4 months ago:
NASHVILLE, TN - JANUARY 05: Mike Ribeiro #63 of the Dallas Stars skates past Kevin Klein #8 of the Nashville Predators to score a goal on Predators goalie Pekka Rinne #35 at the Bridgestone Arena on January 5, 2012 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
A serious of defensive gaffes in the 1st & 2nd periods were followed by undisciplined penalties in the 3rd, as the Nashville Predators fell behind early and never seriously threatened the Dallas Stars in a 4-1 defeat in front of a record-setting 7th straight sellout crowd at Bridgestone Arena. Dallas simply capitalized on Nashville's mistakes, then settled in to a defensive style of play to cruise to the finish.
The lone bright spot of the night for Nashville was Gabriel Bourque's first career NHL goal, coming in his 4th game with the Preds.
Follow after the jump for video highlights & reaction...
First the video (might take 30-45 minutes post-game to work):
Your random observations:
Jordin Tootoo didn't waste much time by squaring off with Mark Fistric early on, but it was more of a wrestling match than anything else.
Shea Weber was certainly involved in all facets of the game in his return. He posted a pretty strong +4 Corsi, fired 4 shots on goal, attempted 7 other shots and blocked one as well. He was out there during some of the team defensive breakdowns, however. Chalk it up to rust being shaken off.
Roman Josi was almost set up for that opening goal by a Mike Ribeiro rush down the right wing earlier on, during which he put a very similar move on the rookie and blew by him.
Congratulations go out to Gabriel Bourque for scoring his 1st career NHL goal, that was a great job by him to sag into the slot while Tootoo took the puck behind the net. The Stars obviously left him wide open, but that was a nice job burying the feed once it came his way.
The 2nd & 3rd Dallas goals were both pretty nauseating, featuring two very different forms of defensive failures. On #2, the Preds gave up too much room to pretty much every Star in the offensive zone, allowing Ribeiro to beat Klein to a loose puck in the crease, while on the Benn score, Suter left the puck assuming that Nick Spaling was supporting him, but Spals had turned his back to the play and was already breaking up ice.
Ribeiro left the game after taking a point shot to the face late in the second period, but hopefully the damage isn't too serious there, as he was able to return later in the 3rd with a face cage on.
Into every 82-game season, a few of these absolute stinkers come along. I wouldn't read too much into it, as overall the team has played well lately. This does ratchet up the pressure on the Predators to come out strong Saturday night when Carolina comes to town, though.
For those who wonder about the long layoff possibly affecting the Preds, the good news is that outside of the All-Star Break, they have only one more 3-day gap in their schedule, from February 28 to March 3.
1) the gold medal world junior game (Zibanejad!!!!! Golden Goal!!!! Great call by TSN) will make folks gloss over this game, making it easier to for everyone to get over
2) Bourque had a nice first goal from the front of the net. Good milestone for the kid.
3) Tootoo had a variation of the Tootoo hat trick (point/fight/dumb penalty, complete with dive). Crispy even had to admit that was a dive; when does that happen?
4) Fistric dropped the gloves; not much of a fight, but that is over and done
5) Steve Ott hit two posts, and looked pi$$ed both times. That was plenty worth it!
I’m moving to Clarksville soon with my wife. She’s being posted at Ft. Campbell so we are going to adopt the Preds as a secondary team. Been a Stars fan all my life but I’ve been paying attention to the Preds the past few weeks and they’re fun to watch.
Hopefully I can make it out to the Arena and catch a few games before the season is over. Should be there by end of January.
Love Southern states that play hockey. Part of being a fan though is buying a sweater and those are so expensive…
I’m excited though. The Nashville arena looks nice. I’m not sure it’s nicer than the American Airlines center, which is one of the nicest Arenas I’ve ever been to, but it look pretty neat on TV.
First, tell your wife God Bless you and thank you.
Second, please if you do come to the games when we play the Stars, don’t be a jerk if we lose.
Third, you will soon swap us to one and them to two.
Fourth, welcome aboard!
Funny how after winning a few tight games in a row, a certain contingent of fans begins preparing for hockey in June. The upside to a loss like this is that it brings reality back into focus. Fact is, we’ve scored one goal each in 3 of our last 4 games. Hardly an enviable group of forwards as someone suggested recently. Yes folks, we still need scoring help.
The Stars have really put things together there despite losing their best player, Brad Richards, to free agency this past summer. Good job by Niewendyck (sp) on putting that roster together. Ryder with 17 goals? Better pickup than even I thought he would be.
Good thing for us is that we have my Eastern conference cupcake team, the Canes, stumbling into town Saturday. Just stay with them into the 3rd period, they’ll fall apart. :/
The Stars have nice balance thru their lineup and Lehtonen gives them good goaltending most nights. They have a legit top line there. Picking up a 2nd line type forward would really put them in a strong position for the playoffs, IMO, maybe a depth Dman as well.
I posted it in the GDT, but Fisher has got to produce. I am expecting to see posts similar to the legwand and erat posts. Tootoo has moere damn points than he does.
The good thing is they are due for a hot streak.
Fisher is on a dry spell, so it supposedly is coming. Smith hit a wall the last month, not surprising given that he played a college sked last year. The PP has cooled off, and cant go oh-for forever. This is like Dirk said a bump to be expected in an 82 game road.
Same cooling off thing goes for Leggy…..in fact, last year, after a few posts poking fun (First Church of Legwand), Leggy turned into a point a game guy for several weeks…..maybe time to revive the Church, for the Greater Good of Smashville?
a shot in the dark.
No different than SK74, or Bergfors. Bargain basement shopping. No guarantee he would have 17 goals here. Sometimes those moves work, sometimes they don’t….though to your credit, grizzled, you called for Ryder last summer as a bargain deal.
That said, no reason for the Preds, fighting for a playoff spot, to be a cap floor team. Perhaps our Ryder is coming…..Carolina is a cupcake, like you said. Anaheim, C-bus……there are talented players to be had for a song.
Ryder is a two time 30 goal scorer, so he hardly qualifies as a bargain basement player. Had a good playoffs for the Bruins last season as well. Don’t think SK74 is comparable to him.
Hmmm, I called for both Ryder and Fleischmann this summer……….move over Poile, Gbear is taking over! :D
may have been a sign, but I remember when he was younger and a step quicker (he was never much of a skater), The Bruins were ridiculed for giving him a 3 year deal. Then he made them look smart. Then he didn’t for two seasons….but then had a good playoff.
If you knew Ryder and Flash would have performed like this, you should be GM! I will agree, though, Ryder has scored 30 goals, and Flash was on a near point a game pace last year before being shelved, so they are not in the Bergfors/SK74 class…….but they aren’t exactly Parise, Richards, or Carter, and I think that is what is needed here.
I would prefer a more blockbuster, core player for core player deal. Or package prospects (like the Carter, Richards deals).
Or trade a high end D prospect (where we appear loaded, and Josi and Ellis look comfortable, Ribeiro’s dancing around tonight notwithstanding) for a high end forward prospect.
Ottawa did this (Rundblad for Turris), basically, because they have high end young D guys (Ellis is a Karlsson clone, in an ideal world), and were lacking in centers.
Prospects are lottery tickets, but if you have enough of high end ones, sooner or later some of them will pay off. The Preds need more fwd scratch and wins.
A guy like Ryder will be a complementary skater for a year or two, but a young gun would help the Preds until Pekka has grey temples.
Turris has 6 points, +6, in 8 games, and is only 22. he will be Senator property for a long time. He is similar in style to Craig Smith, in age to Colin Wilson, and his potential is greater (he was up for #1 overall, versus mr. kane).
The price was steep….if Rundblad ends up like Karlsson especially. But Karlsson already has that role carved out for a long time, so Rundblad was considered expendable….we shall see.
Rundblad is a healthy scratch in the desert, and Turris is playing decent minutes with Alfredsson and Condra.
While the potential and future (the most important part of the trade) of both players is unknown, right now, Turris is helping out Ottawa, and Rundblad is not helping out the Coyotes.
10 goals against the Preds in the last 2 games. Dallas started great, but not so great since then. I haven’t seen anybody talking about June. The Predators will make the playoffs. They need scoring help. They also need to do something about the GOALS ALLOWED. They had a good stretch but, I would dare say most teams are going to lose if they give up 4+ goals.
But Dallas is coming off of a season missing the playoffs and losing their best player, we were supposed to be heading to bigger and better things, yet we’re basically a team on par with Dallas, at best. That’s the problem with this picture.
We’re right there with a bunch of other teams fighting for a playoff spot. It’s best to look at the situation as it.
I try to keep an even keel. Preds do need more scoring. I am not going to jump all over a bad game and feed the freak-out monster. It seems like Dallas has the Predators number. Maybe start Lindback next time? I think the Predators will finish 5th or 6th.
yet we’re basically a team on par with Dallas, at best.
How can you say at best? Dallas was 1st in the conference for a while to start the season, they have come back to earth. You (and I) don’t know what the rest of this season holds. The Preds may go on one of their traditional late season winning streaks. They might acquire more scoring. The top lines might start scoring.
I guess if you constantly take the negative view you can be pleasantly surprised when things go better than you thought, and you can say “I told you so.” if things go bad.
You stated definatively that we would make the playoffs but then say we don’t know what the rest of the season holds? The Preds may do this or that and the Stars may do this or that (the Stars have actually played well of late, even beating the Bruins), but the point is that we’re no better than them. That shouldn’t be the case coming out if last season.
And please don’t give me the negative vs. positive nonsense, I call things as I see them and I see a Preds organization not taking advantage of a window of opportunity that may close on them sooner than expected. That we continue to be short a top 6 forward has gone beyond absurd at this point.
If you can state definately that the Preds are basically a team on par with Dallas at BEST.
I can say that the Preds will make the playoffs.
I still think the Preds make a trade. I am not freaking out about it because before the season DP indicated that it would be more likely that they would acquire a player close to the deadline.
If you can call things as you see them I can call things as I see them.
We can agree on the need for scoring help. I would like to see Suter signed shortly. I think that DP wants to see where he is as far as that goes. Whether or not he can re-sign Suter probably has a lot to do with what kind of trades he tries to make. The Preds have a lot of draft picks as you have pointed out. I would love to see Bobby Ryan here. I could go for ZP as well. I can agree with you on a lot of things. I don’t want to see the Preds get rid of all of their defensive depth and go after a few superstars, then you become the CBJ. (Who many predicted would be better than the Predators this year.)
Saying we're on par with Dallas isn't speculative.
We have almost identical records and they’ve thumped us twice. That’s just factual.
And no one’s “freaking out”, my view of this team has been consistant (some would say redundant) since July and throughout all the wins and losses of this season. As I’ve pointed out before, when you take out the games against the Jackets and Ducks, our offensive output is well below average. It needs to be improved.
I don’t think you are freaking out. Those who are freaking out are the ones who call for DP and Trotz to be fired after a loss and then think that they are going to win the Cup after a win. You have been consistent.
You can’t “take out” the games against bad teams, if you did that with every other team I am sure their goal totals drop drastically as well.
I agree with you on most points. The main difference seems to be I think that DP makes a move to bring in a scoring forward before the deadline, you don’t. If he doesn’t, I will be just as upset as you, especially if the Preds end up losing Suter and Weber (and like you, I think that keeping Suter and Weber is tied to acquiring a scoring forward). I am concerned by the goals allowed and poor PK this year just as much as I am concerned by lack of goals. The next 2 months should be interesting to say the least.
P.S. I had a similar post typed in and then the work computer crashed :(
will compete for a lower playoff spot. So will Nashville. They are not Chicago, Detroit, San Jose, Vancouver, the cream of the crop. I think saying they are at par with DAL, MIN, is fine. Maybe STL, though STL looks like it may be closer to DET/CHI territory.
I do agree that one bump of many last night. 82 game season, allowed a few mulligans. Only when they come in late March/early April do they really portend doom (2006 and 2007 and 2009, the Preds finished up lacklustre, with expected results).
My point in taking out the games against the Ducks and Jackets is to point out how few times we’ve scored over two goals in the remaining games, only about 12 or 13 times, IIRC, in the other 33 games against other teams. That screams out that we have a big problem in scoring enough goals.
Among other things… “As part of his pestiness, Ott learned and memorized offensive phrases in other languages to strategically annoy his opponents on the ice in a language they could understand.”
Sean Avery is widely hated by EVERYONE. Including his own teammates. He’s a drunk driving, irresponsible, racist idiot. It’s not even CLOSE man. Don’t go comparing Ott to him. Ott offends the opposing team, but he doesn’t get arrested and he doesn’t insult his own fans/team.
Tootoo lays a clean hard hit on Modano, then decks Robidas when he comes in for a cross check on Tootoo? You don’t go head hunting and then cry when the prey pre-empts your strike. Robidas sure as heck wouldn’t have let up. :P
He’s never gouged anyone’s eyes. (Did Ott really do that? I’ll cancel my season tickets anytime we pick up a guy with a history of stuff like that: Bertuzzi, Ott, Burrows)…
As you watch this clip keep in mind that not one Dallas Stars player comes to the aid of Ott, who for one reason or another had a broken hand and wasn’t able to throw a punch against Moen (punching walls perhaps?). Could it be that his own team thinks he deserves a good ass whipping? Stranger things have happened.
I said it was years ago. I’d be very surprised if he did the same thing now. They have told him he’s a leader now for the younger guys, Ott has mellowed considerably in the past two years. He still yaks, but this isn’t 05-06 Ott out there.
If you wanna go fishing you can find stuff like that about most third liners in the league.
Ott was only moved up this year after Richards left. He’s primarily a defensive grinder. They get into fights and get dirty. Again, this has mellowed a lot recently.
but doesn’t tootoo have ‘a history of stuff like that’? Or is gouging that much worse than the diving, charging, elbowing, sucker punching, alleged stomping (versus Draper?)
I wouldn’t pretend Tootoo is in a different class than Ott. The only real diff is the jersey (and thus the loyalty they inspire).
Just dont like the guy, think he is dirty as they come, and haven’t seen you offer any reasonable retort that he is not, other than just calling me sour.
My reasonable retorts are things you will dismiss because you have made up your mind.
I won’t waste my time. He’s great for Dallas and does a lot of things to help the community. I don’t care what he does on the ice, because if he was really awful, he would be suspended with far more frequency. Only he isn’t suspended even once a year really. His career is longer than the two suspensions.
Perhaps it’s been so much of a gap in between playing them because you seem to have completely forgotten about them. Hey, not just Corey Perry, but almost the ENTIRE DUCKS TEAM! I’ll even throw in Ryan Kesler…
quick glove release, suckering the opponent before his gloves are off,
the charging/sometimes bordering on maiming,
can injure a guy as much, or as worse, as gouging.
He has been suspended twice, fined another, and is the living definition of repeat offender when it comes to dirty play. He deserves his rep. In other words, he is Steve Ott.
The diving, you are right. Doesn’t hurt anyone. Just classless.
Code of conduct (rules of engagement? Just kidding there, but I can’t remember for sure what it’s called here) definitely states that you aren’t to attack someone personally. I don’t agree with him, either, but just agree to disagree.
Diving isn’t dangerous or anything, but it is a ‘black mark’ type of action on the game. "Classy’ players don’t do it, and its one of the reasons folks hate the Canucks and Ducks….but it should be equally offensive on your own team.
My other point is, if you are offended with Ott’s gouging (certainly dirty), Tootoo has suckerpunched, maimed, blindside hit, etc. in his history, too. Those are at least as dangerous, with the whole concussion thing.
I do think Ott is more defensively aware, and Toots is a better fighter/open ice hitter.
And a much better diver. Tonight, was a 9 (slightly better than the dive when Moen gloved him, but not as good as the 10 spot he put up in the Edmonton game).
thrown his shoulder into the D, even launched himself into the D and get a charging call, to get to the front of the net. You are allow to use your body to drive through Christian Errhoff, FYI.
Choosing to do so through the goalie, bad decision, ‘stupid and ignorant’ decision, and definitely suspendable (dirty). If Dirk and several others on the site are allowed to believe that based on what they saw with their eyes, I can’t believe what I saw with my eyes?
That is done, and history, and in the books. Toots is a repeat offender. 2 suspensions, a fine, and multiple dives getting called out for trying to play the refs. Ott has done a bunch of stuff too. Even if it wasn’t this year (gouging), it still stays on a player’s rap sheet, factor into future decisions. They both are cleaner players now than when they came into the League, but they aren’t clean.
Actually, I was there...and McGratten was jawing too...it wasn't just Ott. (to be fair) they were both agging each other on. It wasn't just one or the other. The entire game was emotional....whew it was a heartbreaker
Yeah, I’m at that point too. I really do just feel bad for them. It was kinda like the Islanders last year. I silently pulled for them every night, just because they were SO TERRIBLE. I can’t say I actually pull for Columbus (same division), but I do feel a little happy for them whenever they happen to pull off a win.
I’m gonna miss having the Stars in the division next year. I mean, I hate them… but it’s more of a respectful hate. (Except for Ott; I really do not like that guy.) The games between the two clubs always seem to be competitive and enjoyable.
Compare that to say, Anaheim, who I just flat out hate and wish they would fold and relocate or something. I would play against those guys with one leg. Compared to the Anaheim Ducks, I love the Dallas Stars.
Not a single Wild fans over 35 ever stops talking about it. Even the ones that live in Dallas… (which is weird cause then didn’t they move with their team?)
I will say this for Fistric he at least took the fight like a man. He went out for his first shift and Trotz sent Toot’s out everyone knew what was going to happen and once the linesmen had said wait for the puck drop he didnt shy away like he could have. Grants it wasnt really a fight looks more like he was trying to not get hit (can’t really say i blame him Toot’s throws hammers) but he stood up and took what he and everyone else knew was coming. So for that Good on you, i have a little bit of respect for you there.
After that it was a TERRIBLE game on our end, missed shot attempts, absolutely horrendous passing, some dumb penalties and Klein scoring again but this time on the WRONG NET.
Great job Bourque on getting your first one, Have to get you a good nickname like HB has cause Gabby just dosnt cut it.
Lets hope that they turn things around Saturday. Heard Trotz busted into the locker room “Like the Kool-Aid Man” after the game so im sure the guys at the Bridge will be repainting the locker room AGAIN.
dunno that 3rd goal (the really REALLY weak one where he wasnt paying attention) I just shook my head and knew it wasnt our night. He might just have had an off night tonight. I do know that I really hate playing Dallas and have for the last 4 or 5 years because you guys have had our number for a while. We never seem to get a good solid game going against you.
While leaving Dallas sucks, Tennessee seems like a cool place and thank GOD I’m not going to a place with a team like Columbus or Carolina. The Preds have talent so at least I’ll be able to watch a good team when I go!
People will always be heated opinions on guys like Tootoo and Ott (among others)…. beyond that, things are generally very low-key and friendly around here :) stop by for the game tomorrow if you have the time – GDTs are always highly entertaining!
Welcome in to Smashville and OtF. Hopefully you can make it to a few games downtown to see the games, the crowd is really one of the best in any sporting event ive been to. I have a good friend up at Campbell and it sounds like you guys should be just fine up there with a lot of the other hockey fans.
they have only one more 3-day gap in their schedule, from February 28 to March 3.
w00t!
24/7 Finale was outstanding, btw. A good pick-me-up after a pretty drab let-me-down by the Preds. Not too concerned, but looking forward to some of these gritty battles between us and Dallas carrying over into next year’s alignment.
We were pretty worried when Klein and Weber went out, but the kids did pretty good feeling in. In fact i am wondering if part of the problem was Weber coming back and the pairing getting shuffled. This happens sometimes when a player has been out for a while.
Again, didn’t get to see the game, but I was a little worried about what was going to happen with the pairings… sounds like they kept Suter and Josi together?
He’s been playing better than I think almost anyone expected, and most of us were expecting a lot. I’ve been freaking thrilled with his play, and I’m just waiting for him to start producing more… it’s gotta be only a matter of time. He has GREAT hockey sense and vision on the ice.
That would really stick it to Weber who (speculating) probably wants to play in a big Canadian hockey market.
I should mention I’m not anti-Weber and want him and Suter to stay and a big forward to sign with us.
I was in 306 tonight and there was a girl behind me who didn’t know how the game was played, but made a point to say what she thought the team should do in every situation which made the game that much worse.
too many years left on his contract and the actual dollars are going up. Although, Columbus might want to do it and get Nash’s salary off the books. I am really hoping they can keep the big 3 and bring in a forward. They got the picks to trade and the salary room.
I guess we will find out in a month or two.
I have been looking at the bottom-dwellers trying to see who the Preds might be able to get.
Mcgrattan, a grade A heavy, in today’s NHL would look ‘cheap’ picking on a non-fighter.
Fistric would probably say no.
Sorta like the Bertuzzi-Moore discussion: Moore fought Cooke off the bat, the deal was supposedly done. Moore was a non-fighter, the Canucks send their middleweight to deal with things. Then when 250 pound Bertuzzi hounded Moore, Moore skated away….and obviously, things went poorly after that, making Bertuzzi looking really dirty.
We wouldn’t want Toots owning up to his borderline hits to Janssen, John Scott, etc. He’s been challenged by the heavies several times, but is likely only going to answer the bell against other teams middleweights.
That may have been one of THE worst games (per se) I’ve ever seen. Just one defensive break-down after another after another after another…. and the forwards couldn’t help break it out if their lives depended on it. Towards the end, it looked like someone threw 5 random Preds on the ice and yelled “GO!!!” That was absolutely terrible. I’m hoping I’ll be able to watch part of the game tomorrow, and if they play like that again, so help me God….
I saw him at A-game, but didn’t know it was him. Got several pictures of my son with other players though. It was pretty fun, probably the best non-game Preds event I have been to yet. Got to watch the team play volleyball to warm-up, that was pretty cool.
Yeah, that was one of those games they have a couple of every season where they are all in “Arnott” mode. Not really playing hard, making dumb mistakes, etc. Last year against the Kings I remember a couple games like that.
Ugh, sounds like maybe this was a good one to miss, minus Bourque's goal...
davisca - January 5, 2012 via Android app
I had a choice between this one and the Avalanche...
chose the Avalanche. Hopefully they will take that one. If I had chosen before the Fistric hit, I probably would have chosen this game.
Josiah2729 - January 5, 2012
Bright sides
1) the gold medal world junior game (Zibanejad!!!!! Golden Goal!!!! Great call by TSN) will make folks gloss over this game, making it easier to for everyone to get over
2) Bourque had a nice first goal from the front of the net. Good milestone for the kid.
3) Tootoo had a variation of the Tootoo hat trick (point/fight/dumb penalty, complete with dive). Crispy even had to admit that was a dive; when does that happen?
4) Fistric dropped the gloves; not much of a fight, but that is over and done
5) Steve Ott hit two posts, and looked pi$$ed both times. That was plenty worth it!
PekKarlsson - January 5, 2012
Hey guys
Come bearing the white flag as a Stars fan.
I’m moving to Clarksville soon with my wife. She’s being posted at Ft. Campbell so we are going to adopt the Preds as a secondary team. Been a Stars fan all my life but I’ve been paying attention to the Preds the past few weeks and they’re fun to watch.
Hopefully I can make it out to the Arena and catch a few games before the season is over. Should be there by end of January.
ArchLobster - January 5, 2012
welcome to smashville! you’ll love it!
predmama - January 5, 2012
Looking forward to it!
Love Southern states that play hockey. Part of being a fan though is buying a sweater and those are so expensive…
I’m excited though. The Nashville arena looks nice. I’m not sure it’s nicer than the American Airlines center, which is one of the nicest Arenas I’ve ever been to, but it look pretty neat on TV.
ArchLobster - January 5, 2012
it’s pretty nice….got voted top venue for concerts and sports events two years in a row now
predmama - January 5, 2012
Tell your wife
Thank you for her service!! Welcome to Tennessee
bvkv09 - January 5, 2012
I’ll second that! And rec it, too.
LuvthePreds - January 5, 2012
It's a tough life sometimes, but it's worth it.
She likes her job at least!
ArchLobster - January 5, 2012
Welcome.
First, tell your wife God Bless you and thank you.
Second, please if you do come to the games when we play the Stars, don’t be a jerk if we lose.
Third, you will soon swap us to one and them to two.
Fourth, welcome aboard!
TCountyPred - January 6, 2012
Welcome welcome!!
It’s always good to have new-comers!
davisca - January 6, 2012
Another reason we lost: we scored one goal.
Funny how after winning a few tight games in a row, a certain contingent of fans begins preparing for hockey in June. The upside to a loss like this is that it brings reality back into focus. Fact is, we’ve scored one goal each in 3 of our last 4 games. Hardly an enviable group of forwards as someone suggested recently. Yes folks, we still need scoring help.
The Stars have really put things together there despite losing their best player, Brad Richards, to free agency this past summer. Good job by Niewendyck (sp) on putting that roster together. Ryder with 17 goals? Better pickup than even I thought he would be.
Good thing for us is that we have my Eastern conference cupcake team, the Canes, stumbling into town Saturday. Just stay with them into the 3rd period, they’ll fall apart. :/
Grizzledbear - January 5, 2012 via mobile
I always thought the Stars were thoroughly disrespected after losing Richards.
It’s not like he was a one-man show with Dallas you know?
… that would be Jamie Benn!
ArchLobster - January 5, 2012
The Stars have nice balance thru their lineup and Lehtonen gives them good goaltending most nights. They have a legit top line there. Picking up a 2nd line type forward would really put them in a strong position for the playoffs, IMO, maybe a depth Dman as well.
Grizzledbear - January 5, 2012 via mobile
No Kidding
I posted it in the GDT, but Fisher has got to produce. I am expecting to see posts similar to the legwand and erat posts. Tootoo has moere damn points than he does.
bvkv09 - January 5, 2012
Fisher
2 goals and 2 assists in the last 15 games. That is not going to get it done
bvkv09 - January 5, 2012
Many disappointments for sure
The good thing is they are due for a hot streak.
Fisher is on a dry spell, so it supposedly is coming. Smith hit a wall the last month, not surprising given that he played a college sked last year. The PP has cooled off, and cant go oh-for forever. This is like Dirk said a bump to be expected in an 82 game road.
Same cooling off thing goes for Leggy…..in fact, last year, after a few posts poking fun (First Church of Legwand), Leggy turned into a point a game guy for several weeks…..maybe time to revive the Church, for the Greater Good of Smashville?
PekKarlsson - January 5, 2012
Ryder was
a shot in the dark.
No different than SK74, or Bergfors. Bargain basement shopping. No guarantee he would have 17 goals here. Sometimes those moves work, sometimes they don’t….though to your credit, grizzled, you called for Ryder last summer as a bargain deal.
That said, no reason for the Preds, fighting for a playoff spot, to be a cap floor team. Perhaps our Ryder is coming…..Carolina is a cupcake, like you said. Anaheim, C-bus……there are talented players to be had for a song.
PekKarlsson - January 5, 2012
Ryder is a two time 30 goal scorer, so he hardly qualifies as a bargain basement player. Had a good playoffs for the Bruins last season as well. Don’t think SK74 is comparable to him.
Hmmm, I called for both Ryder and Fleischmann this summer……….move over Poile, Gbear is taking over! :D
Grizzledbear - January 5, 2012 via mobile
Ryder's good playoff
may have been a sign, but I remember when he was younger and a step quicker (he was never much of a skater), The Bruins were ridiculed for giving him a 3 year deal. Then he made them look smart. Then he didn’t for two seasons….but then had a good playoff.
If you knew Ryder and Flash would have performed like this, you should be GM! I will agree, though, Ryder has scored 30 goals, and Flash was on a near point a game pace last year before being shelved, so they are not in the Bergfors/SK74 class…….but they aren’t exactly Parise, Richards, or Carter, and I think that is what is needed here.
PekKarlsson - January 5, 2012
But really, is anyone another Bergfors? :D
Yeah, I’d love a Parise or Ryan here, but if all I can get is a good 25+ goal scorer, I’ll take it!
Grizzledbear - January 6, 2012 via mobile
Like you
I would prefer a more blockbuster, core player for core player deal. Or package prospects (like the Carter, Richards deals).
Or trade a high end D prospect (where we appear loaded, and Josi and Ellis look comfortable, Ribeiro’s dancing around tonight notwithstanding) for a high end forward prospect.
Ottawa did this (Rundblad for Turris), basically, because they have high end young D guys (Ellis is a Karlsson clone, in an ideal world), and were lacking in centers.
Prospects are lottery tickets, but if you have enough of high end ones, sooner or later some of them will pay off. The Preds need more fwd scratch and wins.
A guy like Ryder will be a complementary skater for a year or two, but a young gun would help the Preds until Pekka has grey temples.
PekKarlsson - January 6, 2012
Honestly, I think the Coyotes got the better of that deal. Turris got his 1st goal for the Sens tonight. Not sure he’s all that and a bag of chips.
Grizzledbear - January 6, 2012 via mobile
Its about helping out now
and the future.
Turris has 6 points, +6, in 8 games, and is only 22. he will be Senator property for a long time. He is similar in style to Craig Smith, in age to Colin Wilson, and his potential is greater (he was up for #1 overall, versus mr. kane).
The price was steep….if Rundblad ends up like Karlsson especially. But Karlsson already has that role carved out for a long time, so Rundblad was considered expendable….we shall see.
PekKarlsson - January 6, 2012
Also...
Rundblad is a healthy scratch in the desert, and Turris is playing decent minutes with Alfredsson and Condra.
While the potential and future (the most important part of the trade) of both players is unknown, right now, Turris is helping out Ottawa, and Rundblad is not helping out the Coyotes.
PekKarlsson - January 6, 2012
I’m totally behind the Weber for Parise trade now. Our team uses him as a crutch.
DonBorvio - January 5, 2012
If only we can get all interested parties to sign on the appropriate lines for this transaction to take place!
Grizzledbear - January 5, 2012 via mobile
Dallas has 2 more goals than the preds.
10 goals against the Preds in the last 2 games. Dallas started great, but not so great since then. I haven’t seen anybody talking about June. The Predators will make the playoffs. They need scoring help. They also need to do something about the GOALS ALLOWED. They had a good stretch but, I would dare say most teams are going to lose if they give up 4+ goals.
Josiah2729 - January 5, 2012
But Dallas is coming off of a season missing the playoffs and losing their best player, we were supposed to be heading to bigger and better things, yet we’re basically a team on par with Dallas, at best. That’s the problem with this picture.
We’re right there with a bunch of other teams fighting for a playoff spot. It’s best to look at the situation as it.
Grizzledbear - January 6, 2012 via mobile
is?
I try to keep an even keel. Preds do need more scoring. I am not going to jump all over a bad game and feed the freak-out monster. It seems like Dallas has the Predators number. Maybe start Lindback next time? I think the Predators will finish 5th or 6th.
Josiah2729 - January 6, 2012
How can you say at best? Dallas was 1st in the conference for a while to start the season, they have come back to earth. You (and I) don’t know what the rest of this season holds. The Preds may go on one of their traditional late season winning streaks. They might acquire more scoring. The top lines might start scoring.
I guess if you constantly take the negative view you can be pleasantly surprised when things go better than you thought, and you can say “I told you so.” if things go bad.
Josiah2729 - January 6, 2012
Hold the horses here!
You stated definatively that we would make the playoffs but then say we don’t know what the rest of the season holds? The Preds may do this or that and the Stars may do this or that (the Stars have actually played well of late, even beating the Bruins), but the point is that we’re no better than them. That shouldn’t be the case coming out if last season.
And please don’t give me the negative vs. positive nonsense, I call things as I see them and I see a Preds organization not taking advantage of a window of opportunity that may close on them sooner than expected. That we continue to be short a top 6 forward has gone beyond absurd at this point.
Grizzledbear - January 6, 2012 via mobile
If you can state definately that the Preds are basically a team on par with Dallas at BEST.
I can say that the Preds will make the playoffs.
I still think the Preds make a trade. I am not freaking out about it because before the season DP indicated that it would be more likely that they would acquire a player close to the deadline.
If you can call things as you see them I can call things as I see them.
We can agree on the need for scoring help. I would like to see Suter signed shortly. I think that DP wants to see where he is as far as that goes. Whether or not he can re-sign Suter probably has a lot to do with what kind of trades he tries to make. The Preds have a lot of draft picks as you have pointed out. I would love to see Bobby Ryan here. I could go for ZP as well. I can agree with you on a lot of things. I don’t want to see the Preds get rid of all of their defensive depth and go after a few superstars, then you become the CBJ. (Who many predicted would be better than the Predators this year.)
Josiah2729 - January 6, 2012
Saying we're on par with Dallas isn't speculative.
We have almost identical records and they’ve thumped us twice. That’s just factual.
And no one’s “freaking out”, my view of this team has been consistant (some would say redundant) since July and throughout all the wins and losses of this season. As I’ve pointed out before, when you take out the games against the Jackets and Ducks, our offensive output is well below average. It needs to be improved.
Grizzledbear - January 6, 2012 via mobile
On par TO DATE isn't speculative.
I don’t think you are freaking out. Those who are freaking out are the ones who call for DP and Trotz to be fired after a loss and then think that they are going to win the Cup after a win. You have been consistent.
You can’t “take out” the games against bad teams, if you did that with every other team I am sure their goal totals drop drastically as well.
I agree with you on most points. The main difference seems to be I think that DP makes a move to bring in a scoring forward before the deadline, you don’t. If he doesn’t, I will be just as upset as you, especially if the Preds end up losing Suter and Weber (and like you, I think that keeping Suter and Weber is tied to acquiring a scoring forward). I am concerned by the goals allowed and poor PK this year just as much as I am concerned by lack of goals. The next 2 months should be interesting to say the least.
P.S. I had a similar post typed in and then the work computer crashed :(
Josiah2729 - January 6, 2012
Dallas
will compete for a lower playoff spot. So will Nashville. They are not Chicago, Detroit, San Jose, Vancouver, the cream of the crop. I think saying they are at par with DAL, MIN, is fine. Maybe STL, though STL looks like it may be closer to DET/CHI territory.
I do agree that one bump of many last night. 82 game season, allowed a few mulligans. Only when they come in late March/early April do they really portend doom (2006 and 2007 and 2009, the Preds finished up lacklustre, with expected results).
PekKarlsson - January 6, 2012
My point in taking out the games against the Ducks and Jackets is to point out how few times we’ve scored over two goals in the remaining games, only about 12 or 13 times, IIRC, in the other 33 games against other teams. That screams out that we have a big problem in scoring enough goals.
Grizzledbear - January 6, 2012 via mobile
Some day soon you will all learn to hate Dallas as I hate Dallas.
Likely next year when they move into whatever the Central will become.
Steve Ott is a little punk who should be beaten.
Old Kentucky Shark - January 5, 2012
He was yapping from the bench several times.
LuvthePreds - January 5, 2012
Doesn't every team have one or two guys like that?
Seems silly to complain about. yapping. It’s part of hockey. Always has been.
ArchLobster - January 5, 2012
He also runs goalies and gouges opponents' eyes.
Among other things… “As part of his pestiness, Ott learned and memorized offensive phrases in other languages to strategically annoy his opponents on the ice in a language they could understand.”
Old Kentucky Shark - January 5, 2012
Exactly what I'd expect from my grinder types.
ArchLobster - January 5, 2012
Frankly
I put him on a level with Corey Perry.
Although Perry scores more.
Old Kentucky Shark - January 5, 2012
See, this goes to show how little you watch Ott.
Ott is a hoss, a true tough guy. Perry is a chump and a whiner. Perry can score more, but he is a crybaby. Ott is more of a defensive forward.
ArchLobster - January 5, 2012
Ott is the reason Sean Avery never worked in Dallas.
They didn’t need two of them.
Old Kentucky Shark - January 5, 2012
WHOA THERE BUDDY
Sean Avery is widely hated by EVERYONE. Including his own teammates. He’s a drunk driving, irresponsible, racist idiot. It’s not even CLOSE man. Don’t go comparing Ott to him. Ott offends the opposing team, but he doesn’t get arrested and he doesn’t insult his own fans/team.
ArchLobster - January 5, 2012
Lol.
Old Kentucky Shark - January 5, 2012
Fistric’s concussion-extravaganza ticks me off more lately. How many people has he concussed, four at least this season?
DonBorvio - January 5, 2012
One.
ArchLobster - January 5, 2012
He was suspended for a hit that was identical to some other hit.
But no concussion, just a bad bruise or something. It was against an Islander.
ArchLobster - January 5, 2012
What about the linesman and Skinner?
DonBorvio - January 5, 2012
LOL the linesman was unfortunate.
Skinner’s hit was completely legal. Those things happen in hockey.
ArchLobster - January 5, 2012
True, I hope the NHL goes to soft pads next season.
DonBorvio - January 5, 2012
I know he had a hearing in early Dec. shortly before what he did t Weber.
LuvthePreds - January 5, 2012
We do have this guy named Tootoo that invokes similar reactions from other teams.
Grizzledbear - January 5, 2012 via mobile
truer words were never spoken….
predmama - January 5, 2012
Oh my yes.
Wasn’t he with the Canes last year or is that Rutu or whatever? I can’t keep them straight…
ArchLobster - January 5, 2012
Tootoo has been with us for years.
LuvthePreds - January 5, 2012
Must be thinking Rutu or however you spell his name...
ArchLobster - January 5, 2012
Ruutu?
I just know there are two U’s in there somewhere, haha…
But yeah, must be him. Tootoo has never played for anyone but the Preds.
davisca - January 6, 2012
I don’t remember Tootoo ever gouging anyone’s eyes, though. Don’t compare him to Ott.
Old Kentucky Shark - January 5, 2012
do you remember this?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqDUiHmQMrA
Hillbutton - January 6, 2012
So...
Tootoo lays a clean hard hit on Modano, then decks Robidas when he comes in for a cross check on Tootoo? You don’t go head hunting and then cry when the prey pre-empts your strike. Robidas sure as heck wouldn’t have let up. :P
Old Kentucky Shark - January 6, 2012
Not to mention the Modano overhand slash.
Josiah2729 - January 6, 2012
He’s never gouged anyone’s eyes. (Did Ott really do that? I’ll cancel my season tickets anytime we pick up a guy with a history of stuff like that: Bertuzzi, Ott, Burrows)…
LuvthePreds - January 5, 2012
If he did I never really heard about out.
Fans of other teams greatly exaggerate what Ott does.
ArchLobster - January 5, 2012
Let’s do a little ’net research. brb
LuvthePreds - January 5, 2012
http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/hockey/comments/eye_gouge_has_ott_facing_suspension/
LuvthePreds - January 5, 2012
One game suspension says it all.
Tacky, but there’s been much worse. And itwas years ago.
ArchLobster - January 5, 2012
One game?
http://thehockeywriters.com/goon-hockey-steve-ott-suspended-indefinitely-for-eye-gouging/
LuvthePreds - January 5, 2012
As you watch this clip keep in mind that not one Dallas Stars player comes to the aid of Ott, who for one reason or another had a broken hand and wasn’t able to throw a punch against Moen (punching walls perhaps?). Could it be that his own team thinks he deserves a good ass whipping? Stranger things have happened.
LuvthePreds - January 5, 2012
I think
It ended up being only one game after the hearing.
It still happened, though.
Old Kentucky Shark - January 5, 2012
Oops…meant to edit the a-word when I cut and pasted. Sorry, Dirk!
LuvthePreds - January 5, 2012
Again, years ago.
ArchLobster - January 5, 2012
Are you seriously
Defending someone for gouging someone in the eye on purpose???
bvkv09 - January 5, 2012
No I'm not.
I said it was years ago. I’d be very surprised if he did the same thing now. They have told him he’s a leader now for the younger guys, Ott has mellowed considerably in the past two years. He still yaks, but this isn’t 05-06 Ott out there.
ArchLobster - January 5, 2012
another
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-yRnp_jKfc
using the stick as a weapon this time.
bvkv09 - January 5, 2012
If you wanna go fishing you can find stuff like that about most third liners in the league.
Ott was only moved up this year after Richards left. He’s primarily a defensive grinder. They get into fights and get dirty. Again, this has mellowed a lot recently.
ArchLobster - January 5, 2012
Ott, Bertuzzi, and Tootoo have all been a lot cleaner in recent years.
DonBorvio - January 5, 2012
This.
ArchLobster - January 5, 2012
I agree.
davisca - January 6, 2012
I hope you don't cancel your tix
but doesn’t tootoo have ‘a history of stuff like that’? Or is gouging that much worse than the diving, charging, elbowing, sucker punching, alleged stomping (versus Draper?)
I wouldn’t pretend Tootoo is in a different class than Ott. The only real diff is the jersey (and thus the loyalty they inspire).
PekKarlsson - January 6, 2012
Pretty much. And they both have silly sounding names.
ArchLobster - January 6, 2012
Maybe I’m wrong, but I don’t see them in the same category at all. Diving vs. gouging? And when Toots goes after someone, it’s retaliatory.
LuvthePreds - January 6, 2012
Gouging happened once.
It isn’t like Ott goes around gouging eyes out left and right and punches toddlers in his spare time.
ArchLobster - January 6, 2012
OHHH
Well since he only tried to blind someone once I guess he really is a good guy.
bvkv09 - January 6, 2012
Yep!
ArchLobster - January 6, 2012
Dirty is as
dirty does
bvkv09 - January 6, 2012
Are you always this sour?
ArchLobster - January 6, 2012
Not sour
Just dont like the guy, think he is dirty as they come, and haven’t seen you offer any reasonable retort that he is not, other than just calling me sour.
bvkv09 - January 6, 2012
My reasonable retorts are things you will dismiss because you have made up your mind.
I won’t waste my time. He’s great for Dallas and does a lot of things to help the community. I don’t care what he does on the ice, because if he was really awful, he would be suspended with far more frequency. Only he isn’t suspended even once a year really. His career is longer than the two suspensions.
ArchLobster - January 6, 2012
Three suspensions
but who is counting
bvkv09 - January 6, 2012
Oh, so much worse. Now my opinion is completely different...
ArchLobster - January 6, 2012
Will you STOP??!!! Show a little southern hospitality!!
Just agree to disagree and call it a night!! GEEEZZ!!!
SuperPeks - January 6, 2012
I believe he is frommTexas
last time I checked that was south.
bvkv09 - January 6, 2012
That's not really the South...that's the SouthWEST....southern hospitality can only be found in the Southeast...the deep south
SuperPeks - January 6, 2012
I dont think so
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_United_States
bvkv09 - January 6, 2012
whatever...I'm just trying to play peacemaker.
GO TO BED bvkv09….you’re being rude and getting on my nerves.
SuperPeks - January 6, 2012
LOL
I didnt realize that you were the moderator of this board.
bvkv09 - January 6, 2012
even considered
the deep south
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deep_South
bvkv09 - January 6, 2012
I think you're forgetting about Corey Perry...
Perhaps it’s been so much of a gap in between playing them because you seem to have completely forgotten about them. Hey, not just Corey Perry, but almost the ENTIRE DUCKS TEAM! I’ll even throw in Ryan Kesler…
SuperPeks - January 6, 2012
Was answering PekK’s post.
LuvthePreds - January 6, 2012
The action figure
quick glove release, suckering the opponent before his gloves are off,
the charging/sometimes bordering on maiming,
can injure a guy as much, or as worse, as gouging.
He has been suspended twice, fined another, and is the living definition of repeat offender when it comes to dirty play. He deserves his rep. In other words, he is Steve Ott.
The diving, you are right. Doesn’t hurt anyone. Just classless.
PekKarlsson - January 6, 2012
This is a stupid response, as well.
turd-ferguson - January 6, 2012
Code of conduct (rules of engagement? Just kidding there, but I can’t remember for sure what it’s called here) definitely states that you aren’t to attack someone personally. I don’t agree with him, either, but just agree to disagree.
LuvthePreds - January 6, 2012
I didni't attack him....
I just said that what he said was stupid. And it is.
turd-ferguson - January 6, 2012
I do agree with you
Diving isn’t dangerous or anything, but it is a ‘black mark’ type of action on the game. "Classy’ players don’t do it, and its one of the reasons folks hate the Canucks and Ducks….but it should be equally offensive on your own team.
My other point is, if you are offended with Ott’s gouging (certainly dirty), Tootoo has suckerpunched, maimed, blindside hit, etc. in his history, too. Those are at least as dangerous, with the whole concussion thing.
PekKarlsson - January 6, 2012
Give me a break
you need to buy a clue
bvkv09 - January 6, 2012
Does Pat Sajak sell those, too?
LuvthePreds - January 6, 2012
Pekkarisson:
For a supposed Preds fan—you sure say a lot of ignorant AND stupid things. And, yes, those are two different ways to describe your comments.
turd-ferguson - January 6, 2012
Wow...there is a lot of haste tonight here in Otf...a loss to the stars really puts people in jerky moods...
SuperPeks - January 6, 2012
No worries
The stupid and ignorant type of comments aren’t tolerated here.
And it only looks bad on him.
And besides, its natural for a discussion with ott and tootoo to feature some dirty play, agitation, etc,, right?
PekKarlsson - January 6, 2012
Without calling anyone's opinion ignorant or stupid
Because the powers that be don’t like that sort of thing…..FYI.
Just because you don’t believe it, doesn’t make it untrue.
Alot of people outside of Nashville would class Tootoo with Ott.
For the reasons above.
Like LuvthePreds, we all should show a little class in disagreement and discussing those disagreements.
PekKarlsson - January 6, 2012
Add to the list: Dan Carcillo.
What a piece of trash. I hate that guy.
davisca - January 6, 2012
May have been separated at birth
Toots and Ott.
I do think Ott is more defensively aware, and Toots is a better fighter/open ice hitter.
And a much better diver. Tonight, was a 9 (slightly better than the dive when Moen gloved him, but not as good as the 10 spot he put up in the Edmonton game).
PekKarlsson - January 6, 2012
See, like I said....
Stupid AND ignorant.
turd-ferguson - January 6, 2012
You're right
Running goaltenders is a mortal sin
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pc0tQGwTHH4
Hillbutton - January 6, 2012
You're right
Getting shoved into the opponent’s goalie by his teammate and trying to do your best to avoid hitting him but failing is TOTALLY the same thing.
Keep trollin’.
Old Kentucky Shark - January 6, 2012
Yep, according to Dallas fans, Tootoo didn’t have the puck either!
DonBorvio - January 6, 2012
He could have
thrown his shoulder into the D, even launched himself into the D and get a charging call, to get to the front of the net. You are allow to use your body to drive through Christian Errhoff, FYI.
Choosing to do so through the goalie, bad decision, ‘stupid and ignorant’ decision, and definitely suspendable (dirty). If Dirk and several others on the site are allowed to believe that based on what they saw with their eyes, I can’t believe what I saw with my eyes?
That is done, and history, and in the books. Toots is a repeat offender. 2 suspensions, a fine, and multiple dives getting called out for trying to play the refs. Ott has done a bunch of stuff too. Even if it wasn’t this year (gouging), it still stays on a player’s rap sheet, factor into future decisions. They both are cleaner players now than when they came into the League, but they aren’t clean.
PekKarlsson - January 6, 2012
Actually, I was there...and McGratten was jawing too...it wasn't just Ott. (to be fair) they were both agging each other on. It wasn't just one or the other. The entire game was emotional....whew it was a heartbreaker
SuperPeks - January 6, 2012
I didn't even get to watch tonight's game cause I was busy.
I’ve just spent many years not liking Steve Ott. :P
Old Kentucky Shark - January 6, 2012
guys….let’s not scare off archlobster lol
predmama - January 5, 2012
Why not?
He or she is a Dallas fan. :(
Old Kentucky Shark - January 5, 2012
Moving here, wants to adopt Preds as second team.
Will be hard, aren’t they in the same “conference” next year?
Josiah2729 - January 5, 2012
yeah but...
nothing beats live hockey you know? We can all hate the Red Wings, right?
ArchLobster - January 5, 2012
Ehhh..
I guess I can conceed that.
Or Vancouver.
Or Anaheim.
Old Kentucky Shark - January 5, 2012
You’re really going to hate the Wings soon.
DonBorvio - January 5, 2012
Hated them in the mid 90s.
I hated the Red Wings before it was cool to hate them… (which would make it… early 60s?)
ArchLobster - January 5, 2012
you will fit right in
how do you feel about Chicago? and beating up on C-bus?
You will have no trouble assimilating with the Nashville fans.
Just trade your Ott sweater for a Tootoo one…,
PekKarlsson - January 6, 2012
Never!
Plus my sweaters are Zubov and Eriksson!
ArchLobster - January 6, 2012
And at this point I just feel kind of sorry for Columbus...
Dude if it was MY team I’d be pissed.
ArchLobster - January 6, 2012
Yeah, I’m at that point too. I really do just feel bad for them. It was kinda like the Islanders last year. I silently pulled for them every night, just because they were SO TERRIBLE. I can’t say I actually pull for Columbus (same division), but I do feel a little happy for them whenever they happen to pull off a win.
davisca - January 6, 2012
Yes!
davisca - January 6, 2012
Well it's going to be hard to go to the Preds game and cheer them on if people are so snarky!
ArchLobster - January 5, 2012
Well, you have to understand
I was a Sharks fan before the Preds ever existed, so my hatred for Dallas runs a bit deeper than most people here. :P
Old Kentucky Shark - January 5, 2012
Oh no a shark in disguise!
God, I hate the Sharks… too good though. Not as dirty as the Bruins or Red Wings.
ArchLobster - January 6, 2012
Honestly...
I’m gonna miss having the Stars in the division next year. I mean, I hate them… but it’s more of a respectful hate. (Except for Ott; I really do not like that guy.) The games between the two clubs always seem to be competitive and enjoyable.
Compare that to say, Anaheim, who I just flat out hate and wish they would fold and relocate or something. I would play against those guys with one leg. Compared to the Anaheim Ducks, I love the Dallas Stars.
Old Kentucky Shark - January 6, 2012
Yeah, beating the Sharks is always a bit cooler than beating other teams, even the Red Wings.
ArchLobster - January 6, 2012
At least we'll still have LA
And they’re finally becoming competitive for the first time in a while, that might help fill the Dallas void.
Does Dallas have any strong rivalries in the new conference?
Old Kentucky Shark - January 6, 2012
Long standing ones with the Wings.
Won’t the Wild be in it? They NEVER got over them losing their team to us. Some old rivalries with the Wings and Hawks for sure from the Norris days.
ArchLobster - January 6, 2012
Mmm..
I guess that’s true.
Though I dunno if the Wild fans will still be bitter over that. It was so long ago, and they’ve had their replacement team for about a decade now..
Old Kentucky Shark - January 6, 2012
Nope, they still hate us.
Not a single Wild fans over 35 ever stops talking about it. Even the ones that live in Dallas… (which is weird cause then didn’t they move with their team?)
ArchLobster - January 6, 2012
I'd be more mad at Green than at Dallas
He seems to be to the North Stars what the Atlanta Spirit Group was to the Thrahers.
That is a really, really terrible owner.
Old Kentucky Shark - January 6, 2012
Chcago, in the old days
Look up the box score from the Dallas/Chicago game 12/31/93 to get a feel for what games were like when we were in the same division.
Jeff D - January 6, 2012
Any day Chicago looses is a beautiful day.
davisca - January 6, 2012
My hate for the Stars is like Preds’ fans hate for Balsillie. They took my team away!
DonBorvio - January 6, 2012
I believe
this is a preds board. What did you expect?
bvkv09 - January 6, 2012
Better?
ArchLobster - January 6, 2012
we don’t bite…we may trash talk during the game but we’ll probably buy you a beer afterwards…unless you’re a wings or ducks fan
predmama - January 6, 2012
Yeah, there was a guy who’d show up to every game in a Wings jersey. I gave him a good “Red Wings Suck!” as he walked by.
DonBorvio - January 6, 2012
I like the Predators as a team a lot, last season especially.
They won’t ever be my #1 team but it’ll be real hard not to go a lot to bridgestone and see them, which over time turns people into real fans.
ArchLobster - January 6, 2012
lets see
You came here to our board and took exception to someone calling Ott dirty, basically. It is not like that is a real stretch.
bvkv09 - January 6, 2012
I will say this for Fistric he at least took the fight like a man. He went out for his first shift and Trotz sent Toot’s out everyone knew what was going to happen and once the linesmen had said wait for the puck drop he didnt shy away like he could have. Grants it wasnt really a fight looks more like he was trying to not get hit (can’t really say i blame him Toot’s throws hammers) but he stood up and took what he and everyone else knew was coming. So for that Good on you, i have a little bit of respect for you there.
After that it was a TERRIBLE game on our end, missed shot attempts, absolutely horrendous passing, some dumb penalties and Klein scoring again but this time on the WRONG NET.
Great job Bourque on getting your first one, Have to get you a good nickname like HB has cause Gabby just dosnt cut it.
Lets hope that they turn things around Saturday. Heard Trotz busted into the locker room “Like the Kool-Aid Man” after the game so im sure the guys at the Bridge will be repainting the locker room AGAIN.
Shadow23 - January 6, 2012
Rinne really fell of a cliff today, wonder what the deal was.
ArchLobster - January 6, 2012
There isn’t a goalie who doesn’t have off nights…
LuvthePreds - January 6, 2012
God knows Kari has had a few.
ArchLobster - January 6, 2012
He has had a few like that this year.
Josiah2729 - January 6, 2012
dunno that 3rd goal (the really REALLY weak one where he wasnt paying attention) I just shook my head and knew it wasnt our night. He might just have had an off night tonight. I do know that I really hate playing Dallas and have for the last 4 or 5 years because you guys have had our number for a while. We never seem to get a good solid game going against you.
Shadow23 - January 6, 2012
Also, 2 of the 4 goals were fluky...1 being a turnover by Suter RIGHT by the stinkin net...
SuperPeks - January 6, 2012
i would say the majority of those were the d-men leaving Pekka out to dry.
JBoogie22 - January 6, 2012
I didn't get to see the game, but I was looking at stats afterwards...
Looks like the ONLY Dmen who weren’t -2 (and were actually +1) were Bouillon and Hillen.
davisca - January 6, 2012
I lost it when I read this:
davisca - January 6, 2012
Okay, so I'm heading off soon.
While leaving Dallas sucks, Tennessee seems like a cool place and thank GOD I’m not going to a place with a team like Columbus or Carolina. The Preds have talent so at least I’ll be able to watch a good team when I go!
ArchLobster - January 6, 2012
The other option would have been Ft. Drum near
Buffalo or shudder Toronto.
ArchLobster - January 6, 2012
look foreward to seeing you in here more. Dont worry about the nicknames of the guys youll catch on quick
Shadow23 - January 6, 2012
People will always be heated opinions on guys like Tootoo and Ott (among others)…. beyond that, things are generally very low-key and friendly around here :) stop by for the game tomorrow if you have the time – GDTs are always highly entertaining!
davisca - January 6, 2012
Arch
Welcome in to Smashville and OtF. Hopefully you can make it to a few games downtown to see the games, the crowd is really one of the best in any sporting event ive been to. I have a good friend up at Campbell and it sounds like you guys should be just fine up there with a lot of the other hockey fans.
Shadow23 - January 6, 2012
w00t!
24/7 Finale was outstanding, btw. A good pick-me-up after a pretty drab let-me-down by the Preds. Not too concerned, but looking forward to some of these gritty battles between us and Dallas carrying over into next year’s alignment.
Poor showing, nothing more, nothing less.
Poiju - January 6, 2012
You all are pretty calm
about a team that has scored just one goal in four of it’s last five games.
This is why Dirk is a better blogger than I ever will be.
Brad Gardner - January 6, 2012
That’s Predators Hockey! 1-0, 2-1 wins.
DonBorvio - January 6, 2012
Not if they continue to employ that Josi fellow
if tonight is any indication.
#ignorantStarsFansOpinions
Brad Gardner - January 6, 2012
Josi has actually been pretty good.
I would say tonight has been the exception.
We were pretty worried when Klein and Weber went out, but the kids did pretty good feeling in. In fact i am wondering if part of the problem was Weber coming back and the pairing getting shuffled. This happens sometimes when a player has been out for a while.
Josiah2729 - January 6, 2012
pairings
Josiah2729 - January 6, 2012
Again, didn’t get to see the game, but I was a little worried about what was going to happen with the pairings… sounds like they kept Suter and Josi together?
davisca - January 6, 2012
he's a rookie...
JBoogie22 - January 6, 2012
Josi has been phenomenal.
He’s been playing better than I think almost anyone expected, and most of us were expecting a lot. I’ve been freaking thrilled with his play, and I’m just waiting for him to start producing more… it’s gotta be only a matter of time. He has GREAT hockey sense and vision on the ice.
davisca - January 6, 2012
disappointing
I don’t get to go to many preds games and when i do this is the defensive effort i get to watch. Just disappointing.
Oh well, beer still works.
flyalder - January 6, 2012
Cheers to beer!!
davisca - January 6, 2012
What is the price difference for
Weber for Nash trade?
That would really stick it to Weber who (speculating) probably wants to play in a big Canadian hockey market.
I should mention I’m not anti-Weber and want him and Suter to stay and a big forward to sign with us.
I was in 306 tonight and there was a girl behind me who didn’t know how the game was played, but made a point to say what she thought the team should do in every situation which made the game that much worse.
Sully_ - January 6, 2012
I don't think it will happen,
too many years left on his contract and the actual dollars are going up. Although, Columbus might want to do it and get Nash’s salary off the books. I am really hoping they can keep the big 3 and bring in a forward. They got the picks to trade and the salary room.
I guess we will find out in a month or two.
I have been looking at the bottom-dwellers trying to see who the Preds might be able to get.
Josiah2729 - January 6, 2012
trade your captain within the division/conference?
insanity.
djzielin - January 6, 2012
I'm curious
Why Tootoo was sent instead of McGratton
Hillbutton - January 6, 2012
That was odd...
Maybe they were worried McG would kill him?
Josiah2729 - January 6, 2012
Fan favorite.
After how the first one went down I expeted Ern to take round two.
Sully_ - January 6, 2012
Usually when a player owns up
its to a player in a similar fighting class.
Mcgrattan, a grade A heavy, in today’s NHL would look ‘cheap’ picking on a non-fighter.
Fistric would probably say no.
Sorta like the Bertuzzi-Moore discussion: Moore fought Cooke off the bat, the deal was supposedly done. Moore was a non-fighter, the Canucks send their middleweight to deal with things. Then when 250 pound Bertuzzi hounded Moore, Moore skated away….and obviously, things went poorly after that, making Bertuzzi looking really dirty.
We wouldn’t want Toots owning up to his borderline hits to Janssen, John Scott, etc. He’s been challenged by the heavies several times, but is likely only going to answer the bell against other teams middleweights.
PekKarlsson - January 6, 2012
Wow...
Only in the NHL can you win 3 straight games, remain in the same spot in the standings…lose one game, you move down one spot…boggles my mind…
JBoogie22 - January 6, 2012
it's that stupid loser point
djzielin - January 6, 2012
Just now watched the highlights...
That may have been one of THE worst games (per se) I’ve ever seen. Just one defensive break-down after another after another after another…. and the forwards couldn’t help break it out if their lives depended on it. Towards the end, it looked like someone threw 5 random Preds on the ice and yelled “GO!!!” That was absolutely terrible. I’m hoping I’ll be able to watch part of the game tomorrow, and if they play like that again, so help me God….
davisca - January 6, 2012
Bourque's goal was pretty though.
I saw him at A-game, but didn’t know it was him. Got several pictures of my son with other players though. It was pretty fun, probably the best non-game Preds event I have been to yet. Got to watch the team play volleyball to warm-up, that was pretty cool.
Josiah2729 - January 6, 2012
Yeah, that was one of those games they have a couple of every season where they are all in “Arnott” mode. Not really playing hard, making dumb mistakes, etc. Last year against the Kings I remember a couple games like that.
DonBorvio - January 7, 2012
Yeah, happens to everyone. Ugly – move on.
davisca - January 7, 2012
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