Tag: Carter Hutton

Predators rally past Capitals 4-3

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Source: Kristen Jerkins Photography

Source: Kristen Jerkins Photography

Phew! You want to talk about a dirty, gritty win for the Predators? Well, last night was certainly an example of a robbery in progress and there was nothing Barry Trotz and the Capitals could do but watch. Granted, the Predators started the game out on the right foot, but leave it to Alexander Ovechkin to come roaring in to help the Capitals take and hold the lead late into the third period. Ah, but those pesky Preds had other ideas up their sleeves.

SCRATCHES: Viktor Stalberg (who has a birthday today) and Pekka Rinne

FIRST PERIOD:

  • Braden Holtby didn’t waste a moment showing off how on fire he has been as of late, keeping the first period rather uneventful until at 16:16 when Seth Jones’ (3) wrister sent the young goaltender falling backwards and the puck floating in the net. Calle Jarnkrok (7) collected the lone assist on Jones’ game-starter.
  • But before Jones got the ball rolling, the much anticipated video tribute to former head coach Barry Trotz was aired to a standing ovation. In fact, I couldn’t even hear what the video was saying because the cheers were so deafening. You can view the tribute here.
  • SOG: NSH – 10, SOG: WSH – 8 at the end of the first period.

SECOND PERIOD:

  • James Neal collected his 14th of the season at 1:50 into the second period, giving Nashville an early 2-0 lead with a beautiful deflection from Mike Fisher, leaving the net wide open. Mike Fisher (9) and Victor Bartley (7) pick up the assists.
  • But it was bound to happen: Ovi woke up. Ovechkin notched his 23rd goal of the season after sinking his signature in the top left corner of the net; Carter Hutton had no chance.
  • Capitalizing on a powerplay chance, Ovechkin (24) would sink another past Hutton to tie the game, sending the Predators defense into an obvious panic.
  • SOG: NSH – 8, SOG: WSH – 14 at the end of the second.

THIRD PERIOD:

  • Marcus Johansson would give Washington a lead of 3-2 at 2:38 into the third period on a powerplay opportunity.
  • But thanks to a powerplay slapshot from Mattias Ekholm (4) at 15:31, the Predators found a much needed spark to push through the remainder of the period.
  • At 18:20, James Neal (15) would sink one of the most beautiful goals I’ve ever seen, giving the Predators a 4-3 lead late in the third.

NOTEWORTHY NOTES:

  • Carter Hutton’s record now improves to 1-3-2 as he collects his first win of the season. A much deserved stat as well, since some folks seem to think Carter Hutton is a horrible, no good goaltender.
  • Hand it to Seth Jones for clocking 23:01 minutes of ice time and collecting his third goal and tenth assist of the season.
  • James Neal is now tied with Filip Forsberg for goal leader amongst the Predators at 15.
  • Though the Islanders notched 30 wins before the Predators last night (due to being in the Eastern Time Zone), Nashville is still on a franchise march. The Predators are now 30-9-4 on the season in mid-January, a stat that took the team all the way until March last season to reach.

I’ll leave you with the post game presser of Barry Trotz’s take on his tribute video and a reminder that the Predators are at it again tonight against the Detroit Red Wings. The Red Wings are also coming in after playing last night, defeating the St. Louis Blues 3-2 in overtime. There are a lot of doubters amongst the league on if Nashville’s leadership is just a fluke, but that’s what tends to push the human spirit to persevere.

Noteworthy Notes: Welcome Back, Trotz!

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barry

Unless you live under a rock and are just now crawling up from underneath it, you know that a certain someone who helped establish Nashville as a legitimate hockey town will be making an appearance tonight on the opposing team’s bench. Yes, Mitch Korn will be here also but I’m talking about former Predators head coach (and now head coach of the Washington Capitals), Barry Trotz.

If you were lucky enough to score tickets to tonight’s match up (the game sold out a few days ago), you’ll be certain to get a little teary-eyed with a touching tribute video to the former coach who helped Nashville in so many ways both on and off the ice. But don’t you dare forget this man is here to collect two points and hit the road and what better way to continue their three-game winning streak than to knock out the league leader?

  • Forsberg-Ribeiro-Smith, Wilson-Fisher-Neal, Cullen-Jarnkrok-Jokinen, and Bourque-Gaustad-Beck were today’s lines during practice.
  • Eric Nystrom skated with the team this morning (his second straight practice), but since he is not listed in the lines above, don’t expect him in the game tonight.
  • If you missed any information yesterday, Pekka Rinne will be out for around 3-5 weeks due to his sprained knee injury.
  • Marek Mazanec was called up from Miwaukee to backup Carter Hutton in Rinne’s absence.
  • As a stark reminder of how you should have some faith in Carter Hutton, one year ago today he made one of the most incredible (very Pekka-esque) saves ever… well, made:

From the World Wide World of Twitter:

https://twitter.com/alex_prewitt/status/556135957721022464

Preds trample Canucks 5-1; Rinne Injured in Process

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IMG_3589

Source: Yahoo! Sports

The Predators improved their record to 29-9-4 after trampling the Vancouver Canucks 5-1 last night, but that wasn’t before losing goaltender Pekka Rinne a few minutes into the third period. Chris Higgins slid into Rinne while storming the crease and both collided into the boards. Higgins got up unscathed; Peks, on the other hand, was a little more hesitant. After reluctantly leaving the ice, it was announced that Rinne had suffered a lower-body injury and would not return for the remainder of the game. Carter Hutton, who had been sitting stone-cold for a good two hours, was prepared to be thrown to the metaphorical wolves.

SCRATCHES: Viktor Stalberg and Mark Arcobello

First Period:

  • Craig Smith got the ball rolling at 4:07 with a powerplay goal, which – notably – Nashville has gotten a better hand at, to say the least. Colin Wilson (15) and Mike Ribeiro snag the assists on Smith’s 13th goal of the season.
  • After notching an assist, Colin Wilson would collect his 13th goal of the season at 6:22 to put Nashville up 2-0 early. Mike Fisher (8) and James Neal (11) would assist in Wilson’s goal.
  • SOG – NSH: 12, SOG – VAN: 9

Second Period:

  • Vancouver came out in the second with a fire lit under their pants, giving Nashville the runaround for a majority of the period. Alexander Edler would put the Canucks on the board at 2:47 for his fifth goal of the season.
  • SOG – NSH: 9, SOG – VAN: 11

Third Period:

  • And we have reached the point in the post where we return to the first paragraph: Vancouver’s Higgins slides into Rinne, causing both to crash into the boards behind the net.
    MeekFatherlyFlickertailsquirrelAs you can see, it really wasn’t that bad of a collision and Anton Volchenkov also had a play in Rinne hitting into the boards (but we like to blame the Canucks for any and everything). As previously mentioned, Rinne was hesitant to leave the game and left on his own power, leading me to believe that Rinne being pulled from the remainder of the game was more of a precautionary tool than anything. Let me finish the recap and we’ll return to this subject.
  • Carter Hutton wiped off his cap, slapped on his pads, and hit the ice, his first appearance on home ice this entire season (his previous five appearances were on the road).
  • The Canucks pressured Hutton and the net well after he entered the game, but a noticeable fire was lit under the Predators.
  • Filip Forsberg put the Predators up 3-1 at 13:32 for his 15th goal of the season. Mike Ribeiro (29) and Victor Bartley (6) notched the assists.
  • Mike Fisher would take the Preds up 4-1 at 15:31 for his 8th goal of the season. James Neal (12) and Colin Wilson (16) would tally an assist from Fisher’s goal.
  • And, what was originally called as Craig Smith’s goal, Colin Wilson collected his second goal of the night (14th overall) on the powerplay at 17:39, taking the wheels right out from under the Canucks.
  • SOG – NSH: 9, SOG – VAN: 11

Noteworthy Notes:

  • Carter Hutton, though he came in for Rinne in the third, does not actually collect the win; Pekka still does. This is due in part to the fact Hutton did not allow a goal, but Rinne did during his time in net. Had Hutton allowed a goal and Nashville still won, he would’ve collected the win.
  • Hutton did, however, stop the ten shots on goal that came his way, and many were pretty nail-biting.
  • Mike Ribeiro continues to be a proving asset to the Predators as he has now tallied 20 points in his last 20 games.
  • This is the third time in Colin Wilson’s career that he has tallied four points within a game. The kid’s on fire.
  • Back to Pekka: Later on after the game, it was announced that Rinne was day-to-day with his lower-body injury and that he would be re-evaluated on Thursday. Again, I believe that he being pulled from the game last night was purely precautionary and a “rather be safe than sorry” scenario; boy, do I hope I am right. Because he was able to get up on his own, stretch, and debated on whether he’d go back to the net or not is my reasoning behind believing this may just be a safety measure. Again, I really, really hope I am right. As great as Nashville has been, Pekka Rinne is a huge factor in that success and it would be hard to seal those gritty wins without him.

The Predators take two days off – plenty of time to work some kinks out – and then welcome in Barry Trotz (and Joel Ward, Mike Latta, and Jack Hillen) to Nashville on Friday. It is also Mike Fisher bobblehead night, though I think the game may already be sold out. Stub Hub and NHL Ticket Exchange have tickets available, but – in personal experience – my tickets sold in less than fifteen minutes yesterday. Needless to say, if you want to go, you better get on it.

As for Pekka Rinne, I will keep you updated as news becomes available regarding his condition. Cross your fingers, say your prayers, do whatever your little superstitious heart desires, Preds fans.

Preds fall to Ducks in Shootout 4-3

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Source: Harry How/Getty Images North America

After a nail-bitter of third period game last night against the Kings, the Predators hopped on a bus and made the exhausting trip across the street to Anaheim this morning to face the Ducks. But not just any Ducks; nope. The Anaheim Ducks are currently 25-9-6 and not only the leader of the Western Conference, but the leader of the entire league. Needless to say, a win in regulation would look and feel wonderful for the Predators tonight.

SCRATCHES: James Neal (still day-to-day), Victor Bartley, and Miikka Salomaki

First Period:

  • The Ducks lit the lamp at 12:15 to get the “puck” rolling, a clean wrister from Matt Beleskey past Carter Hutton.
  • Yes, Carter Hutton. Despite Pekka Rinne being a master in the net, he needs rest and cannot play in every single game; especially not this many back-to-backs. Contrary to popular belief, the man his human.
  • Anaheim would tally 14 shots-on-net compared to Nashville’s nine, so give Hutton some credit, guys.

Second Period:

  • Mattias Ekholm would get Nashville on the board at 1:38, not wasting any time tying up the game. Mike Ribeiro (24) and Filip Forsberg (23) nab the assists on Ekholm’s third goal of the season.
  • Noteworthy: Filip Forsberg has now officially tied Alexander Radulov’s rookie record in points.
  • Corey Perry wouldn’t give the Predators much time to celebrate, giving Anaheim the 2-1 lead at 2:52.
  • At 13:50, Seth Jones would come in past Frederik Andersen for a powerplay goal. Ryan Ellis (12) and Mike Ribeiro (25) would pick up the assists on Jones’ second goal of the season.
  • Moments later, at 17:14, Nashville would take a 3-2 lead with a powerplay wrister from Craig Smith (12). Ryan Ellis (13) and Mike Ribeiro (26) would nab the assists on this goal, too.
  • This period, Nashville would take the lead in shots at 13 to Anaheim’s five.
  • Just a few seconds remaining the the second, Ducks goaltender Frederik Andersen decided to give Mike Fisher a nice “neck hug”. That nice gesture gave Nashville a powerplay opportunity going into the third, so thanks.

Third Period:

  • The third period would be rather quiet until 17:43 when Francois Beauchemin decided to tie the game, his second goal of the season.
  • Anaheim deserved this goal in third, as they took fourteen shots to Nashville’s meager three on goal.

OVERTIME:

  • No goals, shootout time.

SHOOTOUT:

  • NSH – Roman Josi – MISS
  • ANA – Corey Perry – MISS
  • NSH – Ryan Ellis – MISS
  • ANA – Jakob Silfverberg – GOAL
  • NSH – Craig Smith – GOAL
  • ANA – Ryan Kessler – GOAL

Le sigh. An overtime loss to the leaders of the league. Believe me, it’s disheartening, but here’s the good news: it wasn’t a loss in regulation. Any points with how close the race is in the league (division, conference, league) is better than nothing. Keep that glass half full, my friends.

However, these blown late third period leads could spell trouble later on down the road if Nashville doesn’t get a firm grip on those quick. These types of instances are far worse an any terrible powerplay action could ever be. I am confident this issue will be addressed rather swiftly.

May I also suggest not placing the blame on Carter Hutton for the loss tonight. No, he does not have Pekka Rinne’s caliber, but remember, he’s in the NHL for a reason. Hutton blocked 30 of 33 shots tonight, which is pretty good for someone who rarely sees ice time. And no, Nashville will not be calling up a goaltender – Mangus Hellberg – to combat Carter Hutton; he’s not a bad goaltender. End of statement.

The Predators head home tonight to rest in preparation for the Carolina Hurricanes on Tuesday night. This may also be a good time to put Hutton in and give Pekka more rest.

Preds hold lead early, fall to Blackhawks 5-4

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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.

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

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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!

Jokinen’s First Goal not Enough as Preds Fall 3-2

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Carter+Hutton+Nashville+Predators+v+New+York+Wgtv4SRb1Rnl

Source: Bruce Bennett/Getty Images North America

After putting a beating on the Maple Leafs Tuesday night (forgot? Final score was 9-2), Nashville made their way to Canada’s Capitol to take on the Senators for the final match-up between these two of the season. Though Nashville pushed by with the win in their first meeting back on October 9th (first game of the regular season) 3-2, Ottawa is sitting fifth in the Atlantic Division (remember, Toronto’s in 6th) at 8-5-4 thus far. Nashville has this, right? Eh, don’t think just because Nashville has been doing well and coming off a 9-2 beat down means they are invincible; oh no. Ottawa – though their record doesn’t show it – is a tough team and isn’t going to let what happened to the Maple Leafs happen to them.

First Period:

  • Shea Weber put Nashville on the board first at 3:17 with a powerplay slapshot for his sixth goal of the season. Roman Josi (7) and Mike Ribeiro (12) collect the assists.
  • At the end of the first, Nashville had nine SOG compared to Ottawa’s four.

Second Period:

  • At 6:17, Bobby Ryan picked up his own powerplay goal with a wrister past Carter Hutton to tie the game.
  • Alex Chiasson pushed Ottawa up 2-1 at 12:18 with a tip-in goal, his fifth of the season.
  • Just a few minutes later at 14:24, Jared Cowen collected his first goal of the season, putting the Senators up 3-1.

Third Period:

  • Did you read my last post? Did you see where I said Jokinen was due for a point any time now? Welp, his dream came true at 1:36 into the third with a wrister, assisted by Derek Roy (8).

Unfortunately, Jokinen’s third period goal wasn’t enough to get the Predators back in the game, falling to Ottawa 3-2. Nashville is now 12-5-2 on the season with this loss. The Predators head home to welcome the Florida Panthers on Saturday then the L.A. Kings on Tuesday night.

Preds Roster – Pre-Season @ Tampa Bay

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c3c4736eda313461a153118a09e33706Preds preseason begins tomorrow *eek* evening at 6:30PM (our time) in Tampa Bay and – earlier today – the Predators released the roster of who will be taking the ice. There is a good number of guys on this roster who are vying for that all-important regular season roster spot and this will be their chance to prove their worth.

FORWARDS:
ForwardsList of Forwards: Paul Gaustad, Taylor Beck, Austin Watson, Craig Smith, Filip Forsberg, Calle Jarnkrok, Derek Roy, James Neal, Viktor Arvidsson, Matt Cullen, Kevin Fiala, Miika Salomaki, Colin Wilson, Vanilla Ice Mike Ribeiro, and Colton Sissons.

DEFENSE:
DefenseList of Defensemen: Roman Josi, Victor Bartley, Seth Jones, Mattias Ekholm (who is now #14), Jonathan-Ismael Diaby, Johan Alm, Anthony Bitetto, and Brian Lee (who is on an Amateur ATO/Professional Tryout Agreement PTO).

GOALTENDERS:
GoaliesList of Goalies: Carter Hutton and Robby Stanley Marek Mazanec.

Being a preseason game, it will not be aired on television. However, the magic of radio makes everything possible and, if you download the iHeart Radio app on your phone, you can listen to the game! When you download the app, just search for radio station 970 WFLA or visit their Twitter: @970wfla

Schedule: Preds Training Camp

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DSC_0024

Hola! Long time, no read! Eh, I’ll be back to posting a ton more once the season starts, so please bear with me. Now that Rookie Camp is over and done, it’s time for the big boys to return to town and get ready for the all important official start to they 2014-15 NHL season! Training camp began this morning at Centennial Sportsplex, but was not open to the public. Tomorrow, on the other hand, and the following days will be open to the public for your viewing pleasure (and beneficial for optimal lunch hour hockey time). Here is the on-ice schedule to follow in order to get your maximum hockey allowance before pre-season begins *gasp* next Tuesday.

Friday, September 19th:
– 8:45AM – 10AM
– 10:45AM – 12PM
– 12:45PM – 2PM

Saturday, September 20th:
– 8:45AM – 10AM
– 10:45AM – 12PM
– 12:45PM – 2PM

Sunday, September 21st:
– 10:30AM – 11:30AM
– Scrimmage @ 12PM
Monday, September 22nd:
– 9:45AM – 11:15AM
– 11:45AM – 1:15PM

Tuesday, September 23rd:
– 11AM – 12:15PM
6:30PM – @ Tampa Bay Lightning

Wednesday, September 24th:
– 10:45AM – 12:15PM
– 12:45PM – 2:15PM

Friday, September 26th:
– 9:45AM – 11:15AM
– 11:45AM – 1:15PM

Tuesday, September 30th – Friday, October 3rd:
– 11AM

Team White:

  • Defense – Shea Weber, Roman Josi, Joe Piskula, Jaynen Rissling, Anthony Bietto, Jimmy Oligny
  • Goalies – Magnus Hellberg, Rob Madore
  • Forwards – Olli Jokinen, Filip Forsberg, Calle Jarnkrok, Paul Gaustad, Viktor Stalberg, Brendan Leipsic, Viktor Arvidsson, Joe Pendenza, Justin Kirkland, Mikka Salomaki, Zach Budish, Jon Puskar

Team Silver:

  • Defense – Anton Volchenkov, Taylor Aronson, Victor Bartley, Mike Little, Jonathan-Ismael Diaby, Aaron Irving
  • Goalies – Pekka Rinne, Devin Williams
  • Forwards – Tristan Grant, Eric Nystrom, James Neal, Pontus Aberg, Gabriel Bourque, Tommy Veilleux, Mike Ribeiro, Felix Girard, Matthew Campagna, Colton Sissons

Team Blue:

  • Defense – Mattias Ekholm, Seth Jones, Johan Alm, Garrett Noonan, Brian Lee, Mikko Vainonen
  • Goalies – Carter Hutton, Marek Mazanec
  • Forwards – Craig Smith, Matt Cullen, Rich Clune, Derek Roy, Mark Van Guilder, Colin Wilson, Frederick Gaudreau, Josh Shalla, Austin Watson, Michael Liambas, Kevin Fiala

If you’ve never attended a training camp before and you don’t see your favorite player on the ice in the allotted time slot your chose to show up at, don’t panic; unless it’s Ryan Ellis (that deal is still floating in the atmosphere somewhere). No, there’s no need to panic. There will be different players in each time-slot, so you may see James Neal at 10:45AM – 12:15PM, but not at the 12:45PM – 2:15PM slot. Another thing to remember if you’ve never been is to arrive early. Centennial Sportsplex is bigger than the Ford Ice Center, but it’s no Bridgestone Arena. If you have little ones that want to be up against the glass (or you yourself), pack a brunch and get your booty to West End.

Trade Deadline: MTL nabs Dubnyk

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Dubbie's off to Montreal

Dubbie’s off to Montreal

So this comes as no surprise that the Predators needed to pass Devan Dubnyk on to greener pastures, but in all honesty, I expected him to fall down to the Admirals. That, my friends, was not the case today. Around noon, TSN confirmed that the Predators had traded Devan Dubnyk to the Montreal Canadiens for “future considerations”. Carey Price has been suffering from an injury, but Montreal refuses to say that is the reason for picking up Dubnyk.

That being said, Dubnyk has had a rough, but interesting, season thus far; Montreal will be his third team and he is yet another backup for an injured goaltender. That doesn’t seem to phase Dubnyk much, though; he still believes he has the ability and talent to be a starting goaltender. It’s good to have ambitions. Unfortunately, we just got word that Dubnyk is, for now, being assigned to the Hamilton Bulldogs, which is Montreal’s farm team.

Dubnyk isn’t the only goalie who has been traded thus far, though; he joins the ranks of six other goalies who are making the move, which consists of Roberto Luongo (VAN-FLA), Ilya Bryzgalov (EDM-MIN), Viktor Fasth (ANA-EDM), Ryan Miller (BUF-STL), Jaroslav Halak (STL-BUF) & Jacob Markstrom (FLA-VAN). It truly is the Goalie’s Deadline this year.

We wish Dubnyk well on his ventures with the Canadiens and we hope than not too many fans ran out and grabbed up a Preds Dubnyk jersey. We must say, though, Dubnyk lit a fire under Carter Hutton’s bottom when it came to who would hang onto that backup position. For that, we thank you.

We’ll keep you updated if Nashville decides to do something productive or absolutely asinine.

https://twitter.com/smashville/status/441269676882919424