Would you want to see these three in the All-Star Game?

Nashville’s Ryan Suter, Pekka Rinne, and Captain Shea Weber all have made the fan ballot for the All-Star Game held on January 29, 2012 in Ottawa. Weber has already been to two All-Star games, but if voted in, this will be both Pekka and Ryan’s first time.

Voting begins Monday, November 14th and you can vote several different ways:

• You can vote via the NHL website here.
• You can vote via text messaging by sending your vote to 81812, and text your choice player’s last name. As you know, data rates and fees may apply.
• You can also share your votes via Twitter and Facebook, prompting others to vote for their choice players, also.

Let’s get the voting going next Monday and help Suter and Pekka see their first All-Star game along with letting Shea play in his third.

If his goal hadn't be given to Wilson, Horny would lead the franchise goals in consecutive games.

The Hicksville Hee Haws may have faltered against the Kings last night, but the Anaheim Schmucks had no chance against the little Country Bumpkins tonight. If you have no clue as to why we are referring the Predators to “Hicksville Hee Haws” and “Country Bumpkins”, don’t worry about it. The “sports writer” who affectionately named our team that is now dragging his knuckles back to Disneyland. Don’t worry, buddy; We miss Emilio Estevez, too.

Although they lost to the Kings last night, the Preds were bound and determined not to let that affect them tonight against the Schmucks -err, Ducks. Come on, did you really think the Preds would let sissy Perry get a win in his own arena? Yea, not so much. Either the Predators took the loss last night hard or the Ducks just are that bad, we aren’t sure (we’ll say the latter of the two), but the Predators came out for some roast duck tonight and left satisfied. With goalies from Wilson, Erat, and two from Craig Smith, there was no way the Ducks were going to stand a chance. The Predators are headed home with a win of the Ducks, 4-2. Here is a little summary of the game:

KEY POINTS:

•  David Legwand was missing from action tonight after a check last night, but both Kevin Klein and Sergei Kostitsyn hit the ice tonight. Kostitsyn did not see much ice time tonight, but that was mostly expected. Hopefully with making an appearance tonight, he will be 100% by Saturday. Leggy’s condition and return is still up in the air.
• First goal of the night was scored by the Honey Badger himself, Craig Smith with assists from Patric Hornqvist and Colin Wilson. Smith scored early (1:20) in the first, sliding the puck passed Jonas Hiller at the side of the net.
• Colin Wilson was happy with his assist and quickly put the Preds up 2-0 with assists from Craig Smith and Patric Hornqvist. The goal was originally awarded to Horny and, if it had been his goal, he would be the franchise leader of goals in consecutive games. Way to screw it up, Willy… (just kidding)!
• Anaheim was able to score within the last minute of the first, with Devante Smith-Pelly screening Pekka and slipping the puck passed him.
• Martin Erat sent the Preds up by three on what may have been the most interesting call of the night. During a power play for the Ducks, Marty wound up on a shorthand breakaway and Anaheim’s Lubmomir Visnovsky gave him a little push, so to say. The referees awarded Erat with a penalty shot, in which he was able to slip passed Hiller for the third Predators goal. If you watch the incident over again, you can see the call was sort of iffy at most. Of course, if it had been reversed on the Preds, we’d be saying “ref you suck”, too. However, the call was made and you can’t do anything about it at this point. We are just happy Erat isn’t pressured easily on penalty shots.
• Anaheim quickly responded with a goal from Beauchemin, but the two rivals left the second period 3-2 in favor of the Predators.
• Craig Smith sealed the game for the Predators at the 1:36 mark in the third, with assists from, yet again, Colin Wilson and Patric Hornqvist. It is clear that this lineup is a perfect match and it looks like the Preds have found their “3 Musketeers”.
• Also in Craig Smith news, with his performance in tonight’s game, Smith now leads in rookie points with 14. Can we say “Calder candidate”? If he continues to perform the way he has, it is clearly a no-brainer.
• Anaheim lead in shots tonight, but were only up by one. They lead the Predators 33 to 32.
• Again with the penalties, the Predators found themselves in the box more than Anaheim. Like the shots on goal, they were only up by one, but it’s still nothing to brag about. Luckily, Hornqvist did not find himself hanging out here tonight. Here are your penalty killers:

1. Martin Erat – 1st 13:13 – Hi-Sticking
2. Jordin Tootoo – 2nd 2:35 – Hi-Sticking
3. Craig Smith – 2nd 11:33 – Hooking
4. Jerred Smithson – 3rd 11:19 – Interference
5. Ryan Suter – 3rd 15:06 – Holding

Patric Hornqvist had his seventh goal of the season, but it wasn't enough to send the game into OT.

The Preds hit Hollywood last night, ready to continue their winning streak on the West Coast with a match-up against the L.A. Kings. However, Hollywood wasn’t as nice to the Preds as they hoped, with the Kings putting up a decent fight throughout the whole game, leaving the Predators a little disheveled and disorientated. However, the Predators weren’t going to let the Kings get away with an easy win and managed to get within a goal of tying, but it just wasn’t enough for the Preds. The Kings won by one point, 4-3. Here are some of the highlights from Hollywood:

KEY POINTS:

• Sergei Kostitsyn (lower body) and Kevin Klein (ankle) were scratched last night, along with Nick Spaling who remains on the Injured Reserve.
• Backup goalie Anders Lindbäck got his first start of the season, causing a few fans to sweat a little at first. The Kings scored twice on Anders within the first six minutes of the game. However, it seemed as if he was just getting warmed up and tended well after the first two goals (although he did let two slip by close to one another during the 2nd).
• Matt “Chunky Soup” Halischuk put the Preds on the board 10:41 in the 1st with an assist from captain Shea Weber.
• Looking to throw his name into the pot was Craig Smith, who (with 16:02 on the clock) tied the Preds with the Kings late in the 1st. He was unassisted on the Power Play goal.
• Close to the end of the first, David Legwand was sent to the locker room for an unknown injury. It is thought that a check from Dustin Brown may have been the issue. It was announced that Leggy had suffered from an “upper body” injury and that he would not be returning to the remaining game. He will also not be playing against the Ducks tonight, either.
• The Predators spent too much time in the penalty box again last night, but was tied with the Kings for penalties with seven. Patric Hornqvist managed to find himself in the box three times:

1. Patric Hornqvist – 1st 2:23 – Goalie Interference
2. Jerred Smithson – 1st 4:13 – Tripping
3. Patric Hornqvist – 1st 9:43 – Roughing
4. Jordin Tootoo – 2nd 10:32 – Hooking
5. Teemu Laakso – 2nd 15:00 – Delay of Game – Puck over Ice
6. Patric Hornqvist – 2nd 19:36 – Tripping
7. Brian McGrattan – 3rd 12:02 – Boarding

• The Kings took control of the puck during the second and scored two goals on Anders, sending the Kings ahead by two once again.
• The Predators pulled Lindbäck, adding an extra man to storm the crease. It played well for the Predators, with Patric “penalty box” Hornqvist redeeming himself, scoring the goal to put the Preds down by one (assists from Martin Erat and Ryan Suter).

There's a reason Leggy was one of the Stars of the Game last night. That, we like to hear!

Yes, we are very, very behind with this update, but a nice weekend in the wonderful city of Cookeville was in our cards (It was TTU’s Homecoming). Also, we weren’t allowed to watch the game due to the LSU/Bama game, but hopefully we will be able to give you a good, reliable summary of the Predators charge on San Jose last night. The Predators struck first, but quickly found themselves down by two going into the third. The boys were down, but they definitely were not out, catching up and forcing the game into OT. Leggy took charge and sealed the game, giving the Preds the win 4-3. Here’s some of the highlights:

KEY NOTES:

• Like Thursday’s game against the Coyotes, the first period was all shots, but no goals for both teams. However, David Legwand got the game going at 1:02 in the second (his 4th this season), with assists from Patric Hornqvist and Colin Wilson. Unfortunately, the Sharks weren’t going to let the Preds repeat Thursday’s game in Phoenix, with Joe Pavelski scoring quickly after Leggy.
• San Jose continued with two more goals, taking the lead 3-1 during the third. Patric Hornqvist decided the game wasn’t going to continue in San Jose’s favor and scored his sixth goal of the season with assists from Captain Shea Weber and Francis Bouillon.
• Suter made use of a Powerplay and scored the goal to tie the game with assists from Martin Erat and Shea Weber. With this goal, the Predators were able to force the game into OT.
• Leggy took control of the puck at 2:53 in OT and sealed the game for the Predators, with an assist from Bouillon. This is the first OT win for the Predators this season.
• The Sharks lead the Predators in shots, but the Predators kept it at a close race, 35 to their 38. As we noted in previous game reviews, the Predators are finally getting comfortable with shots, which is ultimately what they need.
• The Predators may not have lead the game in shots, but they did lead in penalties (not good). Although the Predators had four to the Sharks’ three, it’s still not something to be proud to lead in.

1. Mike Fisher – 13:22 1st Period – Hooking (2 minutes)
2. Teemu Laasko – 9:01 2nd Period – Slashing (2 minutes)
3. Shea Weber – 10:09 2nd Period – Slashing (2 minutes)
4. Jonathon Blum – 18:56 3rd Period – Hooking (2 minutes)

• Kevin Klein was missing from the lineup last night due to deflecting a shot from Phoenix’s Adrian Aucoin Thursday night. He took the shot to the ankle and was complaining of discomfort. It does not appear to be serious, though so don’t expect Klein to be out for long.
• Sergei Kostitsyn also sat out last night due to a “muscle issue”. Like Klein, his issue doesn’t seem too serious, so hopefully he will be ready for the Kings on Tuesday.
• Nick Spaling is still recovering on Injured Reserve. Date of his return is unknown, but hopefully he’ll be back ASAP.

Talk about a birthday to remember! Not only did he get $49 million, he also shutout the Coyotes at home!

Now there’s a player for a Tennessee team that proves why he’s worth what his team pays him (Yes, we took that stab). After what could possibly be the best birthday gift ever (signing a 7 Year, $49 Million contract), Pekka sealed the celebration by stopping all 35 shots (35, coincidence?) thrown at him from the Coyotes, shutting them out in their own arena 3-0. This is Pekka’s third shutout of the season, and the Predators have only won six games (Yea, you can do that math). From his interviews before and after the game, it was clear Pekka was more than excited to extend his contract with the Predators. “It’s just a big day for me and obviously I couldn’t be happier right now. It’s the organization that drafted me and now I have a chance to play next seven years here in Nashville. It feels great and I’m so happy right now.” What does this extension mean for Ryan Suter and Shea Weber? We’ll get to that in a moment, but let’s discuss last night’s tremendous win:

KEY NOTES:

• The Coyotes may have needed to be more prepared tonight as they welcome the Predators to their home arena last night, for the guys were itching to return the favor Phoenix bestowed upon them back on October 13th.  The Coyotes beat the Predators 5 – 3 on their season home opener, sending the Preds into a three straight losing streak. Luckily, the Predators toughened up and realized preseason was over and were ready to remind the Coyotes that first win was just the Preds getting warmed up.
• The first period was relatively quiet, with no goals for either team. The Predators, however, kept most of the puck time down at the Coyotes goal line.
• Jonathon Blum struck first for the Predators with help from Blake Geoffrion. This was Blum’s first goal of the season, which was nice since his family, who are from California, came to watch him play.
• Matt Halischuk, who helped screen Blum’s first goal of the season, was sent to the box for boarding during the second. This turned in the Preds’ favor when, upon leaving the penalty box, Halischuk found himself in the “right place at the right time”. With a quick and pass from Craig Smith, Halischuk was able to slip the puck to the back of the net, setting the score to 2-0.
• Patric Hornqvist sealed the final goal for the Preds, and the game, with an empty-net goal with one minute left in the third period. He was assisted by both David Legwand, who is known for his empty-net goals, and Colin Wilson. This is Horny’s fifth goal within the last four games. We’d like to see him keep it up!
• Although the game was a shutout, the Predators pulled their old “third period fallout” routine, and the Coyotes almost capitalized on it. Luckily, Pekka was in his usual form and deflected all 14 shots at the net.
• The Predators fell behind in shots, more than likely due to their lack in the third, 35 to 31. The Predators, with help from the new kid Craig Smith, are finally shaking the passing routine and are taking shots at the goal. They aren’t completely rid of this, though but help from Smith is drastically improving.

Talk about a birthday present!

Looks like wether the Predators win tonight or not, Pekka Rinne is going to enjoy his 29th birthday today. The Predators just announced that they have signed goalie Pekka Rinne to a 7 Year/$49 Million contract, which means Peks will be around for a long time! This is also the largest contract in franchise history and he is now the highest paid goalie in the NHL.

Pekka was just one of the “Big Three” that the Predators are looking to re-sign before this season is over. The other two players, if you did not know, are Shea Weber and Ryan Suter. Luckily, with the signing of Pekka Rinne for the next 7 years, it is likely the other two guys will be next to be signed (possibly Suter first).

In honor of both Pekka’s birthday and his re-signing with the team, the Predators are selling discount lower-bowl tickets, starting at just $35 (get it?). For more information, give the box office a call at 615-770-7800 or visit the Predators website.

Again, happy birthday to our favorite Finnish hockey player and, hey, it might as well be our birthdays, too! That’s one “Big Three” down, just two to go…

Mike is ready for Phoenix, but SK74's condition is still in the air.

The Predators just released news on the condition of players Mike Fisher and Sergei Kostitsyn and their status for tomorrow’s game against the Phoenix Coyotes.

Fisher, who actually suffered from a mild concussion from Francois Beauchemin’s hit last Saturday against the Ducks, has shaken his injury and is ready to get back on the ice tomorrow night. Fisher was actually the player everyone assumed would be heading to IR, but everyone was blind-sided by the news of Nick Spaling going that route (he, too was hurt during the Ducks game last Saturday). “It looks like I’ll be good to go tomorrow,” Mike was quoted as saying today on his ice time tomorrow.

Sergei Kostitsyn’s condition, on the other hand, is still iffy after suffering a hit against the boards last Thursday against the Lightning. Although his injury did not look too serious, Sergei has been weary about returning to the ice, wanting to make sure he is 100% before heading back out. Coach Trotz said that SK74’s return will be a game-time decision, which usually means he will be definitely good to go by Saturday night, when the Predators take on those Dirty Ducks in Anaheim.

It’s good to see Mike Fisher ready to hit the ice after only one game. It was almost certain he would be out and possibly placed on IR after that hit on Saturday. By the way, for all of those asking, Beauchemin and Perry were not suspended due to their actions in Saturday’s game. Beauchemin’s hit was ruled legal contact with Fisher’s shoulder (not his head) and Perry’s was pretty much overlooked (as usual). Hopefully Kostitsyn will be ready to go tomorrow night, for he and Fisher together were looking pretty good!

JP Dumont spent five years with the Predators after spending time with the Sabres.

We here at Lady Preds love when our readers ask questions and we are very happy to get them answered for you! We have gotten several questions on the whereabouts of our old friend, JP Dumont. Unlike Sully and Ward, who were traded off to other NHL teams, Dumont’s contract was bought out by the Predators and he became an unrestricted free agent.

Jean-Pierre “JP” Dumont was signed to the Nashville Predators in August of 2006 with a two-year, $4.5 million contract after the Buffalo Sabres rejected his $2.9 million arbitration award. He was signed to a four-year, $16 million extension in February 2008. Unfortunately for “Just Pass” Dumont, he hit an all-time low during the 2010-11 season and it was apparent the Predators were setting sail without the right wing.

So where is he now since placed on URA?
As of October 21st, JP Dumont signed a one-year contract with the Swiss team Schlittschuh Club Bern (SC Bern). Dumont was already familiar with the Swiss team, as he played for them during the 2004-o5 NHL Lockout. Dumont had until the 25th to sign with an NHL team, but it looks as if he will be playing in Switzerland for a while.

We do have to admit, we miss hearing, “JP…Duuuummmooonnntt!” when he scored, but David Poile had younger, more eager kids on his mind this summer and poor Dumont just didn’t fit that label. We wish Dumont the best of luck with SC Bern.

If you have a question you’d like the Lady Preds to answer for you, send us a comment or ask us via Lady_Preds Twitter!

Pekka came face-to-face with the puck plenty of times last night, but pushed the Preds/Blackhawks into OT.

Although not the worst loss this season, the Predators fell short of a win last night against the Chicago Blackhawks in overtime 5-4. Considering the Predators were banged and beaten physically Saturday night against the Ducks, the injury prone Preds managed to put up a great fight against the Central Division leaders. Let’s look at the details from last night in the Windy City:

KEY POINTS

• Patric Hornqvist was on his A-Game once again last night, scoring the first goal within the first 26 seconds of the game, with assists from David Legwand and Kevin Klein. Horny, as he is affectionately known, also scored within the first 14 seconds of the game on Saturday night against the Ducks. However, that first goal wasn’t the end of Horny’s run last night. He also scored the third goal in the 2nd, with help from Ryan Suter and goalie, Pekka Rinne.
• Left winger Ryan Thang, as we reported in an earlier post, was called up from Nashville’s minor league team the Milwaukee Admirals, to cover the injured. Although he did fairly well last night, Thang was resent to Milwaukee today, leading us to believe Sergei Kostitsyn will be ready to play Thursday night in Phoenix. However, after Thang’s performance last night, it is almost certain this will not be his first and last NHL appearance with the Predators.
• Rookie Craig Smith stepped up to bat last night (as usual) and he and Martin Erat worked together to send the Predators back in the lead. While Marty drew the defense towards him, Smith was waiting, wide open and scored within the first 6 minutes of the 2nd.
• The Blackhawks may have slipped away with the win during the 3rd, but David Legwand (with the help of Jordin Tootoo) tied the game up, inevitably sending the game into overtime.
• Penalty time came back to haunt the Predators tonight, with nine players taking penalties to the ‘Hawks 4. Craig Smith (holding), Blake Geoffrion (boarding), Francis Bouillon (delay of game – puck over glass), Jack Hillen (hi-sticking), David Legwand (tripping), Martin Erat (slashing), Jerred Smithson (roughing), Matt Halischuk (misconduct, 10 minutes), and last but not least Ryan Suter (slashing). With all of those penalties, it was a miracle the Preds weren’t blown away.
• In regards to the penalties, Pekka Rinne was on top of his game last night, “erasing” the penalties his fellow teammates took and keeping the Blackhawks from scoring heavily on the Preds. Pekka was able to block 30 shots in total, only letting 5 slip past. The Blackhawks lead the game in shots, 35 to the Preds 28.
• In today’s notes, Sergei Kostitsyn and Mike Fisher took the ice today during practice in Nashville, which is a good sign for both players. SK74 will more than likely play on Thursday night (due to the fact Thang was sent back to Milwaukee) and Fisher should be ready to return after the road trip (hopefully). Nick Spaling did not practice today, but from what we understand, he is not in a terrible position and should be able to return within a week or two.

Whoa, whoa, whoa! When did Spaling get hurt? Maybe he face planted like he did in this photo?

It’s game day in Smashville (well, in Chicago) and the Predators are in the Windy City to take on the 6-2-2 Blackhawks. Although the Preds have been playing like they should be lately, they are up for a challenge tonight that with decide what these guys are made of.

After a knockout, drag out with the Ducks Saturday night, the Preds are nursing their wounds and are trying to get themselves ready for Chicago. However, the Ducks did more damage than once thought. Ryan Thang was called up from the minors yesterday for Mike Fisher, who was blind-sided by Anaheim’s Francois Beauchemin. Fisher will be out for an unknown number of games due to an upper body injury, yet he has not been placed on IR. Also not hitting the ice tonight is Sergei Kostitsyn, who was injured in last Thursday night against the Lightning when he was knocked into the boards and landed awkwardly on his left leg. He, too has not been placed on IR, but Coach Trotz has announced SK74 will not be playing tonight.

The surprising twist tonight for the Predators is Nick Spaling being placed on the Injured Reserve list. Wait- what? Yes, you read that correctly; Nick Spaling fell prey to the Ducks Saturday night and was injured enough to surpass both Fisher and Kostitsyn and head straight for IR. Injured Reserve means he has to miss at least seven games, so he must have gotten clocked pretty hard during the game for Trotzie to agree for him to go on IR.

The Predators are to face the leader in the Central Division tonight, so hopefully the Ducks didn’t wound the team too much. Jordin Tootoo was also banged up pretty bad on Saturday, but it looks like he is ready to take on the Blackhawks. Rookie Craig Smith is just fine also, even after losing a tooth against the Ducks. We are thinking Smith will be the driving force behind tonight’s game.

The puck drops at 7:30PM in Chicago and you can watch the game with the official viewing party at Brewhouse South in Cool Springs! There will be prizes and $3.03 drink/food specials all night long. So if you live around the Cool Springs/Franklin area, come out to watch the game with your fellow Preds fans!

GO PREDS!