Nashville Predators: 5 Thoughts For Friday, February 16th
The line blender is an old friend of many coaches in the NHL. The Nashville Predators and Toronto Maple Leafs are prime examples of that friendship.
This week’s five thoughts are going to be less thought out, and that’s on me. It’s been a busy week to say the least. But enough excuses, let’s dive in. The newest line in Toronto has been routing opponents for the last two weeks now. The Marner-Kadri-Marleau line has been offensively dominant, even if they leave the Leafs wanting in the defensive zone. They remind me of the Fiala-Turris-Smith line in their hot early days for the Nashville Predators.
There are a few differences between the two coaches though, the main being that one is barely half of the other. The best evidence is that Mike Babcock is capable of making changes.
5. The Definition Of Insanity
I’ve talked a lot about high danger chances and their importance, but no change is ever made. The Predators seem content to let Pekka Rinne bail them out time and time again. In the same vein, the Predators’ power play will not adjust. There’s too much talent to believe that it’s a personnel issue, which leads me to believe it’s a coaching issue. The biggest issue being zone entries, which are absolutely horrible as evidenced by Thursday’s game. Something has to change, and Laviolette has made it clear that he’s unwilling to do so.
4. Seattle Incoming
The Seattle ownership group has filed the correct paperwork and put up the 10 million dollar down payment. So there will probably a conference realignment incoming. Maybe then we’ll get rid of this godawful playoff system.
3. Tolvanen Hype
Eeli Tolvanen has been on fire in this year’s Olympics. He’s gone a bit cold in the KHL as of late, but his performance in the international tournament has been awesome. Now, to be fair, he’s played team Norway and team Germany, which are worse than most teams in the KHL. But still, it’s nice to see him dominate.
2. Hall 4 Hart
Remember the 2010 draft? When the talk of the NHL was Taylor Vs Tyler? Good times. Anyways, both players have become elite talents, and while it took longer for Taylor Hall to receive the praise he deserved, he’s earned it. Hall currently has 60 points in 52 games and is driving the Devils. I’m not downplaying their accomplishments, but almost no team is as dependant on one player than the Devils are. Maybe Nathan MacKinnon, but it’s unlikely the Avalanche make the playoffs.
1. Sideways Deals Between LA And Ottawa
Ottawa and LA have completed a trade that has left many whelmed. Marian Gaborik and Nick Shore head to Ottawa while Dion Phaneuf and Nate Thompson go the other way.
Gaborik will be bought out during the summer and Nick Shore is just a replacement for the recently traded Nate Thompson. This is a clear cap dump to sign a certain defenseman, although who knows if it’ll happen. I’m still terrified that Erik Karlsson will make his way down to Tampa.