Preface: So I just played NHL 09 for the Xbox 360 tonight.
Granted, I own a PS2 so unless I go out and buy a PS3 I know it won't be that great, but it was still awesome.
Go out and buy it. Now. If you're reading this article, then you aren't playing enough NHL 09.
EA Sports. It's in the game.
So with the preview of the St Louis Blues out of the way, we move our way over to the most underrated team in the Central Division, and perhaps the most over-looked, consistently-in-the-playoffs team in the league, the Nashville Predators.
A few weeks ago, I talked to Jason Bukala—a Predator's scout—and he told me that the Preds are going to be better than the prognosticators think.
Although I agree, realistically, before the games start, I can't believably place them above the "big three" in this division.
But because we don't know about the massive sophomore slump that could overtake the Chicago Blackhawks, or the fact that Columbus may have another year where they don't gel as a squad, or Detroit could suffer a debilitating injury, I wouldn't be shocked to see Nashville hop up into the top three of the division and the playoffs once again.
I'm just saying...don't forget about the Nashville Predators.
Roster Additions: Tristan Grant-F (Trade), Ryan Jones-F (Trade)
Roster Subtractions: Martin Gelinas-F (Free Agent), Jan Hlavac-F (Free Agent), Josh Langfeld-F (Free Agent), Janne Niskala-D (Trade), Darcy Hordichuck-F (Trade), Chris Mason-G (Trade)
How did 2007/08 go? 41-32-9, 91 points, eighth in conference, second in division
2008/09 Goal: Return to playoffs, 5th-7th in conference
Let's break'er down...
Who expected the Nashville Predators to make the playoffs last year? Seriously. I should see no hands raised in this classroom, because we all thought they were done.
Then again, the first ten years of a franchises existence, it seems to be really hard to take them seriously because of the novelty of them being the "new team".
Well if we're counting playoff appearances as gold records, then the New Kids on the Block have four gold records. The first time they make it past the 1st round? We'll call that Platinum. After that? Who knows.
The only people that seem to believe in this team though, are the players themselves, the management, and the fans. I guess anonymity comes in handy, especially when you're the most unpredictable team in NHL history.
This year’s tender is…
As a single person, you have to have the guts to play Russian Roulette and risk your own life. As an NHL franchise, you may as well be playing it when you continually switch your starting goaltender.
Two years ago, Tomas Vokoun was shipped to the Panthers after leading the team to the playoffs and a 110 point season. If any other team did this, it would make news. Then again what other team would do something like this.
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2 months ago
Great job, BT. I think you're right to say that it's hard to predict where the Preds will be because they could really be anywhere. ANYWHERE. And until April, no one is going to know where that is.
2 months ago
its going to be rough without Radulov
Ellis will be good, but not good enough. This team, after getting to the brink of being a real contender, looks like its going in the wrong direction.
I did, however, pick them last year to upset the Wings in the first round...so close!
2 months ago
HOW CAN A TEAM THAT MAKES SOME OF THE TRADES THEY DO AND LOSES SOME OF THEIR BEST PLAYERS TO INJURY AND HAVE GONE THRU THE OWNERSHIP CHANGES CONTINUE TO MAKE IT TO THE PLAYOFFS? THEY HAVE THE BIGGEST AND BEST FAN SUPPORT OF ANY TEAMS. THE CORPORATE SUPPORT IS GETTING BETTER AND THE PLAYERS LOVE LIVING AND PLAYING HERE. WE EVEN HAVE RETIRED PLAYERS MOVE HERE BECAUSE THEY LOVE IT SO MUCH. WE ARE TRULY A GREAT SOUTHERN CITY. THE PLAYERS KNOW THIS AND THEY GIVE 110% BECAUSE FOR THEM IT IS NOT JUST ABOUT THE MONEY, IT IS ABOUT THE TOTAL GAME INCLUDING THE FANS. WATCH OUT IF SULLY COMES BACK. AND WHO NEEDS RAD ANYWAY.
from 2 months ago
Wayne did you just say the Preds have the biggest and best fan support? because that is one of the problems haunting Nashville as we speak. Ticket sales are not where they need to be, they have gotten better but they are still not good.
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