Amanda DiPaolo
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Posts by Amanda DiPaolo
Moving on to Smashville24/7
3 months ago
by Amanda DiPaolo
in Uncategorized
Writing at Inside Smashville has been a fantastic opportunity. I have enjoyed covering the games, practices and morning skates of the Nashville Predators. I intend to continue to do so, but at a different venue. I have decided to shift gears, ever so slightly. Starting with tonight’s game against San Jose, I am joining Ryan Porth and Robby Stanley at Smashville247.net.
The move to Smashville24/7 guarantees comprehensive coverage of the Nashville Predators, from game stories to features and news about the team.
Thank you for reading Inside Smashville and hope to see you at Smashville24/7.
Better effort, but same result; Predators fall 4-3 in shootout to Blues
4 months ago
by Amanda DiPaolo
in Game Recap
Just two games into the 2012-13 season, the Nashville Predators remain winless, dropping both contests in a shootout to division foes.
Leading 3-2 in the third period, Nashville allowed the St. Louis Blues to tie the game with just under 8 minutes remaining in regulation.
Despite the frustrating loss, Predators forward Mike Fisher saw a silver lining.
“It was a battle all game going back and forth. I thought we played better than Saturday night. Many parts of our game were better. We gave ourselves a chance again, but we came up short in the shootout. It is frustrating, but overall it was better.”
After going 1-for-1 on the power play in Saturday night’s shootout loss to Columbus, two of Nashville’s three goals were scored with the man advantage on Monday night.
The Predators had 7 power-play chances, with the last coming less than a minute after the Blues tied the game in the middle of the third period, but Nashville was unable to register a shot on goal.
“Guys were getting tired, you could see it,” Fisher explained. “It was one of those points in the game where we have to be sharp. We had been rolling three (lines) and the guys were getting tired, and they were pressuring us a little bit more, but we had to make that one count.”
Fisher picked up his first goal of the season late in the first period. With Roman Polak in the penalty box for interference, Fisher beat Jaroslav Halak when he took a feed from Martin Erat in front of the net.
“It was just a breakout power play. We threw them something a little bit different. It was a great play up the middle by (Patric) Hornqvist, and Marty (Erat) saw me streaking in and made a great play,” Fisher said.
Colin Wilson opened scoring 9:10 into the first period, but the Blues answered just over a minute later when rookie Vladimir Tarasenko beat goaltender Pekka Rinne. Tarasenko has five points in two games, including two goals and three assists.
Andy McDonald and Fisher exchanged power play goals to keep things even after the opening frame.
Hornqvist gave the Predators the lead just 7:07 into the second period when his backhand shot beat Halak, chasing him from the net. The power-play tally was the third point for Hornqvist on the night. Brian Elliott took over goaltending duties for the Blues, shutting down Nashville’s offense.
With two shootout losses to open the season, the Predators play again tomorrow when they face Ryan Suter and the Minnesota Wild.
Money not ‘the big point’ for Klein in getting contract extension done
8 months ago
In the final hours of the NHL’s now expired collective bargaining agreement, the Nashville Predators were able to sign Gabriel Bourque, Craig Smith and Kevin Klein to contract extensions. While Bourque and Smith are perceived to be key parts of the
franchise’s offense moving forward, Klein has been, and will continue to be, a key component on the blue line.
“We were talking before that. There wasn’t really a deadline,” Klein explained. “I talked to David [Poile], and he said if we don’t get a deal done, we would talk when things resume. We came to an agreement, which is nice.”
Given the terms of the contract extension, the lack of urgency to get a deal done becomes apparent.
While many players cashed in during the offseason, signing extremely long-term deals with huge pay-days, Klein agreed to a five-year $14.5 million contract that will see the defenseman get paid $3 million in 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, and $2.75 million in 2016-17 and 2017-18. (more…)
Press release: Defenseman Klein signs 5-year contract extension with Predators
8 months ago
by Amanda DiPaolo
in Uncategorized
Nashville, Tenn. (September 15, 2012) – Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced today that the club has signed defenseman Kevin Klein to a five-year, $14.5 million contract that will pay him $3 millio
n in 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, and $2.75 million in 2016-17 and 2017-18.
“My family and I love Nashville; the fans, my teammates and the city have been very good to us,” Klein said. “I am excited about being a part of this organization and community well into the future.”
“Kevin Klein embodies the Predators way – the culture and belief system we have worked hard to create,” Poile said. “He was drafted and developed by the team, has become an integral part of our defensive corps, and is committed to being a part of our long-term success.”
Klein, 27 (12/13/84), recorded career highs in points (4g-17a-21pts) and assists, while tying a career high in goals in 2011-12. He also tied for 24th in the League, and led the Predators, in blocked shots (151); ranked third on the team in average ice time (19:56) and was one of just two NHL defensemen to play more than 35 games and register four or fewer penalty minutes during his fourth full NHL campaign a season ago. The Kitchener, Ont., native has 65 points (12g-53a) in 309 career regular-season games and nine points (3g-6a) in 28 postseason contests, which included four points (2g-2a) during the 2012 postseason, tying him for first among club blueliners.
Nashville’s third selection, 37th overall (second round), in the 2003 Entry Draft held at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, Klein captured a silver medal with Team Canada at the 2004 World Junior Championships in addition to winning the 2004 Ontario Hockey League championship as a member of the Guelph Storm.Rich Text AreaToolbarBold (Ctrl + B)Italic (Ctrl + I)Strikethrough (Alt + Shift + D)Unordered list (Alt + Shift + U)Ordered list (Alt + Shift + O)Blockquote (Alt + Shift + Q)Align Left (Alt + Shift + L)Align Center (Alt + Shift + C)Align Right (Alt + Shift + R)Insert/edit link (Alt + Shift + A)Unlink (Alt + Shift + S)Insert More Tag (Alt + Shift + T)Proofread WritingToggle fullscreen mode (Alt + Shift + G)Show/Hide Kitchen Sink (Alt + Shift + Z)
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Nashville, Tenn. (September 15, 2012) – Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced today that the club has signed defenseman Kevin Klein to a five-year, $14.5 million contract that will pay him $3 million in 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, and $2.75 million in 2016-17 and 2017-18.
“My family and I love Nashville; the fans, my teammates and the city have been very good to us,” Klein said. “I am excited about being a part of this organization and community well into the future.”
“Kevin Klein embodies the Predators way – the culture and belief system we have worked hard to create,” Poile said. “He was drafted and developed by the team, has become an integral part of our defensive corps, and is committed to being a part of our long-term success.”
Klein, 27 (12/13/84), recorded career highs in points (4g-17a-21pts) and assists, while tying a career high in goals in 2011-12. He also tied for 24th in the League, and led the Predators, in blocked shots (151); ranked third on the team in average ice time (19:56) and was one of just two NHL defensemen to play more than 35 games and register four or fewer penalty minutes during his fourth full NHL campaign a season ago. The Kitchener, Ont., native has 65 points (12g-53a) in 309 career regular-season games and nine points (3g-6a) in 28 postseason contests, which included four points (2g-2a) during the 2012 postseason, tying him for first among club blueliners.
Nashville’s third selection, 37th overall (second round), in the 2003 Entry Draft held at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, Klein captured a silver medal with Team Canada at the 2004 World Junior Championships in addition to winning the 2004 Ontario Hockey League championship as a member of the Guelph Storm.
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Press release: Fisher signs two-year contract extension with Predators
9 months ago
by Amanda DiPaolo
in Uncategorized
Nashville, Tenn. (August 20, 2012) – Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced today that the club has signed forward Mike Fisher to a two-year, $8.4 million contract that will pay him $4.2 million in b
oth 2013-14 and 2014-15.
Fisher, 32 (6/5/80), ranked second on the Predators in goals (24) and third in points (51) in 2011-12, in addition to ranking 11th in the NHL in game-winning goals (7). His offensive numbers – coupled with his solid defensive play (he posted a +11 and tied for eighth among NHL forwards in blocked shots with 76) – earned him the seventh-most votes for the Selke Trophy. The Peterborough, Ont., native also became the franchise’s second-ever award winner as the recipient of the 2012 NHL Foundation Award, which recognizes a player who applies the core values of hockey – commitment, perseverance and teamwork – to enrich the lives of people in his community. In 774 career regular-season NHL games with Ottawa and Nashville since 1999, Fisher has amassed 411 points (196g-215a). In 97 playoff contests, he has 39 points (18g-21a) and advanced to the 2007 Stanley Cup Finals.
Ottawa’s second selection, 44th overall (second round), in the 1998 Entry Draft was acquired by the Predators on Feb. 10, 2011 and proceeded to pace the club in points (3g-3a-6pts) during the franchise’s first-ever series victory over Anaheim in the 2011 Western Conference Quarterfinals. He has twice represented Canada at the World Championships (2005 and 2009), earning a silver medal on both occasions.
Predators hold town hall meeting Monday afternoon
9 months ago
by Amanda DiPaolo
in Press Release
The Nashville Predators are hosting a Skate of the Union Town Hall Meeting Monday afternoon from 4:00-8:00 p.m. Fans will be able to get meet some of the players as well as enjoy an open skate on the Bridg
estone Arena ice. General Manager David Poile will also be on hand to answer questions from fans submitted online and at the door of the event, as will Tom Cigarran, Sean Henry and Jeff Cogen.
Below is the press release with all the details.
NASHVILLE PREDATORS SKATE OF THE UNION TOWN HALL MEETING SET FOR MONDAY, AUGUST 20
-Event highlighted by autograph session, open skate and Town Hall meeting-
WHAT: Nashville Predators’ Skate of the Union Town Hall Meeting
Event highlighted by player autographs, open skate, select a seat/open house, Pro Shop deals, an auction item fire sale, Smashville Rewards demo, Smash Hit Karaoke and Town Hall meeting.
WHO: Nashville Predators players, executives and personalities
WHEN: This Monday, August 20, 4-8 p.m.
· 4-5:30 p.m. – Open skate
· 4:30-6 p.m. – Photo opportunities with select players
· 5-6 p.m. – Player autographs on concourse
· 6:15-6:45 p.m. – Q&A with select players on stage
· 6:45-7:45 p.m. – Town Hall meeting with Tom Cigarran, Jeff Cogen, Sean Henry, David Poile and Peter Horachek. Questions may be submitted online via social media and at main doors of event
WHERE: Bridgestone Arena, 501 Broadway, Nashville TN
NOTES: Players scheduled to appear include Jon Blum, Mike Fisher, Paul Gaustad, Hal Gill, Kevin Klein, Chris Mason, Brian McGrattan, Craig Smith and Colin Wilson.
Attendees to Monday’s event will receive a special discount of 25 percent on tickets to Petey’s Preds Party on September 17.
The Predators flagship radio station 102.5 The Game will broadcast live from the Skate of the Union Town Hall Meeting.
Free parking will be provided in the Sixth Avenue parking garage (corner of Sixth and Demonbreun).
Press release: Predators sign defenseman Scott Hannan to one-year deal
9 months ago
by Amanda DiPaolo
in Uncategorized
Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced today that the club has signed defenseman Scott Hannan to a one-year, $1 million contract.
Hannan, 33 (1/23/79), has amassed 197 points (33g-164a) and 522
penalty minutes in 908 regular-season games and 15 points (1g-14a) and 89 penalty minutes in 82 playoff games with San Jose, Colorado, Washington and Calgary since the 1998-99 season. The 6-1, 225-pound blueliner enters the 2012-13 season having played more games than any NHL defenseman in the last 10 seasons (798). Hannan dressed for 75-or-more games for the 11th consecutive season (78), and averaged more than 20 minutes of ice time for the ninth time in the last 10 seasons (20:21) with the Calgary Flames a season ago.
The Richmond, B.C., native was drafted 23rd overall (first round) by San Jose in the 1997 Entry Draft, and was part of the gold medal-winning Canadian squad at the 2004 World Cup of Hockey. He joins captain Shea Weber as Kelowna Rocket alums in the Predators organization, having posted 139 points (46g-91a) and 339 penalty minutes in 235 games with the club from 1995-99.
With the Hannan signing, the Predators now have two defensemen with more than 800 games of NHL experience for the first time in franchise history (Hannan, 908gp; Hal Gill, 1,070gp). Both veterans – in addition to top-four blueliner Kevin Klein – also perennially rank among the League leaders in average penalty kill time on ice and blocked shots. That trio joins the two-time Norris Trophy runner-up Weber and talented, offensively gifted under-23 NHLers Roman Josi and Ryan Ellis, giving the Predators both three left shooting and three right shooting defensemen among their balanced top-six corps.
Weber ‘comfortable’ staying in Nashville for rest of career
10 months ago
If Shea Weber wanted out of Nashville, you would never have known it from the sound of his voice on Wednesday afternoon. The Predators captain participated in a conference call with the media after Nashville matched the 14-year, $110 million offer
sheet from the Philadelphia Flyers.
“It’s a good feeling. It’s where I started,” Weber said of Nashville. “They gave me the chance from the beginning. It would be really exciting to win in this city. The fans are very passionate. It is a good hockey city. I can’t wait to get the season going.
“They are not backing down. You know it is a situation where a lot of people doubted them. They said from the beginning if there was an offer sheet, they would match it. They were challenged, and they stepped up. That’s exactly what we were looking for.”
Weber dismissed the notion that he would have rather played for the Flyers when the puck drops on the 2012-13 season.
“It’s the business side of it. We utilized the CBA the best way we could while it is the way it is. It worked out great. I love it in Nashville.” Weber explained, adding “I’m excited. It is a very exciting time for the Predators organization and myself. It is a big step in the right direction. Ownership showed a commitment in the last week.” (more…)
Predators match Flyers offer sheet for Weber… what now?
10 months ago
The Nashville Predators announced on Tuesday afternoon that they matched the offer sheet submitted to team captain Shea Weber. The 26-year old signed the 14-year, $110 million offer sheet from the Philadelphia Flyers last Thursday. Weber is now unde
r contract with the Predators for the duration of the contract.
In what the Predators called the “most important transaction in history,” Nashville also just entered into the largest contract in franchise history, making Weber the highest paid player in the NHL for the 2012-13 season. Weber’s $14 million is $2 million more than Brad Richards, Zach Parise, Ryan Suter and Tyler Myers who are all set to make $12 million next season. The deal is also the second largest contract in NHL-history behind only Alex Ovechkin’s $124 million contract.
General Manager David Poile always maintained that the Predators would match any offer sheet signed by the captain, but when the $110 million contract included a $13 million signing bonus for each of the next four years, the Predators issued a statement acknowledging receipt of the offer sheet, adding “Due to the complexity of the offer sheet, we will take the appropriate time to review and evaluate it and all of its ramifications in order to make the best decision for the Predators in both the short and long-term.”
The offer sheet was so front-loaded that it was easy to assume the contract was designed to make matching it difficult for a small-market club like Nashville. Weber will make $68 million in the first six years of his contract, just in bonus money. The huge contract sees Weber making $14 million in the first four years of the deal, followed by $12 million in years five and six. Years 7 through 10 will see Weber locked in at $6 million each season. The contract wraps up with $3 million in the eleventh year of the deal, dropping off to $1 million for years 12-14. (more…)
Press release: Predators match offer sheet to captain Shea Weber
10 months ago
by Amanda DiPaolo
in Uncategorized
Nashville, Tenn. (July 24, 2012) –In the most important hockey transaction in franchise history, Nashville Predators Chairman Tom Cigarran, President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile and CEO Jeff Cogen announced today that the team
has matched the 14-year, $110 million offer sheet between the Philadelphia Flyers and defenseman Shea Weber, insuring that the Predators’ captain will remain with the franchise for the next 14 years.
The decision to enter into the largest contract in franchise history was made by all parts of the organization, including ownership, hockey operations and business operations.
As the organization analyzed the overall situation and worked toward a conclusion, the decision boiled down to three questions:
- Was Shea Weber the individual that this franchise wanted to lead our team, a team that would compete for the Stanley Cup every year, for the next 14 years?
- Would matching the offer sheet be in the best long-term interest of the team and organization?
- Would a decision not to match the offer sheet send a negative message to current Predators players and other NHL organizations, a message that the Predators would only go so far to protect its best players and be pushed around by teams with “deep pockets?”
The answer to each of the above questions is clearly “yes.” The organization spent the last several days analyzing all aspects of the offer sheet, from economic implications to the impact on the team hockey operations puts on the ice.
Most importantly was the reaction to whatever decision the organization reached and the impact it would have on our fans, sponsors and marketing partners. We wanted to insure that our decision reflected not just the feelings of these groups but also conveys a strong message to them that our actions would speak for us and demonstrate our commitment to them. It was absolutely essential that they understand and believe that we are doing everything possible to ice a Stanley Cup competing team each and every season.
With this decision behind us, we continue to focus on our mission: Develop Bridgestone Arena into the number one sports and entertainment facility in North America with a Stanley Cup-winning Nashville Predators team as the centerpiece. With Shea Weber in the fold for the next 14 years, we are closer to this mission, and will continue to contend for the Stanley Cup on an annual basis.
