On The Forecheck

Ridiculous blue lines, superstars, and the return of Craig Smith. The Nashville Predators have had plenty of draft gaffes throughout their history, from taking Brian Finley sixth overall to selecting Miikka Salomäki ahead of Nikita Kucherov; as a fan who is continually frustrated by the organization’s struggles to produce skilled, high-scoring forwards, I know I’ve spent plenty … [Read more...] about Optimizing Nashville’s Draft Classes, Part 3: 2008-2012

Photo by Dave Reginek/NHLI via Getty Images Questions of what’s up with the Preds’ season continue. Nashville Predators News Predators’ COO: “We’re Better When We’re Diverse and Embrace Differences” | The Hockey News on Sports IllustratedNashville’s Michelle Kennedy speaks about diversity and hockey in the South. Keep leading the way, Smashville. Has Matt Duchene … [Read more...] about Wednesday’s Dump & Chase: Hump Day Links

Broadway is packed with up-and-coming bands. One of them happened to be in the Nashville Predators’ locker room. When you put an NHL team in the heart of Nashville, just a short walk from where legends like Hank, Johnny, Loretta, and Dolly cut their teeth at the Mother Church, you can expect music to be a central part of its DNA. Such was the case in the early days of the … [Read more...] about OFFSIDES: The story behind the Predators’ cover band

Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports Yes, you read that correctly. Two power play goals. The Nashville Predators entered Motor City on the heels of a comeback victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets. Now, Nashville looked to win consecutive games for the first time since January 27th. Pekka Rinne got the start in goal, and Ryan Johansen returned to play as the Predators … [Read more...] about Nashville Predators 2, Detroit Red Wings 0: Forsberg, Tolvanen Shine on Power Play

Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images It’s a race to the...somewhere. The Nashville Predators take on the Detroit Red Wings in tonight’s game. … [Read more...] about Game Thread: Predators vs. Red Wings 2/23/21

Eamon sat down with Kelly Hinkle of Broad Street Hockey to check in on the Flyers. Hello there! Welcome to Around the League, a show where OTF’s very own Eamon Smith takes a look outside the division with the help of our sister sites. Kicking off this series is an interview with the one and only Kelly Hinkle, an Associate Editor with Broad Street Hockey. In an interview that … [Read more...] about OTF Podcast Presents: Around the League – Philadelphia Flyers Edition

Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODA Who or what is to blame for the Duchene disappointment in Smashville? Matt Duchene walked into what he thought would be a terrific opportunity with the Nashville Predators and discovered that instead of a good old-fashioned family Christmas dinner, he was suddenly at the table with the Griswolds. It is difficult to meet high expectations … [Read more...] about What is the deal with Matt Duchene?

Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images The last two weeks’ worth of ice is finally melting here—but the ice in Bridgestone is ready to go! Smashville News: If the Preds trade Mattias Ekholm, what might the return be? | On the ForecheckI knew in the back of my mind that the Preds probably couldn't wrangle Mattias Ekholm's next contract when they brought in Matt … [Read more...] about Tuesday’s Dump & Chase: Ice Melt

Photo by Jason Mowry/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images Building, yet tearing down? No one knows. Nashville Predators The Predators put together a nice comeback victory in Columbus over the weekend. Calle Jarnkrok scored twice and Filip Forsberg’s back is probably sore from carrying the team this season. Ben Harpur entered the lineup in place of Jarred Tinordi, and geez, … [Read more...] about Predators vs. Red Wings 2/23/21 Preview: Building