<a href='http://predjoe.wordpress.com/files/2007/10/coyotes.jpg' title='coyotes.jpg'><img src='http://predjoe.wordpress.com/files/2007/10/coyotes.jpg' alt='coyotes.jpg' /></a>
Well the Preds remedied the shots on goal situation that I talked about in yesterday's post but failed to post a win against a pesky Coyotes team (they outshot the Coyotes 39-24). I felt like the Yotes beat the Preds at their own game last night as they didn't necessarily play the better game but were bailed out by strong play in net.
Despite getting two goals from new Predator Radek Bonk the Preds could never get anything going. The Coyotes did a great job of disrupting play and forcing the Preds to take some key penalties. They got traffic to the net and skated with energy.
I would like to blame the loss on lack of energy from the night before but the fact is that excuse has never been valid around here. We are typically a great second night team. This loss boiled down to a team getting great goaltending and the Preds looking sloppy. Wayne Gretzky must have watched the Blues game from the night before.
Props to the crowd for trying their best to keep the boys fired up. No matter the size of the crowd Pred fans are some of the best around.
Crotch Bang to Craig Weller for trying to take Tootoo's head off in the third. I don't care what a guy does you do not clothes line WWF style. Toot's has never backed away from a fight and if Weller wanted to have a go Tootoo would have obliged. Looks like Tootoo will be okay but I hope the league hands Weller a suspension.
Crotch Bang to anyone who thinks that Mason should be benched. Mason is the man...we are going to have to weather these games with any goalie. He is living under the microscope right now because of his new status as a number one. Give him some time.
Best description I can come up with for last night is erratic, with some polar opposites in performance. Some inexcusable miscues and lapses along with a few flashes of brilliance and too much just average play in-between. As others have said, overall defense was biggest minus again. While true that Mason had a below average night, he was once again hung out to dry too many times. (I was yelling for someone to move Weller out from in front of Chris several seconds before the Coyotes first goal. I saw it coming, yet not one Pred made a move to dislodge Weller.) A lapse that obvious will cost you.
First off predjoe, i'm not trying to start a fight with you. That being said, Tootoo finally got what he deserved. Call it karma, but he has done the same thing over and over again ever since he came into the league. That's all he does, and it's usually dirty or cheap, so what goes around comes around. And as far as you "Toots has never backed away from a fight" comment, he's not a fighter, he strikes without warning, then runs away. I'm not condoning Weller's hit on Tootoo, I didn't watch the game, so I don't know the circumstances other than what I have read, but if Tootoo is going to keep playing the way he plays, he needs to not bitch if someone gives him a taste of his own medicine. On another note, I wish you guys good luck on keeping your team in Nashville. I'm a Wings fan, but I live in Columbia and would like to see your guys stay.
While I respect your opinion Red and agree that Tootoo can expect his fair share of people coming after him for his aggressive play what happened last night crossed the line. Weller charged Tootoo and with his arm outstretched hit him right at the neck bouncing Tootoo to the ice. I don't care how you play the game no one deserves this and saying he had it coming is not fair. I hate Todd Bertuzzi but he would not deserve this kind of thing. Tootoo is an agitator for sure...he is at his best when he get under the other teams skin and forces them to take penalties but I disagree that he is not a fighter. Did you not see him go toe to toe with King against the Blues the other night...a guy that he gives up about 8 inches in height to! I hate Todd Bertuzzi but he would not deserve this kind of thing. Oh and sorry to see you have not converted to a Predsfan since being down here. I moved from Michigan in 91 and have converted...come on over to the good side Luke!
I hope you don't think that I am singling out Tootoo just for the sake of him being on the Predators. That's not what I'm doing. I'm using him as an example since he's a local player for the both of us living in Tennessee. I think any player that plays the way he does deserves to get as much as he gives out there on the ice, whether it be Bertuzzi, Downie, Boulerice, or Tootoo. Even thought the Wings had Bertuzzi on their team last year, had he pulled some of the crap that Tootoo does, I'd have been pissed. I get tired of seeing this stuff keep happening in the game I love so much. I didn't see Tootoo fight King the other night, honestly I don't watch the Preds unless they're playing the Wings. Basically, my point being is that this dirty play needs to stop, not just with Tootoo, I mean league wide. I also moved here from Michigan, but came in '93 when my dad got a job at Saturn while being laid off at Hydramatic in Ypsi, but sorry to hear that they brainwashed you into giving up you allegiance to the Wings lol.
Not a fighter? Seriously Redwingman? Try this...go to youtube and search for TooToo. Let me know what you find.
nashpred, I took your advice and went to YouTube and looked him up. Yes, he's had some fights, I didn't say that he NEVER fights. The point I was making is that fighting isn't his m.o. or his forte, if you watch enough, you'll see that he'll insite a situation and let his teammates take care of it as often as he takes care of his own business. I don't mean any disrespect, nashpred, just offering an opinion. If my point was lost, then I appologize.
Tootoo didnt fight King. Hordichuk did. And got mauled. :)
You are right Disco...sorry Tootoo fought Krys Barch in the Dallas game. I stand corrected. REDWINGMAN - you may be right that fighting is not Tootoo's m.o he is an agitator. He kind of reminds me of a young Kris Draper without the size and with a shorter fuse and a little less defensive prowess. Draper developed that scoring touch but for a long time he was on the grind line stirring up trouble and drawing penalties. That is Tootoo's m.o. To cause trouble...sometimes that trouble leads to dropping the gloves. Sometimes it leads to him landing a body check on Modano and having to defend himself as a player comes charing full speed at him. Every player has his role and I can tell you this much when Tootoo becomes a free agent he will have multiple offers for his service. All you haters will be sporting Tootoo jersey and train whistles.
Dead on Joe. No matter how much people claim to despise Tootoo, wherever he goes he'll be adored by the local fans. There are plenty of Tootoo fights, however he is definitely an agitator first. If you want to fight him, though..... well, its your dental bill.....