New bench boss for Predators
Posted: May 10, 2014
There will be a new face behind the Nashville Predators
bench for the first time in 15 years as the organization announced the hiring
of Peter Laviolette as its new head coach.
Laviolette will have big shoes to fill as Barry Trotz, who
coached the team since they joined the league, was beloved by both players and
fans, but as Mike Fisher admitted sometimes you need a change.
“Barry was an amazing person and coach and I loved playing
for him,” said Fisher. “When you miss the playoffs two straight years though
you kind of expect some changes in this business.”
Predators general manager admitted the disappointment of
missing the post-season two straight years had an impact on his decision to
make a coaching change.
Laviolette comes to the Predators with a great deal of
experience. Over the course of 12 seasons with three different teams Laviolette
has compiled a career coaching record of 389-282-(25)-63 (866 points), and each
of the three teams improved exponentially in the first full season after he
took the helm.
“I’ve always heard a lot of good things about him as a
person and a coach,” said Fisher. “I’m excited. I think it will be a good
thing. It’s like starting from scratch and you’ve got to earn playing time and
respect from the coach.”
The Predators missed the playoffs by just three points this
season and with a solid nucleus of youth and leadership feel they could be on
the cusp of something exciting.
“I think we’re definitely headed in the right direction,”
said Fisher. “We did a lot of good things this season, but there’s definitely
some areas that need improvement.”
The Predators struggled in shootouts this season and know
that having won a few more could have made a big difference in the standings.
“I’m sure that’s one area Peter will want to see some
improvement,” said Fisher with a bit of a laugh. “We really want to just
improve on what we’ve been building here the last couple years."
While Fisher will enjoy a little time off this summer, he
says he’s already looking forward to training camp.
Predators make coaching change
Posted: April 14, 2014
The Nashville Predators are moving on without the man who
led the team on the ice from Day 1.
Barry Trotz will not return for a 16th season as head coach,
the team announced after a Tennessean report, but he is being offered a
position within the team's hockey operations department.
"Our organization has high expectations and we have not
met them in the past two seasons," general manager David Poile said in a
press release. "As a result, it is my decision and determination that we
need a new voice and a new direction. Our change in direction began over a year
ago as we have made several personnel changes, including trading of long-time
veteran players and a change to our coaching staff last offseason. Our goal is
to return to the playoffs with the ultimate goal of contending for the Stanley
Cup. We know that once we get into the playoffs, anything is possible
Continue reading at www.tennessean.com…
Predators finish season on a high note
Posted: April 13, 2014
The Nashville Predators finished strong, even if was for
naught.
The Minnesota Wild are hoping this is only the start.
Craig Smith had two goals and two assists, and the Predators
used a second-period barrage against goalie Ilya Bryzgalov to beat the
playoff-bound Wild 7-3 on Sunday.
"Like the last exhibition game before the start of a
season, always happy to have that one over with," Wild coach Mike Yeo
said.
Continue reading at www.tsn.ca…
Rinne earns shutout against Coyotes
Posted: April 11, 2014
Pekka Rinne’s milestone win dealt a serious blow to
Phoenix's playoff hopes.
Rinne made 29 saves to lead the Nashville Predators to a 2-0
win over the Coyotes on Thursday night.
Craig Smith and Patric Hornqvist scored for Nashville, which
has won four of its last five.
"This group, as I have been saying all year, has a lot
of character," Predators coach Barry Trotz said. "There's only one
way to play, and that's play the right way. This group plays the right
way."
Continue reading at www.tsn.ca…
