Paul McCann: TN High School Hockey's Frozen Four is Tonight!

I don't know if I've seen a worse game from Rinne since he became the full time starter. His first two passes were to Kings players and he got burned on one of them.

*Lousy, sloppy effort by the team. I give them full marks for continuing to score and come back, but the comeback shouldn't have been necessary.

*This team hasn't played well since the All-Star break. The one game they were really solid in was the loss to the Red Wings, but other than that...

*Suter has also been terrible since the All-Star game.

*This team needs Klein back on the ice.

*Tootoo's play has really dropped off as well. Outside of a couple of nice passes for assists, I can't really say I notice the guy on the ice. He doesn't have the same energy we're used to seeing from him, and he rarely drives to the net anymore. I don't know if he's hurt or not, but he's nowhere near the level of play we were seeing from him in Jan/Feb

*Hornqvist is awesome, and earning his contract. I thought Poile overpaid when I first heard the terms, but to his credit he's stepped up and been a very solid player for this team. One of the best.

*It was fun watching Hal Gill use his monstrous reach to poke check the puck away from the Kings quite a bit last night.

*Hopefully this team figures out how to get back to playing the way they played before the ASB. They're looking more like the team from the first half and it hasn't been pretty. If Rinne isn't stellar the Preds lose. Simple as that.

D

That was a fluke....Yes we tied it up! Crap the Kings just scored! Yes we tied it up! WTF Kings already scored again! Preds tied it up! YES! OMG you have to kidding me the Kings scored again already.
It never good when the other team scores before Paul can announce the Preds goal.

I don't know if I've seen a worse game from Rinne since he became the full time starter. His first two passes were to Kings players and he got burned on one of them.

*Lousy, sloppy effort by the team. I give them full marks for continuing to score and come back, but the comeback shouldn't have been necessary. YES...no doubt...skates and sticks breaking everywhere.

*This team hasn't played well since the All-Star break. The one game they were really solid in was the loss to the Red Wings, but other than that...About the time of Suters coments? Hmmm...

*Suter has also been terrible since the All-Star game. See above....

*This team needs Klein back on the ice. Never thought Id say that. Hes on the 5/6 D pairing so not huge impact. Ellis played small last night

*Tootoo's play has really dropped off as well. Outside of a couple of nice passes for assists, I can't really say I notice the guy on the ice. He doesn't have the same energy we're used to seeing from him, and he rarely drives to the net anymore. I don't know if he's hurt or not, but he's nowhere near the level of play we were seeing from him in Jan/Feb. Drinking again??? (joke)

*Hornqvist is awesome, and earning his contract. I thought Poile overpaid when I first heard the terms, but to his credit he's stepped up and been a very solid player for this team. One of the best. +1

*It was fun watching Hal Gill use his monstrous reach to poke check the puck away from the Kings quite a bit last night. +10

*Hopefully this team figures out how to get back to playing the way they played before the ASB. They're looking more like the team from the first half and it hasn't been pretty. If Rinne isn't stellar the Preds lose. Simple as that.

D
- Predaceous

When the Preds score 4 goals - they should not lose. As Weber said last night - this is a defense-first team, and they didn't play much defense last night. And the goaltending was terrible. Rinne looked lost out there. Sure, there was at least one fluke goal last night, and one softy. But Rinne was not in good position on either - which I think is why Trotz pulled him.

I hope it's a wake up call for the team that just because they are regarded as a top team, and other coaches talk about how strong their defense it...you still have to play the game. Press clippings and award nominations don't back-check and clear pucks out of the defensive zone.

One thing I will say is that all 3 of the recent additions were noticeable for (mostly) positive reasons last night. Gill made a number of good defensive plays, and even though he was a -1, I also thought he came into the play well on the offensive zone a couple times. His shot that was tipped by Spaling in front could've easily scored. Gaustad won a couple of critical face-offs, but looked a little lost in the defensive end at times. Must still be getting used to Trotz's system. And AK was good again. He creates offense naturally. It's a little thing, but did you notice where he was when Horqvist scored his first goal? Skating right to the crease ready to pounce on the rebound. Good stuff.

By the way - Josi played a strong 22+ minutes out there last night. He's turning into a great story. From camp call-up - to 2nd pair minutes. Be interesting to see what Trotz does with the D pairs once Klein is back in.

Williams is on the top line. And the Lewis goal was after Brown and Kopitar did work while Williams was jumping off and Lewis back on.

Team defense has been pretty bad all season. Weber and Suter seem content most of the time to try and force a pass all the way up ice to the other team instead of muscling their way into the opposing team's zone. It happened multiple times last night when they were down a goal with 4 minutes left. I was screaming at the television each time it happened. If these guys are 2 of the best players on the team, they need to play like it and lead by example. Quit going for the pretty 120 foot passes (which inevitably result in a turnover) and gain the offensive zone with some freaking authority. 4 goals should be enough on any given night against any team with Rinne in net, even when he's not on his game. Sure 3 of those goals he normally doesn't give up, but his defencemen yet again did him no favors. When an opposing team's player is allowed to set up shop in front of Rinne and no one does anything about it, bad things are going to happen. Suter, Weber, and big Hall Gill need to lead by example and put the campers on their ass. Even if they take a penalty, it sends a message that it won't be tolerated without consequences.

SK74's 1 on 5 wrister was worth the price of admission. Man was that an awesome shot!

Had to laugh watching the replay of Erat's goal. Quick was already cheating waiting for the inevitable pass to the center when Erat shocked the building by shooting! I think every goalie in league would have done same thing.

They snooze through the Colorado game then I think the alarm bells have to start ringing pretty loud. Weber is a terrible captain, the whole strong silent thing is BS, especially on such a young team.

if this is the caliber of play ( since ASG ) we can expect from Suter, don't let the door hit you in the A$$ on the way out. I'll take Josi thank you very much for much better play at a fraction of the cost!

Let's not be so quick to jump on the Pekka-bashing bandwagon. Keep in mind, without him this team would be nowhere near where they are in the standings. He had an off night, as did most of the team. However, he had very little help in front of him. The vaunted Predator D let LAK skate into the slot and crease and bang down low all game long.

My bone to pick is with the passengers on this team. Where the hell is Legwand? For 13 years we've seen his inconsistency and lack of heart. He has zero passion and even less leadership. My messaage to Legwand is to either step-up or step out of the way. Tootoo lacked focus last night and Wilson was well off his game. And where was the power play last night? Horrible.

STL is kicking our butts in the standings and will in all likelihood kick our butts in the first round. Like I said in a prior post; now is the time for this team to be challenged. They cannot rest on their laurels hoping to cruise into the playoffs and then expect to start playing playoff hockey. They simply are not that good, yet.

Tootoo should be suspended for the rest of the year, no place in hockey for a player to punch an official.

SK74's 1 on 5 wrister was worth the price of admission. Man was that an awesome shot!

Had to laugh watching the replay of Erat's goal. Quick was already cheating waiting for the inevitable pass to the center when Erat shocked the building by shooting! I think every goalie in league would have done same thing.

They snooze through the Colorado game then I think the alarm bells have to start ringing pretty loud. Weber is a terrible captain, the whole strong silent thing is BS, especially on such a young team.

if this is the caliber of play ( since ASG ) we can expect from Suter, don't let the door hit you in the A$$ on the way out. I'll take Josi thank you very much for much better play at a fraction of the cost!
- coaster28

Here's the perfect scenario if indeed Suter wants out. Take that money and resign Weber. He's more valuable to this team because of his offense and physical play. Give the C to Mike Fisher after you have locked him for a few more years. He'll want to stay in Nashville anyway. I don't think Weber really wants to be the captain anyway and Fisher would command everyone's respect and attention. Find additional free agent forwards, etc. It will not be the end of the world if Suter leaves.

Tootoo should be suspended for the rest of the year, no place in hockey for a player to punch an official.
- Scooby_Doo

Rest of the year? That's stupid even for you. He'll get a couple of games (and deservedly so), but the rest of the year? Hi, I'm earth, have we met?

Rest of the year? That's stupid even for you. He'll get a couple of games (and deservedly so), but the rest of the year? Hi, I'm earth, have we met?
- sigep predfan

He has a history of trying to injure players... he's obviously gotten tired of doing that so now he's after the officials.

He has a history of trying to injure players... he's obviously gotten tired of doing that so now he's after the officials.
- Scooby_Doo

Even the Supervisor of Officials last night said he would not recommend any suspension....

The linesman lead with his helmet and hit Tootoo in the face. It was a natural reaction, hence the above statement.

Who would have thought that both team's goaltending would be lousy last night? I didn't predict a 5-4 game.

Even the Supervisor of Officials last night said he would not recommend any suspension....

The linesman lead with his helmet and hit Tootoo in the face. It was a natural reaction, hence the above statement.
- buelleo

40.3 Automatic Suspension – Category II - Any player who deliberately applies physical force to an official in any manner (excluding actions as set out in Category I), which physical force is applied without intent to injure, or who spits on an official,shall be automatically suspended for not less than ten (10) games.

It would be 20 games if he clearly intended to injure the official, I can't prove that at this time, so I went with the 10 game suspension rule.

I don't know if I've seen a worse game from Rinne since he became the full time starter. His first two passes were to Kings players and he got burned on one of them.

*Lousy, sloppy effort by the team. I give them full marks for continuing to score and come back, but the comeback shouldn't have been necessary.

*This team hasn't played well since the All-Star break. The one game they were really solid in was the loss to the Red Wings, but other than that...

*Suter has also been terrible since the All-Star game.

*This team needs Klein back on the ice.

*Tootoo's play has really dropped off as well. Outside of a couple of nice passes for assists, I can't really say I notice the guy on the ice. He doesn't have the same energy we're used to seeing from him, and he rarely drives to the net anymore. I don't know if he's hurt or not, but he's nowhere near the level of play we were seeing from him in Jan/Feb

*Hornqvist is awesome, and earning his contract. I thought Poile overpaid when I first heard the terms, but to his credit he's stepped up and been a very solid player for this team. One of the best.

*It was fun watching Hal Gill use his monstrous reach to poke check the puck away from the Kings quite a bit last night.

*Hopefully this team figures out how to get back to playing the way they played before the ASB. They're looking more like the team from the first half and it hasn't been pretty. If Rinne isn't stellar the Preds lose. Simple as that.

D
- Predaceous

Agree on all accounts! Hornqvist and AK46 look like a good match. Gaustad needs Wilson on his line. Rinne played on his heels the whole night like his 2 amigos. Weber was -3 at one point of the game. I need to drive by Suter's house and see if the FOR SALE sign is up cause he is playing like his bags are already packed!!!

40.3 Automatic Suspension – Category II - Any player who deliberately applies physical force to an official in any manner (excluding actions as set out in Category I), which physical force is applied without intent to injure, or who spits on an official,shall be automatically suspended for not less than ten (10) games.

It would be 20 games if he clearly intended to injure the official, I can't prove that at this time, so I went with the 10 game suspension rule.
- Scooby_Doo

Dumb move on Tootoo's part but don't get your hopes up.

Here's the perfect scenario if indeed Suter wants out. Take that money and resign Weber. He's more valuable to this team because of his offense and physical play. Give the C to Mike Fisher after you have locked him for a few more years. He'll want to stay in Nashville anyway. I don't think Weber really wants to be the captain anyway and Fisher would command everyone's respect and attention. Find additional free agent forwards, etc. It will not be the end of the world if Suter leaves.
- sigep predfan

Weber won't re-sign if Suter leaves. You can take that to the bank. Also, it was Weber who single-handedly lead the charge to get this team in the playoffs last season. Remember how he started growing the beard in February and the team (even the Preds mgmt) followed suit? He added intensity to the team for that playoff push and they needed it. I wouldn't be discounting Weber's leadership.

As for free agents coming here, like who? If Suter leaves he takes this team's credibility with him. It won't be that easy to convince someone to come here after that.

Weber won't re-sign if Suter leaves. You can take that to the bank. Also, it was Weber who single-handedly lead the charge to get this team in the playoffs last season. Remember how he started growing the beard in February and the team (even the Preds mgmt) followed suit? He added intensity to the team for that playoff push and they needed it. I wouldn't be discounting Weber's leadership.

As for free agents coming here, like who? If Suter leaves he takes this team's credibility with him. It won't be that easy to convince someone to come here after that.
- Predaceous

I don't know how you can say Suter takes away the organizations credibility when every player & GM in the league know that the Preds have made a more than fair and generous offer to Suter that he's turned his nose up at. If Weber decides to follow suit a year down the road again turning down as much or more money to stay in Nashville then he will get anywhere else it says more about the player than the organization. Unfortunately players won't see it that way but I think Poile and the organization can hold there head up and say " look, we tried.. they just don't want to be here. They think they will win more somewhere else"

At some point the inmates have to stop running the asylum. Ownership and Management have said the right things, done the right things (Rinne) and tried as much as possible, short of really stupid things like dealing Smith/ Ellis/Wilson/Josi to make the product better and better.

I think really it's Suter's and Weber's credibility on the line. Too bad nobody gives a rats butt about the player. It's always management that's the heavy.

Weber won't re-sign if Suter leaves. You can take that to the bank. Also, it was Weber who single-handedly lead the charge to get this team in the playoffs last season. Remember how he started growing the beard in February and the team (even the Preds mgmt) followed suit? He added intensity to the team for that playoff push and they needed it. I wouldn't be discounting Weber's leadership.

As for free agents coming here, like who? If Suter leaves he takes this team's credibility with him. It won't be that easy to convince someone to come here after that.
- Predaceous

Everytime the preds get close to the top or the red wings, they lay an egg. I don't know if it is the players or the coaches??? The blues have earned 79 POINTS since Hitchcock has taken the helm!!! Looks like a pretty loose team to me.

AK46 might recruit some of Montreal buddies. Looks like he is digging Nash Vegas.

How about the Referees and Linesmen get their head out of their collective arses and call the game properly. Regularly missed offsides calls are becoming the norm. It's crazy. And the Referee who called the Tootoo roughing/interference coincidentals last night raised his arm for the King's interference, but didn't blow the whistle when the Kings played the puck. Then Tootoo committed the roughing while play was ongoing. But the whistle should've blown earlier & the roughing would not have occurred. That was a joke.

Listen, Tootoo's been playing mediocre for the past few games. He needs to sit anyway. A short suspension would probably do some of Trotz's work for him, and make Tootoo sit a while. And his reputation unfortunately hurts the Preds when it comes to the 50/50 calls. They always go against him. I wouldn't be surprised to see him get a couple games, but there are extenuating circumstances when considering the rule posted by Scooby.

Plus...I'd like Scooby to give me a list of the incidents in which Tootoo is supposedly trying to injure other players. I'd like to know how you can confirm the intent to injure? Did you speak with him after the game? Hockey is a rough sport, played at a fast pace. Hard checking, or even fighting and cheap shots, isn't necessarily an intent to injure. Trying to deliver a blow or cause a little pain to make a player think twice about crowding your goaltender or running your star forward is NOT an intent to injure.

Maybe it's such a big deal to a non-Preds fan because Scooby roots for the probably the only team in the league that wishes hockey was a non-contact sport. Plus, Burrows biting a guys hand is closer to the definition of "intent to injure" than anything I can recall Tootoo doing.

How about the Referees and Linesmen get their head out of their collective arses and call the game properly. Regularly missed offsides calls are becoming the norm. It's crazy. And the Referee who called the Tootoo roughing/interference coincidentals last night raised his arm for the King's interference, but didn't blow the whistle when the Kings played the puck. Then Tootoo committed the roughing while play was ongoing. But the whistle should've blown earlier & the roughing would not have occurred. That was a joke.

Listen, Tootoo's been playing mediocre for the past few games. He needs to sit anyway. A short suspension would probably do some of Trotz's work for him, and make Tootoo sit a while. And his reputation unfortunately hurts the Preds when it comes to the 50/50 calls. They always go against him. I wouldn't be surprised to see him get a couple games, but there are extenuating circumstances when considering the rule posted by Scooby.

Plus...I'd like Scooby to give me a list of the incidents in which Tootoo is supposedly trying to injure other players. I'd like to know how you can confirm the intent to injure? Did you speak with him after the game? Hockey is a rough sport, played at a fast pace. Hard checking, or even fighting and cheap shots, isn't necessarily an intent to injure. Trying to deliver a blow or cause a little pain to make a player think twice about crowding your goaltender or running your star forward is NOT an intent to injure.

Maybe it's such a big deal to a non-Preds fan because Scooby roots for the probably the only team in the league that wishes hockey was a non-contact sport. Plus, Burrows biting a guys hand is closer to the definition of "intent to injure" than anything I can recall Tootoo doing.
- holycow_75

Real quick....take a breath....its not your fault....but you're just falling for dshiddy's--ERRRR--Scooby's trap. He wants to to get all riled up over his post. don't feed the troll, dammit!


Also, many preds (not all) played like crap last night. I'm glad I let my seats go empty last night, and stayed home and watched it on TV instead.

How about the Referees and Linesmen get their head out of their collective arses and call the game properly. Regularly missed offsides calls are becoming the norm. It's crazy. And the Referee who called the Tootoo roughing/interference coincidentals last night raised his arm for the King's interference, but didn't blow the whistle when the Kings played the puck. Then Tootoo committed the roughing while play was ongoing. But the whistle should've blown earlier & the roughing would not have occurred. That was a joke.
- holycow_75

I think you're confused on the play. The initial call was the roughing against Tootoo. That call was delayed while the Kings had the puck. The whistle was blown after Tootoo collided with Clifford in the Kings zone, which the officials viewed as interference on Clifford.

Real quick....take a breath....its not your fault....but you're just falling for dshiddy's--ERRRR--Scooby's trap. He wants to to get all riled up over his post. don't feed the troll, dammit!


Also, many preds (not all) played like crap last night. I'm glad I let my seats go empty last night, and stayed home and watched it on TV instead.
- wings-suck

You along with 10,000 hardcore fans.