Congrats to the Nashville Predators, My Western Conference Home Team

Unfortunately, the Vancouver Canucks eliminated the Nashville Predators Monday, but oh what a season it’s been. I’d venture to say it’s been the best season in the history of the franchise. Nashville went where the team had not gone before:

• First time in franchise history they won a play off series


• First time in franchise history they won a game when facing elimination.

Aside from play off success, the team also had several players and staff nominated for NHL Awards:

• Pekka Rinne – finalist for the Vezina Award


• Shea Weber – finalist for the Norris Trophy


• David Poile – finalist for the best GM


• Barry Trotz – finalist for the Jack Adams Award

Unfortunately for Pekka, Tim Thomas will probably win the Vezina. Shea faces the same fate as the Norris will probably be going home with Nick Lidstrom. I think Poile and Trotz absolutely have chances at winning their awards though. Every year they work with limited budgets and various other constraints and almost every season the team, who has no real super stars, make the play offs.


It seems that making it to the 2nd round of the play offs brought the team some more coverage by markets that usually don't watch Preds games. I know at least the TSN guys finally learned what a Tootoo whistle was!


Congratulations Predators and Smashville on a glorious, but still too short, season!