When you think of professional sports teams with the largest and most engaged followings on social media, you might be surprised to hear that the NHL placed 4 in the Top 20, according to a new report from marketing agency Activ8Social. Based on TV ratings and chatter on platforms like ESPN, you'd be led to believe that hockey had fallen out of popular consciousness, but the NHL has been a leader when it comes to digital marketing and fan outreach via platforms like Facebook & Twitter.
Follow after the jump for a look at the list...
The following presentation was initially found over at The Business of Sports:
Top 20 Teams In Social Media View more presentations from Activ8Social
One has to wonder if their drive to the Stanley Cup Final has helped the L.A. Kings and New Jersey Devils rise through the rankings (the Kings in particular have been getting rave reviews for their Twitter account), and the Boston Bruins make sense as a contender given their status as 2011 Stanley Cup champs.
But the Tampa Bay Lightning? Does that strike anyone else as a surprise?
Our weekend kicks off with some encouraging news for two financially beleaguered hockey markets. In Phoenix, the drive to strike a deal and keep the Coyotes in town survives one challenge, while the debt-ridden Devils may have wriggled their way out of some desperate straits...
The Toast of Music City voting is open... go to People & Places -> Best Blog and cast your daily vote for OTF!
Nashville Predators News
Preds await decision from Ryan Suter - FS Tennessee The longer this drags out, the less I think David Poile will trade Suter's rights. Why cut off the dialogue that is still ongoing?
Smashville 24/7 - Preds should take unique approach with Wilson I like the idea of locking up Wilson for 4-5 years, but doubt it will come as cheaply as Jacob hopes here. One wild card is whether the next CBA might bring about unrestricted free agency earlier than the current 7 years (a longer period of time than you see in other major pro sports).
Around the Wide Wide World of Hockey
Court denies Goldwater Institute injunction on Coyotes' deal - Phoenix Business Journal A swing and a miss for the anti-Coyotes crowd in Phoenix.
New Jersey Devils finally find new ownership investors to ease debt, says report | Puck Daddy A happy ending for the high-class huckster?
AHL admits ‘rules interpretation error’ on Norfolk’s freaky OT goal vs. Marlies in Calder Cup | Puck Daddy Loosely translated, the ruling goes "too bad, so sad."
A Thousand Tiny Miracles: Or, Why Hockey is Never Boring | Backhand Shelf E does a wonderful job capturing exactly what makes this game so great.
Adventures in Bureaucracy: The NCAA's New Rule Changes - Western College Hockey Blog The NCAA holds off on a controversial move to abandon full facial protection.
Ian Laperriere set to officially retire, according to report - Broad Street Hockey A mere formality, really.
Canes Now - Maurice reportedly headed to KHL | newsobserver.com blogs Paul Maurice is going to Russia to take over as coach of Metallurg Magnitogorsk, a bit of an eyebrow-raiser.
And finally, as seen at Puck Daddy, this is what I aspire to in about 40 more years:
Just in time for the weekend, Sam and I are back with a new edition of the On The Forecheck Podcast!
Since it's the summer time and we're in a little bit of a dead period, we decided to start over and start a new "season," if you will, of the OtF podcast, starting with today's episode. We're joined today by OtF enforcer Caroline Davis, who stopped by to give her thoughts on a couple of topics swirling around Pred Nation this time of year.
Follow after the jump to listen to the newest OtF podcast:
Your browser does not support the audio element. Click here to download the mp3. Click here to access via iTunes.
1:00 - Remembering Radulov
18:43 - Will Ryan Suter re-sign in Nashville? If he doesn't, what should the team's mentality be? Continue to build a strong team or "blow up the team" and go into rebuild mode?
Got any ideas of topics or segments you'd like to hear discussed this offseason? Drop us a comment and let us know!
Everyone's favorite Inuit embarked on the 2011-2012 campaign with an impressive preseason, setting the table for what many hoped to be a career year for the right winger (beyond the typical "contract year" dynamic), especially after he voluntarily committed himself to the NHL/NHLPA's substance abuse program in the spring of 2011, and came back a new man. Production slowed for #22 as the 2011-2012 season wore on, however, and he now enters the offseason as a potentially available unrestricted free agent.
Jordin Tootoo
#22 / Right Wing / Nashville Predators
5-9
199
Feb 02, 1983
Contract Status: Unrestricted Free Agent
GP
G
A
P
+/-
PIM
PPG
SHG
GWG
SOG
PCT
2011 - Jordin Tootoo
77
6
24
30
-5
92
1
0
1
136
4.4
How did Jordin Tootoo stack up? Will it be enough to merit another "two/two" deal (his current contract was for two years, $2.5 million, and his previous contract was for two years, just under $2 million)? Did he earn more? Less? Does he come back at all?
Expectations
"He's got his life in order," said head coach Barry Trotz at the start of the season.
"He's had a lot of demons and a lot of things that get in the way. If your life and your head is not clear, then it's just full of clutter. You don't have the motivation, you don't have the instinct, all of those things. He couldn't grow as a hockey player anymore.
"When he came back, I thought he had the best stretch of his career. Not only is he still a force with the physical contact and as a tough, game-changing type of guy, but those skills that we knew he always had are starting to come to the forefront.
"He's capable of producing a lot, he's capable of being a higher contributing guy in our lineup and he wants to do that. He's very proud of the fact he had to change his life and it's not really easy."
Emphasis added. To say that expectations were high for Tootoo this year, both on and off the ice, is an understatement; in addition to the expectations of the coaching staff and fans, Trotz indicated that Tootoo places a premium on his own player development, the mark of a consummate professional.
Results
All indications on and off the ice suggest that Tootoo has taken his recovery from his substance abuse issues seriously. Judging by points alone, this was obviously Tootoo's best season of his career. His 136 shots almost matched his career best (138 in '08-'09), though his 4.4% shooting percentage was one of the worst of his career.
With just under 13 minutes per 60 of playing time, also a career high for Tootoo, he averaged just 1.2 penalties drawn per 60 (according to BehindTheNet.ca), down from roughly two penalties drawn per 60 in each of the two previous seasons. In a year that saw the Predators reach the league's top in power play ranking, Tootoo saw basically half a shift of power play time per game (probably that change in the last few seconds of a PP, where Trotz wants to follow a man advantage with an energy line shift). I don't think anyone expected Tootoo to be a serious PP contributor, so he gets a bit of a pass there. The tradeoff of 20 additional points on the score sheet, relative to fewer penalties drawn per 60 minutes, is one I think any coach or fan of a defense-first team like Nashville would make.
Another interesting statistic is that the team save percentage in even strength play with Tootoo on the ice was 0.932, tied for 8th best on the team. His PIMs were up about 50% over last year (92 PIMs this year to 61 PIMs last year). Penalties or no penalties, Tootoo is a tough little sparkplug to play against, and he's one of the reasons that, 5 on 5, Nashville is as good as any other team in the league. Other teams' fans love to hate Tootoo, but they'd probably take him if he was available.
While a consummate professional and more regular contributor during the majority of the season, Tootoo saw the scoresheet just once after February 28, 2012, and had zero points in three playoff games. Additionally, Tootoo unleashed a profanity-laden tirade to the Tennessean about being benched in the Western Conference Quarterfinals against the Detroit Red Wings. This was a break in decorum for Tootoo, and does not reflect well on him as he and David Poile negotiate on a future deal.
Season Highlight(s)
Best Goal
When Nashville visited the Calgary Flames on November 29, 2011, Tootoo's nose inexplicably exploded on air as he gave the intermission interview to Terry Crisp. Coincidentally, the Preds lost the game 1-0 in regulation.
Best Human Interest Story in Professional Sports
I hope you got to see it when it came out, because the video now appears to be missing from TSN's site, but earlier this season, the folks at TSN produced an incredibly moving mini-documentary on Jordin Tootoo's battles with substance abuse and depression related to his brother's suicide, entitled "Out of the Darkness." It was replete with very candid interviews with head coach Barry Trotz, general manager David Poile, and Tootoo himself. Nevertheless, this continuing journey is the chief reason Tootoo is the team's nominee for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy this year.
Outlook
David Poile has expressed interest already this offseason in retaining Tootoo's services in the next season and beyond, pending the necessary discussions. Given his on-ice contributions, and his status as a fan favorite in Nashville, I wouldn't be surprised to see Tootoo awarded a longer contract, though maybe not higher in annual cap hit. By way of comparison, Joel Ward was given a 4-year, $12 million contract by the Washington Capitals this past year, and it's hard to make the case that Tootoo evolved into a player of Ward's caliber this year alone.
That said, something in the neighborhood of 3-4 years, $7-$9 million might be a good ballpark estimate for a new contract. It's clear the coaches and management have a personal, emotional investment in seeing Tootoo succeed on and off the ice, and a longer contract with a little more money sends the right message: that they recognize the strides he has made, and they're committed to helping him continue to grow . . . but that they want to make sure he develops.
Craving some afternoon hockey stories, are ya? Well, we have quite the wide-ranging buffet laid out for you, with an update on a KHL team loading up for bear, dissent in Phoenix over the proposed Coyotes deal, and a possible move by an NHL executive from one Central Division team to another...
The Toast of Music City voting is open... cast your daily vote for OTF!
Nashville Predators News
Fedorov and filthy rich CSKA team are after Radulov, Semin | Edmonton Journal Sergei Fedorov now has the wherewithal to bring in the biggest of KHL fish.
Around the Wide Wide World of Hockey
Charlie Sheen had a meltdown at the Kings game last night | Backhand Shelf I just hope he didn't use language like this around Fake Anders at the #VoteRinne rally.
Star power hasn’t been enough to ignite NHL TV ratings in the U.S. - The Globe and Mail There's no sugar-coating it, the TV numbers stink for this series.
Goldwater Institute raises concerns over latest attempt to sell Coyotes - The Globe and Mail Here comes another turd in the punch bowl...
Avalanche Re-sign David Jones for 4-Years, $16 Million. Hunwick Too? - Mile High Hockey Can Jones handle a leading role as a goal-scorer for Colorado?
John Davidson Reportedly Interviews With Columbus Blue Jackets - The Cannon Might Davidson make an intra-divisional move, leaving St. Louis for Columbus? Considering how Ken Hitchcock went the other way less than a year ago, this almost sounds like a hostage exchange.
Salming, WHA Paved Way For Lidstrom | PuckScene.com Patten deserves an Ikea sponsorship for this journey through Swedish hockey history.
Bernie Parent solves mystery of Leafs mask, 41 years after Rangers captain stole it | Puck Daddy Well ain't this a heart-warmer...
Fixing the NHL’s wonky hit statistics | NHLNumbers.com I'm deeply uncomfortable with this approach, without at least doing some comprehensive video review to see if players might indeed play more aggressively on home ice. Until then, I'm fine with simply ignoring the Hits stat (along with Giveaways and Takeaways) as utter garbage.
Save it for June: How to reduce the grind - Cross Checks Blog - ESPN I'm down with ideas #1 and #4 here... but that's about it.
In the latest edition of the Hippodrome, which has carved out a niche as the definitive all-encompassing survey of the Nashville sporting world, J.R. Lind notes one of the chief on-ice complaints about Alexander Radulov's behavior; that he took overly-long shifts, a big no-no under Barry Trotz:
On 102.5's Sports Revolution, Poile delineated the reasons why it wasn't going to work. One is that Rads was used to the slower pace of the KHL and he tended to take longer-than-necessary shifts when he came back to the NHL. That's sort of a strange explanation for letting go potentially the best goal-scorer in team history and also makes one wonder about the fate of shift-hog UFA Jordin Tootoo.
While some of the criticism being lobbed Rad's way may be typical "kick him on his way out of town" behavior, having a guy stay out on the ice too long can indeed be a serious problem. It screws up the line combinations, and can quickly breed disruption among teammates. If one player stays out for an extra 10-20 seconds, that deeply cuts into the next player's ice time. The best-case scenario is that the shorted player simply resents the floater - worse yet is the possibility that the 2nd guy will extend his shift too, leading to a cascade effect that can wreak havoc on a team.
But just how long was Radulov cruising around out there? Let's take a look at the facts...
The Toast of Music City voting is open... go to People & Places -> Best Blog and cast your daily vote for OTF!
The following table shows the total ice time (in minutes) for each player on the 2011-2012 Nashville Predators (regular season data only), along with the number of shifts taken, and the average duration in seconds:
Player
Position
Total Ice Time
Shifts
Avg. Shift
Ryan Suter
D
2093.6
2286
55.0
Alexander Radulov
W
174.1
191
54.7
Shea Weber
D
2040.3
2297
53.3
Colin Wilson
W
1096.6
1391
47.3
Ryan Ellis
D
474.3
604
47.1
Kevin Klein
D
1315.8
1690
46.7
Roman Josi
D
956.1
1240
46.3
Francis Bouillon
D
1157.8
1505
46.2
Cal O`Reilly
C
70.4
92
46.0
Patric Hornqvist
W
1164.9
1531
45.7
Craig Smith
W
1021.2
1343
45.6
Brandon Yip
W
274.4
361
45.6
Jordin Tootoo
W
1012.5
1333
45.6
Mike Fisher
C
1389.1
1829
45.6
Hal Gill
D
415.0
550
45.3
Jonathon Blum
D
591.8
785
45.2
David Legwand
C
1444.3
1928
44.9
Jack Hillen
D
773.2
1039
44.7
Andrei Kostitsyn
W
283.6
382
44.5
Martin Erat
W
1311.9
1778
44.3
Gabriel Bourque
W
549.7
762
43.3
Brian Mcgrattan
W
159.5
223
42.9
Ryan Thang
W
8.53
12
42.7
Nick Spaling
C
1209.42
1706
42.5
Sergei Kostitsyn
W
1234.86
1772
41.8
Chris Mueller
C
36.58
53
41.4
Matt Halischuk
W
821.61
1195
41.3
Mattias Ekholm
D
24.83
37
40.3
Kyle Wilson
W
40.7
61
40.0
Blake Geoffrion
C
227.5
345
39.6
Jerred Smithson
C
632.21
980
38.7
Niclas Bergfors
W
88.78
139
38.3
Teemu Laakso
D
104.27
164
38.1
Paul Gaustad
C
189.07
308
36.8
Zack Stortini
W
4.88
11
26.6
Sure enough, Radulov sticks out like a sore thumb. Defensemen are normally expected to stay out longer than forwards, but to have Rads right up there with Ryan Suter in ice time per shift is indeed striking. In fact, across all forwards in the NHL this season, Radulov ranked 9th in this category.
Maybe it's his upbringing - despite there only being 15 Russian forwards in the league, 4 of the top 9 "ice hogs" (as J.R. termed them) hail from Mother Russia. While Radulov may indeed have the talent level to consider himself in Kovalchuk or Malkin's class, as a guy coming back to join a team right before the playoffs, he can't just soak up the ice time like that.
So indeed, this criticism sticks like glue, even though it's something that could have perhaps been addressed over time.
But the throwaway snipe at Tootoo at the end of J.R.'s quote? Well, I don't think I buy that one.
As hockey fans, there are times when we complain about the referees, and point to a blown call that, in our minds at least, played a pivotal role in the outcome of a game. Last night, the AHL's Calder Cup Final saw just such an incident, as a fluke goal in overtime apparently should have been waved off, but was instead allowed to stand...
The Toast of Music City voting is open... cast your daily vote for OTF!
Nashville Predators News
Radulov's worth difficult to measure on multiple fronts | Nashville City Paper What might the Preds be able to get for Radulov on the trade market? I can't imagine it's very much.
Around the Wide Wide World of Hockey
First, let's start with the video of that goal:
Bizarre OT winner in Calder Cup should have been disallowed - The Globe and Mail What can the league do here?
Sorry, Red Fisher, but I've got to say thanks: Montreal Gazette A legend among hockey writers calls it a career.
Grigorenko wears his love of Canada - NHL.com These days, Russian players have to prove that they're really serious about staying over here and making it in the NHL.
Black Dog Hates Skunks: On Tambellini Is he the Matt Millen of the hockey world?
Concussion woes haven't ended for Adam Deadmarsh - Mile High Hockey Sad news as Deadmarsh has to step down from being a coach.
The Flames Let Craig Hartsburg Go - Matchsticks and Gasoline With Bob Hartley taking over, it's time to sweep out the old assistant.
QMJHL ditches trapezoid rule, player changes after icings - Buzzing The Net Avoid the 'zoid!
Wednesday, Jun 6, 2012, 7:00 PM Central (NBC Sports) STAPLES Center
Complete Coverage >
Is tonight the night?
Get ready for Game 4 with this interview from tonight's SlapShot Radio show, as L.A. Kings play-by-play man Bob Miller talked about the growing excitement in La-La Land:
The New Jersey Devils decided to hold up the Kings' coronation last night, keeping their Stanley Cup hopes alive with a 3-1 win in L.A. Our morning hockey notes touch on that game, along with more Alexander Radulov talk, and a dire prediction for how the upcoming CBA negotiations will play out from a guy who saw it up-close the last time around...
The Toast of Music City voting is open... cast your daily vote for OTF!
Nashville Predators News
The View from 111: Predators Part Ways With Radulov Mark agrees with the Preds' decision here.
David Poile Talks Radulov, Plans For Next Season - NashvillePredators.com The GM lays out his thinking on a number of roster issues as head into the summer. It doesn't sound like major change will come up front.
Alexander Radulov's loss brings big risk for Nashville Predators | The Tennessean Josh Cooper serves up the comedy this morning: "If Poile gets a top-6 forward and a first-round (or early second-round) draft pick in exchange for Radulov’s rights, then it’s worth it." Good luck with that.
Around the Wide Wide World of Hockey
New Jersey Devils Stay Alive in Stanley Cup Finals with 3-1 Win Over Los Angeles Kings - In Lou We Trust Adam Henrique's goal was a beauty last night, will it prove to be a spark for the Devils?
Here’s hoping general managers can rescue the game - The Globe and Mail Is puck possession passe? I think this take is a bit overwrought, but these Final games do feature some boring hockey. It seems just about every time the Devils get the puck in deep, the Kings collapse all five skaters below the faceoff dot.
Former 'PA president Linden: CBA could mean loss of months - TSN That's not exactly what anyone wants to hear.
Nobody Told Derek Boogaard No | Backhand Shelf Jo looks at the haphazard regulatory landscape that allows many people (not just hockey players) to load up with inappropriate amounts of prescription painkillers.
Jonathan Quick - not good high stick side? - Arctic Ice Hockey There Gabe goes, besmirching a popular notion by bringing facts to the table.
The Gauntlet® Sports - Hockey talent below the surface A growing number of teams are leveraging stats analysis on the amateur scouting side.
Jaromir Jagr, Flyers nearing new contract before NHL Draft | Puck Daddy This was one of the best stories of the season, how well Jagr played upon his return. It's good to see him stick around.
The AHL's Top 25 Scorers Under 25 | The Hockey Writers Nope, none from Milwaukee.
When a bad thing is actually a good thing - The Globe and Mail As Michel Therrien sweeps Randy Cunneyworth and Randy Ladouceur out of Montreal, at least they can get started on their job searches.
Finally, check out CBC's intro to last night's game. Groovy, man...
The Alexander Radulov/Nashville Predators affair seems to have entered the bitter, pound-a-pint-of-ice-cream-and let-it-all-out phase. This afternoon's hockey notes imply that he was just using us all along.
And besides, he was fat.
So let's get ourselves all prettied up and find a new winger this summer, OK?
The Toast of Music City voting is open... cast your daily vote for OTF!
Nashville Predators News
Move to sever ties with Radulov a no-brainer for Predators - Nashville Predators Examiner Now we hear that Radulov was overweight when he joined the team, despite having just completed his KHL season? I wonder why we haven't heard that before...
After Nashville Predators cut ties, what’s next for Alex Radulov? | Puck Daddy Did the Preds offer Radulov a long-term contract after he returned, but he wasn't interested because all he wanted to do was wrap up his Nashville deal and move on? That's the tidbit which is implied at the end here.
Nashville Predators Offseason Grades – Defense | The Predatorial Kris hands out a grade the parents will be happy to see.
Smashville 24/7 - Cover vote takes on life of its own in Nashville Sean Henry and the rest of the organization had fun jumping on the #VoteRinne bandwagon.
Around the Wide Wide World of Hockey
Brodeur is a Fraud: Darryl Sutter and Goaltending How much of Jonathan Quick's success can be tied to Sutter's coaching style?
Sutter family excited for Darryl's Stanley Cup success - NHL.com The Sutter brutters are all pulling for Darryl to get his name on the Cup.
The power of firsthand narrative: Outsourcing the NHL finals - Native Intelligence An interesting conundrum for one Kings reporter who's over in Europe right now.
Remembering Vladimir Krutov, Soviet hockey legend on KLM Line, who died at 52 | Puck Daddy A nice collection here which puts Krutov's career into perspective.
Is it the right move to bring back Steve Tambellini as GM of the Edmonton Oilers? | Edmonton Journal At this rate, they'll hit .500 in just a couple more years.
@simmonssteve, @damospin and @leafsbb20 | mc79hockey.com It's getting ugly in Toronto, where rumors turned into news recently.
Mike Knuble won’t return to Capitals - Capitals Insider - The Washington Post Does the old mucker have anything left in the tank?
Larry Brooks: Zach Parise of New Jersey Devils soon to be free agent, may play last game with team in Game 4 of Stanley Cup Finals against Los Angeles Kings - NYPOST.com Among the forwards, Parise will be the cream of the crop this summer. How high might the bidding go?
While the NHL stands poised to potentially celebrate a new champion tonight, the hockey world is saddened over the sudden passing of two players, long before their time.
The Toast of Music City voting is open... cast your daily vote for OTF!
Nashville Predators News
Should I Stay or Should I Go? RFA & UFA of the Nashville Predators | ladypreds Bonus points for the player boxes included here, very well done!
A Nashville Predators Summary Sonnet: Alexander Radulov - Predlines I guess Link is serious about that poet laureate stuff. Personally, I prefer limericks. "There once was a winger from Ufa..."
Coker lets his inner hockey fan out - Calgary Herald The football player from Antioch is now with the Calgary Stampeders, but can talk hockey with the best of them up there.
Around the Wide Wide World of Hockey
Greatest Hockey Legends.com: Vladimir Krutov Passes Away Sad news, as a member of the famed KLM line succumbed to injuries from a car accident.
The Malik Report : Oh my goodness…Former Wings prospect Bryan Rufenach passes away Terrible news as the 23-year-old died in Switzerland.
On eve of potential Stanley Cup Final sweep, Kings donate $50,000 to help find killer of baby | Puck Daddy A top o' the hat to the L.A. Kings for this.
Kings want to take `zero-zero’ approach " LA Kings Insider Can the Kings maintain their focus, knowing that hockey's ultimate prize is so, so close?
Devils looking for an answer, hoping for a break to avoid sweep | Puck Daddy Can they take the series back to New Jersey? Frankly, I doubt it.
Profiles in Coaching: Michel Therrien | Edmonton Journal A thorough overview of the career which has led Therrien back to Montreal.
NHL Expansion Celebrates 45th Anniversary | The Hockey Writers ...and the end of the "Original Six" era.
Why I Haven't Learned To Love The L.A. Kings - Second City Hockey The Kings will be popular champions, but not universally so.
The Art and Science of Hockey Ice | Playbook | Wired.com Read up on the craft which is so essential to the game.
Toronto Maple Leafs want to trade up for Nail Yakupov or Alex Galchenyuk — says Igor Larionov - Buzzing The Net Might Brian Burke pull off another huge top-of-the-draft deal, like he did with the Sedins so many years ago?
TRANSCRIPT: Bob McKenzie Addresses The Brian Burke Rumours - Pension Plan Puppets Uncle Bob plays fireman.
And lastly, continuing our series of videos introducing the lesser-known players in the Stanley Cup Final, here's Dominik from Lighthouse Hockey talking about a familiar character to Preds fans...
For some reason, our afternoon hockey notes are loaded with goaltending stories. Whether you're looking for past (or future) Conn Smythe Trophy winners, a tantalizing tandem developing in Pittsburgh, or a high-paid keeper in need of a career rebound, these articles have you covered...
The Toast of Music City voting is open... consider casting a vote for OTF!
Nashville Predators News
Nashville property tax hike supporters may get drowned out | The Tennessean Preds chairman Tom Cigarran is ready to help support they mayor's proposed tax increase.
New York Rangers Rumors: Should The Rangers Go After Shea Weber? - Blueshirt Banter Rangers fans debate the merits of making a run at The Captain.
2012 NHL Free Agency: Should The Dallas Stars Target Ryan Suter? - Defending Big D How about Sutes in Dallas? Nah, I don't see that happening, but this article does propose an interesting cost-effective alternative.
Preds in review: Sergei Kostitsyn - Predators Insider As long as big brother stays away, SK74 may well be worth keeping.
Around the Wide Wide World of Hockey
Conn Smythe Watch: Jonathan Quick has this thing locked up, right? | Puck Daddy Yup, pretty much.
Down Goes Brown: A look back at the captains who have raised the Cup "2001 - Joe Sakic takes the Cup and hands it directly to Ray Bourque, after realizing that going door-to-door and kicking every Boston Bruins fan in the groin individually would take too long."
Boston Bruins Fans, Media 'Unfriend' Tim Thomas - The Hockey Writers Bob marvels at the outrage being hurled at Thomas these days.
John Tortorella talks about media ‘idiots’ and their ‘tweeters’ with Bob Costas (VIDEO) | Puck Daddy I love it when a coach speaks frankly like this.
Sports Radio Interviews " Blog Archive " Claude Giroux Predicts Ilya Bryzgalov will be the Best Goalie in the League Next Year Somebody has wandered far away from Dry Island.
Driving Play: Tim Thomas - Boston Lead or Floor Team Gold? For a team which needs to satisfy the ever-escalating salary floor, having a suspended goalie sitting on your roster at a $5 million hit could be a very good thing.
What Does Vokoun Trade Mean for Pittsburgh and Fleury? | The Hockey Writers Considering that Marc-Andre Fleury was perhaps one of the most overrated goalies in the league this season, getting a vet like Vokoun for his backup could prove tremendously savvy.
Hurricanes Announce Changes to Hockey Operations Staff - Canes Country Ron Francis continues his climb through the organization.
Did The Kids Make the Oilers Power Play Better? - The Copper & Blue Herein lies a cautionary tale for Predators fans. That league-leading power play was 22nd in terms of shot generation this season, so where do you think they'll rank next season, barring major personnel changes?
And lastly... you've got to love Will Ferrell. This aired at Staples Center last night:
David Poile gave definitive word to Josh Cooper of the Tennesseantoday that the Nashville Predators are through with Alexander Radulov:
"We feel the fit right now is not with Nashville," Poile said. "He is currently in negotiations in the KHL, but still leaving the window open to a possible return to the NHL. I have reached out to a few teams in the NHL to see whether there is any interest. If there is there's the possibility we could trade his rights. But that's where it stands today."
Was it the right move to bring Rads back for the playoff run?
Absolutely.
Could it have blown up in more spectacular fashion?
Not really.
Alexander Radulov
#47 / Right Wing / Nashville Predators
6-1
200
Jul 05, 1986
There was hope that perhaps a few years of experience would bring us a more mature Rads, who might better fit in with Barry Trotz's coaching style. Given the way things went down during the Phoenix series, however, it's hard to see how those two could have worked productively together going forward.
So which do you expect to see more? Rads returning to dominate the KHL, or being traded to another NHL team?
Personally, I've always held the belief that the biggest hockey event on a guy like Radulov's horizon is the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. I can easily imagine that the powers that be over there would dangle a leadership role on the Russian Olympic team as bait for his KHL return.
And if that's the case, I really wouldn't blame him for going back.
At least, we'll always have that goal against Chicago...
What many hoped to be a super sophomore season for Jonathon Blum turned instead into a step backwards, as he started out with the Predators but went back to Milwaukee for AHL duty before the halfway point.
Jonathon Blum
#7 / Defenseman / Nashville Predators
6-1
190
Jan 30, 1989 Contract Status: Restricted Free Agent
GP
G
A
P
+/-
PIM
PPG
SHG
GWG
SOG
PCT
2011 - Jonathon Blum
33
3
4
7
-14
6
0
0
1
25
12.0
After a season which went almost completely opposite to his 2010-2011 campaign, can Blum turn things around and reclaim a spot on the depth chart ahead of other young contenders working their way into the mix?
Expectations
Based on the way 2010-2011 wrapped up, it was hoped that Blum could lock down a regular NHL job on the 2nd or 3rd pair at even strength, and contribute on the second power play unit, manning the right point in relief of Shea Weber while Ryan Ellis worked his way along in Milwaukee.
Heck, I even picked the guy as a depth option on my fantasy team. Whoops.
Results
Perhaps the easiest way to describe Blum's even-strength performance is to use the recent Player Usage Charts 2011-2012 (PDF) published by Rob Vollman. Just read the PDF for the scoop, but there are really five pieces of information to take in here:
1) The placement of each player's bubble from high to low represents tougher or weaker competition faced.
2) Left vs. right reflects how often the player started his shifts in the defensive vs. offensive zone.
3) Blue bubbles reflect a positive influence on Shots For & Against, clear bubbles are negative.
4) The size of each bubble reflects how large that influence was (i.e. small & blue = mildly positive, big & clear = really bad).
5) Purple names denote defensemen, and an asterisk represents a player who switched teams during the year.
Blum generally played with and against 2nd-tier players, and like most of the team, lined up in the defensive end fairly often since the Predators as a whole got out-shot so much. He came out mildly underwater in terms of pushing Shots For & Against in the right direction, but what really made his season look like a stinker was the way the Goals Against piled up.
Last season, when his possession numbers were actually much worse, the hockey gods showered Blum with good fortune, with sky-high Team Shooting and Save Percentages (13.9 & .929) during his ice time. In 2011-2012, however, the pendulum swung the other way (10.1 & .888), with that save percentage being worst on the team by far.
Now, was Blum's play so horrid that he coughed up the worst possible scoring chances night after night, ones which Pekka Rinne couldn't handle? It's possible, and Blum did end up posting a team-worst -11 Plus/Minus in Milwaukee as well (we don't have fancy stats for the AHL).
Where Blum could have saved his figurative bacon, but failed, was on special teams. Despite 33 games of second-unit PP work, he didn't even record a single point with the man advantage, and the team popped in just 1.52 Goals/60 minutes of 5-on-4 ice time when he was out there (by comparison, the Preds finished the season scoring 7.6 Goals/60 in 5-on-4, and even in 5-on-5, they scored 2.5). The penalty kill was a bit of a grease fire, too (11.4 Goals Against/60 in 4-on-5 play, worst on the team by a country mile).
Season Highlight
Blum scored the game winner back on November 3rd as the Predators skated into Phoenix and took a 3-0 victory over the Coyotes:
Outlook
So, after two seasons of split duty between the NHL and AHL, we have a guy whose only positive impact in the big leagues came at the end of the 2010-2011 season thanks to ridiculously fortunate puck luck. The signs are tilting negatively right now on Blum's NHL future, but at age 23 there is still hope that he can develop into a reliable puck-mover.
With the number of young defensemen competing for ice time in Nashville, however, Blum is running out of chances. Stay tuned for what should be a very interesting competition during training camp this fall.
The Nashville Predators are pulling out all the stops to get Pekka Rinne on the cover of EA Sports' NHL13, and with today being the final day of voting, they've chipped in with some added incentive for you to get voting. As of the last report, Pekka was trailing Philadelphia's Claude Giroux, but we can all expect a big push in these final hours.
This afternoon, from 1:30-3:30, the Predators will have computers set up at the Vanderbilt Dunkin Donuts (1500 21st Ave. S.), and if you stop by to cast your vote, you'll get a free donut for your troubles, courtesy of the Preds and Best Buddies (the charity which head coach Barry Trotz supports so avidly).
covervote.nhl.com
So keep on voting this afternoon (the polls close at 10:59 p.m. Central), and if you have a chance, swing by the Vanderbilt area and pick up a free donut!
While the first goal may have been a bit debatable, by the end of last night's Game 3 there was no doubt about which team will hoist the Stanley Cup in just a matter of days. The Los Angeles Kings now stand on the brink of their first championship thanks to a 4-0 victory over New Jersey last night,
The Toast of Music City voting is open... consider casting a vote for OTF!
Nashville Predators News
Monday Night Forehand 06/04 by HasBeenSports | Blog Talk Radio Big Ben & Justin captured the giddiness that sets in after hours and hours of #VoteRinne keyboard banging.
Potential Edmonton Oilers Free Agent Targets | The Hockey Writers Edmonton could absolutely use a stud D-man like Suter, but I can't see him choosing to go there.
Around the Wide Wide World of Hockey
Stanley Cup Final Game 3 Recap: Quick and the Penalty Kill Spark the Team - Jewels From The Crown Yup, goaltending has proven to be a big edge in this series.
Los Angeles Kings Stanley Cup Finals 2012: an appreciation of fans : All Things Avalanche Colorado Adrian Dater tips his hat to the L.A. faithful.
Will the Kings success lead to Paul Holgrem's demise? | Puck Drunk Love Does the march of Jeff Carter and Mike Richards to a Stanley Cup reflect badly on Philadelphia for trading both of them last summer? It's not really Holmgren's fault, as reports at the time indicated he was pretty much ordered to do it.
Stanley Cup Finals — Devils’ Thorny Financial History Repeats - NYTimes.com Just as in New Jersey's first trip to the Stanley Cup Final in 1995, financial turmoil surrounds the team. Unlike last time, however, Nashville isn't waiting in the wings for ownership to use as a point of leverage.
Curious case of Tim Thomas, NHL's drug policy + 30 Thoughts | Hockey | CBC Sports Goalies are different, and apparently, Thomas is even more so.
New Coyotes owner to receive at least $15-million a year from Glendale - The Globe and Mail Events in Phoenix are inching closer to a conclusion.
Report: Canadiens to Name Michel Therrien as Head Coach | All Habs It's back to the future in Montreal, as Michel Therrien gets a second chance as Habs head coach.
Crosby plans to be involved in CBA talks | ProHockeyTalk The players are getting warmed up for what should be a contentious negotiation.
Brown, Doan, Callahan finalists for Messier Award - 2012 NHL Awards Here are your three contenders for what's really a pretty redundant award. We already have the Masterton, Lady Byng, and King Clancy honoring various characteristics.
Xbox 360 video gets 35 new content providers, 24/7 live ESPN video -- Engadget NHL GameCenter Live on an XBox 360? I presume that's good news for some hockey fans.
Lastly, a few of us are doing a video series on relatively unknown players in the Stanley Cup Final, so here's Jen from Anaheim Calling with a rival's perspective on the L.A. Kings' Brad Richardson:
The New Jersey Devils face dire circumstances tonight in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final (7:00 p.m. Central on NBC Sports), as they head into Los Angeles down 2-0. The Kings, who are much more used to the burden of long flights and time zone changes than the Devils (just check my NHL Super Schedule), not only have the advantage of home ice tonight, but they'll get an unexpected boost from the return to action by Simon Gagne.
Follow after the jump for more on Game 3, and an interview with Pekka Rinne as we approach the end of the NHL13 cover voting...
The Toast of Music City voting is open... consider casting a vote for OTF!
Nashville Predators News
Predators' Goalie Pekka Rinne joins the Sports Revolution 6-4-12 by 1025thegame Head over here to listen to Pekka Rinne's segment on 102.5 this afternoon, as he called in all the way from Finland.
Smashville 24/7 - Can the Preds only go so far to re-sign Suter? Jacob Underwood wonders what the team's financial limits are when it comes to negotiating a long-term contract.
Preds in review: Patric Hornqvist - Predators Insider Josh takes his look at the Preds' shot-aholic.
Around the Wide Wide World of Hockey
A Deal With The Devils | Overtime It appears that Martin Brodeur will go to ANY lengths to win just one more Stanley Cup.
After bus-based conference playoffs, Devils OK with flying to West Coast time | Puck Daddy The Devils have had it easy for the last month.
Simon Gagne likely in for Game 3, and we're all officially Kings fans - Broad Street Hockey A surprising development in L.A., as the scoring winger is set to play for the first time in 5 months.
Stanley Cup Ratings Drop Nothing To Do With Players Being 'Too Nice' - SBNation.com Why aren't the TV ratings better for this final?
Caps trade Tomas Vokoun to Penguins for seventh-round draft pick - Capitals Insider - The Washington Post Does this help set the market for guys headed towards unrestricted free agency? If so, yuck.
Tim Thomas, Peter Chiarelli, the CBA and the Bruins' Current Mess (And How to get Out of It) - Stanley Cup of Chowder While Thomas retreats to his bunker, how will Boston deal with the fallout?
On the NHL combine, and puking after the Wingate test | Backhand Shelf I think I'll try puking in my next job interview, we'll see how that goes.
In Hockey Enforcer’s Descent, Easy Access to Prescriptions - NYTimes.com When a hockey player has trouble with addiction to painkillers, to what lengths should the league and his team go to make sure any doctors treating him are aware of that issue? It sounds like Derek Boogaard was given one prescription after another.
KuklasKorner : Scary news from Russia: Vladimir Krutov hospitalized, in serious condition due to internal bleeding Sad news regarding one third of the famed "KLM" line from the 1980's.
