Predators' Falling on Prehistoric Times

NASHVILLE, TN - The Predators find themselves on a 2-8-2 run in their last 12 games. Earning them a total of 6 pts of a possible 24. The recent decline down the standings could be a result of Crosby's injury problems. Or the recent deal that saw the Predators deal Kyle Okposo and Michael del Zotto to the Boston Bruins in exchange for Jonas Brodin and a 2nd Rnd Pick. 

The decision to trade Kyle Okposo left some fans feeling bitter towards management, dealing a player who had great chemistry with Crosby and was helping the offense score a lot of goals. But the deal also reinforces Wolfs commitment for the future, and not the now. However, fans are growing a little inpatient as the Predators are falling out of the playoff picture fast, and what could eventually lead the Predators on the outside of the playoff picture looking in, for the 3rd time in 4 seasons.

For a team that boasts arguably the two best players in the game in Crosby and McDavid, you gotta wonder, this team should of been a lock for the post-season. "Crosby has been hindered by injuries all year, so that doesn't help" Wolf defended himself. "He was leading the league in scoring by like 10 pts for a couple of weeks there before he got injured."

Trading Okposo was a hit to the Preds' offense as well. Okposo had built some great chemistry with Crosby on the top line and was nearly a point per game player during his tenure with the Predators. But again, Wolf defended the deal. "We will miss Okposo and his contributions he made, but we simply do not have all the chips to go all in on this season. So until we have all the pieces we need to make a legitimate run for the cup, I am going to keep building this teams future."

Jonas Brodin was originally the 123rd overall pick in the EHE Inaugural Draft. After 3 seasons with the Avalanche, he had short stints with the Rangers and the Bruins, before finding his permanent home in Nashville.

Wolf said the team will make final decisions during the all-star break of their internal plans for the rest of this season, but ultimately they aren't going to be buyers. "A lot of teams are calling me, offering me their veterans for our younger players, and then they are shocked when I say we aren't buying." Wolf said. "Buying has honestly never really been part of my philosophy, and I just don't see the point in buying in this league when those players are just going to hit the UFA market and we're out in the first round in the playoffs with not as bright of a future."

Still, as the unrest grows with the fans in Nashville, it is hard to explain some of the decisions that management looms over the team. The fans just want playoff hockey in Nashville, but it looks as though there may be more growing pains among the horizon...

Miracously, the Predators still cling to a wildcard spot despite only earning 6 pts out of a possible 24 in their last 12 games... so who knows, maybe there are stranger stories ahead for the Predators this season.... stay tuned