This is Bob Cobb coming to you Live from Rumors Sports Bar in downtown Nashville and I've got an early season report on the Predators~ 

Well, it's another fresh new season here and after 2 games, the team sits at 1-1 with a dirty loss to the Sabres..  and a solid victory over the Leafs. It's hard to know what to expect from this group of players..  there's an odd "air" within the franchise right now, for lack of better words. I mean, one would think that the feeling of a potential 3-peat would have things just buzzing around this place..  but that doesn't seem to be the case thus far. Since there's only one man who truly knows what's the heck is up around these parts, I got word with GM Erickson about the current state of affairs..

"...ohh hey Bob, always good to see you. No, I agree..  things feel different this season. But that's a good thing if you ask me..   it's different because when you look around, you're seeing the arrival of guys like Victor (Hedman) & Dubs (Pierre-Luc Dubois). These aren't your normal additions to any team, let alone ours..  there's no reason at all to think that we can't be truly dominant this year, and I think the guys can feel that. It's like the feeling you get when you open the slow cooker after it's been rollin' for a solid 5+ hours and it's just loaded with treats...  you feel the hunger." - GM Erickson

While there were definitely some big additions to the Fwd & defense groups, the goaltending tandem is brand new this season and will be led by veteran backstop Cam Talbot (pictured above). After shining in Detroit several seasons ago, Cam had a rough go of it last year... but the Preds felt he could find his game with a change of scenery. Even though goalie Thomas McCollum was an absolute stud for the team here in Nashville for seasons on end, his age & contract requirements basically forced managements hand...  but hopes are high that the Talbot/Wallstedt combo will be just as effective. With the team's astute defensive approach from top to bottom, the optimism seems more than reasonable~ 

All of that said, anything can happen in the FNHL and if the Sim Gods have their way..  this season will be abbbbbsolutely wacko. Don't believe me..  just watch & see, mon amie :)