SMASHVILLE!

    In case you didn't know, I'm a huge Preds fan. I remember the moment I was hooked: back in 2012 I went to my first Preds playoff hockey game. The crowd was electric, the speed of the game was great, and drinking heavily was a part of the game. Over the last 5 years, I have attended multiple games and bought ticket packages at for the last 3 years. I have learned the game and it is incredible to me how similar the flow is to basketball. The more I watch, the more I enjoy the game. (I also love how the Preds were put together by GM Poile) 

    All that being said, what is happening in Nashville this year has some how gone up 2-3 levels. Dan came in to Nashville and actually attended a game (shockingly we lost the first home playoff game in 11 games with him in the building). Dan and I then texted about how incredible the atmosphere is and how playoff hockey is the best live sporting event. For some reason, there seems to be an easy crossover from wrestling fans to hockey fans. In fact, one of the best things about this playoff run has come from NXT wrestler Bobby Roode's entrance music "Glorious Domination". Not sure why the Preds started using this, but late in the season they would play it after home wins. Now it plays 3-7 times per game. Not to mention 100s of times by fans  me (luckily my wife loves it or she would've killed me by now). If you haven't paid attention to the Preds or NHL, maybe this will help.

I went ahead and compared each player in PCTI to a Nashville Predator. This comes on the heels of Deuce putting all of us on blast this weekend (while we were chilling at the lake) saying the blog was dead this year. Deuce, this is for you:

Abe – Pekka Rinne

Big frame for a goalie, lots of energy and likes to handle the puck just like Abe in PCTI. Abe occasionally will get lost on D or make a bad turnover which is similar to Pekka giving up some soft goals every so often (usually stick side). With both of these guys, if they are locked in, there is no one else you’d rather have.

Bruise – Cody McLeod

Some Preds fans aren’t crazy about McLeod because he is not the most athletic hockey player and struggles with speed players at time but I love the dude. Both he and Bruise are heady players that are going to give maximum effort. The biggest reason I love McLeod is he has his teammates back no matter what. He gets in more fights because the other team gave a cheap shot to another guy than anyone I’ve seen (yes, he is missing his front two teeth). I get the same feeling with Bruiser around.

Rainbow – Colton Sissons

When I played in Dallas a few months back, I was really impressed with Rainbows play. Played with an edge and aggressiveness I was not expecting. Sissons has also impressed me with his play this postseason and had a hat trick in game 6 of the Western Conference Finals playing center for the injured Johansen and Fisher. He has gotten a reputation as a hard worker and solid two-way player, just as I suspect we will be talking about Rainbow after 8.

Andy C. – Frederick Gaudreau

Gaudreau is someone that most Preds fans were googling once Joey and Fish went down. He worked his way up from Milwaukee (farm team) to Nashville for 9 games in the regular season (which I don’t remember) but has been called upon in the playoffs. He has played well in the playoffs due to hustle and not being out of position, but hasn’t impacted the games a lot. I like his potential for the future. I know about as much about Gaudreau and Andrew C. Both worked their way into the big leagues from the farm system.

Spotlight – Kevin Fiala

Kevin Fiala really came on for the Preds this year. Spot and Fiala both lack size in their normal positions, but they make up for it with scoring potential. Fiala was having a great playoff until he broke his femur in the series against the Blues. Spot may not have the explosiveness Fiala has, but he is an efficient scorer.

Beas – Viktor Arvidsson

Arvi was tough to give out but ultimately, I though Beas was a good match. Arvi exploded this year for the Preds giving them some much needed scoring. I think Beas was a good comparison because if you watch Arvidsson you will notice that he hustles every play and scraps to create opportunities. His size is an issue at times and most people think he is just a pure scorer, he has been on the PK (penalty kill) quite a bit these playoffs. Beas is similar in he is one of the hardest competing players in PCTI.

BC – James Neal

This one was easy. Neal, the former Penguin, has great size for his position and has great scoring instinct. He has a good shot from outside but also loves to get in front of the net and create scoring opportunities. BC has a good outside shot, good size, and creates opportunities being in front of the hoop in the post and on O boards. The best part is the biggest knock on Neal is he brats out and gets bad penalties. Sound familiar?

Joe – PK Subban

The reason for this comparison is mainly due to off court/ice. Both love to promote “their brand”. Both love to joke around and have a good time. Both are well known ladies’ men. Both have huge dicks (confirmed). They surprisingly have similar on court/ice games as well. Pernell Karl is explosive and an excellent skater but his biggest flaw is over-handling the puck and trying to do too much at times. Also, the old white dudes with the NHL hate how he “showboats”, just like Sabin hates when Joe is hot dogging for the camera.

DK – Ryan Johansen

Some flaws with this comparison as Johansen is big for the center position and the complaint against him has been that he is lazy on ice at times. That was not the case during this playoff run and “Joey” established himself as one of the games best playmakers. He is a great passer and handles the puck incredibly well. DK is known as a good passer that limits his turnovers. Another reason Joey has been good this postseason is he started shooting more which caused more goals for him and his teammates just as DK did last PCTI. Too bad the Preds lost him last round due to Corey Perry being a huge douche.

Ben - Filip Forsberg

Here is how they compare: both are fan favorites, both are surprisingly physical forces, both have sneaky good speed, and both explosive scorers. Scoresberg has rose to the occasion time and time again. He is one of the leaders even though he is not too outspoken. He is more consistent on the defensive end then Ben. Forsberg is an ELITE NHL player, some say the same for Ben.

Scott -  Colin Wilson

Wilson is a big-time player who shows up when it matters most. Both these guys have great size and scoring abilities. Wilson was given the nickname “Playoff Wilson” he has produced at a much greater volume in the postseasons than regular. The up and down of both these players is what defines them. Will we get regular season Donley or Playoff Donley at PCTI8?

AHOP – Roman Josi

The easy comparison is the stunning good looks. Josi is an elite defender who has not been talked about much this playoffs with PK and Ellis playing well. He is consistent and moves the puck really well. I try and focus on D and moving the ball as well. But again, it is mainly due to good looks.

TP – Ryan Ellis

Ellis and TP are completely different physically. On court/ice, they are much more similar. Good defensive players that play physical to create advantages. Ellis has come on strong on the offensive side in 2017 and likes to fly around trying to create opportunities with speed and force. When Ellis or TP have a big offensive game, their team is usually successful.

Smo – Yannick Weber

Both do not do well against physical play. Nor Weber or Smo have much scoring prowess. You know what you are getting from both these guys, a few solid minutes to play defense and keep the ball/puck moving and be in the right place.

Sabin – Fish

The wily old veteran, Mike Fisher was an easy comparison for Sabes. The Preds captain has been dealing with injuries during the Stanley Cup Playoffs but he is so valuable. He isn’t the most explosive, doesn’t have the best speed, but he is in position and gives max effort on both the offensive and defensive end. I would describe Sabin’s game the same with more offensive firepower. Some have speculated this is Fisher’s last run with the Preds, but hopefully we aren’t discussing retirement for either of these guys. Biggest difference between Sabin and Fish:

Deuce – Gnash

Known for entering on a four-wheeler or descending from the ceiling, the fans are always glad to see Gnash. Both Deuce and Gnash don’t have to say much to understand they are badasses. But the most notable similarity is they are constantly surrounded by beautiful women.

LET'S GO PREDS!!!