TT does love America....he just thinks the guy running it is a piece of garbage.

Either way...it wasn't Thomas that put himself in the spotlight. Blame the media for making it such a big deal and digging harder into the story. Had no one pointed it out in the media, 99% of the population would have had no idea that he didn't show. It a stupid moment anyways...does the President really have nothing better to do than hang out with athletes?
- nikoli1206

The First amendment allows TT and anyone else to express their opinions and I support his right to do so. He's a big boy and can and will deal with whatever blow back comes his way. That Freedom is a two way street..... so he will hear plenty either way.
- PuckkmeNOpuckU

Agree and he TT was not offerring any political insight. So why look for it? There is not any person with a pulse and convictions that has not acted upon them in ways...wow dare I say.....others would disagree with.

This President or every President going back 50 years?

And like it or not, Obama loves America just as much as he does. As so does Bush.
- John Jaeckel

Thought you didn't want politics here.

Now.... what are you thoughts on Moen from the Habs for 3L?

This President or every President going back 50 years?

And like it or not, Obama loves America just as much as he does. As so does Bush.
- John Jaeckel

I meant every President. I think the tradition of honoring the professional athletes at the White House is a joke.

I really have very little political stance for either side. This country hasn't had a good leader for a long time and doesn't seem to be finding one anytime soon.

Trap game for predators. Two big wins, then playing a hobbling hawk team ahead of break...look out Preds!!!!
- TrueGrit

Oh yeah...3rd game in 4 nites..the high scoring Preds are set to enter the trap.

After all Rinne has only stopped 246 of the last 256 shots on goal during their 8 game win streak that's .960 folks.

And those "pesky" Preds have lit the Hawks up for 9 goals in their first 2 meetings.

Come to think of it whose trap game is this??

I have not been looking forward to this game..

Oh yeah...3rd game in 4 nites..the high scoring Preds are set to enter the trap.

After all Rinne has only stopped 246 of the last 256 shots on goal during their 8 game win streak that's .960 folks.

And those "pesky" Preds have lit the Hawks up for 9 goals in their first 2 meetings.

Come to think of it whose trap game is this??
- bogiedoc

I expect a good one. I think it will turn into a gritty game with all of the Hawks injuries. If I were the Hawks, I make the Preds pay for every inch of ice and grind this game out.

Trap game for predators. Two big wins, then playing a hobbling hawk team ahead of break...look out Preds!!!!
- TrueGrit

It's a trap!
Alright now im done posting vids lol

I expect a good one. I think it will turn into a gritty game with all of the Hawks injuries. If I were the Hawks, I make the Preds pay for every inch of ice and grind this game out.
- nikoli1206

There is rarely, if ever, anything good about a Predators game. Just pure unadulterated boredom in mustard colored pyjamas.

Oh yeah...3rd game in 4 nites..the high scoring Preds are set to enter the trap.

After all Rinne has only stopped 246 of the last 256 shots on goal during their 8 game win streak that's .960 folks.

And those "pesky" Preds have lit the Hawks up for 9 goals in their first 2 meetings.

Come to think of it whose trap game is this??
- bogiedoc

Since Toews is out it has to be a trap game for the Preds...!

If it wasn't a problem with his team mates, it's no problem with me.

Somethings about being an athlete must really suck.. Like you know, not being able to have your own opinions..
- pri$ey

+1

Should be an interesting game. Actually looking forward to it tonight.

Good for Timmy!

Anyway, not that it matters but does Hossa wear an "A" tonight with no Toews?
Seabrook has always been the guy, just like he is now, that is next in line when one of 2,10 or 19 don't play but now that 2/3 are out who is next?

I am also in the camp that feels a move for a Dman should be made ASAP, and like JJ has said that may change what they feel the next move that needs to be made is come deadline time.

A couple of other options: David Clarkson of the Devils and Matt Martin of the Islanders. Again, both guys well-valued by their teams.

Matt Martin all day. 300+ hits/year.

If only Bickell would just....nah nevermind won't happen.

I completely disagree with Thomas's decision to not attend the White House, as for me he should have gone to support his own team mates, but I do agree it should be his choice to not attend a "work function" if he indeed felt uncomfortable in doing so. I think that is his choice to do so and I think the reasoning he gave is acceptable and not offensive to anyone and he, as a citizen, should be allowed to voice his opinion in this fashion. It is simply just his own political belief and whether I agree with the principle of the matter or not, I don't have any issue with him expressing it provided it was presented as it was.
- Lohaus

+1
agree totally

A couple of other options: David Clarkson of the Devils and Matt Martin of the Islanders. Again, both guys well-valued by their teams.

Matt Martin all day. 300+ hits/year.

If only Bickell would just....nah nevermind won't happen.
- droche7

He didn't do it in Ottawa back in his junior days either. We used to joke that Bickell would give you a solid, inspired effort every 8 games (usually against Peterborough). Its agonizing when you see these types of players who have so much more to give... and don't.

There is rarely, if ever, anything good about a Predators game. Just pure unadulterated boredom in mustard colored pyjamas.
- RickJ

16 total goals scored in two meetings...what are you complaining about again?

There's a difference between "should" (as you ask), "can" and "will."

My thoughts on what they should do: I would really like to see them add a #4-#5 level defenseman who is physical, takes care of business aorund his net, relatively mistake free, kills penalites and blocks shots.

The guy who really fits that is Mark Stuart of the Winnipeg Jets, who I was told they had a lot of interest in last year before Boston dealt him to Atlanta (now the Jets).

Problem is, Stuart is now sort of the lynch pin of the D in Winnipeg and signed to a very cap friendly deal for a number of years. it would take a lot to get him. More I think than a lot of fans would think he's worth.

Another option here might be Brett Clark (Tampa) or Tim Gleason (Carolina). Neither of these guys is coming cheap, especially not Gleason.

I would make that move right now however, and then see where that puts the team. As Al C. and I both have said, this move would have a positive domino effect on the rest of the defense. And defense are where the problems with this team start.

I would like to see them also add a 4th line banger, a guy who goes 215 plus pounds who can skate and hit and avoid dumb penalties. Maybe Jimmy Hayes can do this if they keep his feet to the flame but he is not really fundamentally this kind of player. They need some muscle to wear down opposing defenses in the playoffs.

Finally, I would like to see them add a forward who can play C or W, who kills penalties can take a faceoff and is tough to play against. Maybe the last two players can be the same guy. Nate Thompson of Tampa is that kind of guy. Again, he will not be easy to pry away from the Bolts where he is very popular for what he does.

A couple of other options: David Clarkson of the Devils and Matt Martin of the Islanders. Again, both guys well-valued by their teams.

Start the bidding with Bryan Bickell plus for any of these players. The plus being likely a highly rated hawk prospect or two, and/or a draft pick.
- John Jaeckel

jj,i'd be happy with gausted & gleason! some how i feel stan is quietly working on trying to pry kanes buddy sammy boy out of edmonton to possibly get kaner going. he say's no but you no what that means.
back to the first 2, gausted is the big nasty center the team has been lacking and could surely play 3&4 line center. gleason!!! yep! get er' done stan!

16 total goals scored in two meetings...what are you complaining about again?
- nikoli1206

Sorry, nothing against your view of what's entertaining. Nashville and Phoenix just don't do it for me.

Sorry, nothing against your view of what's entertaining. Nashville and Phoenix just don't do it for me.
- RickJ

Sorry. I will write David Poile complaining that the Preds should be putrid for the next five years, draft a considerable amount of the highest talent available, and proceed to play exciting hockey in order to please you. Sound good?

Sorry. I will write David Poile complaining that the Preds should be putrid for the next five years, draft a considerable amount of the highest talent available, and proceed to play exciting hockey in order to please you. Sound good?
- nikoli1206

Frankly? Yes.

Sorry. I will write David Poile complaining that the Preds should be putrid for the next five years, draft a considerable amount of the highest talent available, and proceed to play exciting hockey in order to please you. Sound good?
- nikoli1206

Do it or they're moving to Quebec City...

Sorry. I will write David Poile complaining that the Preds should be putrid for the next five years, draft a considerable amount of the highest talent available, and proceed to play exciting hockey in order to please you. Sound good?
- nikoli1206

Don't know about that...but Sutter or Weber in Winged wheel jersey to take Lindstrom's spot next year looking likely.

Trotz always looks like he should be petting a white cat and planning some evil scheme...

On TT, obviously he has a right to opt out of the visit. However, when a high-profile guy, arguably the highest-profile guy on his team, indeed opts out, he places the spotlight on himself and asks for all the attention and distraction he gets in return. He had to know that this would happen.

The fact is, TT's U.S. based team got invited by the leader of the free world to celebrate a Cup victory that annually serves as the epitome of a team win, and TT passed. He could have chosen to respect the Office of the President and act like a gentleman and at the same time communicate team over individual. It was certainly his choice, and in my opinion he chose poorly.

I was no fan of Bush Jr., but if I had ever had the opportunity to meet him in person, I would have shaken his hand and given him the respect his office deserves as a proud American citizen.

Since Toews is out it has to be a trap game for the Preds...!
- blackhawk24

I think so but if Preds score more than 2 tonight....they win.

Rinne has the potential to shut a team down and out every game. With our guys I never have that confidence into any game. It seems every game a weak one or 2 is the pre-requisite.

Trotz always looks like he should be petting a white cat and planning some evil scheme...

On TT, obviously he has a right to opt out of the visit. However, when a high-profile guy, arguably the highest-profile guy on his team, indeed opts out, he places the spotlight on himself and asks for all the attention and distraction he gets in return. He had to know that this would happen.

The fact is, TT's U.S. based team got invited by the leader of the free world to celebrate a Cup victory that annually serves as the epitome of a team win, and TT passed. He could have chosen to respect the Office of the President and act like a gentleman and at the same time communicate team over individual. It was certainly his choice, and in my opinion he chose poorly.

I was no fan of Bush Jr., but if I had ever had the opportunity to meet him in person, I would have shaken his hand and given him the respect his office deserves as a proud American citizen.
- HealthyScratch1

Could use alot more of this! As well as respecting the person in office.