Besides having a wonderful sense of friendliness and passion for a game we all love, you will find his game sense second to none.

Hang around a bit, you will see.

First of all, don’t question my fanship.

Second, it is perfectly permissible to critique a player’s performance. That is part of true fanship. Otherwise it’s just idol worship.

Third, not once have I ever suggested that Dominik Hasek should shut out the opposition every night. I know perfectly well that goals will be scored on him or any other goalie. To think otherwise is just stupid. However, it’s just as stupid to pretend that a goaltender, however great and famous he may be, never makes a mistake. It’s also stupid to think that only an NHL goaltender is qualified to pass comment on an NHL goaltender’s performance.

I’ve been watching hockey for 12 years. I’ve seen good goals, I’ve seen bad goals. I’ve seen goaltenders made helpless by circumstances beyond their control and I’ve seen goaltenders screwed by their own mistakes. Those situations are easy to distinguish.

I can be argued into giving Hasek a pass on the first goal. The puck’s change in direction came pretty close to him and beat him as he moved side to side. Not a huge deal, but probably a save he would have made on a better night. Whatever.

The second goal, however, was a product of poor positioning. There’s no disputing that. Covering the post when the shooter is at that angle is a fundamental aspect of goaltending. Dom did not cover the post in that situation and therefore opened himself to criticism when the puck went in between him and the post. Vezina/Hart/goal medal/Cup winner or not, it was a weak goal from a technical standpoint.

You can find such criticism hilarious if that floats your boat. Just don’t expect me, or any other fan honest enough with themselves not to see the players on their team as flawless, to laugh with you.

I agree, the game had something of a playoff hockey feel.

As for the crowd, I was impressed by the noise level and their coordination, but less so with their timing. They cheered and booed some pretty mundane things. I also didn’t like how they made at least two calls in favor of the Preds. The officials should have been less influenced by the loud collective gasps of the Nashville fans in response to wild self-inflicted whiplash by a couple Predators.

Scott,

I wouldn’t mind a Nashville first round, but it doesn’t seem likely now.

As for the Preds’ situation, I’d feel more sympathy if they lost the expansion team entitlement mentality they’ve had for their whole history.

Baroque,

I noticed Pavel hit the inside of that post, too. I like your explanation. It’d certainly fit with his reputation as a jokester.

I secretly wish the Preds would run the table and do something special.
Of ALL the teams in the NHL, I feel strongly about their ability as a fan based market, their hunger for a Cup, and their potential do something…sometime. Unfortunately, they have been that way for many years in a row without capitalizing, which destroys corporate backing, and destroys viability.

Any true hockey fan has to look at the Pred situation and be a little sad.

Wings need a new rivalry…besides just Chris Pronger, I need another
TEAM to make the bile tickle the back of my throat!

Aditionally for being a ‘dying’ market in Nashville - you have to give props to the fans who show up for the games. I love how the fans have coordinated chants and cheers that you hear at every game. I wish the Joe could get like that. Makes it feel like a World Cup game.