Requiem for Nashville

The image you see has absolutely nothing to do with the eulogy that I am about to deliver for the Nashville Predators.  Actually, it does, since Preds fans have been known to throw catfish onto the ice after a Preds goal, but that's beside the point.  Where was I?  Oh yeah, today, we are gathered here today to say goodbye to the 2010-2011 Nashville Predators.

This year's Predators were unlike every other team in years past.  Sure, they play quite possibly the most boring style of hockey west of New Jersey, and sure, naming five Predators players can be quite a task (before this year's playoffs).  However, Nashville reached new highs with an appearance in the second round this year and quite possibly the most complete team in franchise history.  All of this was made possible thanks to consistency in the front office and behind the bench, things the Atlanta Thrashers and Columbus Blue Jackets could learn from.  From the very beginning in 1998, the Predators have been GM David Poile, coach Barry Trotz, and the first ever draft pick in David Legwand.  If you were to ask me how the Predators could have competed for the Stanley Cup in any season, it begins with the players buying into Trotz's coaching philosophies, no matter who suits up in a Predators uniform and even after thirteen years behind the bench.  The current Predators can hang their hat on Pekka Rinne, who could very well be a much taller version of Dominik Hasek in that Rinne can steal a few games for them, and almost has to most of the time.  Don't forget about Shea Weber (if he resigns with the team) and his menacing slapshot from the blueline or his defense partner Ryan Suter, the foundation for a defense first mentality that builds towards the frontlines.  Want offense?  Patric Hornqvist has posted back-to-back 30 goal seasons, and combine that with Mike Fisher, who could very well be Nashville's first face of the franchise (being married to Carrie Underwood has its benefits), and playoff breakout Joel Ward, and Nashville has all the makings of a great team.  Alas, it wasn't meant to be this year, as they just simply ran into a team that was more talented than them.  It was never about heart for Nashville, for they have always had that, even when the arena was less than capacity, which is the truest testament to the team and the front office.

As I wrap up this eulogy, let us remember the good times this team had this year, and the way they went out, like real champions.  Nashville Predators, you were a worthy opponent, but the talent level was simply not enough to overcome a team that has all the motivation in the world to win it all.