Paul McCann: Monday Thoughts

Does anyone know the earliest we would see a schedule for second round? If Phoenix wins tonight, we still have to wait for the Eastern Conference to sort itself out, but would they release the schedule for the West? Or will they wait for everyone to finish? Go Preds

go preds...! after my team bowed out..i'll still watch the playoffs...i feell u guys have the best chance....good luck

go preds...! after my team bowed out..i'll still watch the playoffs...i feell u guys have the best chance....good luck
- Canuckfan2006

Preds are my pick to win it all. Perfect mix of skill, experience, and determination.

Of course the last time the Wings were "a team that loses in the second round twice and the first round" was 99, 00, and 01. And then they won the cup in 2002.

Isn't Nashville a contender for the Cup,one that is young and possibly improving. If Suter leaves, it's all about the money.

Just curious Preds fans, which team would you rather play?

Just curious Preds fans, which team would you rather play?
- 12,9 and 22

Chicago. Trotz struggles against Tippett coached teams. Chicago is in central time zone, which makes for better viewing pleasure.

must-win game

Of course the last time the Wings were "a team that loses in the second round twice and the first round" was 99, 00, and 01. And then they won the cup in 2002.
- noffsin6

I am gonna go ahead and say that your roster will not be as half as good as that one was. I think the Wings are in a different boat this time around. Not saying they will stink, but I don't see you bouncing back quite that well. The Wings were underperforming in those days, this year they just weren't that good.

Does anyone know the earliest we would see a schedule for second round? If Phoenix wins tonight, we still have to wait for the Eastern Conference to sort itself out, but would they release the schedule for the West? Or will they wait for everyone to finish? Go Preds
- ZetaPhi1012

Ask NBC, they're calling the shots!!

Question of the day: Who the hell is Jack Maclellen??? If he is a UFA signing and not going to with the big boys why isn't he in Milwaukee where he might get to play a minute or two?

Just curious Preds fans, which team would you rather play?
- 12,9 and 22

I'm not sure which would be the best matchup. I think the Preds are better (on paper) than both teams. But they don't play the games on paper. Nashville had a better record against the Hawks than the Yotes this year. The Yotes have better goaltending & the Hawks have a better offense. You kinda have to pick your poison there.

Selfishly, I'd like to see the Preds have home ice & an easier travel schedule. But matchup-wise, it's a toss up. Here's my take on the matchups (based unscientifically on a combination of regular season & post-season performance):

Preds Vs. Hawks
1/2 Line Offense: Hawks+
3/4 Line Offense: Preds
Defense: Preds
Goaltending: Preds++
Special Teams: Preds-
Coaching: Even (my respect for Quenville)

Prediction: Preds in 6


Preds Vs. Coyotes
1/2 Line Offense: Preds
3/4 Line Offense: Coyotes
Defense: Preds
Goaltending: Even (Based on the way Smith has played)
Special Teams: Preds
Coaching: Coyotes (Tippet has done AMAZING things with that team)

Prediction: Preds in 7

You mean Hawks, right??

Just curious Preds fans, which team would you rather play?
- 12,9 and 22

I would rather play the winner of the STL-LAK game, followed by the winner of the East...

PROs for playing Chicago:home ice advantage against a team that has just completed a seven-game series, and it means that we will have an opportunity to redeem our playoff series loss to Chicago. We won 9/12 points possible against Chicago (4-1-1) and only 4/8 against Phoenix (2-2). We outscored Chicago 25-16 this year, but the ratio with Phoenix was 12-12. Our power play was very effective against Chicago (6/17) and our PK was pretty good (22/25). This match-up yielded the most special team play in the regular season, so if we get the same refs as we did in the first round, we may see entire periods with someone in the box.

PROs for playing Phoenix: away ice advantage against a team that has just completed a six- or seven-game series. The visiting team won all four games in the regular season. Although our powerplay was only 1/11, our PK was perfect at 7/7. On paper, PHO doesn't have the offensive potential/talent/skill up front that CHI does.

I think we have more advantages playing Chicago...getting home ice is the tie-breaker.

Question of the day: Who the hell is Jack Maclellen??? If he is a UFA signing and not going to with the big boys why isn't he in Milwaukee where he might get to play a minute or two?
- slash&smash

Jack was signed as an undrafted college free agent.

http://www.ontheforecheck...free-agent-jack-maclellan

It is a good question as to why he's not in Milwaukee though.

Jack was signed as an undrafted college free agent.

http://www.ontheforecheck...free-agent-jack-maclellan

It is a good question as to why he's not in Milwaukee though.
- Predaceous

Jack was undrafted and will a UFA at season's end. Besides putting the pucks in the bucket what else does he bring to table? Hell even Jimmy John's delivers for free!

Our old friend, Basil Marceaux, is back in the news.

http://www.chattanoogan.c...s-Judge-She-Is-Going.aspx

Poor, poor Basil. Where will we get our political comedy now? Oh wait, there's still the TN Legislature and Phil Williams.

Our old friend, Basil Marceaux, is back in the news.

http://www.chattanoogan.c...s-Judge-She-Is-Going.aspx

Poor, poor Basil. Where will we get our political comedy now? Oh wait, there's still the TN Legislature and Phil Williams.
- Predaceous

I guess i watched too much hockey this weekend but now I have a question.

Was the ice resurfaced prior to the invention of the Gamboni? If so, How???

There is a commerical comparing 75 years ago hockey to today and they show 3 guys belly-flopping as they voice over ice-resurfacing 75 years ago.

Does anyone know the earliest we would see a schedule for second round? If Phoenix wins tonight, we still have to wait for the Eastern Conference to sort itself out, but would they release the schedule for the West? Or will they wait for everyone to finish? Go Preds
- ZetaPhi1012

Everything really hinges on the PHX / CHI series and TV ... as you certainly know, PHX wins - we start on the road; CHI wins - we start at home.

Assuming CHI wins and we have home ice, and that the 2nd round likely will start FRI/SAT; we then look to the Bridgestone Arena availability. This Friday, Van Halen concert ... this Saturday, Country Music Marathon Concert; so earliest arena availability is Sunday. My guess would be Game 1 Sunday and Game 2 Tuesday. United Center availability is a tough check right now as the Bulls regular season ends this week but will be Home to start the NBA playoffs. Of course this is all speculative

Assuming PHX wins and they have home ice, and the 2nd round likely will start FRI/SAT; we then look to the Jobbing.com Arena availability. That calendar is clean throughout April and for all but one Friday in May (kudos again to Powers Management for keeping BA so busy). That would lead me to believe Game 3 in Nashville would be Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday of next week depending on start night and whether they play with one or two days off between 2 & 3. Also I would guess that a NSH/PHX series would garner little interest by NBC as their "premiere" game; so look for CNBC or NBCSports. Again, lots of speculation.

Isn't Nashville a contender for the Cup,one that is young and possibly improving. If Suter leaves, it's all about the money.
- 12,9 and 22

or doesnt want to be "robin" the rest of his career.

Isn't Nashville a contender for the Cup,one that is young and possibly improving. If Suter leaves, it's all about the money.
- 12,9 and 22

Agreed. I have thought this for a long time. After what Poile has done with the team this year and Suter still walks no doubt it was just about the money. That's completely fine. He has earned the right to be UFA no doubt. But I could do without all of his talk about 'just wanting to sign with a competitive team' junk if he ends up signing with X team for insane dollars/term.

I guess i watched too much hockey this weekend but now I have a question.

Was the ice resurfaced prior to the invention of the Gamboni? If so, How???

There is a commerical comparing 75 years ago hockey to today and they show 3 guys belly-flopping as they voice over ice-resurfacing 75 years ago.
- im4preds

Shovels or odd-ball crap...




or
http://minneapolisparkhis...ry.com/tag/speed-skating/


or:


I imagine folks used whatever they had at hand.

Just curious Preds fans, which team would you rather play?
- 12,9 and 22

Personally I would want to play PHX. I think our D/goalie is better than Chicago's this year, and PHX isn't really lighting the lamp on them. I think some of our forwards are due to have some big games - and while PHX is playing tough with a hot goalie - I like our chances against them a bit more than I do with Chicago.

Personally I would want to play PHX. I think our D/goalie is better than Chicago's this year, and PHX isn't really lighting the lamp on them. I think some of our forwards are due to have some big games - and while PHX is playing tough with a hot goalie - I like our chances against them a bit more than I do with Chicago.
- Predville

Im with you. Not sure why except it seams that if Chi wins a series, they gain momentum in leaps and bounds.
Phoenix is also not comfortable with winning a round or two and may feel content with 1 round which I think bit us in the butt last year a little.