout going to the arena has felt more like a chore than entertainment.
- Predaceous

I have bought 6 or 10 game packs several times over the past few years. And I would typically attend another 4-5 games per year on top of that. It's a big commitment for me, considering I buy 5 seats to each game.

But this year has almost ruined hockey for my kids. We have been to 7 games as a family. The Preds are 1-6 in those games, and were outscored 9-28. And two of those games, the Preds were shut out. Ridiculous.

The only highlight of the year for my family was the kids getting to see Seth Jones score his first career goal against the Islanders way back in October! I suspected it would be a long year...but I had no idea how miserable it would be.