Paul McCann: Four out of six

Throw the Boston game out, trying to coach your first game for your new team fresh off the plane using the old coaches system is a recipe for disaster. While I don't feel Hynes is the right choice, and that the circumstances and optics of both the hiring and firing look odd, I'm still willing to give the new coach a chance. He was a better option than making Muse or the supposed PP guru Interim Coach. I like what I've seen from the defense so far, the fact the Preds we're actually playing it. Saros looked as good Sunday as I've seen him in weeks. It's amazing how much better the goal tending can look when competent defense is being played in front of them. Coaching's a bit overstated, but half of being a good coach is playing to your rosters strengths and making sure the guys are in the right roles... Two things Lavy seemed to lose sight of over time, and part of the reason he's no longer here.

Something I haven't liked, after two strong first periods where the Preds offense looked good and were applying consistent pressure, the offense all but dried up after the first. The 3rd period in Chicago in particular, there was way too much standing around and watching the Hawks move the puck up and down the ice. There was a bit of that in Winnipeg too, though not as egregious. I'm not calling for all five guys to go on the attack like Lavy was doing, but maintaining control of the puck can be effective defense in itself. I suppose the next big test for Hynes will be to see how he reacts when the team's behind late, or one of the goalies inevitably has one of those games where they let in a couple early.

One point I do agree with you on totally Paul, Trenin has earned his place on this roster. It's good to see one of the guys come up from Milwaukee and finally translate some of their success there to the NHL level.

Something I haven't liked, after two strong first periods where the Preds offense looked good and were applying consistent pressure, the offense all but dried up after the first. The 3rd period in Chicago in particular, there was way too much standing around and watching the Hawks move the puck up and down the ice. There was a bit of that in Winnipeg too, though not as egregious.


I've noticed that too. Sometimes I wonder if it's conditioning, but most of the time it just seems as though they are lazy. Happens far too much this year. IF they make the playoffs, that style will get you out in a hurry. It'll be interesting to see how they play against McDavid and Draisaitl.

Or maybe not. They might light us up.

Chris Mason: Leon Draisaitl has been under-shadowed all year by Conner McGregor. Some flubs are just charming.

NOW NOW lets not say a negative thing about the Preds or you know who will come in and write a chapter or two about how great they are....

NOW NOW lets not say a negative thing about the Preds or you know who will come in and write a chapter or two about how great they are....
- PREDX1

If you're going to comment at least make an attempt to be honest.

My "chapter", as you put it, was nothing about "how great they (the Preds) are" but rather an opinion about a few who are constantly carping and universally negative. It was also about pointing out the merits of objectivity using Rinne's goal as a prime example.

I guess in your narrow view, one should not write or say anything that might be construed as even minutely positive. Your comments are telling.

Chris Mason: Leon Draisaitl has been under-shadowed all year by Conner McGregor. Some flubs are just charming.
- Squatchy

It's a Canadian thing. He can't help it. However, it is a charming flub as you kindly put it.

Chris is great. So is Hal. I think we're fortunate to have their input and insight.

Vegas just canned their coach and hired Deboer. Interesting.

It's a Canadian thing. He can't help it. However, it is a charming flub as you kindly put it.

Chris is great. So is Hal. I think we're fortunate to have their input and insight.
- blueline

I do like Chris, he's about as inoffensive of a color commentator that you're going to find. He provides good insight without trying to sound like the smartest guy in the room. I'm indifferent to Willie, but that's mostly because I just prefer Pete Weber calling my teams games. I kinda get why, but sometimes I still have wonder why Tennessee's now 'seven-time' sports broadcaster of the year isn't on my T.V. anymore. I like to pretend its because he wants to be on the Radio... Some guys do actually prefer that role.

Vegas just canned their coach and hired Deboer. Interesting.
- FoxMulder

And the lazy recycling of coaches continues. Are their really so few viable coaching candidates in the NHL? You don't quite see this in any other sport. If Lavy's not careful he's going to wind up employed again before the season is over. Let's hope Winnipeg doesn't fire Maurice. With all those big fast forwards Lavy's system might actually be effective there, though with that defense, Hellebuyck might have to make 50 saves a night.

And the lazy recycling of coaches continues. Are their really so few viable coaching candidates in the NHL? You don't quite see this in any other sport. If Lavy's not careful he's going to wind up employed again before the season is over. Let's hope Winnipeg doesn't fire Maurice. With all those big fast forwards Lavy's system might actually be effective there, though with that defense, Hellebuyck might have to make 50 saves a night.
- Squatchy

I mean, they're in year three. Talk about entitled.

I do like Chris, he's about as inoffensive of a color commentator that you're going to find. He provides good insight without trying to sound like the smartest guy in the room. I'm indifferent to Willie, but that's mostly because I just prefer Pete Weber calling my teams games. I kinda get why, but sometimes I still have wonder why Tennessee's now 'seven-time' sports broadcaster of the year isn't on my T.V. anymore. I like to pretend its because he wants to be on the Radio... Some guys do actually prefer that role.
- Squatchy

I have no concrete validation but it has been said it was Pete's call to go back to radio. I know he really likes radio and maybe this was a way for him to stay in the game without enduring some of the additional TV headaches, although I'm not sure what those would be. Maybe he just figured it was time to get the transition underway, especially after the health issue a few years ago.

I remember the Preds' early days when he and Terry were doing both radio and TV at the same time. He made it work which I doubt many could do.

I mean, they're in year three. Talk about entitled.
- FoxMulder

And three points out of first place in their division. Somebody should maybe mention to them that this isn't easy, no matter how hard the league tried to make it easy for them. Knees buckle at the first sign of adversity... And I don't feel bad for them at all.

I have no concrete validation but it has been said it was Pete's call to go back to radio. I know he really likes radio and maybe this was a way for him to stay in the game without enduring some of the additional TV headaches, although I'm not sure what those would be. Maybe he just figured it was time to get the transition underway, especially after the health issue a few years ago.

I remember the Preds' early days when he and Terry were doing both radio and TV at the same time. He made it work which I doubt many could do.
- blueline

I've got nothing against Willy except he's not a play-by-play guy. I get the feeling the only reason he ended up with the Preds is because he was the sole person at the radio station who knew what icing was. But what do I know, I liked Stu too.

And three points out of first place in their division. Somebody should maybe mention to them that this isn't easy, no matter how hard the league tried to make it easy for them. Knees buckle at the first sign of adversity... And I don't feel bad for them at all.
- Squatchy

Yeah, I had to look, I haven't really been keeping up with the West other than the Central. I thought they must've really sucked this year, but it was only a four game losing streak. I don't feel sorry for them either, in fact, I may have chuckled a bit.

I have no concrete validation but it has been said it was Pete's call to go back to radio. I know he really likes radio and maybe this was a way for him to stay in the game without enduring some of the additional TV headaches, although I'm not sure what those would be. Maybe he just figured it was time to get the transition underway, especially after the health issue a few years ago.

I remember the Preds' early days when he and Terry were doing both radio and TV at the same time. He made it work which I doubt many could do.
- blueline

I would hope so, and it not be over something stupid like age. I remember listening to some of the games on the radio after the transition, and recalling Pete sounding tired... Almost offended, but I could've been interpreting that wrong. If he was truly unhappy he could've easily left and I have little doubt he wouldn't have any trouble finding another gig somewhere else. All and all, I guess I should just be glad he's still around.

Another benefit of being on the Radio... When or if the Preds ever make another deep run into the playoffs, he's not going to get kicked off the screen after the first round.

I have no concrete validation but it has been said it was Pete's call to go back to radio. I know he really likes radio and maybe this was a way for him to stay in the game without enduring some of the additional TV headaches, although I'm not sure what those would be. Maybe he just figured it was time to get the transition underway, especially after the health issue a few years ago.

I remember the Preds' early days when he and Terry were doing both radio and TV at the same time. He made it work which I doubt many could do.
- blueline

I remember that when he went to radio only it was his call, because of the TV requirements and health issues. I sure miss his way of calling the games, he is the best IMHO. On another note it would not bother me if Vegas just keeps on dropping. Jealous of the gift they were given and other teams had to work their way into being relevant in the league.

I've got nothing against Willy except he's not a play-by-play guy. I get the feeling the only reason he ended up with the Preds is because he was the sole person at the radio station who knew what icing was. But what do I know, I liked Stu too.
- FoxMulder

Indeed, Stu was excellent as far as I was concerned. He's still in town. It would be nice if he found his way back to the Preds and back on the broadcast side as he fits into that role so easily. Great insight too, as one would expect.

Man pull that blue stick out from your ass and learn to take a joke.

If you're going to comment at least make an attempt to be honest.

My "chapter", as you put it, was nothing about "how great they (the Preds) are" but rather an opinion about a few who are constantly carping and universally negative. It was also about pointing out the merits of objectivity using Rinne's goal as a prime example.

I guess in your narrow view, one should not write or say anything that might be construed as even minutely positive. Your comments are telling.
- blueline

Vegas just canned their coach and hired Deboer. Interesting.
- FoxMulder

can we get him?

In hindsight I kind of wish now Poile had waited a week or two to pull the trigger on Lavy. At least hiring Gallant would've felt more like a lateral move at worst, while Hynes felt like a step down. Quick, somebody do a background check and see if there's some semblance of a connection there, since we now know that's apparently a prerequisite for Poile to hire you. Maybe Gallant's third cousin coaches the peewee team of one his grand-kids or maybe they were stuck on an elevator together at some point. Seriously though, why couldn't the Vegas GM decide to get stupid back in December?

Man pull that blue stick out from your ass and learn to take a joke.
- PREDX1

Certifiable.

In hindsight I kind of wish now Poile had waited a week or two to pull the trigger on Lavy. At least hiring Gallant would've felt more like a lateral move at worst, while Hynes felt like a step down. Quick, somebody do a background check and see if there's some semblance of a connection there, since we now know that's apparently a prerequisite for Poile to hire you. Maybe Gallant's third cousin coaches the peewee team of one his grand-kids or maybe they were stuck on an elevator together at some point. Seriously though, why couldn't the Vegas GM decide to get stupid back in December?
- Squatchy

Just a guess, but it wouldn't surprise me to find out that the Hynes move had been in the wings for several weeks. Not sure why the wait but there could be a legitimate reason. To suggest that Poile's hiring of Hynes is nepotistic (ok, outside of BP) or lazy is a stretch. Obviously Poile is not infallible but taking the easy way out has never been how he operates. Comfort maybe, but lazy, no. As for the optics, a Lavy-type firing (or Gallant's or Shero or pretty much any move like that) rarely looks good and how could they?

Many Preds fans looking for a coaching change wanted a coach that hadn't been recycled 50 times so we now have that with Hynes. Gallant would have fit that mold somewhat but but that's water over the bridge. In addition, Gallant is 12 years older and again, many Pred fans were hoping for a younger coach.

I have no problem giving Hynes time to succeed or fail on his own merits. I imagine his leash is fairly short should the Preds not break out soon. As for the Devils, there is not much to compare for his stint there - the team is a disaster. They can't score and they can't defend and there has been no change in that since Hynes was let go. PK is on pace for 18 points for the season and is playing even sloppier than last year with the Preds. The Simmonds pickup has been no better than it was for the Preds. It goes on.

Man pull that blue stick out from your ass and learn to take a joke.
- PREDX1

Actually, maybe you could join a conversation for a change, adding a bit of insight, analysis or intelligent opinion rather than adolescent, stupid and snide remarks.

Just a guess, but it wouldn't surprise me to find out that the Hynes move had been in the wings for several weeks. Not sure why the wait but there could be a legitimate reason. To suggest that Poile's hiring of Hynes is nepotistic (ok, outside of BP) or lazy is a stretch. Obviously Poile is not infallible but taking the easy way out has never been how he operates. Comfort maybe, but lazy, no. As for the optics, a Lavy-type firing (or Gallant's or Shero or pretty much any move like that) rarely looks good and how could they?

Many Preds fans looking for a coaching change wanted a coach that hadn't been recycled 50 times so we now have that with Hynes. Gallant would have fit that mold somewhat but but that's water over the bridge. In addition, Gallant is 12 years older and again, many Pred fans were hoping for a younger coach.

I have no problem giving Hynes time to succeed or fail on his own merits. I imagine his leash is fairly short should the Preds not break out soon. As for the Devils, there is not much to compare for his stint there - the team is a disaster. They can't score and they can't defend and there has been no change in that since Hynes was let go. PK is on pace for 18 points for the season and is playing even sloppier than last year with the Preds. The Simmonds pickup has been no better than it was for the Preds. It goes on.
- blueline

You know, you might be right about the coaching change being in the works for a while. I don't want to start any conspiracy theories, but I wonder if the Winter Classic had something to do with it, and Poile just didn't want the optics of having just fired his coach before arguably the biggest regular season game the Preds have ever played... Then waited a couple of games so it didn't look like Lavy was being fired because of how they performed at the Cotton Bowl. The timing just felt weird... I know they lost to Anaheim and looked awful doing it, but it was the back end of back-to-backs with several key players missing, and the team actually showed some guts by coming back and stealing a point. Kind of a weird time for DP to decide he'd seen enough. I have nothing to base any of that on of course though... The timing just raises so many questions.