Before my column today, I want to send a message of condolence to Eklund and his family. The loss of a parent is never easy… and doesn’t get any easier as we get older. On behalf of Pred Nation… you and your family is in our thoughts and prayers.

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From time to time I will feature a guest blogger… this time it’s Ashley Grant. Ashley and his dad may have the honor of being the biggest Pred fans… in England! They make a trip every year, usually during a period of time where they can see quite a few games in a short period of time. This past season they visited in February and attended five games in a two week span. The Grants are a very nice family and I was honored to meet them and enjoy corresponding with them. So, with great thanks to Ashley here is his first contribution from “across the pond”


It was said that last season (07-08) was going to be a tough season because of all the lost players, which can’t be denied, but this year could be looked at the same way, it is not brought up as much because of the comparison to last year’s player loss. The last off season and even through the season Nashville has seen quality players leave who may well have been able to help them in this years run, Chris Mason who was traded in the off season to the St. Louis Blues has been a big reason why the Blues are in their current position looking to make the playoffs this year. The complicated situation with Alexander Radulov meant that this year the Predators would have to find a replacement for the Russian sniper which was never going to easy, Radulov who could put the puck in the net would have been a great asset to this years team which had seen long streaks where they could not score goals.

Other players include forward Rich Peverley who was claimed off waivers by the Atlanta Thrashers, this also was a big loss to the Predators who would have liked to have kept him on the roster. Defence man Merek Zidlicky who was traded to the Minnesota Wild for the rookie forward Ryan Jones.

What positives can be taken from this season.

Even though Nashville has seen quality players leave the team, great potential has came through, players like Cal O’ Reilly who got the opportunity to play with the likes of JP Dumont and really shined and must of impressed coach Trotz after impressing many Predators fans,

When speaking positives the Goalie Pekka Rinne has to be mentioned, Rinne could be described as the foundation for the Predators run to the playoffs. Many Preds fans would not like to think what the season would look like without the fine play of the 26 year old Finnish goal tender that has carried the team well in his first full NHL season.
Other Rookies that have to be mentioned are Ryan Jones out of Miami University; he was picked up from Minnesota for the Defence man Zidlicky. Although not picking up as many goals as other rookies in the league he has battled well and really has not been rewarded with as many points as he deserves, he has done what Preds fans have been screaming at the team for the whole season which is “Go To The Net” and that’s where a lot of his goals have come from.

Joel Ward has shocked everyone, not only the Predators team but the whole of the NHL, being signed as a free agent for a one year deal Predators should look to resign him. Picking up 17 goals and 18 assists he has helped the Predators a lot this season, Barry Trotz has talked about who is and isn’t a “Predator” which he mentioned at the trade deadline, when looking at Joel Ward you see exactly what he means, hard work ethic and the never quit attitude, he fits into the Predators team perfectly.

When looking at the moments from this season, Steve Sullivan is one of the first great moments Predators fans remember, after missing nearly 2 whole years, Sullivan returned this season on January 10th, 2009 and despite all doubts had an extremely successful season, playing 39 games and amassing 29 points (10g-19a). This is why he is a nominee for the 2009 Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy. The Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy is awarded each year to the NHL player who "best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey” Steve Sullivan has clearly shown that he is a very strong nominee for this trophy.

This year’s constant battle with injuries is not unfamiliar to the Predators and always gives the Predators trouble in achieving their very best; arguably it could be the reason for this year’s inconsistent play causing them to likely miss the playoffs this year.
Looking forward to next season, which could be a very successful season where the Predators may look to rebuild the team seen in the 2006-2007 season which nearly saw the Predators win the Presidents Trophy for the first time in franchise history, only just missing out after many injuries in the latter half of the season.

Thanks Ashley!

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Congratulations to the Boston Bruins… sweeping out the Montreal Canadiens from the playoffs… BTW, classy fans at the Bell Centre last night, jumping all over Carey Price as a handy scapegoat for a team that has been falling apart since December.

Kudos to Georges Laraque for defending Price and chastising the fans…

Memo to Bob Gainey… you’re ruining a potentially great goaltender… despite your comments in the press.

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The ‘Hawks/Flames is really turning into a great series that may just come down to team’s just holding serve on home ice.

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Boy do I hate the fact that I may nail my Pens/Flyers prediction… The Flyers have to dig deep tonight.

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Unless Columbus can figure out how to stop watching and start playing their series will be done tonight… and a sweep will be very helpful to a Red Wing team that could use a little break before the second round… It is my belief that if Detroit can limit their games on their way to the WCF, they will be in good shape for one final push at back-to-back cups.

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The deadline for the Predators’ 2/20 Loyalty Plan for new season-ticket sales and season-ticket renewals is this today. This unique 2/20 Loyalty Plan freezes season-ticket rates at the 2008-2009 season ticket prices for two years through the 2010-2011 season.

Fans and season ticketholders may also come to the Sommet Center from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. tonight to purchase or renew their season tickets. These fans are invited to an exclusive pizza and soft-drink party hosted by Terry Crisp, Pete Weber, Tom Callahan, Associate Coach Brent Peterson and Assistant Coach Peter Horachek and GNASH.

Should be a good time…

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Join Brandon Felder and me for the fastest hour in radio… HockeyBuzz Radio, the show has moved to Wednesday nights for the playoffs... Next show is 4/29. Guests are TBD Start time is 6pm on SportsRadio 560 WNSR, you can listen online at www.wnsr.com or you can download the podcast of the show at www.hockeybuzzradio.com

Also... don't forget to check out www.hockeybuzzradio.com for playoff schedules, playoff standings, updates, links to more hockey and Predators information.

The site has been revamped, featuring a new section called HBRCares, dedicated to fundraising and community activities that HBR and the Preds are involved in.

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