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The lockers get cleaned out, final meetings take place and the “See ya’s” or “goodbyes” happen as well today as the Predators finish out the business of the season. We’ll find out what the injuries really were in the late season, we’ll find out where the heads of the coaching staff are, we’ll start taking a more objective view of the season.
The reality is the Predators had a very good season, both on and off the ice. Better than anyone predicted. On the ice, a 100 point season is nothing to downplay, if the Preds were in the Northeast division, they would’ve won it. Solid results on the road and a resiliency that was astounding at times. Off the ice, they hit attendance marks that ensured revenue sharing, played to 87+ percent capacity for the 4th consecutive year and showed another increase in the paid attendance mark. The team will break even or make a small profit for a third consecutive year… a story you will NEVER see in the mainstream hockey media. Thanks to David Freeman, Tom Cigarran and the rest of the ownership group, this franchise seems to be on solid ground fiscally and well positioned to continue its incremental growth... no matter what the nay-sayers like to think.
The challenge now turns to getting this team what it needs to make the next step… winning a playoff series. Getting to the playoffs consistently is an achieved goal, five out of the last six seasons is a trend. The team seems to be built for better success in the playoffs, tight forechecking, solid defensive play and good goaltending. The needs for this team as I see them…
> Depth at forward – It seems that every year, this team goes into the playoffs with a major injury at forward, this year was no different.
> Leadership from the younger players – It may be time to look at transitioning the leadership group to include more of the younger players, Weber, Suter, perhaps even David Legwand.
> A new special teams scheme – I’m not laying it all on special teams, but this team did succeed despite its special teams this season, it just really came back to bite them in the playoffs.
This is a team that is not far away from serious contention, the RFA signing process is going to be really important… making sure that Patric Hornqvist is signed, perhaps Dustin Boyd, Denis Grebeshkov and Cody Franson getting signed. Then attention can be paid to the UFA’s like Dan Hamhuis and Francis Bouillon.
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I got a little inside info… Barry Trotz has been nominated as a finalist for the Jack Adams Trophy. That will be announced later today. A well deserved nod for Trotzy.
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Do you think CBC regrets not picking up the Habs series??? Tonight’s ratings for game 7 should be through the roof.
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I’ll have a look at my first round predictions and hold myself accountable for them and give my take on the conference semi-finals in tomorrow’s post.
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Check out SlapShotRadio.com for picture from the Chicago series... there are some really great ones posted... including a few that are just begging for a caption contest.
Tonight – The Predators may be done… but SlapShot Radio will take it all the way through the July 1 free agent season. Our playoff reports continue with insiders from across the NHL, tonight featuring Dave Rusinowski from San Jose, Dave Goucher from Boston and Mark Spizzirri from Detroit. SlapShot Radio, Live every Wednesday at 6pm on SportsRadio 560 WNSR and online at www.slapshotradio.com.
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You are invited to follow me on Twitter. Search for PredPAPaul… Not only will I be updating when I get news or updates… I’ll also be updating with starting lineups and scratches during Pred home games, also I’ll be supplying information and explanations from the PA box.
Nashville Predators Blogger •Predators Radio Network •