Just a post to let everyone know that the Nashville Predators are really looking great this year! If you haven't been to a game yet this season, go for it!
I've been to the first two regular-season games. So far (and I do realize that it's only two games' worth of observation) I have been really impressed by their energy, their passing skills, and their defense around their own net. These are three things that I've thought they needed to improve upon in the past years (note that "shoot the puck!" isn't one of my three) and I'm so glad to see how well they're doing.
I have to admit that I was pretty nervous about this year. We got rid of some star players and I was wondering how the leftover guys and any new guys they might sign would do. The leftover guys would have to step up their game and be able to handle a lot more ice time and the new guys would have to try and gel with their new team. I really thought this season was going to start out rough... but get better as the year went on. Hopefully.
So, I was thrilled to see how great the team looked right out of the gate! It looks like our guys from last year are ready to show their stuff with their additional ice time, and I feel like our new guys are really trying to make a name for themselves with their new fan base.
Players I like so far, based on the two games I've seen: Zanon (a.k.a., Shotty McBlockblock), Legwand (he is looking GREAT this year!), Arnott (I've always liked him and am happy to see him get more ice time and recognition), Gelinas (I think he'll bring a lot to our team this year), and Radulov (loved him last year, too -- he's really working for it!).
Also, Mason looks like a total stud out there. I was nervous based on the pre-season stuff I had heard, but he pulled it all together for the regular-season games and looks at least as good as Vokoun. I am so excited for him!
Les and I will probably buy a 13-game pack. Les travels so much and so randomly that it's hard plan ahead and find games that we know he'll be home for. We've bought our tickets opportunistically so far and will probably continue to do that for a lot of the games. But we are loving all the excitement of having a team that's doing great and looking good, despite their off-season drama (I think Barry Trotz looks like he has aged 10 years over the summer)!
