With an 11-2-0 record in their last 13 games, the Nashville Predators have made quite a charge of late, and are threatening to pass the Chicago Blackhawks in the standings heading into the All-Star break. My question for you this morning, Preds fans, is how this recent stretch of play should impact David Poile's strategy ahead of the trade deadline. Should he (1) make a Peter Forsberg-like "let's go for it" deal to try and position this team for a Stanley Cup run this spring, (2) stand pat and ride the horses he already has, trusting that they're good enough to make a deep push, or (3) keep the long view in mind and make sure he gets a return on hockey assets which could walk away for nothing this summer, like Ryan Suter?
The stakes are getting higher with each passing victory, making the situation even more complicated than it was before. Ponder that one while perusing your morning hockey news...
As always, the morning after a game I encourage you to surf through the "More Predators Sites" box on the left-hand side of the main page here at OTF, as almost every hockey blog in town has a game recap for you.
TWC-MSG fight threatens Sabres’ ratings lead - SportsBusiness Journal
Finally, we get to see some ratings numbers for Preds games on FS-Tennessee, and let's call it for what it is: the numbers are up this season 50%, but off an incredibly small base. The average number of households viewing a game is a paltry 6,500, 28th in the NHL. That means last season's number was just north of 4,000. Yeesh.
Preds On The Glass: Goo-Goo Game Winner by Mike Fisher Leads Predators to 4-1 Win
Buddy's hopped up on GooGoo goodness after last night's game, and asks the hard questions of Mike Fisher, who did the deed.
Smashville 24/7: Bourque bringing energy to Preds lineup
How else do you think he got named OTF Hero of the Week earlier this month?
Francis Bouillon is a mentor to a young Nashville Predators squad - Nashville Predators Examiner
Wouldn't it be cool if The Cube was a Dementor, rather than just an older guy handing out advice?
Nashville Predators plan for All-Star break - The Tennessean
After today's game, the Preds can expect several days off (except for the guys going to Ottawa, of course).
Predators' defensive duo looks to take game to the All-Star stage | Nashville City Paper
With Suter back in action tonight, we can look forward to seeing him and Weber in Ottawa. Will they be on the same, or separate teams, however?
Tim Thomas, Noted Republican, Skips Bruins White House Visit With President Obama - SBNation.com
It appears that the Bruins' goalie decided to express his distaste for the government by skipping his team's visit with the President.
Tim Thomas Knows A Snub When He Dishes One | Jerseys and Hockey Love
James provides an insightful take on the Tim Thomas affair.
The Clarence Fund - St. Louis Game Time
A member of the St. Louis Game Time family could use your help. Please check this out.
Bristolmetrics: From Jan. 7-18, SportsCenter Devoted 13.5 Minutes to Hockey Total, And Other Fun Facts - Deadspin
Unsurprising stuff here. The NBA, which has a TV deal with ESPN, gets about 8 times the SportsCenter coverage than the NHL does.
Adjusting for Score Effects to Improve Our Predictions - Broad Street Hockey
Nifty analysis here on how to adjust team-level metrics for Score Effects.
Current Score-Adjusted Fenwick Standings - Broad Street Hockey
When that analysis gets applied to the team results, the Preds' possession numbers look just as poor as they did before. Does that bode ill for the second half?
On Frozen Blog › How Much Do NHL Players and Coaches Trust Stats to Judge Performance?
It's not surprising to hear players down on the utility of hockey stats.
Stars announce 4-year contract extension with Alex Goligoski - The Dallas Morning News
Dallas locks up one of their top defensemen for an average of $4.6 million per season.
The Philadelphia Flyers bet on the wrong horse in goal - Backhand Shelf
Right horse or wrong horse, there was little chance that Ilya Bryzgalov could live up to that contract Philadelphia gave him.
Florida Panthers’ AHL team may have world record for most dogs attending sporting event | Puck Daddy
THIS IS AWESOME.
Anaheim Ducks Casino Night: Blackjack, Booze & Boudreau - Anaheim Calling
Remember, the Predators Foundation has their big "GnashVegas" event coming up on February 15.
Down Goes Brown: An optimist's guide to the non-playoff teams
Nice - "Toronto Maple Leafs - May finally be able to get a win against the Bruins this year, now that they know that Tim Thomas will refuse to show up if you just crowd enough left wingers around him."
Canucks tested for alertness at practice - Vancouver Sun
The Canucks' mad scientists are at work again.
Rumour Blogging for Dummies | All Habs
Your handy guide for sounding like an expert during the NHL's silly season.
Alex Ovechkin Suspended Three Games - Japers' Rink
Ovie gets a sit-down, and my fantasy hockey team isn't happy.
Washington Capitals: Alex Ovechkin Buys $4.2 Million Home In McLean, Virginia
Take a virtual trip through Ovie's new pad, where he'll at least be able to hang out while not playing.
The Montreal Canadiens' Top Trade Bait Options before the deadline | The Hockey Writers
Does anyone catch your eye here?
Wild Whiskers Make Competitive Beard Growing a Follicle Folly | Playbook | Wired.com
I wonder how Shea Weber might fare here.
Evander Kane vs. ‘the haters’ in Winnipeg, from restaurant controversy to maturity debate | Puck Daddy
A portion of the fan base in Winnipeg has it in for Evander Kane. Now there's a guy I wouldn't mind seeing on the Preds...
Game 48 Recap: Jackets Woes in Nashville Continue - The Cannon
Last night's game was a sad, familiar story for Blue Jackets fans.
NOW It's a Rivalry: Wings 3 - Blues 1 - Winging It In Motown
This was the matchup of the night, and Detroit kept their spot atop the Central Division.
Oilers Outplayed and Outshot By the Sharks, Somehow Get Two Points - The Copper & Blue
Don't complain, just take the two points however you can get them.
It's Still Two Points: Hurricanes 2, Jets 1 - Canes Country
Carolina is now 4-2-1 over their last seven games... might they have a push in the second half like New Jersey last season?
Toronto Maple Leafs: 3, New York Islanders: GUSTAVSSON'D - Pension Plan Puppets
Toronto got a strong goaltending effort from Jonas Gustavsson, and an opening goal from Matthew Lombardi.
0 recs | 213 comments
Tim Thomas
I like him a little more now.
RemoWilliams84 - January 24, 2012 via mobile
While I may not agree with his politics, I certainly respect him for taking the stand..
Weintraut - January 24, 2012
Personally, I think he could have handled it a lot better. He could have gone, and when asked by the media, said something like “I thought long about not coming here because [insert diatribe], but I’m a part of this team and respect the office of the President.”
In my humble opinion the biggest problem we have as a nation is the lack of communication and cooperation between folks who disagree about things. None of the major issues can get dealt with if constructive engagement with colleagues across the aisle is viewed as a treasonous act which will result in consequences.
Dirk Hoag - January 24, 2012
this
Preds Fanatic - January 24, 2012
But if he wanted to make his voice heard, I believe he took the correct approach. If he attended, then there wouldn’t even be a story.
I’m usually in favor of celebrities and athletes keeping there mouths shut when it comes to taking political sides, but I agree with his statement that the problem lies with both the Republicans and Democrats.
RemoWilliams84 - January 24, 2012
Actually, if he had gone and given a statement like I proposed above, he would get that message out through much, much bigger channels than the hockey media.
Dirk Hoag - January 24, 2012
How about the Washington Post?
Link
RemoWilliams84 - January 24, 2012
I disagree and don’t think it would’ve had the same impact. I’m glad people like him are making a stand.
DonBorvio - January 24, 2012
If athletes and celebrities should keep their mouths shut about political stuff, so should you. These people are still Americans. They have a right, and, I think, a duty, like everyone else, to address shortcomings in our government. Tim Thomas, of course, has a right to not go to the White House, but I think his decision was short-sighted and petty. He had a chance to speak truth directly to the President and he chose not to do it. Maybe he chickened out. I am disappointed that he is a Glenn Beck fan. That guy is just crazy. He did too much cocaine and now his brain is rotting.
Remo Williams was a assassin in service of the president. That is supposed to be illegal, you know.
cisar - January 24, 2012
Nice dig on Glenn Beck. Real classy.
Good for Tim Thomas, knew I liked the guy for a reason. :)
Grizzledbear - January 24, 2012 via mobile
About as classy as Glenn Beck is to anyone he disagrees with.
SportsFanatic18 - January 24, 2012
But Glenn Beck really isn’t the issue here, is he?
Grizzledbear - January 24, 2012 via mobile
Glenn Beck is a comedian. He’s not much more serious than Stephen Colbert.
DonBorvio - January 24, 2012
Glenn was addicted to cocaine. He admits it. Years of substance abuse has a profound affect on the brain. His grasp of reality is questionable. Thomas believes in Glenn Beck’s view. It doesn’t affect his goaltending, nor does it mean that I have stopped loving the way Thomas plays goalie. I think his tough, active goalie play is long overdue in the league. The other stuff? That isn’t even a dig on Glenn Beck. I can see that it hurts you, as you must be a fan of Glenn Beck. I notice you didn’t argue the point.
Acute cocaine use can lead to the wanted effects of euphoria, self-assurance, increased attention, reduced appetite, less tiredness, among others, but can also lead to unwanted effects such as anxiety and paranoia, egocentric behaviour, dysphoria, anorexia and delusions. After cocaine withdrawal, a typical symptom is anhedonia.
Anhedonia is defined as the inability to experience pleasure from activities usually found enjoyable, e.g. hobbies, exercise, social interaction or sexual activity.
Anhedonia can be a characteristic of mental disorders including mood disorders, schizoaffective disorder, schizoid personality disorder and schizophrenia. Affected schizophrenic patients describe themselves as feeling emotionally empty. Paranoia, egocentric behavior and delusions were all signatures of Glenn’s behavior or shtick. Regardless, he is responsible for his own behavior and past choices. Pointing them out isn’t a ‘dig’.
cisar - January 24, 2012
I so want to link the bear pic that says “I F#@$# LOVE COCAINE”
DonBorvio - January 24, 2012
Funny one.
cisar - January 24, 2012
This one?
davisca - January 24, 2012
it's so cute
Herzausstein - January 24, 2012
That bear is not related to my family! :D
Grizzledbear - January 24, 2012 via mobile
Aww, I thought it was your best portrait!
DonBorvio - January 25, 2012
Well, considering that you didn’t “grasp the point” I was making, maybe a look in the mirror (pun intended) is in store for you.
What I found ironic in your post is that on one hand you’re calling for better discourse among people and then you proceed to bring up the past drug use of someone unrelated to the story at hand. It’s the old “hello pot, it’s kettle” thing.
And for the record, I’m a mild fan of Beck, but I have my differences with him as well. I also would have went to the White House ceremony if I were Thomas, despite my opinion of the current occupant of the Oval Office.
Grizzledbear - January 24, 2012 via mobile
I didn’t call for a better discourse, I said people should be able to speak out and I said to address shortcomings in our government. I addressed Glenn Beck’s shortcomings. You addressed what you perceived as mine. Took me a minute on your ‘mirror’ comment.
I brought up Glenn’s past as a window into his present, a present that Tim Thomas supports, and that I am disappointed that TT would support such a man. Perfectly relatable. No pot, no kettle.
cisar - January 24, 2012
Some of the most decent and inciteful people I know had at one time been user’s of various drugs or alchohol, so this point you’re trying to make about Beck and by extension Thomas is a reach, apart from having little to nothing to do with the story. I have plenty of talk radio people I like to listen to, but I’m not getting my marching orders from them either. I doubt Thomas is either.
Grizzledbear - January 24, 2012 via mobile
And I should add.........
That suggesting TT should speak his mind directly to the President is, to put it mildly, not a realistic option in a setting like that. If he felt he wanted to make some sort of statement, what he did was about the most he could have done.
Grizzledbear - January 24, 2012 via mobile
Beeswax
There’s no need to show respect just cause it’s the office of the President. Of the people, by the people and for the people, and the president doesn’t represent any of these things anymore. Bush didn’t, Clinton didn’t, the other Bush didn’t. They’re real live human beings, and neither the president nor congress deserves an ounce of credit or respect “just because they are.” They all (both parties) put themselves before their country. So to say he should have gona out of respect for the office is a romantic comedy that is a complete representation of reality.
Kuddos to Thomas for calling them out on it.
Pekka for Predator Pontiff - January 24, 2012
So if your Commander in Chief salutes you, are you saluting back?
cisar - January 24, 2012
Not anymore.
Pekka for Predator Pontiff - January 24, 2012
I liked TT a lot more before yesterday. Disappointing. Leaving aside whether he disrespected the office, which it does, this disrespects his teammates, too. It was a team event. He’s a clown.
el pucko - January 24, 2012
Hard to have a dialogue with an Idealogue who has gone from "Commander in Chief" to "Blamer in Chief".
Kudos to Tim Thomas. He handled the sitution perfectly.
GoPreds00 - January 24, 2012
Ideologue. Big word. Try to spell it correctly. Glad you can parrot right wing talking points.
blamer in chief
cisar - January 24, 2012
Maybe he/she thought of that by themself? Possible, eh?
Now, back to your regular grammer nazi programming.
Grizzledbear - January 24, 2012 via mobile
That’s “grammar.” … Sorry, couldn’t resist. Nazi out.
el pucko - January 24, 2012
Ha!
Hey GB! Click on the link!
cisar - January 24, 2012
More than one here I see, LOL!. ;p
Grizzledbear - January 24, 2012 via mobile
At times in the Grammar wars, we are each sometimes part of the Axis, and sometimes the Allies.
cisar - January 24, 2012
Agreed.
Just because you disagree with the guy doesn’t mean you shouldn’t respect him for the job he is trying to do… arguably one of the hardest jobs in the world.
davisca - January 24, 2012 via Android app
Hardest job in the world, next to Predators’ GM…
cisar - January 24, 2012
Or Blue Jackets cheerleader
Dirk Hoag - January 24, 2012
Ooooohhh!
davisca - January 24, 2012 via Android app
If by ‘cheerleader’ you mean the guy who does the Boomer the Cannon thing?
Souhlasím s tím!
cisar - January 24, 2012
Boomer is a freaking sweet mascot....
Herzausstein - January 24, 2012
....but is he REALLY?
davisca - January 24, 2012
who doesn't want to have a giant inflatable cannon as their mascot?
Herzausstein - January 24, 2012
with a freaking sweet mustache
Herzausstein - January 24, 2012
But... it looks like an elephant dick on wheels.
davisca - January 24, 2012
hmmm.....always assumed those were balls....
Herzausstein - January 24, 2012
Aah... I'd never really though of them that way. Perhaps so. Must be uncomfortable.
davisca - January 24, 2012
This conversation might be getting uncomfortable…
cisar - January 24, 2012
imagine if your balls looked like wheels…
Tim P - January 24, 2012
must have to watch where it's walking
would hate to step on them…
Herzausstein - January 24, 2012
Maybe that's why they're more wheel-like, so he can drag them behind?
davisca - January 24, 2012
hahah
that’s a great idea keeps them from getting rug burned or road rashes
Herzausstein - January 24, 2012
Exactly!
Dear god, what happened to this conversation?!
davisca - January 24, 2012
i don't know...
lol went downhill fast eh?
Herzausstein - January 24, 2012
So do the elephant balls.
davisca - January 24, 2012
Faster because of the wheels!
cisar - January 24, 2012
those wheels definitely should help
but do you really want a set of elephant balls going downhill that fast?
Herzausstein - January 24, 2012
"Why did the elephant balls go hurtling down the street?"
davisca - January 24, 2012
boomer slipped and due to their wheel like properties they just kept going....
kinda stretchin it there
Herzausstein - January 24, 2012
I'm trying to come up with some technical physics terms, but everything's escaping me at the moment...
That’s okay, though. Maybe we don’t want to know why the elephant balls went hurtling down the street..
davisca - January 24, 2012
momentum, coefficient of friction, force, magnitude
Herzausstein - January 24, 2012
There you go!
davisca - January 24, 2012
More of a question of what happens at the bottom of the street, eh?
cisar - January 24, 2012
I want to rec the entire thread! HAHAHA
DonBorvio - January 25, 2012
That was pretty excellent, wasn’t it?
davisca - January 25, 2012
hahahahahahaha
cisar - January 24, 2012
agreed
no matter what you do about half of the country is going to think you’re doing a bad job. You just can’t please everyone
Herzausstein - January 24, 2012
I don’t know about half, don’t forget about the large block of people that don’t know or don’t care!
cisar - January 24, 2012
ahhh true
the apathetic block…. can’t tell if they’re just jaded from being stepped on or if they suffer from HB syndrome
Herzausstein - January 24, 2012
What if you turned off the HB video because you didn’t give a s#!t?
cisar - January 24, 2012
that's the mark of a true HB
Herzausstein - January 24, 2012
Those lazy f***s.
davisca - January 24, 2012
Thing is it shouldn't be as hard.
And would you rather say something to his face and cause a scene in front of your team? I personally had a chance to meet Bush, but I didn’t want to because he totally went back on what he ran on – or cause a scene trying to question him about it and get escorted off by the SS.
DonBorvio - January 24, 2012
I can’t believe you turned that down!
You could have, at least, just shook his hand and said you were disappointed that he didn’t follow through.
I met George H. W. Bush, but it was before he was elected, so all I could say was, “I hope you do a good job.”
cisar - January 24, 2012
If he was being truthful
in his explanation in that he believes that all levels of government and both parties are to blame for our current situation, then I agree. I’m tired of one side blaming the other side. All politicians are at fault.
There were probably some people that heralded TT as their champion yesterday, but when he came out and said it was his stance against the entire federal government, they thought, “no no no, it’s only Obama’s fault.”
bhamhockey - January 24, 2012
Sad thing was, TT most likely wasn’t being truthful in his response. He is on record as a conservative and the 1 person he would like to have dinner with as being Glenn Beck. Take it for what is is worth. I liked TT before and politics doesn’t decide who my friends are. I just don’t buy his Facebook response with his actions, or lack there of.
Tide311 - January 24, 2012
thing is some people probably did do that
but whether or not he truely meant his statement that all politicians are at fault he is correct. Both parties for years have bought their way into power one way or another. Both parties are to blame for the current state of the US, but instead of them saying “we messed up let’s get together and fix this” they play the pass the blame game. They sit there and act as if they had nothing to do with it and when called out on it they simply deflect. They attempt to get the voting base so up in arms about what the other political party did, that what they themselves did wrong is completely overlooked.
Herzausstein - January 24, 2012
It isn’t overlooked by some of us independents.
It isn’t overlooked by you, either!
cisar - January 24, 2012
same here! he went from being my second favorite goalie to still being my second favorite goalie, but a little closer to Pekka now
Creeping Death - January 24, 2012
In case you haven't figured it out yet...
The Goo goo vouchers are only good at mapco and tigermarket. Don’t learn the hard way!!
Preds Fanatic - January 24, 2012
I went to a Mapco and they didn’t have GooGoos. My wife was upset.
cisar - January 24, 2012
At first I thought the Preds should get whatever return they can for Suter. At this point, the way the team is playing, I’ve changed my mind. I think the Preds should go for it and see what kind of player is available for a “Forsberg” kind of trade. However, with how they’ve meshed, I’m not sure I would mortgage the farm for this year.
Therefore:
1. See what is out there, what “Name” players they can get for a fair price
2. If no one is available for said price, stand pat.
3. If someone comes up and gives you an offer you can’t refuse for Suter, take it.
The way this team has played has clarified nothing, only made things more muddled.
vols7381 - January 24, 2012
The team doesn’t need to clarify anything. You don’t release what you are trying to do. You don’t let other teams know what you are trying to do. And you don’t want other players knowing that you tried to sign x,y, or z players and none of them wanted to come to your team.
Hold your cards close to your vest.
cisar - January 24, 2012
OK. By all means, Poile’s cards shouldn’t be in plain sight. That doesn’t mean Nashville’s Chamber of Commerce can’t send a brochure to Evander Kane listing the city’s excellent bars and restaurants with a note on their quality of service to patrons.
Hockey Hillbilly - January 24, 2012
Haha. AND the beautiful women, or men, of Music City. There should also be the Virtual TV Timout Standing Ovation. That could be a good recruitment tool.
cisar - January 24, 2012
E. Kane would be a good one, and I am glad someone is talking hockey.
Predmonton - January 24, 2012
Actually, I meant the teams play has muddled not clarified what Poile should do. I didn’t mean Poile should clarify his position. I know his position: He will do what he needs to do to field the best team possible.
vols7381 - January 25, 2012
Regarding Dirk's options...
I think by going for option 1 (the forsberg-ish trade), you make option 3 less of a major concern, as everything we’ve heard is that Suter just needs to see a commitment to winning here, and a good trade may go a long way toward demonstrating that.
That being said, if there’s nothing good out there and we have to stand pat… bleh that just doesn’t sound good at all. So I think Poile really needs to go for it. I’d even take a rental over standing pat. Parise would be great… although watching Nash last night, if we could land him somehow, I’d be pretty happy.
Predanooga - January 24, 2012
Nash may be the one guy that CBJ wouldn’t give up but wouldn’t that be something! They ovbiously need a goalie but I would hate to lose Lindback right now. But package him with a young defenseman (not Ellis) and it would be pretty sweet.
Catwoman - January 24, 2012
Insanity
If columbus wants lindback and ellis for nash, Poile needs to get the conference call to the NHL office right now.
Would be crazy to gold onto ellis, josi, or blum if that gets you Nash.
wrandsw - January 24, 2012 via mobile
i'll send them blum and lindback
i’d perfer to keep ellis and josi b/c i see them turning into another suter and weber. I enjoy having lindback on the team but he deserves the chance to become a #1 goalie and he doesn’t have that here, and blum …meh….
Herzausstein - January 24, 2012
What to do...
All of the above are hard choices.
I really like the chemistry on this team. Most of these gents have come up together one way or another. that is hard to find on most teams.
I think Nashville is playing their best hockey in a long time and have a DAMN! good chance of going deep into the playoffs. I live Suter’s leadership way to much to get him traded but if Polie knows hes going to trade, then get it over with during this ASG break. the team needs to know for their sanity as well as ours.
Long story short, i like our chances, lets grab an elite goal scorer if possible and lets bring home what we know belongs to us this year.
TN Zac - January 24, 2012
live = like*
TN Zac - January 24, 2012
I think you have some good points.
It’ll just be interesting to see if they can continue to put up as many 4-5 goal games over the next month as they did this past month (where they put up three of each).
davisca - January 24, 2012
Too early to go big or go home.
In a month I’ll make up my mind. If we’re where we are in a month, then go for it and make Suter public enemy #1 when he walks.
We’ll be the next Blackhawks for all the wrong reasons.
Pekka for Predator Pontiff - January 24, 2012
What to do for the future?
Adding a big name player at the deadline hardly ever works. Forsberg didn’t work for us. The Bruins won the cup, but Kaberle definitely wasn’t a factor. Maybe the last time a big move worked out was when the Avs acquired Blake in ’01. The kind of deals that usually work are for grinders or roleplayers that add depth and experience, which is pretty much what the Preds are made up of.
The Preds need to sit down with Suter and his agent and see where things really stand (they may already have). Does he really want to stay? Is it the money? Is it wanting to be on a contender? This team is already pretty darn competitive in the toughest division in the league. The offense is finally starting to fire up. Could they go all the way? In this era of parity, who knows. They don’t have the big guns up front, but in the last dozen games they’ve looked just as impressive as the Canucks, Hawks, and Flyers when they went on their tears.
bhamhockey - January 24, 2012
For the love of Preds fans...
Decide on Suter in the next week, and i think we can figure out everything else the Preds should do after that with no issues.
TN Zac - January 24, 2012
Bill Guerin was Pittsburgh’s #3 playoff scorer in 2009 after getting picked up at the deadline.
Detroit added defenseman Brad Stuart in 2008, who stepped in to play 21:40 a night on their 2nd pair.
Carolina added Mark Recchi in 2006.
Deadline deals can certainly help a team address gaps ahead of the playoffs. There are no guarantees, of course, but it’s not like they never pay off.
Dirk Hoag - January 24, 2012
Canes added Doug Weight too that season.
The reason many Cup winners only make smaller roster moves is because they’re already set at all they key positions. Don’t think we could say that about our forward lines just yet.
Grizzledbear - January 24, 2012 via mobile
Forsberg got injured.
cisar - January 24, 2012
Forsberg was a PPG player in Nashville. I’m not sure how that “didn’t work”.
Patten - January 24, 2012
Two words: Brendan. Witt.
R.Scott Osborne - January 24, 2012
You are correct. Those are two words. Would you care to elaborate on your point?
Patten - January 24, 2012
Sorry to be so cryptic. I was referring to GMDP’s home stretch acquisition, Brendan Witt, from the Washington Capitals on March 9, 2006. Witt, whom Poile had drafted for Washington in the 1993 draft, was intended to be a veteran force as the young Preds headed toward the post-season. Instead he contributed only only three points in his 17 regular season games with Nashville and nothing but 12 PIM in the five-game first round playoff loss that season. The Predators would have been better off keeping Kris Beech and the first-round draft choice that Poile relinquished for Witt.
Hockey Hillbilly - January 24, 2012
You have two Logins?
cisar - January 24, 2012
Two log-ins on one Android in the house—and occasionally I have to explain what Mrs. Hockey Hillbilly, a person of few words, really means to say. And by the way, that draft pick GMDP traded away brought Semyon Varlamov to the Caps.
Hockey Hillbilly - January 24, 2012
We didn’t need another funny looking guy, anyway.
cisar - January 24, 2012
У праву си, друже!
Hockey Hillbilly - January 24, 2012
Makes more sense now – and the two log-in thing confused me, too.
The first rounder for Witt has always bugged me. He could get Sillinger for Shishkanov, but had to give up a first rounder for a defensive d-man. That never has computed for me.
Berglund would have been on the board for that first round pick.
Patten - January 24, 2012
Kris Beech was always that difference maker for where ever he played. ;D
I liked the Witt trade at the time, especially when he went over the glass to get a piece of that Sharks goon in his first game with us. Went downhill from there unfortunately.
Grizzledbear - January 24, 2012 via mobile
make no mistake
this team is awesome right now, however, they are prone to inconsistent play and erratic scoring.
the loss to the rangers = 0 goals…. rangers the sort of team all playoff teams will be playing like.
our needs are a rugged “D-man” and additional scoring.
I dont think Polie could pass up the opportunity to add an elite scorer because this team COULD suffer the worst kind of melt down after this season if Suter leaves and Weber follows suit. this COULD be the only year to make it happen before a rebuild starts.
we are gonna have to make improvements, like everyone knows- you can never have enough scoring in the playoffs and even a better scoring team like chicago will even be looking to add scoring depth. Poile has to.
jeffery101y - January 24, 2012
the Blue Jackets make a political statement every year about their distaste for the government by being nowhere near the playoffs at the end of the season. that way they make sure they never have to go meet anyone in government
Creeping Death - January 24, 2012
Ha!
cisar - January 24, 2012
Nice!!!
Chas-E - January 24, 2012
This is why I do not envy David Poile’s job.
ablairnash - January 24, 2012
Wow
Has anyone looked at our Feb schedule??! I was thinking we stand pat but the more I think about it (now knowing Feb upcoming) we NEED to trade and get that elusive scorer. I dont want us breaking up a good thing like most. So we give up some prospects ( ie Blum, Lindback and picks for someone) Possibly also a Spaling, Halischuk type guy.
I like them all too but face it, we have a tone of these type guys. And some are UFA next year so we cant sign them all. Again, we WILL NEED that scorer sooner than later to be consistent enough to be among the big guns in the West. Our young guys will hit a wall like Smith has already, hate to say it. The time is now.
Suter has to like what he sees, and if he doesnt then see ya later. What else does he want. The money is there you have to believe…I really am tired of almost begging this guy to stay. (somewhat hard to blame him to semi test the market, maybe his only shot in his career) But hes on a really solid team thats on the up and up.
ajs3677 - January 24, 2012
Smith has not ‘hit a wall’. He has a ton of upside. He is still learning, maturing, growing. Colin Wilson ‘hit a wall’ his first year, now look at him.
cisar - January 24, 2012
eh...
tomato’s tomatoes…you know what I mean…the youngest team in the league is going to be hard to keep this up all year.
ajs3677 - January 24, 2012
so 15
straight games without a goal after that empty net fiasco isnt a “wall”? no need to harp on it. He did finally get off that schnide though which is good.
ajs3677 - January 24, 2012
I think it is more appropriate to say he has plateau’d. Reached a level and has, let’s say temporarily, stopped improving.
cisar - January 24, 2012
I think he is moving ahead, again, though. I think he WAS on a plateau.
cisar - January 24, 2012
Hey look, school is applicable to real life! Just a fun little tid-bit...
We actually talked about this in my cognitive development class last semester!! When you begin a “new” activity (which we had to do for 12 weeks), whether it’s BRAND new (as in I took up ASL for the first time in my life), or something you know, but are simply improving upon (a girl in my class who sang decided to take real lessons), there is a typical learning pattern that accompanies almost everyone. First, you see massive, rapid improvement and success, then you level off (plateau), and sometimes regress slightly, while you practice the new “skills” required of you (for HB, say speediness, backchecking, passing, general NHL-level stuff, whatever). Once those new skills become second nature, which can take a month or more (depending on what you’re practicing, how often you’re practicing it, and how easily it comes to you), you begin your next stage of improvement, and (to keep this simple) the cycle basically repeats again. We had to track our development of whatever we chose to learn over the 12 weeks – it was pretty cool to see how accurate this is.
davisca - January 24, 2012
interesting...
I do see how this applies. And with such young players it does make even more sense. Its got to be hard to keep with a full NHL season for at least 1/3 of these kids, since most arent used to the rigors of a pro season.
ajs3677 - January 24, 2012
He’s still been getting points (assists), not at as high of a rate, but at least he’s been getting them consistently. Therefore, even if he isn’t scoring, he’s still making things happen on the ice.
davisca - January 24, 2012
agreed
was just more pointing out a young player in a really bad scoring slump
ajs3677 - January 24, 2012
Yeah, that’s very fair. Just mentioning the other side of the stone. He definitely has slowed on the actual scoring part though.
davisca - January 25, 2012
No way you can trade Suter right now because he wont commit either way so why would anyone want him unless they can immediately sign him? That said the Preds are in pretty good shape but we still could add some offense! They did get shut out by the Rangers last week right? Since we’re not a team of snipers at any given time these guys can start throwing goose eggs on the board. Wycheck on the Zone has really been taking Suter to task in the media, nobody else has. He said in football the players wouldn’t tolerate a diva type attitude basically saying get us more help because these guys I play with aren’t good enough! You wonder if any of the Preds feel the same way right now, kind of a putz like attitude on Suter’s part. He’s not the GM right? Poile is desperately trying to cut a deal so he won’t wine anymore.
virgil trucks - January 24, 2012
wait football players dont like divas?
Umm yeah thats false look at cj the last two years. How bout chad whatever his new last name is or owens or just about any star player
Shadow23 - January 24, 2012 via iPhone app
Suter is the GM of his own career. He’s not being a putz, he’s just looking out for what’s best for himself. If his desire for the organization to add additonal help in order for him to stay here results in that help being acquired, then that’s a win/win situation for everyone!
Grizzledbear - January 24, 2012 via mobile
Thomas
The last thing I want when I come to this…my absolute favorite site…is ANY political ranting of either ideology. Full disclosure first… I am a very devout progressive and politically active in many ways….BUT NOT HERE. I, for one, am very disappointed by the actions of Tim Thomas and, frankly, by a few of the comments on here. I have been a season ticket holder for the Nashville Predators since 2001 and have been sitting with and near many of the same people for several years now. NOT ONCE in all the games that I have ever attended did it matter what political ideology that fellow fan was that celebrated after a goal with me or high fived me after a win, or chanted with me, or stood up with me against rowdy and drunk Red Wings fans, or even maybe shed a slight tear with me after FINALLY knocking off the Ducks last spring. That’s what is so great about the Preds and sports in general; the ability to unify complete strangers in a common bond and purpose. Last Saturday night the only people in the arena I couldn’t stand were ALL the people wearing Blackhawks Red…Democrats, Republicans, Socialists, Libertarians, and the Independents among them!!!! Those wearing the Blue and Gold were my allies on that night, again, regardless of which political cartoons are more likely to make you laugh. I respect Tim Thomas’ right to hold different political opinions, I respect his right to protest. However, there are proper forums for such and this was NOT it. Not only were his actions disrespectful to the OFFICE of the President, but they were in some measure disrespectful to his teammates and to his fan base by putting himself before his TEAM and those that support them…..and for those of you asking why should you respect the office of the President right now…I bet you did 3 years ago….and that type of polemic hyperbole is definitely part of the problems of this country NOT part of the solution…..Let’s talk hockey now!!!!!……SUTER PLEASE SIGN!!!!! ( oh yeah, he is another devout Republican….and I don’t care…he is a Pred…for now…)…..:-)
prcleburne113064 - January 24, 2012
Bravo!
My sentiments exactly!
DVA56 - January 24, 2012
Thanks for sharing
Believe me, I was hesitant about including this in the morning notes, but it is a hockey story that’s drawing reaction all over the place, so I thought it was worth sharing. I appreciate how folks have kept the conversation relatively free of partisan bickering (compared to what you’d see about anywhere else).
Dirk Hoag - January 24, 2012
Congratulations on reaching the Hat Trick level of the Ambassador Program!
cisar - January 24, 2012
Thanks. I hope folks don’t mind my pimping the “OTF Discount”, but that does help.
Dirk Hoag - January 24, 2012
I’ll hack my own code in there one day!
Ha!
cisar - January 24, 2012
Well said.
davisca - January 24, 2012 via Android app
Very well put!
Hockey and politics need not mix. I did hear rumor, though, that if Democrats fail to win reelection, they plan to adopt this new slogan.
“Tho-mas…Tho-mas…IT’S ALL YOUR FAULT! IT’S ALL YOUR FAULT!”
Chas-E - January 24, 2012
Hahahahahahahahaha!
cisar - January 24, 2012
Bahahahaha! That’s fantastic.
davisca - January 24, 2012
If the Preds decide to for it all,
which I doubt Poile with do and I’m sure he has a good reasons to just ride it out. But what about seeing if the Islanders would part with Tavares. Fat chance, but he’ll continue to go no where on that team.
ahall07 - January 24, 2012
nice
good angle there.
TN Zac - January 24, 2012
A couple of things
1) Thank god Dirk is back today!!! I didn’t realize what a job it is to scour the web for Hockey news until yesterday. It was near impossible to get anything done at work all morning. Kudos to you Dirk!
2) Tim Thomas’ no show is really a non-issue. He is a hockey player and should be viewed as that. Why is his view on politics anymore important that the the guy in the cubicle next to me? While I think it was a interesting, for lack of a better word, stance, he has every right to make this stance. What I do not understand is the willingness by reporters and fans to make this an issue. So the goalie for a hockey team didn’t go the white house? BIG FRICKING DEAL!!! Obama and the rest of our elected officials have bigger fish to fry. i am sure that Obama gave this no more than a minutes thought.
3) I think the visit to the white house is asinine to begin with. Our officials have more pressing matters to attend to. If would rather see the president host a group of school children that this farce.
bvkv09 - January 24, 2012
I personally think that if you are actually offended
by the political leanings or actions of an NHL goalie, it is likely that you need a hobby. …or maybe a cat.
Marcus Newman - January 24, 2012
Possibly twenty cats.
Predanooga - January 24, 2012
A hobby and a cat…….maybe a few of each. :)
Grizzledbear - January 24, 2012 via mobile
The problem is that celebs, be they athletes, actors, or the Kardashians, are no more knowledgeable about politics than any of the rest of us. That is why they should all just be quiet. We have what we have because the pols that run the country now are polarizing all of us. They would rather have us at each other’s throats than sit down with the opposition and try to work out what is best for our country. That goes for both sides. I’m sick to death of all of them. My point is that Tim Thomas has just added to the polarization. not a good thing, imho
amyinsparta - January 24, 2012
Boo!
We need more noise from people, not less.
More people writing letters to their politicians, not less.
More people voting, not less.
More scoring wingers on the Preds, not less.
cisar - January 24, 2012
^
everyone should be active in the political realm….
that’s part of the problem ….the apathetic population that either doesn’t care and the uninformed voter who just doesn’t really know.
Herzausstein - January 24, 2012
This:
I feel like really keeping up with the details in politics can be time-consuming and difficult, and that’s why you have a lot of people who just don’t give a damn. I don’t consider myself apathetic by any means — I know a reasonable amount about what’s going on in politics, and I have my opinions — but there are some things I honestly just don’t care to find out about, not because I don’t want to know, but because it’s simply WAY too freaking hard to find an unbiased source so that I CAN form my own opinion. I personally feel like I have to search the topic, find three or four articles from both sides about it, and read them all before I have a general idea of what happened. That’s a lot of time and effort and energy, and unfortunately I just don’t have much of that to spare (it goes into writing papers instead). I think it’s safe to say that I am not the only one with this problem… I think it’s a problem with a lot of adults my age who are finally at the stage in life where they realize they can have their own political opinions.
davisca - January 24, 2012
an unbiased source is a myth
everyone has there personal opinion even if you witness something yourself you will put your own beliefs into it.
Herzausstein - January 24, 2012
Absolutely, you’re right. I guess I should have said the LEAST biased sources? (You know what I mean.)
davisca - January 24, 2012
the uniformed voter is more aimed towards those who simply vote for someone
b/c the is a D or an R next to their name
Herzausstein - January 24, 2012
Yeah, that pisses me off. “He sounds cool – I’ll vote for him!”
REALLY??
davisca - January 24, 2012
Staying on top of everything does take a lot of involvement.
What you can do, which takes less time, is to send a letter to your congress critters telling them what you believe and expect from them. Draft a good letter and send it to all your representatives. Let them know you are watching and you vote.
cisar - January 24, 2012
why not
Politicians are nothing but puppets now. The ideals are based off of what their party decides, and their actions in office will follow what the party tells them to do.
Very few Politicians are individuals anymore, and i haven’t had an opportunity to vote for any of those few. So i have voted because i thought “This party’s ideals will be the most helpful given the current state of the country”
flyalder - January 24, 2012
There are some people who know exactly what they believe and they know that voting D or R is going to work for them, and that’s perfectly. I think the problem is more when moderates, or undecideds, or uninformed people, or whatever you want to call them just kinda go with one or the other because hey, that’s what they voted for last time, or all their friends like them, or they’ve heard good things, etc. etc.
davisca - January 24, 2012
Oops, *perfectly fine
davisca - January 24, 2012
just to clear up a pet peeve
Moderate does not equal undecided. Most moderates, like myself, are so because they realize both parties are far from perfect, but each have their place in political history.
Undecideds are mostly indecisive people not intelligent enough to make their own decision, and so they listen to all the pandering.
flyalder - January 24, 2012
And independents?
cisar - January 24, 2012
i don't care
just don’t lump me with undecideds. :)
flyalder - January 24, 2012
Though I disagree a little with your definition of moderates, I will reply to death your right to type it.
cisar - January 24, 2012
paraphrasing?
flyalder - January 24, 2012
Yeah, sorry I realized that once I wrote it, but had to jet out for class and didn’t have time to correct it. I myself am moderate, so I understand the annoyance.
davisca - January 25, 2012
forget wingers, more klein – ha
predwheels - January 24, 2012
Who Should Poile Dangle?
Many of us talk about what we want…but what will we give up? Well, as in stocks it is best to sell high. I don’t believe the value for Matt Halischuck will ever be higher. He has 11 goals in limited minutes, that is great, and I like him as a player….but now is the time to get value for him. Package him with Anders, Blum or Roussel, and a first round pick and go for it. I am OK with this even if it gets us a rental since it hopefully will be enough to get Suts to sign. If you don’t like who I am giving up, please tell me who you would trade.
Retired #7 - January 24, 2012
depends on what the tade talks are about
since i doubt any team is willing to part with the level of player the preds need for scrap picks, a current top 6 will have to be sacrificed.
First the untouchables: Legwand and Erat each have NTC’s, which they aren’t stupid enough to waive for a bad team. WIlson, Smith, Josi, are all too important to the future success of the team. And Boullion is too valuable as the only veteran D on such a young Dcorps
Because of the preds current lack of Quality depth, i would say trade position for postion. Such as, only trade Fisher if a better center can be brought in.
For wingers i would say SK74 should be the trade bait. Of the current wingers i haven’t already mentioned, Hornqvist’s style is too valuable in the playoffs, and Sk74 was less than effective last year.
Conclusively, FIsher for a center, Sk74 for a winger, and a bunch of fillers (such as halischuck, blum, bourque etc) to complete the deal.
flyalder - January 24, 2012
For some reason I read “Quidditch” instead of “Quality”….. go figure.
Anyway, I’m definitely with you on seeing Kostitsyn as a trade option. I don’t know how we’ve ignored him for that, haha! He has improved lately, but he’s been up and down a lot this season (mostly down), and I feel like we could get someone who is a lot more consistent than he has been.
davisca - January 24, 2012
Suter Update
Just to let you guys know the reason suter is not signed yet is due to him and his agent wanting a thirteen year deal. Also, Weber is looking to retire a Pred. On more thing that people dont really know about is Radulov’s Family has been in town the last month talking extensively to Polie and the rest of management. Im pretty sure he will be coming back before the trade deadline to carry out his last year on his contract.
Shamrock22 - January 24, 2012
No team is going to give Suter a 13 year deal, that’s dumb. Take 7 like Pekka and he would still be young enough to get that last contract at even more money!
virgil trucks - January 24, 2012
I m just letting you know what he wants. I think it is absurd but that is what he wants.
Shamrock22 - January 24, 2012
can you cite a source on this?
I would be interested in reading about it.
flyalder - January 24, 2012
I have family/friends in the preds management. Just letting people know whats actually happening because im tired of hearing about bogus stories and chatter that they are going to walk away at the end of the year.
Shamrock22 - January 24, 2012
Wow. That’s interesting. Well if all of that is indeed true (not saying you’re wrong – I just take everything with a grain of salt so that I don’t get myself all hyped up for nothing, haha), we could be in for one heck of playoff run this year and season next year.
davisca - January 24, 2012
all very interesting. If the 13-year contract request is true, then Suter’s agent is just doing his job. Aim BIG and then settle for something reasonable. With a little less than 5 weeks to go before the deadline, we still have 4 1/2 weeks of mindless banter and rumor until the real negotiations begin.
Griz-ATL - January 24, 2012
Do you own a Shamrock 22’ Predator?
cisar - January 24, 2012
Or are you really Shane O’ Brien? :)
Predmonton - January 24, 2012
Well you definitely are not the only one tired of hearing it. I have to hear “how nice would Suter or Weber look in an Oilers jersey?” everyday. And now on top of that I have to hear “Oh I think we are going to trade Hemsky for Ellis” after hearing how Ellis was too small and would never make it to the NHL for a year.
Predmonton - January 24, 2012
Also, David Poile spends the majority of his days trying to splice together the DNA of Mario Lemieux, Wayne Gretzky and Secretariat.
Patten - January 24, 2012
He actually succeeded in that, but 1. He couldn’t find skates to fit Secretariat’s hooves and 2. There is some little known rule about Centaurs playing in the NHL. He is looking to retool so that it uses Secretariat’s head and Lemieux’s legs.
cisar - January 24, 2012
How did you know that? I have friends and family in upper management, but they let me in on extremely confidential information so I can randomly post it on message boards and in the comment sections of blog posts.
Patten - January 24, 2012
I am your brother, doofus. Your friends and family in upper management are also my friends and family in upper management. Except for that one guy, whom I won’t mention by name.
cisar - January 24, 2012
Is that the failed experiment that produced David Legwand?
Stormyt - January 24, 2012
My sources say that Secretariat’s DNA got mixed up with a Donkey. I’m not sure…
cisar - January 24, 2012
Now those are some anonymous sources I’d trust
Stormyt - January 24, 2012
Horse feathers. He’d have to clear waivers to come back during the season. Please don’t pollute this place with unfounded rumors.
Dirk Hoag - January 24, 2012
Why
Dirk, this is very interesting. Why would he have to clear waivers if he is under contract? How would it be different in the off-season?
Retired #7 - January 24, 2012
There’s a rule in the CBA that if you bring a player over from Europe after the start of the season, they need to clear waivers. That’s how we got Marek Svatos, if you recall, and how the Islanders got Evgeni Nabokov.
http://www.ontheforecheck.com/2011/10/1/2462709/alexander-radulov-khl-nhl-waiver
Dirk Hoag - January 24, 2012
OK
I didn’t think that applied to a player under contract. In the Svatos and Nabokov cases they had no NHL contracts…so they were free agents. Wouldn’t it be different in Rads case since he has a valid, in force, NHL contract with the Preds?
Retired #7 - January 24, 2012
Follow the steps
First, each of those players signed contracts (Svatos with STL, Nabokov with DET).
Then, in order to bring them over to the NHL, those teams had to put them through waivers, where they got claimed.
Dirk Hoag - January 24, 2012
Dirk
What about section 13.4? Would he not be exempt from waivers? haven’t really delved in to the whole document, or even the section, is why i am asking.
bvkv09 - January 24, 2012
It would appear that the relevant text is 13.23:
Dirk Hoag - January 24, 2012
Thanks!
bvkv09 - January 24, 2012
He doesn’t have to clear waivers. He is considered a suspended player under contract. He’s not a player “on loan”. He’s treated the same as a player who has decided to just not show up to games. He is the only player who left the NHL without permission for the KHL while under contract to an NHL team and thus is the only player this applies to. He’s a suspended player. Where he is spending his time not honoring his contract is of no circumstance.
My source on that is David Poile.
Patten - January 24, 2012
Now that makes this even more interesting.
cisar - January 24, 2012
Remember, when you guys asked Poile about that question, it was before the start of the season, so 13.23 didn’t apply then.
You can bet that every team in the league would challenge that logic were Poile to attempt to bring him back during the season.
Dirk Hoag - January 24, 2012
And, as I said before the season, David Poile’s statement that Radulov does not have to clear waivers no matter when he comes back has no relevance to what time he made the statement.
Sorry, Dirk, but you’re straight up wrong on this one.
Patten - January 24, 2012
I’d just like to see someone cite CBA language to back up what you’re saying.
Is there any evidence for this position outside of “Poile said so”?
Dirk Hoag - January 24, 2012
Radulov left in 2008. The CBA was signed in 2005.
Considering the NHL, the NHLPA, the IIHF and the Predators went to numerous arbitration hearings to resolve the situation, I’m pretty sure the clause in the CBA doesn’t apply.
Not to mention, if he had to clear waivers, David Poile would not have specifically said that he did not.
Patten - January 24, 2012
So your answer is no?
Dirk Hoag - January 24, 2012
I feel that the word of the NHL GM specifically involved in the matter is pretty good evidence.
Patten - January 24, 2012
Now you’re just being redundant.
Dirk Hoag - January 24, 2012 via Android app
Now, I’M just being redundant.
cisar - January 24, 2012
Now, I’M just being redundant.
cisar - January 24, 2012
I’m taking one thing away from this thread…
RADULOV IS COMING…RADULOV IS COMING…
and no one is going to convince me otherwise. (hands over ears) Lalalalalalalalala…
Griz-ATL - January 24, 2012
Well said, Griz.
davisca - January 25, 2012
I’d be happy if even just a third of what you say is true.
MaASPredFan - January 24, 2012
The part about Rads coming back before the trade deadline was a funny!
Grizzledbear - January 24, 2012 via mobile
This whole thing sounds like horse pucky. Suter wants 13 years? Weber wants to retire a Pred? Radulov talking about coming back this season? All too good to be true, but 10/10 since successful troll is successful.
Likely Weber and Suter want money + trade for a top forward or drag Radulov back or a short-term contract while DP figures it out.
DonBorvio - January 25, 2012
in depressing news
Ovechikin skipping the all star game is very disappointing. His skill shots have been one of the best highlights from the last few years.
flyalder - January 24, 2012
He was suspended and didn’t feel right playing in the game. I’m sure there’s a little bit of an eff you there for Shanny and the league. Was not exactly surprised but disappointed he got three games for the Michalek hit. Was both surprised and disappointed Michalek got nothing for elbow to Matt Hendricks’ head in the same game.
el pucko - January 24, 2012
Why?
He LAUNCHED himself into a player. You cannot launch yourself off the ice and into a hit. Remember the Kronwall hit on Martin Havlat? The big argument there was that his skates left the ice, and that aspect of the hit was WAAAY more contested in the Kronwall case than the Ovechkin case (where he SO, so clearly jumps off the ice). Here’s the hit, if you don’t remember it.
davisca - January 25, 2012
I go for option D in the trade scenario question.
Yeah, I know there wasn’t an option D, but I’m adding it anyway. :)
Adding a rental is fine for this season, but it will do little to effect the Suter situation. Adding a player under contract past this season who is a difference maker is the best option to not only give us our best chance to win this season, but also to make our best commitment to Suter (and Weber) that we’re serious about the things past this season.
You have your marching orders, GMDP…….get marching! :)
Grizzledbear - January 24, 2012 via mobile
I think I'd better stay out of this one...
Only Fan In J.C. ? - January 25, 2012
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