Tag: hockey

Injury Updates: Stalberg, Diaby, Cullen, Leipsic

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PicMonkey Collage

Just moments ago, the Predators released information on the statuses of four players: Viktor Stalberg, Matt Cullen, Jonathan-Ismael Diaby, and Bredan Leipsic.

Per their report, Stalberg is looking at 2-4 weeks of recovery time due to a lower-body injury we mentioned in a previous post (possibly his right leg). Matt Cullen and Jonathan-Ismael Diaby are in day-by-day conditions with upper-body injuries. As for young Leipsic, he is currently undergoing the proper protocol for a possible concussion.

Though all of these injuries are a bummer, it is Stalberg’s injury that may boost a young gun into a roster spot with the team. Once healed, it’ll be likely that the young one will lose his spot to the veteran, but this is a chance these kids aren’t going to pass up… if they want consideration for a roster spot in the future. Don’t be surprised to see the competition ramped up dramatically throughout the rest of training camp amongst the younger kiddos.

Why are You Panicking? It’s Preseason.

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Okay yes, the Predators lost their first preseason game last night to the Tampa Bay Lightning 4-2… but what’s with all the panicking? Who’s panicking, you ask? Let’s take to the Nashville Predators Facebook page for inspiration (courtesy of @PredsFacebook on Twitter):

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Okay so most of us have not tried jumping ship like the above samples, but those were just the tip of the iceberg (there are a ton more that’ll make you smack your mama). Look, if you are already having mild heart palpitations and feel a panic attack coming on, you must not have been a Preds fan for far too long. Take in a deep breath and repeat after me: It is preseason. Yes, it feels wonderful to win – preseason or not, there’s nothing like it – but this is the time when teams get a feel for the ice and who pairs well with who. Coach Laviolette is not going to send them out in a blazing glory, though they should go out there with the intent to win. Overall, if you listened to the game at all, I’d say that is exactly what they did. Had they not, we would be reflecting on a 4-0 loss rather than a 4-2, where Nashville lead for a while.

Yes, it is good to win in preseason, but it’s not the end of the world. Yes, it does somewhere reflect on how the team is doing, but this is the period of time when they work out those differences, those problems before October 9th.

So again, if you are already writing Nashville off after the first preseason game, by all means, get off this train. For all of you who have not lost your mind and are quite sensible, I expect to see you tomorrow at the Bridgestone Arena, say around 7PM.

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

A Baby Weber

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Per a recent interview from Fox 17-Nashville, Shea Weber and his wife welcomed a tiny Weber into the family over the off-season. You can read the article here: www.m.fox17.com/sports/Shea_Weber_becomes_a_proud_papa (if the link isn’t working, check out our Facebook page — it has it on there). Now, the article doesn’t go into much detail, as Weber didn’t want to make a huge deal out of it. It’s a wonder how the news did not get out beforehand, especially after the news broke regarding teammate Mike Fisher and his wife, Carrie Underwood’s, bun in the oven. However, Mrs. Weber isn’t Country Royalty and doesn’t have a cult following — that we know of — to answer to. Of course, there is no way their pregnancy could be kept a secret — oh the woes of the limelight, am I right? As I mentioned, Weber didn’t go into specifics, just mentioning off hand that a baby had been welcomed to the family with no word on whether it was a boy or girl (or even a human at all — it could be a “fur baby” for all we know). Any who, congratulations to our Captain and his lovely wife on the new bundle of joy!

Note: The picture above is NOT the actual Weber baby. I just lucked upon an image on Thinkstock.com of a baby on a hockey glove. Cool beans!

Ford Ice Center Grand Opening Schedule

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Courtesy: Preds.NHL.com

Courtesy: Predators.NHL.com

By now, you’ve probably heard of the new Ford Ice Center that is under construction in Antioch that will serve as a multi-purpose ice rink and venue for all things hockey in Middle Tennessee. Though most were a little apprehensive of its location choice at first, as you can see from the photo above (thank you Predators.NHL.com), they did a remarkable job on the building and, with new-to-Nashville-Tennessee location of Perani’s Hockey World, the defunct city of Antioch may find its rebirth. The south end of Davidson County has been in need of some serious loving for a while now, and the Nashville Predators took advantage of that mistreatment quickly.

Now, I said in the above paragraph that it is under construction, but in reality, it’s pretty much finished and ready to go (give or a take few glitches here or there). Ice Skating great Scott Hamilton is already teaching classes and youth and adult leagues are already beginning to form to hit the ice. However, the Predators are gearing up for a Grand Opening Weekend with you – the fans – in mind. Here’s the rundown:

Friday, September 12, 4:30-8 p.m.
• Ribbon cutting ceremony
• Open Skate – Free to the public
• Party in the Park
• Fireworks

Saturday, September 13, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
• Party in the Park
• Rookie Game featuring Florida Panthers vs. Boston Bruins
• Rookie Game featuring Nashville Predators vs. Tampa Bay Lightning
• Annual Nashville Predators Skate of the Union Address
• Autograph signing with select Nashville Predators rookies and prospects

Sunday, September 14, 4-8:30 p.m.
• Rookie Game featuring Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Boston Bruins
• Rookie Game featuring Nashville Predators vs. Florida Panthers

Tuesday, September 16, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
• Rookie Game featuring Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Florida Panthers
• Rookie Game featuring Nashville Predators vs. Boston Bruins

Rookie games, autograph sessions, the annual Skate of the Union Address… What more could you want before the start of the 2014-15 NHL season? Don’t forget to follow both the Ford Ice Center and Perani’s Hockey World on Twitter for the latest, up-to-date information on hockey happenings in South Nashville.

Infograph: 2013-14 Shea Weber

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Yea, I’m the quiet blogger during the summer months when it comes to hockey (if you are just now figuring that out). That doesn’t mean I am not thinking about hockey; oh no. This brain of mine is hockey-filled, I just leave the other bloggers to the nitty-gritty during the off-season. …Unless something major happens.

Any who, you’ve probably already checked out the “mini” infograph (as I so lovingly call it) on Shea Weber. You likey? Whether you do or not, I will be putting more of these out before the season starts just to reflect on some numbers and/or facts from last season. Why don’t you just type it all out, you ask? Because I am obsessed with infographs and this gives me a chance to enhance my graphic skills and cover hockey, too.

Feel free to “pin” this to your Pinterest board, ladies (and gentlemen), but please do not crop out the bottom. Credit is given where credit is do. Plus, I’ve stuck hidden @Lady_Preds script throughout the image, so there’s no use.

But please enjoy this as much as I enjoyed creating it.
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Preds sign Olli Jokinen to One-Year Contract

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The Internet’s most gifed (sp?) hockey player (IMO) has landed in the arms of the Nashville Predators. David Poile dipped his feet into the Free Agency Waters this afternoon, after missing out on the likes of Paul Stastny, who ended up going back home to St. Louis during yesterday’s debacle. Jokinen, who scored 18 goals & posted 43 points last season with the Winnipeg Jets, isn’t the first free agent that came to mind yesterday when free agency finally took effect; but don’t count him out as a David Poile dud. Jokinen, though 35, has a lot of spunk behind him and is still going strong, despite his numbers dropping (but hey, that’s what happens when you get older). And, if things don’t end up working out, DP got the waffle-loving center for only $2.5M and a one-year contract. Don’t shut down the computers yet, Preds fans; we have a feeling DP is still testing the water before the day’s over. Until the next move, here’s the infamous waffle gif of your newest Nashville Predator:
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Poile, P. Weber Hospitalized

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Photos courtesy: Zimbio.com

Photos courtesy: Zimbio.com

Today just wasn’t a good day for the Predators organization. Both the Predators GM & one of the Predators TV broadcasters were hospitalized today in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Pete Weber, the long-time TV broadcaster alongside the colorful Terry Crisp, suffered a heart attack last night and spent the day in a St. Paul hospital today recovering. The news of his heart attack came just a few hours after the news that David Poile, too had been sent to a St. Paul hospital. Thankfully, once the news was released, Weber was already relaxing and recuperating nicely in his hospital room & made certain to let everyone know via Twitter that he was in his usual high spirited mindset (even while attached to IVs and in a gown):

As you may guess, Pete will not be joining Terry Crisp on the television coverage tonight, rather radio broadcaster Willy Daunic will be his replacement.

Though Pete’s condition is good, David Poile’s condition is relatively unknown. While watching the Predators morning skate at the Xcel Energy Center, an errant pass from Shea Weber ricocheted the puck off a wall and into David Poile’s face. The puck hit just above Poile’s eye, though it did not knock him out. In fact, Poile was said to have walked over to a chair to sit down, but was hurried over to a stretcher and sent to the hospital for further evaluation. Shea Weber was quick to make certain his GM was alright after the accident.

For what we know of right now, David Poile will be staying overnight in the hospital and is said to have a fractured orbital bone, which needed 30-40 stitches. He was scheduled to fly out to Sochi, but per recent tweets, it doesn’t look like he will be going any time soon.

We are praying for quick and full recoveries for both Pete Weber and David Poile.

https://twitter.com/apmanley/status/431593212361183232

Preds Trade Hendricks for Dubnyk

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Image Courtesy: Getty Images

Image Courtesy: Getty Images

Early this afternoon, the Predators made an announcement that took everyone by surprise. General Manager David Poile struck a deal with the Edmonton Oilers to swap Center Matt Hendricks with Goaltender Devan Dubnyk. Here’s the official press release from the Preds:

Nashville, Tenn. – Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced today that the club has acquired goaltender Devan Dubnyk from the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for Matt Hendricks.

Dubnyk, 27 (5/4/86), has posted an 11-17-2 record, a 3.36 goals-against average, a .894 save percentage and a pair of shutouts while appearing in 32 of the Oilers’ 49 games this season. The 6-6, 210-pound Regina, Sask., native has appeared in 171 career NHL contests – all with Edmonton since 2009-10 – including 38 of 48 games in 2012-13, 47 games in 2011-12 and 35 games in 2010-11. He has a .910 save percentage, 2.88 goals-against average and eight shutouts to go along with a 61-76-21 record.

Edmonton’s first choice, 14th overall (first round), in the 2004 Entry Draft, Dubnyk has represented Canada at the past four World Championships (2010-13), and won a gold medal with his homeland at the 2006 World Junior Championships. A Kamloops Blazer (WHL) from 2001-06, Dubnyk was a 2004 recipient of Daryl K. Seaman Trophy as WHL Scholastic Player of the Year, and was the 2004 CHL Scholastic Player of the Year.

With both Marek Mazanec and Carter Hutton having more off days than on, it was only a matter of time before Poile nabbed a reputable goalie… but is it too little too late? Also, is this a sign that Poile has come to terms with the fact that Rinne may not be back to 100% before season’s end? Though Poile says the trade has nothing to do with Pekka’s return, we beg the differ.

Well, wether or not that’s the case, Devan Dubnyk also had a press conference himself, thanking the city of Edmonton for the opportunities that the organization gave him and how excited he is to join the Predators.

And as for Hendricks? He thanked the Preds organization for his short time here, but not before mentioning on an Edmonton radio station that he hadn’t fit in since “day one”. Ouch.
https://twitter.com/EdmontonOilers/status/423617611100733441

Well, let’s be honest; Who really fits well under the Trotz system? Oh, oops.
Anyway, Nashville slipped in like a smooth criminal and managed to convince Edmonton to retain half of Dubnyk’s salary.

David Poile, you sly dog, you…!

Well, this does mean two things for certain: Some lucky soul in Milwaukee will get the call to fill Hendy’s position & someone (looking at you, Hutton & Mazanec) will have to step back to the Admirals. Though Poile claims they have not decided as to which goalie will step down, he did say he has a good idea as to who it will be…

Well, wether you felt like you fit here or not, we wish you well in Oil Country, Hendy. Here are tweets from Victor Bartley & Mike Fisher wishing Hendricks luck in Canada:

https://twitter.com/mikefisher1212/status/423573346299949056
Rich Clune wished him well, but apparently he deleted it.

So, who all remembers this gem from last year?

Err… about that. You know, he may have learned a very valuable lesson from that incident.
Forget that video above & check out this video entitled Dubnyk 101:

Good news, he likes giraffes. We have those at the Nashville Zoo, bud.

Pekka Rinne Update

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Image Courtesy: Getty Images

Image Courtesy: Getty Images

Another update has been released on Pekka Rinne’s condition. Here is the press release from the Nashville Predators:

We are encouraged and pleased to report that Pekka is moving on to the next stage in his recovery and rehabilitation. He has been cleared to begin weight-bearing exercises under the supervision of Dr. Thomas Byrd. There is no timetable for this stage as that will be evaluated by Dr. Byrd and our medical team on a daily basis. Our primary objective is to insure Pekka’s full recovery and return to the ice by taking every possible precaution throughout the process. We will provide further updates when available.