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"My Take On The Preds"
TN • United States • 40 Years Old • Male

Preds Control Destiny
Posted 11:21 AM ET | Comments 12
Not so much a blog as just some random comments...this is getting good people!

With the win last night the Preds put themselves in control of their own destiny...win out and they are guaranteed at least the 8th spot.

Let's take a moment and ponder the fact that no one thought we would be here at this point...NO ONE! Many of the experts were picking the Preds to finish fifth in our division! Look who's knock, knock, knocking on the playoffs door!

I think Trotz might be on to something with the Peverly, Tootoo and Bochenski line...they looked great last night and produced points and chances. This might be a preview for next year third line.

Rich Peverly continues to impress since his last call up. I am not seeing breakdowns in his game. I am seeing a young confident player show is willing to carry the puck into the zone and work hard along the boards. I can really see him developing into a 35-45 point type of player.

Ellis continues his feast or famine play. I know from my experience from playing goalie in my fifth grade floor hockey tournament that you have to be mentally tough to be a goalie. One goal can really throw you for a loop. Oh...I have stories about that tourney! I honestly can't say that Mason played spectacular since he was never really tested...but the bottom line is that he got the job done.

Where does Trotz go tomorrow night in goal? My guess is that he goes back with Ellis who has been lights out. He tends to play well after being yanked and last night did not make me believe that the old Mason is back.

It looked to me like Radulov was gripping his stick a little tight (insert 'That's what she said' comment here). It looked like he was forcing the play and could never really find his groove.

Boy oh boy...tomorrow night will be electric at the Sommet.
Filed Under:   predators   predjoe   tootoo   trotz   ellis   mason   playoffs  
April 2, 2008 12:19 PM ET | Delete
Other than the chip you seem to have on your shoulder, nice blog. Look, the Preds didn't give anyone reason to pick them as cup contenders this season, but to stress that no one gave them enough credit and/or no one picked them to have a chance at the playoffs is a bit too 'woe is me'. The Preds are a solid team in a very tough Western Conference, you should be happy that they have a very good chance to make the playoffs. Thats more than I can say for my Sabres.
April 2, 2008 12:19 PM ET | Delete
Nice win Preds fans. Fun to watch. 22, Peverly, and ex-Duck Bochenski ruled the game. Looks like a good line. I guess Trotz thought so too because there were long stretches where I kept asking, "where's Arnott?"
April 2, 2008 1:30 PM ET | Delete
The first line didn't earn much time last night. They looked sloppy and slow - might as well play the kids. That third line was awesome.Tomorrow is going to be great, I look forward to seeing some of the RESPECTABLE Blues fans. I don't think the team is going to forget last night either. Felder had a good point about it may be Mason in net. He plays the Blues well but not the Blackhawks.
April 2, 2008 1:41 PM ET | Delete
PLEASE BE 7th PLACE , we dont want to play colorado.
April 2, 2008 1:54 PM ET | Delete
Remember to buy one of those RESPECTABLE Blues fans a beer/soft drink/etc. for the gift their team gave to us last night. It's the least w can do... I wonder if we have hit on something with our trade deadline spare parts that we see them next season? Hlavic has been decent and Bochenski has flashed quite a bit when he gets his chances on the ice.
April 2, 2008 1:59 PM ET | Delete
Pucknut - let me assure you that there is no chip on my shoulder. I think you will find me one of the more level headed guys around here. I really try to call them like I see them...this is one of those things that has been floating around my head since preseason. When we jumped out to a hot start I was thrilled these guys would be eating crow. When New Years came...I thought I would be the one eating crow as we fell to 14th in the west. Now...we have chance. No 'woe is me' here, sorry if you got that impression.
April 2, 2008 1:59 PM ET | Delete
No offense sharks1...but I would rather have Detroit! I have seen enough teal in the post season the past few years!
April 2, 2008 3:46 PM ET | Delete
Ellis set the all-time record for shut-outs in a season as a Pred and did not start half the team's games this year. He's held the opponent to 1 goal or less 8 times in his last 13 starts. No one expects the best goalie in the game to do that every night, especially when averaging more that a shot a minute against, with a lethargic looking defense (no offense Lethargic, if you're reading this...). Trotz has lived in Nashville long enough to watch enough SEC football to know that sometimes a 2-quarterback system isn't all that bad...Go Preds! Go Oilers! Go Flames!
April 2, 2008 5:43 PM ET | Delete
Vandypred, I think you're right in thinking we'll see Hlavac and maybe Bochenski too. I view them as better than par replacements for Gelinas and Ortmeyer. It really depends on the FA pickups though and how much cash we'll dish out. If we can get Ryan Malone, I'd be ecstatic.
April 2, 2008 6:12 PM ET | Delete
We've seen this team for 80 games now. Who doesn't think we come out tomorrow night flatter than a pancake? I know I think we will. Why? Because with this inconsistent team, their inconsistency is very predictable. But they never give up. So I don't what to expect. The Blues temporarily rained on our playoff parade in the season finale in 2004. Anything can happen.
April 2, 2008 6:22 PM ET | Delete
Mason wasn't tested? Hmm Donut oh I mean Ellis let 3 out of 7 in, Mason 0-10. Give Mason some credit it will not hurt ya! HAHA When NSH needed strong goalie Ellis fell flat on his face. Mason stepped in and saved our tail.... Who knows this might be just what Mason needed! Either way we got two points, let us pray that we stay in 8th place!!
April 2, 2008 7:41 PM ET | Delete
I would like to know who the Red Wings players would NOT like to face in the first round if they had their choices. I'm wondering if the Preds are not at the top of that list.I thought TOOTOO was awesome last night. That slapshot of his is one of the hardest i've seen. I think the other players want to get the heck out of the way every time he winds up. I'm looking forward to the game tomorrow night.Go PREDS!
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