Author: Lady Preds

A Southern Girl with a Heart for Hockey!

Preds recall Stalberg and Salomaki

Leave a comment

PicMonkey Collage

Early last night, just before the Admirals took on the Grand Rapid Griffins, Admirals Roundtable posted something quite interesting to Twitter:

…And, sure enough, it was announced officially from the Predators early this morning in wake of Nashville’s bout against the L.A. Kings this afternoon:

As it says in the Tweet, this is Miikka Salomaki’s first recall in his career, which means this may be his first time hitting the big boy ice. We assume Viktor Stalberg is just as ecstatic.

With a recalls, that means someone isn’t in tip-top shape. Taylor Beck was announced as placed on the IR moments after the announcement of Stalberg and Salomaki, and then, shortly after, Matt Cullen was also placed on the IR. Also noteworthy is the fact that James Neal left the ice early yesterday during practice, but that’s just speculation of an injury or the evasion of one.

Preds hold lead early, fall to Blackhawks 5-4

Leave a comment

Source: Ronald Martinez/Getty Images North America

So I asked the in the previous post (the Philadelphia one) as to who would be in net for Nashville tonight. Who is surprised it was Pekka again? Now, don’t get me wrong, if I had my way, Pekka would be half human/half machine and fully capable of handling a full 82-game season; no offense, Hutton. But alas, he is a mere mortal and needs a rest every now and then. However, there’s a good chance Rinne will not rest for tomorrow’s game either, as St. Louis is nipping at our heels as I type. Call me a worrier, but after losing him last season to that E. Coli hip, I have every reason to be nervous of his health. Though the Predators have gained strength under the leadership of Peter Laviolette, Pekka Rinne is still saving their butts more often than not.

Anywho, let’s discuss Chicago, who sits just two points ahead of Nashville for first in the Central Division. However, to discuss the bigger picture, it seems as if Anaheim is Nashville’s biggest threat thus far (when discussing the Cup); they are currently 24-8-6. So a night in the Windy City then back home to face the Blues? Giddy-up.

First Period:

  • Roman Josi got the party started at 11:50 in the United Center with a snap shot past Corey Crawford for his fifth goal of the season. Paul Gaustad tallies the lone assist.
  • Craig Smith pushed Nashville up 2-0 with a wrister at 17:12, his 11th goal of the season. Colin Wilson (9) and Mike Ribeiro (21) claim the assists.

Second Period:

  • James Neal picked up his 12th goal at 7:28 with a excellent tip-in with assistance from Colin Wilson (10) and Pekka Rinne (1). No, that isn’t a typo – Rinne, in fact, picked up the assist.
  • Brad Richards cut the Predators lead 3-1 at 10:33 with a slap shot past Rinne for his seventh goal of the season.
  • Chicago would then come within one of Nashville at 15:48 with a wrister from Andrew Shaw, his sixth of the season.
  • Just two minutes later, Chicago would tie it with slapshot from Marian Hossa on the power play, his eighth goal of the season.
  • With a power play goal of his own, James Neal gave Nashville the lead once again, his second goal of the night and 13th of the season. Filip Forsberg (21) and Roman Josi (17) collect the assists.

Third Period:

  • Sadly, at 18:47 with the extra attacker, Bryan Bickell sends a wrister past Rinne to tie the game, sending it into overtime.

Overtime:

  • No goals in overtime – to the shootout we go.

Shootout:

  • NSH – Ryan Ellis – MISS
  • CHI – Jonathan Toews – GOAL
  • NSH – Craig Smith – MISS
  • CHI – Patrick Kane – MISS
  • NSH – Filip Forsberg – MISS

And with that, the Nashville Predators fall 5-4 in the shootout and are now 24-9-3. As I have mentioned several times, the Predators take on the Blues tomorrow night at home. Luckily, the Blues may be just as exhausted as they, too have played tonight. However… they beat the Avalanche 3-0. Sheesh.

NSH trades Roy to EDM; Aquires Arcobello

Leave a comment

Source: Bruce Bennett/Getty Images North America

It came as bit of surprise to see Derek Roy’s name come up on waivers yesterday, but as the day went on, it became more understandable as to why he had been. With just one goal and nine assists, Roy was slipping silently through the cracks of the Predators organization. Compared to past seasons, a one goal/nine assists Forward would’ve been just another name on the roster; but things are different this season in Nashville. With fellow Forwards like Colin Wilson – who has ten goals/eight assists – and Filip Forsberg – who has fourteen goals/twenty assists, it’s easy to see how players, like Derek Roy (and even Olli Jokinen) can be left in a frustrated dust.

So, who’s this Mark Arcobello guy? Besides having a fun name to pronounce, here is an excerpt from the Predators press release from earlier this afternoon:

Arcobello, 26 (8/12/88), has 12 points (7g-5a) in 36 games for the Oilers this season, and 30 points (11g-19a) in 78 National Hockey League games since 2012-13. The 5-9, 165-pound native of Milford, Connecticut also has 161 points (60g-101a) in 188 American Hockey League games since turning pro in 2010-11, and appeared in the 2013 AHL All-Star Classic.

An undrafted free agent signee by Edmonton out of college, Arcobello spent four seasons at Yale University from 2006-10, amassing 116 points (49g-67a) in 131 games. He was a 2009 Second-Team All-American while helping the Bulldogs to the 2009 ECAC title.

Seven goals, five assists thus far this season. I believe that is something that the Predators and Laviolette can work with, yea? Arcobello is expected to meet with the team tomorrow before the home game against St. Louis, though don’t expect to see him on the ice. Derek Roy, it was a good three months; we wish you well in Edmonton and your future endeavors!

Preds pummel Flyers 4-1

Leave a comment
Source: Frederick Breedon/Getty Images North America

Source: Frederick Breedon/Getty Images North America

After a disheartening loss to the Bruins last Tuesday 5-3, the Predators spent a much needed Christmas break with friends and family before returning to home ice Saturday against the Philadelphia Flyers. The Flyers, who are 14-14-6, currently sit in 5th within the Metropolitan Division, just eight points shy of Washington. Though their record does not compare to Nashville’s, Philadelphia’s bulk adds an advantage that the Predators do not have. The Flyers know how to put on the pressure and keep teams from scoring and Nashville has a hard time with pressure…

First Period:

  • Filip Forsberg lit the lamp first at 9:41 for a rare Predators powerplay; his 14th goal of the season. Roman Josi (15) and Shea Weber (17) notched the assists.

Second Period:

  • Claude Giroux would tie it up at 6:50 in the second for his 12th goal of the season.
  • Seven minutes later at 13:57, Mike Fisher would notch the second powerplay goal of the night; his 4th goal of the season. Filip Forsberg (20) and Mike Ribeiro (20) would both assist.
  • Not even a minute later, Colin Wilson, too, would collect a powerplay goal with a laser shot past Ray Emery; his 9th goal of the season. Seth Jones (7) and Roman Josi (16) would assist in the goal.

Third Period:

  • Colin Wilson would tally his second goal of the night (10th of the season) on an empty-netter at 16:42. Mike Fisher (5) would do the assisting on Wilson’s goal.

With this cozy win, the Predators record now jumps to 23-9-2, but Nashville has no time to rest. Monday night, the Predators enter the United Center to face divisional rival, the Chicago Blackhawks, who are above the Predators in first (within the division) by two points. Without taking a breath, the Predators will return home to face another divisional rival, the St. Louis Blues, who sit just three points behind Nashville in the division. Sheesh. The question now will be, which game will Pekka have to take a seat and let Carter Hutton take the reins? Or will he even get a rest at all?

Update, Update: Viktor Stalberg placed on Waivers

Leave a comment
Source: Kristen Jerkins Photography

Source: Kristen Jerkins Photography

Well, it you are truly at all surprised by this move by the Predators, you have certainly been living under a rock for a good portion of the season. However, from the presser released by the organization, the decision was made in order to assign Stalberg to Nashville’s farm team, the Milwaukee Admirals. Here’s an excerpt from the press release:

After missing six weeks of action due to a knee injury, Stalberg is prepared to return to action. With the NHL roster freeze going into effect on Friday at 11:59 p.m. CT and lasting until 12:01 a.m. CT on Dec. 28, and the team being at the 23-player roster maximum, the move was necessary before the team heads out for its final three games before the holiday break.

“A couple of injuries early in the season have prevented this from being the season Viktor trained all summer for,” General Manager David Poile said. “He has worked hard to return to the lineup. With Paul Gaustad and Taylor Beck day-to-day and still on our 23-man roster, the best option for Viktor and the organization at this time is to place Viktor on waivers with the hope that he will clear, go to Milwaukee to play games and continue his efforts to be ready for NHL game action.”

You can read the full presser here. Stalberg has certainly been having a rough season thus far. Expected to shine last season when he was signed to a four-year, $12 million deal during the off-season, the Swedish forward has been a bit of a disappointment, to say the least. With the booting of Trotz, Stalberg’s promise began circulating once more as he would be under new coaching with Laviolette. Unfortunately, due to reoccurring injuries, that expectation has been all but dashed once more. But, as you read above, Nashville’s intent is to keep Stalberg within the organization, meaning they do see the potential he could provide. However, it comes under the risk of placing him on waivers and hoping he clears without another team shooting him an offer.

Update:
It looks as though Stalberg has indeed cleared waivers and will now be assigned to the Milwaukee Admirals. This favors Nashville ultimate plan for Stalberg, but many teams could’ve benefited from acquiring the young forward. Unfortunately, that hefty contract that he signed with the Predators proved to be a major turnoff to the rest of the league, thus allowing him to clear waivers.

Update No. 2:
Not even an hour after posting the first update, the Predators recall Viktor Stalberg to their active roster. This move comes as Paul Gaustad has been placed on Injured Reserve due to a lower body injury. So there you have it; Stalberg had a wonderful stint on waivers, yes?

Neal faces $2K Fine for Embellishment

Leave a comment

Source: Bruce Bennett/Getty Images North America

Say it ain’t so! James Neal has officially become the first player to be fined for embellishment (dive, what have you) during a game under the NHL’s new diving/embellishment rules. Neal was first reprimanded back on November 13th for a dive against the Blues, but there is no second warning nowadays. Neal’s $2000 fine was dealt due to an embellished fall from Saturday’s game against San Jose. Here’s the .gif of the act in question:

hmmm

Source: @KMartel_Sports

I missed this play during the game, but with slow motion and the tuck-into-fetal-position, it definitely looks like a dive; sorry James. Like I mentioned above the .gif, there are not second warnings, so what happens if Neal accidentally does this again (we say accident because James Neal is a classy individual not capable of such acting skills):

  • First Offense: Warning
  • Second Offense: $2,000 fine
  • Third Offense: $3,000 fine
  • Fourth Offense: $4,000 fine
  • Fifth Offense: $5,000 fine for him, $2,000 for Laviolette

Pretty certain there won’t be any beyond a fifth offense as, once the coach’s wallet starts taking a hit, the acting career will be over for the player involved pretty quickly. Well, I hope Neal doesn’t get pegged for embellishing anymore for his wallet’s sake, though I would’ve thought some Canucks would’ve gotten tagged with this fine before anyone…

NSH seeks Victory in SO over BOS

Leave a comment
Source: Frederick Breedon/Getty Images North America

Source: Frederick Breedon/Getty Images North America

After a lackluster performance (by everyone but Pekka Rinne) in San Jose Saturday, the Predators returned home for a brief moment to welcome in the 15-13-2 Boston Bruins. So, how did the Predators fair against the “B”s from the East?

First Period:

  • Though both teams would send nine shots on goal during the first, none could get beyond the beasts from Finland in the nets.
  • Both sides were given powerplay opportunities, but could not capitalize.

Second Period:

  • Milan Lucic would get the ball rolling at 4:04, giving Boston the lead for the majority of the second period.
  • Mike Fisher would then tie it with just thirty seconds left in the period for his second goal of the season. May we also say this was on the powerplay? Yes, it was! Nashville is now a resounding 2-47 on the powerplay at home this season. Shea Weber (12) and Filip Forsberg (18) would do the assisting.

Third Period:

  • Mike Ribeiro would give Nashville the lead at 1:31 into the third for his ninth goal of the season. James Neal (8) and Ryan Ellis (9) would pick up the assist points.
  • The Preds wouldn’t lead long as Reilly Smith sent a wrister flying past Pekka at 3:28 to tie the game.

Overtime:

  • Despite a few shots on goal, the five minute overtime would prove uneventful.

Shootout:

  • NSH – Derek Roy – GOAL
  • BOS – Brad Merchand – MISS
  • NSH – James Neal – MISS
  • BOS – Reilly Smith – MISS
  • NSH – Filip Forsberg – MISS
  • BOS – Patrice Bergeron – MISS

With Pekka’s save on Bergeron’s shot, Nashville slipped away with the two points in the shootout. It wasn’t that Nashville didn’t come out strong last night, it was simply the fact that Boston is notoriously a bigger, more physical team than most others. They were there in the right places at the right time to put the extra pressure on Nashville, ultimately keeping the score as low as it turned out to be. You also have to factor in the fact that Tuukka Rask is simply on point when it comes to goaltending; very similar to Nashville’s Finnish phenom who occupies a net.

It is good to note that Filip Forsberg continues to master the leader board when it comes to rookies. Not only does he lead in total points within the rookie class (30), he also leads in plus/minus (23), goals (12), and assists (18). Wowza.

Another fun fact to point out is that, with this win over Boston, David Poile is now the second all-time winningest General Manager with victory 1,171. He trails New York Rangers GM, Glen Sather who hold 1,278 wins.

The Predators take a few days off before heading northward to Minnesota to take on the Wild, a division rival they have yet to face thus far this season. Then it’s a stop in Columbus and a visit to Boston before coming back to welcome in the Flyers on December 27th (Shea Weber bobblehead night).

PPG for NSH; Preds bump Coyotes 5-1

Leave a comment

Source: Christian Petersen/Getty Images North America

Nashville’s week-long trip West continued last night against the Arizona Coyotes, the Predators’ first trip to Glendale this season. Arizona, who has been on a three-game losing streak, is sitting in the same position in the Pacific Division as Nashville’s previous opponent, the Colorado Avalanche, are in the Central Division: sixth out of seven. With more losses than wins (10-15-3), the Coyotes need a confidence boost, and why not thwart the on-the-rise Predators? Not only is it Martin Erat’s former, former team that he needed so desperately to be out of, Arizona is also the former home of newest Nashville Predator, Mike Ribeiro. Ribeiro struggled both on and off the ice while with the Coyotes, prompting the organization to cut ties with him. Nashville swooped in and snatched the center up, which raised a few eyebrows as a rather risky move. Ah, but that risky move has proven successful as Ribeiro has become a staple of the Predators lineup. Currently holding down the 6th ranking amongst players in +/-, he also holds 18th amongst players in assists and 15th amongst players in save percentages. And Martin Erat? He has had five goals this season compared to Mike Ribeiro’s eight and (his true replacement) Forsberg’s twelve. But who’s counting, right?
filip

First Period:

  • Arizona’s Antoine Vermette (7) got the ball rolling with a powerplay goal at 4:11 with assistance from Mikkel Boedker (9) and Keith Yandle (17).
  • Mike Fisher wouldn’t wait long, scoring his first goal of the season at 6:57 and a powerplay goal on top of that. A what? I don’t know what that is! Phil Housley is taking in a deep, thankful sigh right about now. Shea Weber (10) and Filip Forsberg (16) nab the assists on Fisher’s goal.
  • James Neal would push Nashville up 2-1 at 11:06 for his eleventh goal of the season. Mike Fisher (3) and Roman Josi (12) would assist in said goal.
  • At 18:30, Ryan Ellis would nab his third goal of the season, giving Nashville a 3-1 lead at the end of the first period. James Neal (7) and Mike Ribeiro (17) would be awarded the assists.

Second Period:

  • Just like in Colorado, no goals were mustered during the second period.

Third Period:

  • At just 2:43 into the period, Calle Jarnkrok would tally his second goal of the season. Gabriel Bourque (2) and Filip Forsberg (17) power in with the assists.
  • Olli Jokinen would nab the GWG at 7:20, though it was a deflection off of Weber’s shot (oh well, he’ll take all the points he can get) for his second goal of the season. Colin Wilson (7) and Shea Weber (11) would be of assistance.

Another win tallied on this mini road trip as Nashville defeats the Coyotes 5-1 in Glendale. Not to jinx anything, but Nashville is now 19-7-2 on the season and is 2-0-0 on this road trip going into San Jose on Saturday. Though this should have been the game that Pekka Rinne got a much needed rest, he has still managed to keep it strong, blocking 57 of 58 shots in these past two games. Will Hutton get the start against the Sharks? Eh, though they are fourth in the Pacific Division, they are on a two-game winning streak and are 16-11-4. That’s a toughie to call, but we’ll see who gets to mind the net soon.

Preds Knock Avalanche 3-0

Leave a comment

Source: Doug Pensinger/Getty Images North America

After being knocked from the top spot in the Central Division and losing to Chicago on Saturday night, the Predators headed West for a mini trip while Marvel Universe takes over the Bridgestone Arena for a few days. Truly, Nashville’s powerplay seems to be their only weakness at this point and, while it isn’t the worst of situations, it is still adding insult to injury where Nashville could use some help in dire situations (i.e. game changer). Anyways, this is the first meeting between the Predators and the Avalanche this season and, where normally the Avs are heading the top of the Central Division, this year has been a little different (so far). Colorado is currently in sixth in the Central Division, while Dallas is rounding out the last spot at seven. As I mention in almost ever post that Nashville plays a team struggling with numbers, don’t count them out; the Predators are notorious for getting sleepy during games like these. Colorado also has one of the top penalty kill percentages thus far this season, which probably doesn’t mean much to Nashville as… they are terrible at powerplays to begin with.

First Period:

  • Just 2:23 into the period, rookie sensation Filip Forsberg sends one past Chet Calvin Pickard; Chet’s brother — remember Chet, guys? You know, our first…round…pick… Gabriel Bourque (1) and Seth Jones (6) picked up the assists on Forsberg’s 12th goal of the season.

Second Period:

  • No goals, but Nashville led SOG ten to Colorado’s eight.
  • Nashville was given three powerplay chances in the second, but could capitalize on none of them.

Third Period

  • The last two goals would be empty-netters, with Gabriel Bourque nabbing his first goal of the season at 18:10 with assistance from Mike Ribeiro (15).
  • And James Neal would pick up his tenth goal of the season and the game winner at 19:02. Mike Ribeiro (16) and Filip Forsberg (15) would grab the assist points.

Nashville’s week-long roadtrip has started off on the right foot, with the Predators now at a 18-7-2 record thus far this season. Next stop is in Glendale, Arizona to spend a little time with Martin Erat. This will also be Mike Ribeiro’s first return to Arizona since being let go last season. I’m sure they’ll be excited to see how well he’s been doing with Nashville, right…? Right?

Preds fall to Hawks 3-1; Time to Rest Rinne?

Leave a comment
Source: Kristen Jerkins Photography

Source: Kristen Jerkins Photography

Nashville hasn’t lost a home game since being pummeled 3-0 by the Penguins on October 25th, but another one was bound to happen sooner than later. Unfortunately for Preds fans, it came at the hands of the Chicago Blackhawks tonight. What could add insult to injury is the fact that Chicago played the Montreal Canadiens last night at home, which usually puts said team at a disadvantage compared to a team [Nashville] who has a day to rest. Leave it to Chicago to bypass that hindrance and jump the Predators in the Central Division standings. You read that correctly:
Screen shot 2014-12-06 at 8.49.31 PMLooking at the glass-half-full, this loss wasn’t as devastating (stats wise) as it might feel; especially if you have to listen to belligerent Hawks “fans” as you leave the arena tonight. Though Nashville was only given two powerplay chances and managed to detour Chicago’s four chances, those were still two advantages the Predators failed to capitalize on that could’ve changed the game. However, the Blackhawks do currently hold the best penalty kill in the league, but that’s no excuse. The Predators are now 1-for-45 on powerplay goals at home this season; 28th in league just above the Wild and the Sabres. It is a weakness in advantage that is slowly catching up to the Predators as they push forward into the season.

Another factor to look at is impact on Pekka Rinne. Though there is no way you’d rest him while playing divisional opponents, when is the man going to get a break? Rinne has appeared in the 23 games thus far, whereas Carter Hutton has only seen three games worth of ice time. Yes, Pekka has been the much needed asset for securing many of Nashville’s 17 wins, but it may be time to give the Finnish Phenom a rest or two. Perhaps that will be the case for Tuesday’s game against Colorado; though a Central Division opponent, they sit four rankings below the Predators in sixth. However, ranking position means nothing if you’re goaltender isn’t on point, but Hutton has had enough rest and might want to stretch his legs. Truly, the only other time Pekka might legitimately get a break is on the 22nd when Nashville goes into Columbus. Yes, Pekka Rinne has saved many a butt and missing him from the net is definitely a risk (See last season), but starting him every single game is also a risk. You may play your best golf with your 9-iron, but eventually you’ll need your putter.

Kudos to Colin Wilson tonight for not allowing the Blackhawks to celebrate a goose egg tonight. His wrister past former Mississippi RiverKings (and Milwaukee Admirals, yea) goaltender, Scott Darling was his sixth for the season; assisted by Victor Bartley (1) and Mike Fisher (2). If you are stuck on the Mississippi RiverKings mention, that’s because it’s a Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) team and he is the first of said league to make it to the NHL. Jumping around that stat, Colin Wilson is certainly on his way to having one of the best seasons of his career. I mean, this kid went from constantly being tossed into Trotzy’s Doghouse to actually getting ice time to find his comfort zone. He has put up great numbers in the past, but I am foreseeing a much better performance from the 25-year-old under Laviolette’s system for sure.

Welp, don’t get too down, Preds fans; it’s Saturday night and, just remember: the Predators are doing 100x better than the Titans and shhh! Hockey’s not supposed to do better than football!