Category: NHL News

2015-16 Nashville Predators Regular Season Schedule

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As promised, the NHL released the 2015-16 regular season schedule for all teams this morning. Feast your eyes on the schedule below:

OCTOBER –

  • Thursday, October 8th – Hurricanes, 7PM
  • Saturday, October 10th – Oilers, 6PM
  • Tuesday, October 13th @ Devils, 6PM
  • Thursday, October 15th @ Islanders, 6PM
  • Saturday, October 17th @ Senators, 6PM
  • Tuesday, October 20th – Lightning, 7PM
  • Thursday, October 22nd – Ducks, 7PM
  • Saturday, October 24th – Penguins, 7PM
  • Wednesday, October 28th @ Sharks, 9:30PM
  • Saturday, October 31st @ Kings, 3PM

NOVEMBER –

  • Sunday, November 1st @ Ducks, 7PM
  • Thursday, November 5th @ Wild, 7PM
  • Saturday, November 7th – Blues, 7PM
  • Tuesday, November 10th – Senators, 7PM
  • Thursday, November 12th – Maple Leafs, 7PM
  • Saturday, November 14th – Jets, 6PM
  • Tuesday, November 17th – Ducks, 7PM
  • Friday, November 20th @ Blue Jackets, 6PM
  • Saturday, November 21st @ Wild, 7PM
  • Monday, November 23rd @ Rangers, 6PM
  • Wednesday, November 25th @ Sabres, 6PM
  • Friday, November 27th @ Flyers, 2PM
  • Saturday, November 28th – Sabres, 7PM

DECEMBER –

  • Tuesday, December 1st – Coyotes, 7PM
  • Thursday, December 3rd – Panthers, 7PM
  • Saturday, December 5th @ Red Wings, 6PM
  • Monday, December 7th @ Bruins, 6PM
  • Tuesday, December 8th @ Blackhawks, 7:30PM
  • Thursday, December 10th – Blackhawks, 7PM
  • Saturday, December 12th – Avalanche, 7PM
  • Tuesday, December 15th – Flames, 7PM
  • Thursday, December 17th @ Blues, 7PM
  • Saturday, December 19th – Wild, 7PM
  • Monday, December 21st – Canadiens, 7PM
  • Saturday, December 26th – Red Wings, 7PM
  • Monday, December 28th – Rangers, 7PM
  • Tuesday, December 29th @ Blues, 7PM
  • Thursday, December 31st @ Stars, 7:30PM

JANUARY –

  • Saturday, January 2nd @ Hurricanes, 6PM
  • Tuesday, January 5th – Jets, 7PM
  • Friday, January 8th @ Avalanche, 8PM
  • Saturday, January 9th @ Coyotes, 8PM
  • Tuesday, January 12th @ Blackhawks, 7:30PM
  • Thursday, January 14th @ Jets, 7PM
  • Saturday, January 16th – Wild, 7PM
  • Tuesday, January 19th – Blackhawks, 7PM
  • Thursday, January 21st @ Jets, 7PM
  • Saturday, January 23rd @ Oilers, 9PM
  • Tuesday, January 26th @ Canucks, 9PM
  • Wednesday, January 27th @ Flames, 8:30PM

FEBRUARY –

  • Tuesday, February 2nd – Blues, 7PM
  • Thursday, February 4th – Flyers, 7PM
  • Saturday, February 6th – Sharks, 7PM
  • Tuesday, February 9th – Capitals, 7PM
  • Friday, February 12th @ Lightning, 6:30PM
  • Saturday, February 13th @ Panthers, 6PM
  • Monday, February 15th – Stars, 7PM
  • Thursday, February 18th – Bruins, 7PM
  • Saturday, February 20th – Kings, 7PM
  • Monday, February 22nd @ Canadiens, 6:30PM
  • Tuesday, February 23rd @ Maple Leafs, 6:30PM
  • Thursday, February 25th @ Blackhawks, 7:30PM
  • Saturday, February 27th – Blues, 7PM

MARCH –

  • Tuesday, March 1st – Stars, 7PM
  • Thursday, March 3rd – Devils, 7PM
  • Saturday, March 5th @ Avalanche, 2PM
  • Tuesday, March 8th @ Jets, 7PM
  • Wednesday, March 9th @ Flames, 8:30PM
  • Saturday, March 12th @ Canucks, 9PM
  • Monday, March 14th @ Oilers, 8PM
  • Thursday, March 17th – Islanders, 7PM
  • Friday, March 18th @ Capitals, 6PM
  • Monday, March 21st – Kings, 7PM
  • Thursday, March 24th – Canucks, 7PM
  • Saturday, March 26th – Blue Jackets, 7PM
  • Monday, March 28th – Avalanche, 7PM
  • Tuesday, March 29th @ Stars, 7:30PM
  • Thursday, March 31st @ Penguins, 6PM

APRIL –

  • Saturday, April 2nd – Sharks, 7PM
  • Tuesday, April 5th – Avalanche, 7PM
  • Thursday, April 7th – Coyotes, 7PM
  • Saturday, April 9th @ Stars, 7PM

Predators announce 2015-16 Home Opener

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Source: John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images

Source: John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images

Though the full 2015-16 schedule will be announced tomorrow, the Predators gave us a little sample of what’s to come this upcoming season with the release of the home opener. Scheduled for October 8th, the Predators will welcome in the Carolina Hurricanes. Check back with us tomorrow when the full schedule is release and, until then, go Preds!

Preds announce 2015 Pre-Season Schedule

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Source: Frederick Breedon/Getty Images

Early this afternoon, the Predators released the upcoming pre-season schedule for the 2015-16 season – woot! For those of you who are impatient, the regular season schedule should be released this Thursday.

  • Sunday, September 20th – Florida Panthers @ 3:30PM
  • Sunday, September 20th – Florida Panthers @ 7:00PM
  • Tuesday, September 22nd @ Tampa Bay Lightning – 6:30PM
  • Wednesday, September 23rd – Tampa Bay Lightning @ 7:00PM
  • Tuesday, September 29th – Columbus Blue Jackets @ 7:00PM
  • Saturday, October 3rd @ Columbus Blue Jackets – 6:00PM

There you go, folks – mark your calendars and get ready for some pre-season action! Also, new this year, the Predators have partnered with Kroger to incentivize you to come to the pre-season games in the form of free tickets. Yes, free pre-season tickets! Starting in mid-August, fans can pick up a voucher at all participating Middle Tennessee Kroger locations while supplies last, up to four tickets! So now you really have no excuse for not putting butts in the seats.

Injury Update: Weber

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Information regarding Shea Weber’s injury sustained during Game 2 of the First Round of the playoffs was released moments ago by the Predators organization:

Shea Weber suffered a subluxed kneecap during Game Two of the Nashville Predators playoff series against the Chicago Blackhawks. After multiple evaluations, Shea underwent a medical procedure. He is expected to make a full recovery within four to six weeks.

Ouchies. Anything involving an accident to the kneecap makes me cringe; probably you, too. Though some would argue that Shea Weber’s injury ultimately caused the downfall of the Predators to the Blackhawks in Round One, methinks they may have been doomed either way. However, his physicality and leadership mentality was sorely missed after leaving the series in Game 2.

By the way, I will write a recap of Game 6; I am still gathering the right words to say.

2014-15 Schedule Recap

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Source: John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images

Source: John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images


2015 Playoffs

Wednesday, April 15th – Chicago, 7:30PM – L 4-3
Friday, April 17th – Chicago, 8:30PM – W 6-2
Sunday, April 19th @ Chicago, 2PM – L 4-2
Tuesday, April 21st @ Chicago, 8:30PM – L 3-2
Thursday, April 23rd – Chicago, 8:30PM – W 5-2
Saturday, April 25th @ Chicago, 7PM – L 4-3
Monday, April 27th – Chicago, TBD

PRE-SEASON

Tuesday – September 23rd @ Tampa Bay, 6:30PM – L 4-2
Thursday – September 25th – Tampa Bay, 7PM – W 1-0
Saturday – September 27th – Florida, 3PM – W 2-1 SO
Saturday – September 27th – Florida, 7PM
Monday – September 29th – Columbus, 7PM – L 3-0
Saturday – October 4th @ Columbus, 6PM – L 3-2

REGULAR SEASON
(47-25-10)

October 2014:

Thursday – Oct. 9th – Ottawa, 7PM  – W 3-2
Saturday – Oct. 11th – Dallas, 7PM – W 4-1
Tuesday – Oct. 14th – Calgary, 7PM – L 3-2 SO
Friday – Oct. 17th @ Jets, 7PM – W 2-0
Saturday – Oct. 18th @ Chicago, 7:30PM – L 2-1 OT
Tuesday – Oct. 21st – Arizona, 7PM – W 4-3 SO
Thursday – Oct. 23rd – Chicago, 7PM – W 3-2
Saturday – Oct. 25th – Pittsburgh, 7PM – L 3-0
Wednesday – Oct. 29th @ Edmonton, 9PM – W 4-1
Friday, Oct. 31st @ Calgary, 8PM – L 4-3

November 2014:

Sunday – Nov. 2nd @ Vancouver, 9PM – W 3-1
Tuesday – Nov. 4th @ Winnipeg, 7PM – L 3-1
Thursday – Nov. 6th @ Dallas, 7:30PM – W 3-2
Saturday – Nov. 8th @ St. Louis, 7PM – W 2-1
Tuesday – Nov. 11th – Edmonton, 7PM – W 3-2
Thursday – Nov. 13th @ St. Louis, 7PM – L 4-3
Saturday – Nov. 15th – Winnipeg, 6PM – W 2-1
Tuesday – Nov. 18th @ Toronto, 6:30PM – W 9-2
Thursday – Nov. 20th @ Ottawa, 6:30PM – L 3-2
Saturday – Nov. 22nd – Florida, 7PM – W 3-2 SO
Tuesday – Nov. 25th – Los Angeles, 7PM – W 4-3 SO
Thursday – Nov. 27th – Edmonton, 7PM – W 1-0 OT
Saturday – Nov. 29th – Columbus, 7PM – W 2-1

December 2014:

Tuesday – Dec. 2nd @ Carolina, 6PM – L 2-1
Thursday – Dec. 4th – St. Louis, 7PM – W 4-3
Saturday – Dec. 6th – Chicago, 6PM – L 3-1
Tuesday – Dec. 9th @ Colorado, 8PM – W 3-0
Thursday – Dec. 11th @ Arizona, 8PM – W 5-1
Saturday – Dec. 13th @ San Jose, 9:30PM – L 2-0
Tuesday – Dec. 16th – Boston, 7PM – W 3-2 SO
Saturday – Dec. 20th @ Minnesota, 7PM – W 6-5 OT
Monday – Dec. 22nd @ Columbus, 6PM – W 5-1
Tuesday – Dec. 23rd @ Boston, 6PM – L 5-3
Saturday – Dec. 27th = Philadelphia, 7PM – W 4-1
Monday – Dec. 29th @ Chicago, 7:30PM – L 5-4 SO
Tuesday – Dec. 30th – St. Louis, 7PM – W 3-2

January 2015:

Saturday – Jan. 3rd @ Los Angeles, 3PM – W 7-6 OT
Sunday – Jan. 4th @ Anaheim, 7PM – L 4-3 SO
Tuesday – Jan. 6th – Carolina, 7PM – W 3-2
Thursday – Jan. 8th – Dallas, 7PM – W 3-2 OT
Saturday – Jan. 10th @ Minnesota, 1PM – W 3-1
Tuesday – Jan. 13th – Vancouver, 7PM – W 5-1
Friday – Jan. 16th – Washington, 7PM – W 4-3
Saturday – Jan. 17th @ Detroit, 6PM – L 5-2
Tuesday – Jan. 20th @ Montreal, 6:30PM – L 2-1 OT
Tuesday – Jan. 27th – Colorado, 7PM – W 4-3 OT
Thursday – Jan. 29th @ St. Louis, 7PM – L 5-4 SO
Friday – Jan. 30th @ Colorado, 8PM – L 3-0

February 2015:

Sunday – Feb. 1st @ Pittsburgh, 1PM – W 4-0
Tuesday – Feb. 3rd – Toronto, 7PM – W 4-3
Thursday – Feb. 5th – Anaheim, 7PM – L 5-2
Saturday – Feb. 7th – New York Rangers, 2PM – W 3-2
Sunday – Feb. 8th @ Florida, 2PM – W 3-2 SO
Tuesday – Feb. 10th – Tampa Bay, 7PM – W 3-2 OT
Thursday – Feb. 12th – Winnipeg, 7PM – W 3-1
Saturday – Feb. 14th – New Jersey, 7PM – W 3-1
Tuesday – Feb. 17th – San Jose, 7PM – W 5-1
Thursday – Feb. 19th @ New York Islanders, 6PM – L 5-2
Saturday – Feb. 21st @ Philadelphia, 12PM – L 3-2 SO
Sunday – Feb. 22nd @ Buffalo, 5PM – W 2-1 SO
Tuesday – Feb. 24th – Colorado, 7PM – W 5-2
Thursday – Feb. 26th – Minnesota, 7:30PM – L 4-2
Saturday – Feb. 28th – Detroit, 2PM – L 4-3

March 2015:

Monday – Mar. 2nd @ New York Rangers, 6PM – L 4-1
Tuesday – Mar. 3rd @ New Jersey, 6PM – L 3-1
Thursday – Mar. 5th – New York Islanders, 7PM – L 4-3
Saturday – Mar. 7th – Winnipeg, 6PM – L 3-1
Monday – Mar. 9th @ Arizona, 9PM – W 2-1 OT
Thursday – Mar. 12th @ San Jose, 9:30PM – L 2-0
Saturday – Mar. 14th @ Los Angeles, 9PM – W 2-1
Sunday – Mar. 15th @ Anaheim, 7PM – L 4-2
Tuesday – Mar. 17th – Minnesota, 7PM – L 3-2 OT
Saturday – Mar. 21st – Buffalo, 7PM – W 3-0
Tuesday – Mar. 24th – Montreal, 7PM – W 3-2 OT
Thursday – Mar. 26th @ Tampa Bay, 6:30PM – W 3-2
Saturday – Mar. 28th @ Washington, 11:30AM – W 4-3
Sunday – Mar. 29th – Calgary, 4PM – L 5-2
Tuesday – Mar. 31st – Vancouver, 7PM – L 5-4 SO

April 2014:

Saturday – April 4th – Dallas, 7PM – L 4-3 OT
Tuesday – April 7th @ Colorado, 8PM – L 3-2
Thursday – April 9th – Minnesota, 7PM – L 4-2
Saturday – April 11th @ Dallas, 7PM – L 4-1

Rinne named Vezina Finalist

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Earlier this afternoon, the NHL announced its nominees for the Vezina Trophy, an award given to the league’s best goaltender. Here’s an excerpt from the official news release:

Nashville Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne has been named a finalist for the Vezina Trophy, as voted on by general managers of all NHL clubs. This is Rinne’s third career nomination for the award, given annually to the NHL goaltender judged to be the best at his position. Rinne was nominated in 2011 and 2012, but is yet to win the award.

After missing significant time due to a hip infection in 2013-14, Rinne returned to form in the 2014-15 campaign, finishing the season with 41 wins (tied for second in the NHL) and among the League leaders in goals-against average (2.18) and save percentage (.923).

Nashville’s nominee for the 2015 Masterton Trophy, awarded to the NHL player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey, Rinne recorded two, six-game winning streaks and posted four shutouts during the regular season.

On March 14 in Los Angeles, Rinne made 23 saves to record his 200th career NHL victory, and the 600th all-time for the franchise, in his 370th career appearance, all of which had come as a member of the Preds. Against the Rangers on Feb. 7, the Kempele, Finland, native became the fastest (in terms of games played) goaltender to record 30 wins (39 games played) since the NHL adopted the shootout in 2005-06 and just the third goalie in the NHL’s expansion era to tally 30 wins in 39 games or less.

Also nominated are Carey Price of the Montreal Canadiens and Devan Dubnyk of the Minnesota Wild. I totally understand Price, but Dubnyk? He has been exceptionally well when Minnesota has needed him, but so has a ton of other backup goaltenders. Strangely enough, I am not surprised he was nominated; too many writers discussing it these past few months. As much as I think Rinne deserves this award, I am afraid it will end up in Price’s hands. Not only is he heavily favored, he has been excruciatingly consistent.

The NHL Awards are slated for June 24th, time TBA, in Las Vegas.

Weber Sidelined for Remainder of Series

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It comes to must of us as no surprise that the Predators organization announced moments ago that Captain Shea Weber would not be available for the remainder of this series with Chicago due to a lower-body injury. Here’s an excerpt from the official press release:

The Nashville Predators announced Friday that Captain Shea Weber will miss the remainder of the club’s Western Conference Quarterfinal series against the Chicago Blackhawks due to a lower-body injury the defenseman suffered in Game Two of the series. However, contrary to erroneous broadcast and media reports over the last 24 hours, he did not suffer an ACL injury. Further updates will be provided as they become available

As you saw, his lower-body injury that he sustained during Game 2 of this series is not an ACL injury, despite NBC Sports reporting that is was during last night’s broadcast:

However, no ACL tear or injury is good news; that sort of stuff is bad news bears. More than likely, the Predators and Weber himself are erring on the side of caution. He’d really be useless if he returned before reaching 100% and injuring himself further or causing something to tear (or whatnot).

The Morning After: Game 5 – Don’t Snub the Prince

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Source: Frederick Breedon/Getty Images

My brain is still at home sleeping and did not make the trip to work with me today. Why? Because the adrenaline from last night’s win to force a Game 6 still has me buzzing! …Well, for the most part – I am slowing entering zombie mode. Whether you were in the crowd or cheering from afar, last night’s game was anything but outstanding. The boost from the home crowd, the pressure on Darling, and the resilience of Pekka Rinne gave Nashville the 5-2 victory, providing the good guys a chance at another game.

  • Small Market Snubbed: Yesterday afternoon, the NHL announced who the PHWA had chosen as their nominees for the Calder Trophy, an award that essentially serves as the NHL’s Rookie of the Year. A name most notably absent? Filip Forsberg. Per Pete Jensen, “since 1997-98, only one NHL rookie has posted 25+ goals, 60+ points, +15 or better & 200+ shots on goal: Filip Forsberg”. If the award is going to go to a player that sort of makes a showing during the latter-half of the season, then the trophy needs to be known as the “Rookie of the Latter-half of the Season” award, not year.

  • Return of the Fish: Mike Fisher was seen participating in practice yesterday morning, but as to if he’d be in the game was questionable. He even said himself that he wasn’t sure:

    However, he was on the ice during pregame warm-ups and was a starter for the game. No doubt his return helped boost some morale around the locker room.

  • The Real Deal Steal: James Neal gave the Predators their first lead of the night just 47 seconds in the third, opening the flood gates for Wilson and Forsberg.
  • Hey, Mr. Wilson: What a post season it is for Colin Wilson, collecting his fifth of the series last night & setting a franchise record.

  • Don’t Snub the Prince: Filip Forsberg’s a classy kind and he knows just how to retaliate in the right way against the NHL’s Calder snub. Intentional or not, it was truly poetic justice as Forsberg sunk two goals on his former roommate (Darling) and sealed the game winner and Hat Trick on an empty net.

  • First Time for Everything: The Predators are notching a bunch of franchise records this post season, which is understandably awesome. As the old saying goes, “There’s a first time for everything”.

    Nashville squashed that little fact into the dirt (thankfully) and look to squander a few other “never have I evers” before this series is over, too. The Preds are 1-4 in Game Sixes and have never been to a Game 7. As I said, there’s a first time for everything and now’s that time.

  • Three’s a Crowd: Colin Wilson, Filip Forsberg, and Craig Smith are all tied for the team’s lead in points (5) during this post season.
  • All Business: Per Kris Martel of Fox Sports, the locker room after the game was all but celebratory.

    Though they deserve to wear the smiles on their faces, it’s still a job out there and their butts are on the chopping block. There’s no time to rest and the boys know it.

Going back to Chicago is going to be tough tomorrow; there’s no easy way to put it. The odds are stacked against the Predators, but they aren’t called the Pesky Preds for nothing, right? Backs against the wall style hockey. If Nashville can pull out the win tomorrow night, I have no doubt in my mind that they can conquer Game 7 at home. They just have to get there. Tomorrow’s game with not only be a physical challenge, but one of mental strength, too. They broke Darling last night and they can sure as all get out do it again. Get through tomorrow night; get through the series.
A quote from Coach Laviolette: “Our back is still up against the wall, and we are still a team who needs to realize where we are at and our place in life right now. If we win, we can come back and play Game Seven, and if we don’t, then we start our summer. I don’t think our guys are ready to go home.”

Other Thoughts:

Puck drops for Game 6 at 7PM.
It’s far from over, folks.
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Preparing for Game 5

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Game 5 is upon us, ladies and gents and from here on out, it’s do or die for the Nashville Predators if they intend on hoisting that big silver Cup in the end.

I am not going to go into what the Predators need to do to win tonight (and those two other possible games); no, we know and the players, coaches, and whatnot know, too. It’s just a matter of getting the job done. Scott Darling is not invincible; he truly is all that has stood between the Predators and taking Round One. Chicago should be kissing his feet right about now because, without him, they’d be facing a quick exit out of the playoffs themselves.

Here’s what’s been happening since Tuesday/Wednesday’s Game 4:

  • Yesterday afternoon, the Predators recalled nine players from Milwaukee. No need to panic, everyone; this is not regular season so there is an unlimited amount of players you can have on a roster. Some may see some ice time, but really, they are just here for emergencies and/or experience. The players chosen? Joe Piskula, Rich Clune, Marek Mazanec, Magnus Hellberg, Anthony Bitetto, Johan Alm, Colton Sissons, Austin Watson, and Viktor Arvidsson.
  • No surprise, the Blackhawks have chosen to go with Scott Darling as their starter for tonight’s game.
  • No need to panic – Kris Martel quickly reported that Wilson did show up to the locker room looking fine.

  • Speaking of those participating in practice…

    Though Fisher was a game time decision Tuesday (and didn’t play), knowing that he’s back out there again is a good sign. Also, long time no see, Eric Nystrom! Though I am doubtful of his magical return for tonight’s game, his presence brings hope.

  • Anaheim becomes the first team to advance to the second round, sweeping the Winnipeg Jets. However, Jets fans stood tall with the sinking ship, giving their team an affable standing ovation for a tremendous season.

  • The Ottawa Senators live to see another day game, shutting down the Montreal Canadiens 1-0 last night.

I have been on edge all day so far and I hope you have been, too. The love for hockey is crazy like that, I guess. It’s going to be deafening in the Bridgestone Arena tonight; I hope you got your tickets. To say this game is huge for either team is an insane understatement.

Go Preds.