On the Forecheck
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What next?
by Forechecker on 01/19/09 at 11:08 AM ET
Comments (4)
It was probably for the best that upon coming home from Saturday’s awful 7-2 loss to Atlanta, I found my internet connection down. That prevented my posting one of those “fire ‘em all” type of posts that would have felt good to get out of my system, but would hardly have been productive. Given the ideal stage to make a statement to the city of Nashville (huge crowd, crappy opponent, and the Tennessean‘s sports columnist making his first trip to a game this year), the Preds came out and tripped over their own feet, bloodied their nose and stumbled weakly back to the dressing room to a chorus of boos. At least, to some extent, it was entertaining, if tragic comedy is your thing.
With that in mind, I want to introduce a weekly feature here called, “Preds Question of the Week”, in which I want to get your opinion on a particular topic.
So I ask you this morning… ”What’s the Next Step?”
We all knew headed into this season that depth on the wings was the glaring weakness on this Predators team, thanks in large part to the unexpected (and uncompensated) loss of Alexander Radulov. While Steve Sullivan’s return has been a nice bonus, he’ll need at least a few more games before things really start clicking; passes have been ever-so-slightly off the mark, and right now any offensive contribution on his part is pure gravy.
This morning the Tennessean broke down the failure four prospects (Jones, Hornqvist, Pihlstrom & Santorelli) to make a significant offensive impact, and we can’t honestly be surprised by this. I projected Jones and Hornqvist for 30 and 33 points each, respectively, prior to the season, and while they were headed that way through the first quarter of the season, their return to the AHL pretty much quashes the chance of attaining even that minimal level of production.
David Poile had every opportunity to lock up veteran Jan Hlavac prior to the season, and for a reasonable salary, the 32 year-old Czech winger was an excellent fit on the Legwand line last spring. At least with Hlavac you knew what you were getting; a 10-20 goal scorer who was reasonably effective along the boards, a role player but definitely an NHL-caliber role player. What Poile opted for instead was to leave two forward slots available for rookies, starting first with Jones and Hornqvist, and switching up over time in an effort to get something going.
What is obvious to this point, however, is that none of the four is ready to produce at the NHL level, and if this team is going to compete for a playoff spot, something needs to be done. Lines have been shuffled, the road to Milwaukee has been well traveled, and even a full productive Steve Sullivan won’t answer all the problems up front.
So chime in, already; what’s the Next Step that the Predators need to take? Do they fire Barry Trotz? Trade a player or two and pack it in for this year? Deal some draft picks and bring in a rental?
All I know is, something’s gotta change.
Filed in: Nashville Predators | On the Forecheck | Permalink
Tags: antti+pihlstrom, mike+santorelli, patric+hornqvist, ryan+jones,
Comments
Jones and Hornquist are not ready to produce? Hornqvist had 7 points in 15 games. Jones consistantly drives the nets on the PP and rubs his backside in the goalie’s face (our only player willing to do this) - of which he is frequently the player who draws the penalties. They may not be ready to produce on a Dumont/Erat level, but I think they are ready.
Also, we have to give up someone on defense who can draw a worthwhile return. Getting another 3rd line grinder for trading Koistenin or DeVries is unacceptable…
Hamhius for Higgins
Posted by kakemono on 01/19/09 at 11:45 AM ET
I’d certainly put Jones at the top of the foursome in terms of ability to contribute right now, as at least he does generate PP opportunities, and I’d rank Hornqvist ahead of Pihlstrom, too.
What really surprises me is that after the post-game demotions of Jones and Santorelli back to Milwaukee, the Preds have only 20 players on the active roster. I would think they’d give Hornqvist another shot, if only to have that spare guy available if someone gets hurt prior to tonight’s game with New Jersey.
Posted by Forechecker from Nolensville, TN on 01/19/09 at 11:52 AM ET
I think the pressure on Trotz may finally reach a boil. He may last the season, but unless we make the playoffs again, I don’t think he returns next year.
Beyond that, i’m not sure. Ownership doesn’t know hockey and doesn’t pretend to. They are telling Poile to run the show. This is his team and there isn’t a GM in the league with a more secure job.
So with that said, Poile’s likely course of action will be to bring up few more AHLers and hope for the best...which isn’t much of a plan. We’ll likely miss the playoffs, let Trotz go. In a good scenario Sully gives us a “thanks for sticking with me” discount and resigns. We let Koistinen go, bring on Colin Wilson, and Sulzer next year. Probably do a goalie swap again and trade Ellis, make Rinne the #1, bring up either Pikard or McIn-whatever-his-name-is as the backup. Might look for more veteran “leadership” and look for a Martin Gelinas style cheap grinder that is “good in the locker room”.
What needs to happen?
Trade Koistinen and Hornqvist for a cheap but decent 2nd liner (similar to Hlavic) this year. Poile needs to sit Trotz down and put some pressure on him. Mitch Korn needs to tell Trotz to quit killing goalies. Bring Jones and Santorelli back up and play them where they belong - with talent, not grinders. Oh, and let DeVries rot on the vine. Maybe waivers. Not even trade bait at this point.
Posted by pwnicholson from Nashville, TN on 01/19/09 at 01:13 PM ET
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About On the Forecheck
Dirk Hoag is the Forechecker, churner of NHL stats and analysis. Having started over 10 years ago writing for websites like In the Crease and e-Sports, Dirk launched On The Forecheck in 2005 to cover the Nashville Predators as well as apply statistical analysis to NHL hockey.
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I think we both know they aren’t going to spend money on a “name” rental. I’ve already heard season ticket holders who have been around since day 1 griping about what a joke the current management is....the exact words used were “they are just wanting to stay afloat so we don’t end up like Phoenix” I didn’t go to the game, but was in the discussion at Eddie Georges’ old bar across the street.....
Posted by Yzerman19 from Nashville on 01/19/09 at 11:30 AM ET