Paul McCann: Game Night - When is a "slump" not a slump?

I kinda hope these Rick Nash rumors go away, unless we're getting Rich Nash from 2011

I expect this team to slump from time to time. They are young. They only have 2 skaters over 30 on their roster. This is where I think Mike Fisher comes into play in a huge way. I think Josi has been a fine captain, and will continue to be. But I think it helps the young guys to have a veteran like Fisher to look up to, even if he's not wearing a letter on his sweater.

I could see the benefit immediately when they announced Fisher. Bring him in, and those young guys see how he brings it every night & every shift. It should inspire a new level of competitive consistency from those guys. Fisher won't make that team that beat down the Kings and Rangers 10-2 combined much better. When they are at 100% effort, they are very hard to beat. But he will help the team that barely showed up against Montreal the other night, or the one that decided to coast through the second period against St. Louis on Monday. That's where he will pay dividends.

And since the announcement, I have noticed the game of both Watson & Sissons uptick considerably. That would be a pretty nasty fourth line: Watson-Fisher-Sissons. Probably the best in the NHL, and scariest for any coach to match up with that deep in his lineup. Can't just chuck your 3rd D-pair out there against those guys without really thinking it through.

That they have the resolve to win games when they only play one good period is fine for now. And a testament that this team is maturing (even without Fisher in the room). But more veteran presence for the cup run could pay dividends well beyond the score sheet. Let's just hope Poile doesn't try to play mad scientist at the last minute. This roster as it stands, plus Fisher, is more than capable of winning the cup.

Rittich will be in net for the Flames. He has played fantastic when called upon. He was not really lit up by the Bruins so much as the rest of the team left him on his own.
You watch - he will be a factor in this game.

Preds are my second favorite team - so for this game - Go Flames Go!

I kinda hope these Rick Nash rumors go away, unless we're getting Rich Nash from 2011
- benderboots

You guys need Troy Brouwer...

I kinda hope these Rick Nash rumors go away, unless we're getting Rich Nash from 2011
- benderboots

Amen. Columbus Rick Nash yes. New York Nash..no.
Only offensive player I would go after is John Tavares. I know you are all laughing at this. As a rental player for the rest of the season? Then let him re-sign with the Islanders or elsewhere after the season.

Hello gents! Looking forward to the game!

GO FLAMES GO!!

Hey Vopatsrash, the hawks thread needs a dose of reality again buddy. Do your thing. Lmao.

Shot down in FLAMES!

Shot down in FLAMES!
- K-man25

Yes they were. The Preds did not play a good game, but the Flames deserve much of the credit for that. The Flames were more disciplined, more consistent & got timely goaltending. That's a perfect recipe for a road win & they did it.

This game is a great example of why the Preds should get a boost by adding Mike Fisher. Not only is he a hard-working veteran presence, but if a couple lines get in a funk, he can slot up into the 2nd or 3rd line for a few shifts. He has enough offensive skill that he can fit into a lot of spots in a pinch. Even at best, every team is going to have a few down games. But when the entire team is pointing to their effort as a factor...that is an issue.

Turris in tonight?