Author: Lady Preds

A Southern Girl with a Heart for Hockey!

Preds Player Profile: Andrei Kostitsyn

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Andrei Kostitsyn will make his Nashville debut on Tuesday, March 6th.

The Predators picked up two players before the Trade Deadline commenced on Monday afternoon, surprising most (if not all) Predators fan. With everyone’s minds on the Nash-to-Nash conundrum, no one saw who Predators General Manager, David Poile was really eyeing in the Eastern Conference.

The first of those two Eastern Conference contenders the Predators traded for was Andrei Kostitsyn, current Nashville Predators player Sergei Kostitsyn’s older brother. The Predators made a trade agreement with the Montreal Canadiens, that (along with the conditional draft pick used to get Hal Gill) the Canadiens would hand over AK46 for a 2nd Round Draft Pick in the 2013 NHL Draft.

Andrei Kostitsyn was born on February 3, 1985 in Novopolotsk, Belarus. Before starting his career in the NHL, Andrei competed in several different leagues, including the Eastern European Hockey League and the CSKA of Russia. After his first season with CSKA,  Andrei was drafted first round (10th overall) in the 2003 NHL Draft by the Montreal Canadiens. In the summer of 2004, AK46 signed a three-year contract with the team.

Andrei Kostitsyn saw his first NHL game on December 1, 2005 against the Buffalo Sabres, a game the Canadiens would ultimately lose in overtime. Kostitsyn wasted no time scoring his first NHL goal on the December 13th against the Phoenix Coyotes, a game the Canadiens would end up winning 5-2.

Unfortunately, the older Kostitsyn is no stranger to injury, suffering a minor concussion in the 2008-09 season along with a leg injury. Thankfully, in the same month, AK46 notched his first career Hat Trick on December 27, 2008.

After seven years with the Montreal Canadiens, it was time for AK46 to be reunited with little brother, SK74 in Nashville. Sergei and Andrei were separated on June 29, 2009 when Sergei was traded to the Nashville Predators for goaltender Dan Ellis and forward Dustin Boyd.

OTHER NOTABLE FACTS:

  • Posted 12:13 minutes of ice time against the Carolina Hurricanes on Tuesday night during his debut with the Nashville Predators.
  • Andrei and Paul Gaustad, the other major trade pickup for the Predators, both share the same birthday (February 3rd).
  • Collected 24 points (12 goals, 12 assists) in 53 games this season with the Montreal Canadiens.
  • AK46 played 379 NHL games since his 2005-06 career, all with the Montreal Canadiens. Along with this, Kostitsyn has tallied 99 goals and 210 points.

Andrei Kostitsyn has been called the complete opposite of his young brother, Sergei. In what ways? Well, Andrei likes to shoot and shoot as often as possible. Though Sergei is finally coming around to shooting more often, hopefully with his brother on his side, both will become an unstoppable brotherly force. Maybe a Sedin twin combo? Along with this potential, by picking up Andrei, the chances of the Predators re-signing Sergei are much higher come post-season.

Welcome to Nashville, Andrei Kostitsyn!

(Photo credit: Elsa/Getty Images North America)

Predators Penalties prove Fatal against Hurricanes

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Sergei and Andrei are reunited in Raleigh against the Carolina Hurricanes.

The Predators took to the ice tonight in Raleigh, North Carolina after defeating the L.A. Kings 2-1 last night in Smashville. Back-to-back games can be pretty challenging, and the Predators went into tonight’s game with a boost from the recent trade pickups from yesterday afternoon. The Carolina Hurricanes are 5th in the Southeast, but don’t let that fool you; Carolina can be just as pesky as the Predators win it comes to sneaky wins. Here are the highlights from tonight’s game in Raleigh:

KEY POINTS:

  • Andrei Kostitsyn made his Predators debut tonight with his little brother against the Hurricanes. AK46 has been called the complete opposite of SK74, pushing himself as a consistent shooter.
  • Kevin Klein rested again tonight on the scratched list, along with Ryan Ellis and Brandon Yip. Brian McGrattan remains on the IR and new comer, Paul Gaustad stayed off the ice due to an upper-body injury.
  • The Predators came out strong with a wrist shot past Cam Ward from Craig Smith, his 12th goal of the season. Although Smith hasn’t had a goal since early January, he is 41st in the league for power play goals and 138th in assists. Matt Halischuk and Gabriel Bourque picked up assists on Smith’s goal.
  • Smith’s goal would be the only scored in the first, but Carolina’s Jamie McBain was quick to tie the game at 5:17 in the 2nd. McBain sent a slap shot past Anders Lindback for his 7th goal of the season.
  • Colin Wilson would answer the call for the Predators at 12:31 with a backhanded goal unassisted, his 15th goal of the season.
  • Carolina put their power play chances to use with two goals at both 13:04 and then at 17:24. Both goals were back-handers, the first one from Eric Staal (his 19th goal of the season) and the second from Tim Brent (his 9th goal of the season).
  • Bryan Allen would add salt to the wound with a goal at 1:28 in the 3rd, sending the Hurricanes up 4-2 over the Predators. As added insult to injury, the wrist shot past Lindback was Allen’s first goal of the season.
  • Rookie Gabriel Bourque would breathe life into the Predators at 2:18 with a wrist shot for his 4th goal of the season. Jordin Tootoo and David Legwand assisted on the rookie’s goal.
  • Unfortunately, the Predators just could catch enough momentum to snag an extra goal to tie the game and at least seal one point. The Carolina Hurricanes are now 24-26-13 on the season, the Predators 37-20-7.
  • Anders Lindback took over for Pekka Rinne tonight, blocking 29 of 33 shots on goal. Although Anders let a few slip by, quite a few were mistakes by the defense. The Predators were out-shot (surprised?) by the Carolina Hurricanes 33 to 29.
  • Unlike last night’s game, the Predators spent way too much time adding penalty minutes to their times sheet, with six penalties compared to Carolina’s one. Here are the six offenders of the bench:
  1. Jack Hillen – 1st Period 9:16 – Holding
  2. David Legwand – 1st Period 19:00 – Hi-Sticking
  3. Colin Wilson – 2nd Period 0.55 – Too Many Men/Ice
  4. Andrei Kostitsyn – 2nd Period 12:52 – Hooking
  5. Shea Weber – 2nd Period 17:13 – Hooking
  6. Mike Fisher – 3rd Period 8:50 – Hooking

The Predators have a few days to recuperate themselves before hitting the ice in sunny Miami on Saturday night where they will be faced with an old friend, Jerred Smithson.

On a lighter note from tonight’s game, Jordin Tootoo will be hosting another radio show tomorrow night with special guests Colin Wilson and Brandon Yip! You know you don’t want to miss that one, right?

Until then,
GO PREDS.

(Photo credit: Grant Halverson/Getty Images)

Preds Win with Both Trade Deadline and against L.A. Kings

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Patric Hornqvist returns to the lineup on fire with his 18th goal of the season.

NEVER ENOUGH KOSTITSYNS:

The NHL Trade Deadline may have ended at 2PM yesterday, but that didn’t mean the day ended for the Nashville Predators. Although Nashville was thought to be in the running for Blue Jackets captain, Rick Nash, Predators GM David Poile had other plans up his sleeves.

David Poile surprised many Preds fans with the trade agreement between the Montreal Canadiens for Andrei Kostitsyn, Sergei’s older brother. Andrei had expressed interest in wanting to be traded to Nashville, but because everyone’s minds were on the Nash-to-Nash situation, no one saw this one coming. The Predators and the Canadiens came to an agreement that, along with the conditional trade that came along with Hal Gill, the Predators would give up a 2nd Round Draft pick for 2013.

Poile made a last minute trade with the Buffalo Sabres, picking up Forward Paul Gaustad for a 1st Round pick in this year’s draft, another unexpected move. If you can remember the Ryan Miller/Jordin Tootoo incident from December 3rd, you might recall a certain player who attacked Jordin Tootoo afterwards and had it out for Anders Lindback. If you guessed Paul Gaustad, you are correct. Although tension will probably cease now that the three are teammates, but it is still a little awkward.

Although most fans, if not all, were blinded by the Nash-to-Nash possible trade (we definitely were), these two additions to the Nashville Predators may (and will most likely have to be) the key to keeping both Ryan Suter and Shea Weber in the gold sweaters. We won’t dive into that controversy right now. However, what’s most important is that these two additions will help the Predators advance to the Stanley Cup.

ON TO THE GAME:

  • Ryan Ellis was called up for last night’s game against the Kings, making many fans think Jack Hillen, if any Predator, would be on the fence during the Trade Deadline. Hillen made it past 2PM and got some ice time, making a Pekka-like save in front of the goal, preventing a clear goal from the Kings. Kevin Klein was the surprising scratch (along with Ellis) and Brian McGrattan is still sitting pretty on the IR.
  • Rookie Roman Josi got the ball rolling at the end of the 1st (18:27), sending a wrist shot past Jonathan Quick for his 4th goal of the season. David Legwand and Gabriel Bourque picked up the assists on Josi’s goal.
  • Patric Hornqvist wasted no time putting his team up 2-0 at 3:52 in the 2nd, sending a wrist shot of his own past Quick for his 18th goal of the season. David Legwand picked up his second assist of the night and Sergei Kostitsyn picked up one as well.
  • The Kings would prevent the Predators from shutting them out at 16:36 in the third with wrist shot from Dustin Brown, his 18th goal of the season.
  • Pekka Rinne saw one of his best nights of the season, blocking 30 of 31 shots on goal. The Predators were also out-shot 31 to 28, adding to their NHL record.
  • The Predators and the Kings both only faced one penalty kill each, with Gabriel Bourque facing a tripping penalty at 4:37 in the 2nd Period.

The Predators are off to Raleigh to face the 23-26-13 Carolina Hurricanes on Tuesday night, but they will have Andrei Kostitsyn and Paul Gaustad in tow. Will they blow the Hurricanes out of the water? The puck drops at 6PM!

Until then,
GO PREDS.

San Jose no Match for Predators, Nashville Wins 6-2

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The Predators come out looking like a new team against the San Jose Sharks on Saturday.

After a tough loss on Thursday, the Predators needed a good game against Conference rivals, the San Jose Sharks last night to get the momentum going again. Last night’s game was more than just good, it was played by a Predators team that needs to come out more often. A ton of changes came about this week with the Predators, but the chemistry amongst the players last night was incredible. Here are the highlights from last night’s win in the Music City:

BUSY TWO DAYS FOR NASHVILLE:

  • Before getting to last night’s game, there was an interesting and surprising trade on Friday between the Predators and the Florida Panthers. Veteran Predator Jerred Smithson was traded to the Panthers for a 6th Round Pick in this year’s NHL Draft. It was pretty clear no Predators fan saw this one coming. Although we are sad to lose such a key player, we are happy that Smithson will have more playing time and opportunity with Florida. We wish him the best with the Panthers!
  • Also on Friday, though not as surprising, rookie sensation Ryan Ellis was sent back to Milwaukee to play a few games with the Admirals. Trotz had said it had nothing to do with his performance, just needed the space for the newly acquired Hal Gill and to get Jack Hillen some ice time. Ryan Ellis will more than likely be back with the Predators soon.
  • Yet another surprising move by the Predators, Nashville presented a trade to the Columbus Blue Jackets for a certain key player, Rick Nash. The Predators offered up Colin Wilson, Ryan Ellis, Teemu Laakso and a first round pick for the Blue Jackets’ captain, but CJB has stated that they did not want to trade Nash to a rival Central Division team. As such, CBJ and Nash have not agreed nor denied Nashville’s trade offer, so we will keep you up-to-date with this information as it comes.

ON TO THE GAME:

  • Patric Hornqvist returned to the lineup last night after spending a few games on the IR. Brian McGrattan was still missing from the ice, along with Jack Hillen.
  • The Predators wasted no time getting the ball rolling, with Colin Wilson scoring his 14th goal of the season with a wrist shot past Thomas Greiss. Assisted only by Jordin Tootoo, was this Wilson’s way of saying he doesn’t want to leave Nashville? Or was this proving to CBJ how good he is?
  • Shea Weber capitalized on Wilson’s goal by scoring one of his own at 3:23, his 13th goal of the season. Martin Erat and Sergei Kostitsyn picked up the assists on Weber’s goal.
  • San Jose would finally make an appearance at 10:58 with a wrist shot by Patrick Marleau, his 26th goal of the season.
  • Kevin Klein would silence Marleau’s goal at five minutes later at 15:58 with a snap shot of his own for his 4th goal of the season. It was thought to be Patric Hornqvist’s goal, but inevitably given to Klein. Roman Josi and Mike Fisher picked up the assists.
  • Brandon Yip dropped the gloves with Tommy Wingels for his first fight in a Predators sweater. Yip got a few good punches in, but Wingels was able to throw Brandon to the ground. Here’s the video from the elbow throws:
  • San Jose surprised Nashville by scoring 23 seconds into the 2nd with a goal from Joe Pavelski for his 23rd goal of the season.
  • Shea Weber picked up his second goal of the night at 12:04 on the powerplay with his signature slap shot, picking up his 14th goal of the season. David Legwand and Ryan Suter both picked up the assists from Weber’s goal.
  • The third period belong to Nashville, with an empty-netter at 18:00 by Martin Erat for his 14th goal of the season. We need to send out a congratulations to both Erat and his wife with the birth of a baby boy! Gabriel Bourque and Roman Josi picked up the assists on Erat’s empty-netter.
  • Nick Spaling added salt to San Jose’s wound at 19:18 with a snap shot to seal the game, his tenth goal of the season. Jordin Tootoo and Colin Wilson picked up the assists.
  • The Predators prove why they are 1st in the league with this particular stat: The Predators were out-shot 34 to 21, yet still managed to beat the Sharks 6-2 in regulation.
  • The Predators not only won the game, but also won their 17th sellout of this season. The Predators are expected to surpass 20 sellouts, a record that was set back in the 1999-2000 season.
  • The Predators faced quite a few penalties last night, but were able to capitalize on one of San Jose’s misfortunes. The Sharks, although given four chances on the power play, were not able to sneak a goal passed Pekka to score. Here are the four Preds who took some time in the penalty box:
  1. Brandon Yip – 17:22 1st Period – Fighting
  2. Hal Gill – 13:22 2nd Period – Tripping
  3. Roman Josi – 3:28 3rd Period – Tripping
  4. Francis Bouillon – 9:39 3rd Period – Tripping

The Predators dominated the San Jose Sharks with a kind of momentum they should have brought against St. Louis on Thursday night. With this win, the Predators are now 36-19-7 on the season and expect to be 37-19-7 on Monday with a hopeful win over the L.A. Kings.

With the NHL Trade Deadline looming overhead, will CBJ accept the potential trade offer from the Predators? Personally, it makes us nervous. Although Nash is a big contender in the NHL and would be a great gain for the Predators, the loss of three players (and a 1st round pick) for just one could be a risk, costly move for the Predators (resulting in the loss of Ryan Suter and/or Shea Weber in the end). However, as stated before, CBJ is not looking to trade within the division, but if no other good offers are made, Columbus may just take the bait.

The Predators welcome the L.A. Kings tomorrow for a rare Monday night game, then Nashville is off to take on the Carolina Hurricanes.

Until then,
GO PREDS.

The Blues come out Singing, Predators lose 3-2 in SO

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Rookie Roman Josi finds the back of the net for his third goal of the season.

The Predators welcomed division rival St. Louis Blues to Nashville Thursday night, seeking to extend their winning streak to three. However, the Blues were just as hungry (if not more) than the Predators, seeking to finally take the almighty Predators down for this first time this season. Here are the highlights from Thursday night’s game in Smashville:

KEY POINTS:

  • Although Patric Hornqvist and Brian McGrattan are still feeling the effects of their upper-body injuries, both players are expected to play on Saturday against the San Jose Sharks. Jack Hillen and rookie Ryan Ellis were the two scratches for the night.
  • It was clear from the get-go that the St. Louis Blues were looking for a win in Nashville, controlling the puck for the majority of the 1st period. The Blues wasted no time gaining the lead at 4:13 with a wrist shot past Pekka from Chris Stewart, his 13th goal of the season. The Predators would trail the Blues into the second period 1-0.
  • Barry Trotz must have given the team an “intermission intervention”, for the second period looked much better for the Predators than the first period did. Rookie Roman Josi found the back of the net at 2:53, tying the game 1-1 for this third goal of the season. Roman was assisted by Brandon Yip (2) and Matt Halischuk (9).
  • Colin Wilson would give the Predators the lead at 12:52 with a backhanded goal, his 13th goal of the season. Wilson was assisted by Jordin Tootoo (20) and Nick Spaling (9).
  • The Predators did not have long to celebrate, for at 13:26 saw a goal from St. Louis’s Vladimir Sobotka, his 4th goal of the season. The two Central Division rivals would end the second period tied at 2.
  • The third period resulted in no goals from either team, thus tossing the game into overtime. After five minutes, neither team was able to produce a goal (plenty of close calls, though), sending the game into a shootout. Here is the shootout play-by-play:
  1. ST. LOUIS – T.J. Oshie – GOAL
  2. NASHVILLE – Colin Wilson – SAVE
  3. ST. LOUIS – Andy McDonald – GOAL
  4. NASHVILLE – Martin Erat – MISS
  • The St. Louis Blues managed to steal the win in the shootout over the Predators, their first win of the season against Nashville. Nashville was able to out-shoot the Blues 27 to 24, but Jaroslav Halak was able to block more goals than Pekka Rinne.
  • Neither team was able to use their powerplays successfully, although there was only one amongst both teams. Hal Gill was sent to the box at 9:26 in the second period for delaying the game.

The Blues left Nashville with the two points, but Nashville was able to get away with one point, which is much better than losing in regulation. It was clear that the Predators did not have their heads in the game – either they assumed a win against the Blues or they were just completely out of it – and the St. Louis Blues took complete advantage of the situation at hand.

The Predators continue the home stretch against the San Jose Sharks on Saturday, who are 32-21-6 on the season and are 2nd in the Pacific Conference.

Until then,
GO PREDS.

Revenge is Sweet: Predators take out Canucks 3-1

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Mike Fisher continues to dominate as the race for the playoffs tightens.

The Vancouver Canucks are always able to draw a crowd in Nashville, only because of a building rivalry between the two Western Conference teams (and the fact Vancouver is mostly despised around these parts). After losing a in the shootout on February 7th against the Canucks, the Predators were itching to seek revenge against the Canucks at home. Here are the highlights from last night’s game:

KEY POINTS:

  • Mike Fisher wasn’t gone for long, quickly fighting off his bout with the flu. Brian McGrattan and Patric Hornqvist aren’t as lucky, still feeling the effects of their upper-body injuries, though Horny was seen on the ice during the morning skate. Jack Hillen and Chris Mueller were the healthy scratches for the night.
  • The first period was a nail-biter, with both teams putting the pressure on Luongo and Rinne in the nets. Neither team was able to produce a goal during the first, but the Canucks took 12 shots to the Predators’ 11 shots on goal.
  • The Predators struck gold first with power play goal from Mike Fisher at 5:42, his 18th goal of the season. He was assisted by Ryan Suter and Martin Erat.
  • Sergei Kostitsyn was awarded a beautiful short-handed goal at 13:16 for his 15th goal of the season. He was assisted by Mike Fisher and newcomer, Hal Gill.
  • The Canucks finally hit the board at 16:52 with a backhanded goal from Dale Weise, his 4th goal of the season. The 2nd period would end with the Predators up 2-1.
  • Similar to the first period, the 3rd period started out as a nail-biter as well. That was, until David Legwand hit a slap shot past Luongo at 17:09 for his 14th goal of the season. Leggy was assisted by Martin Erat and Mike Fisher.
  • Alex Burrows celebrated his 500th game on Tuesday night and got a little cocky somewhat. What do we mean? Well, he tried to take on Shea Weber. Unfortunately, no video could be found, but Burrows did a little pushing and Weber did a little tackling. Congrats on your 500th, Alex!
  • The Canucks ended up out-shooting the Predators 33 to 28, but Pekka Rinne was able to block 32 of those shots. Should we expect anything less? However, expect to see Anders Lindback in goal sometime soon…
  • Did you happen to notice we said Chris Mueller was scratched? Yes, the Predators called Milwaukee Admiral Chris Mueller up for the night, just as precaution. Unfortunately, Mueller got a free flight to Nashville for the night and was back at this airport this morning.
  • The Predators had more penalty kills than the Canucks, but luckily, Nashville was able to capitalize on one of Vancouver’s, and… one of their own? Short-handed goals are a slap in the face to the opposing team, and Sergei slapped the Canucks hard. Here are the three Preds who faced the penalty box:
  1. Colin Wilson – 8:35 2nd Period – Hooking
  2. Francis Bouillon – 12:29 2nd Period – Tripping
  3. Shea Weber – 19:23 2nd Period – Roughing

The Predators got the sweet revenge that they sought after, but the team doesn’t have much time to celebrate. The St. Louis Blues are on their way to Nashville and now they are seeking the revenge, having lost every game this season against the Predators. The puck drops at 7PM and, don’t forget, it’s college night!

Until then,
GO PREDS.

(Photo credit: John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images)

Hal Gill makes Debut, Predators overthrow Stars 3-2

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Hal Gill makes his debut with Nashville in Dallas tonight.

The Predators were a little distraught after losing to the Red Wings with five seconds left in the game on Friday night, giving Detroit its 22nd consecutive home game win. The Predators didn’t have time to dwell on their loss, though because they were quickly sent off to Dallas to take on the Stars, a team they had yet to seal a win against this season. However, the Predators had just acquired a potential killing machine on Friday afternoon and he stands at 6’7″… Here are the highlights from tonight’s game:

KEY POINTS:

  • Defenseman Hal Gill made his debut with Nashville tonight in Dallas, sporting the white and gold. At 6’7″, he made Jordin Tootoo look like he was skating with Goliath during the game. #75 is very hard to miss on the ice.
  • Patric Hornqvist and Brian McGrattan are still lingering on the IR, hopefully healing quickly. In a surprise scratch is Mike Fisher, who is currently suffering from the flu. Jack Hillen was also scratched from tonight.
  • Dallas got the ball rolling at 6:49 in the first period with a wrist shot from Michael Ryder, his 23rd goal of the season.
  • At 15:39, rookie Gabriel Bourque tied it up 1-1, his third goal of the season. David Legwand and Matt Halischuk pick up the assists.
  • In an outstanding goal, Shea Weber was able to put the Predators up 2-1 with just one second left in the 1st at 19:59. This was his 12th goal of the season with Ryan Suter and Sergei Kostitsyn picking up the assists.
  • The 2nd period only produced one goal, and luckily it was from Colin Wilson at 16:05 with a backhanded goal passed Kari Lehtonen, his 12th goal of the season. Jordin Tootoo and goalie Pekka Rinne gain the assists.
  • The Predators held the lead at 3-1 until 15:11 in the third, when Alex Goligoski knocked a wrist shot passed Pekka for his eight goal of the season. Even with the Stars on the power play with the last minute in the game and an empty net, it just wasn’t enough for the Stars to tie up the game, giving the Predators their first win in Dallas this season 3-2.
  • The Stars out shot the Predators 24 to 21, but Pekka was able to stop 22 of them and managed to pick up an assist, his third this season. Newcomer Hal Gill was the only penalty for the Predators at 17:55 in the third due to a tripping call. It put the Predators in a sticky situation, but the team was able to hold out for the win.

The Predators head back to Nashville to take on the ever-so-lovely Vancouver Canucks on Tuesday night. The Predators fell in the shootout the last time Vancouver came to visit the Music City, so the Predators definitely do not want another loss to the Sedin twins on their own home turf.

Check out our events page for all the fun that is going on this week! A public skate at Bridgestone, a Jordin Tootoo Show, and a meet and greet!

Until then,
GO PREDS.

(Photo credit of: Glenn James/NHLI via Getty Images)

Preds Player Profile: Hal Gill

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Welcome to Smashville, Gill!

Defenseman Hal Gill will take the ice tonight with his new teammates of the Nashville Predators against the Dallas Stars tonight. Gill has been apart of the NHL for quite a while, so to celebrate his arrival to the Predators, let’s get you a little aquatinted with the 36 year old!

Hal Gill was born in Concord, Massachusetts on April 6, 1975. The 6’7″ defenseman was drafted by the Boston Bruins in the 8th Round (207th overall) in the 1993 NHL Draft, but spent four years playing at Providence College. Before entering college, Gill was a well-known quarterback for Nashoba Regional High School in Bolton, MA!

Hal Gill finally hit the NHL during the 1997-98 season with the Bruins and played over 600 regular-season games with Boston before turning to Lukko in the Finnish SM-liiga league when the 2004-05 NHL season was in lock out. In July of 2006, Gill was picked up by the Toronto Maple Leafs, averaging his best numbers in his career. In February of 2008, Hal Gill was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins for a second round draft pick in the 2008 Draft and a fifth round pick in the 2009 NHL Draft.

While in Pittsburgh, Hal Gill picked up what could possibly be the most important aspect to the Nashville Predators. On June 12, 2009, Hal Gill held up the Stanley Cup after defeating the Detroit Red Wings. Less than a month later, Gill signed a two-year, $4.5 million contract with the Montreal Canadiens. He would then resign for another year during the 2010-11 season.

And then that leads to Nashville! On February 17, 2012, Nashville traded Blake Geoffrion, Robert Slaney, and a second-round pick for both Gill and a conditional fifth-round pick in the 2012 NHL Draft.

Hal Gill grew up in Bolton, Massachusetts and has three children (son, two daughters) with wife, Anne.

Other notable facts about Hal Gill include:

  • Ranks 14th in the NHL with 122 block shots this season.
  • Played 53 games this season with the Canadiens, eight points (1 goal, 7 assists) and 29 penalty minutes.
  • Ranks 3rd in the league’s penalty killers.
  • Played his 1,000 game with the Canadiens on October 20, 2011 against former team the Pittsburgh Penguins.
  • Appeared back-to-back in the Stanley Cup finals in 2008 and 2009, winning with the Penguins in 2009.
  • Sergei Kostitsyn was a fellow teammate during the 2009-10 season at Montreal.

Hal Gill brings with him to Nashville stamina and experience, exactly what the Predators need amongst the young, rookie-filled team. With his Stanley Cup win under his belt, Gill will provide the knowledge the Predators need to claw closer to the ultimate prize in the NHL.

Welcome to Nashville, Hal Gill!

Until then,
GO PREDS.

(Photo credit of: Ronald Martinez/Getty Images North America)

Datsyuk’s last Second Goal saves Wings, Preds lose 2-1

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Pavel Datsyuk keeps the game from going into overtime at 19:54.

This is one of the few and rare times we will use a picture of the opposing team to headline our post game write-ups. However, Detroit’s Pavel Datsyuk gets the rare opportunity only because he kept the game from going into overtime and sealing Detroit’s 22nd consecutive home game win. The Predators and the Red Wings both put up a tough fight, but it was Datsyuk’s 19:54 goal that saved the Red Wings in the end. Here are the highlights from last night’s game in the Motor City:

KEY POINTS:

  • Patric Hornqvist has now been placed on the IR due to his upper-body injury. Brian McGrattan is also feeling the effects of his injury, finding himself once again on the scratched list. Jack Hillen was also scratched from the game also.
  • Bittersweet news for the Predators on Friday as the Predators and the Montreal Canadiens came to a trade agreement. The Predators acquired defensemen Hal Gill, but for the price of a one Blake Geoffrion along with Milwaukee Admiral Robert Slaney. Along with Gill, the Predators were also given a conditional 5th round pick in this year’s draft. Gill met with his new teammates last night in Detroit, but will officially dawn the gold jersey against the Dallas Stars on Sunday night.
  • Both teams pushed hard in the first period, giving both goalies a run for their money. It was Johan Franzen who struck a nerve first at 12:44 with a wrist shot passed Pekka, his twenty-third goal of the season.
  • The second period only produced one goal as well, but this time under the Predators’ control. At 14:58, Nick Spaling gained his ninth goal of the season with a wrist shot passed Joey MacDonald. Spals was assisted by solely by Jordin Tootoo.
  • After 19 minutes of back and forth play, it seemed as if the game was going to go into overtime. Pavel Datsyuk had different intentions, tripping up the Predators, and wrist shooting one right passed Pekka to seal the 22nd consecutive home game for the Detroit Red Wings, extending their record-setting achievement. Sadly, yet another thing for Red Wing fans to run their mouths about…
  • Pekka did exceptionally well, as always, blocking 29 of 31 shots on goal. Also, only one Predator found time in the penalty box, which was rookie Ryan Ellis in the 1st period with a hooking penalty.

Since the All-Star break, the Predators have been lacking just a wee bit in the winning department, still looking a little groggy from that one week of freedom. However, with the recent acquiring of veteran Hal Gill, the Predators might (and hopefully) get a good grip of playoff potential reality.

The Predators continue their trek against Western Conference rivals on Sunday against the Dallas Stars at 6PM. The Predators have not been able to take out the Stars at all this season, so a nice win in Dallas might just be what the Predators need to get back on the winning train.

Until then,
GO PREDS.

Preds break Chicago’s Heart with Win 3-2

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Jordin Tootoo shows Nashville his love after the game on Tuesday.

The Predators and the Chicago Blackhawks aren’t exactly sweethearts, so for the two division rivals to come together on Valentine’s Day meant someone would be leaving the Bridgestone Arena with a broken heart. Both teams were coming into this game with a few losses under their belts, the Predators with three straight losses, the Blackhawks with an outrageous eight straight losses. Needless to say for the Blackhawks, a win in the Music City would be essential for their run for the playoffs, but the Predators don’t give up home games easily…
Here are the highlights from Tuesday’s game:

KEY POINTS

  • Jack Hillen and Brian McGrattan found no love on Tuesday night, with both players being scratched for the game. Patric Hornqvist was also scratched due to an upper-body injury.
  • Both teams came out strong in the first, putting pressure on both goalies. Ryan Suter got the ball rolling late in the 1st period with a snap shot at 18:20, his seventh goal of the season. He was assisted by Sergei Kostitsyn and Mike Fisher.
  • Chicago didn’t give the Predators a chance to celebrate though as Bryan Bickell sent a wrist shot passed Pekka Rinne, his sixth goal of the season. The Predators and Blackhawks ended the first period tied 1-1.
  • The 2nd period was relatively quietly until late at 17:21 with a tip-in from Nick Spaling, his eight goal of the season. He was assisted by Ryan Ellis and Jordin Tootoo.
  • Marian Hossa made sure to make the Predators sweat in the third period, with a wrist shot at 6:05, his 21st goal of the season.
  • Rookie Ryan Ellis silenced the Blackhawks at 14:18 with a slap shot passed Ray Emery, his third goal of the season. He was assisted by veteran David Legwand.
  • Pekka was on his A-Game once again, blocking 30 of 32 shots on goal. No power play goals were allowed during this game, but both the Predators and the Blackhawks gave each other plenty of opportunities. Here are the three culprits on the penalty box:
  1.  Mike Fisher – 3:51 1st Period – Hooking
  2. Martin Erat – 9:03 1st Period – Holding
  3. Roman Josi – 13:50 2nd Period – Tripping

 

The Predators end their three-game losing streak with the 3-2 win over the Blackhawks, extending Chicago’s losing streak to nine. The Predators will take two days off and head North to the Motor City to take on another Western Conference foe, the Detroit Red Wings on Friday at 6:30PM.

Until then,
GO PREDS.