Hockey Tonkin’ – New Guys in the Lineup

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I feel like a ton has happened in the last week. The Nashville Predators made two trades at the deadline, acquiring Mikael Granlund and Wayne Simmonds. On the ice, they won two games in a shootout and lost two divisional games. Four out of eight possible points this week, but you still can’t help but feel there’s more out there for the team. Only 14 games to go before the real fun begins. The Preds currently sit in second place in the Central, meaning their current playoff matchup would be the St. Louis Blues. That’ll be a tough first round matchup.

POILE AT THE DEADLINE

David Poile pulled off two trades on Monday and I like both a lot. We talked about what the trades mean for the Preds on Talking Preds, but these were good, smart hockey moves. The first trade was getting Granlund from Minnesota for Kevin Fiala. It’s no secret that Fiala has struggled a bit this season, but honestly who hasn’t on the Preds this year? Good chance for him to restart and the Preds get a forward who is a proven scorer.

Granlund will hopefully get the second line going again because right now, they aren’t cutting it. He’s also under contract for one more season which is good for the Preds.

The second trade came literally at the deadline. I believe there was less than two minutes left when the paperwork was submitted. Poile went out and got him another big power forward to help beef up the Preds’ lineup with Simmonds in exchange for Ryan Hartman and a conditional pick.

Love the move. Hartman just hasn’t worked out here, and Poile was willing to admit his mistake from last season. Simmonds brings even more toughness and grit in anticipation for a first round matchup with either the Jets or the Blues.

POWER PLAY SHOWING LIFE?

First off, the Preds power play is in no way dangerous right now, but you can start to see some adjustments and better looks coming. The Preds did score a PP goal against Winnipeg on Friday night from P.K. Subban. There’s still a ton of work for them to do, but having Boyle and Simmonds out there screening the goalie and now Granlund making plays, there might some improvement. Who knows, maybe they’ll get hot right about the time the playoffs start?

THREE STARS OF THE WEEK

First Star – P.K. Subban – Two goals and an assist this week. He says he’s finally feeling 100% and wants to play his best hockey going forward. The Preds could really use his offense down the stretch.

Second Star – Mikael Granlund – Granlund has come in and done exactly what the Preds needed him to do. He picked up an assist, his first point as a Pred, on Friday night. He’s looked pretty good on the power play too. Hopefully they’ll start connecting a little more now.

Third Star – David Poile – Two really good trades this week from Poile. He went out and filled two big holes on the Preds roster and didn’t give up much of anything. He also held on to his first round pick, Tolvanen, and Fabbro. Let’s see how these moves play out.

THE WEEK AHEAD

Not a whole lot this week. The Preds will face the Minnesota Wild again on Tuesday night at Bridgestone Arena. After several days off, they’ll hit the ice again on Saturday night to face the red hot Carolina Hurricanes. The Preds seem to struggle with them, so they better bring their A-game that night. This little break is coming at a perfect time honestly. It should give Granlund and Simmonds time to get on the ice and practice with their new teammates.

Be sure to check out the Talking Preds Podcast. New episodes almost weekly. Be sure to follow along on Twitter and Facebook for live tweeting during the games along with something new we’re trying out. For certain games, I’ll be jumping on live during intermissions, pre-game, or post-game with thoughts on the game. Love to have some good hockey discussion so follow along and let me know what you guys think.

Herbie Brooks is the Lead Nashville Predators Analyst for SoBros Network. He knows three things: beating Commies, winning Gold Medals, and having great hair. Follow him on Twitter: @SoBroHerbie_B

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