Catfish Corner: A Predators podcast

Hearing whistles while they work is nothing new to the Nashville Predators. Comes with the territory of being the most penalized team in the league.  But is that a bad thing? Tennessean Predators beat writer Paul Skrbina and columnist Gentry Estes discuss that and more on the latest edition of Catfish Corner.

Roman Josi and Juuse Saros are All-Stars. Filip Forsberg is playing like one. That means the All-Star break is here. The Nashville Predators are in second place. The team's identity seems to be solid. So why not hand out some a-little-past-midseason awards. Predators beat writer Paul Skrbina and Tennessean columnist Gentry Estes give you their pics in the latest edition of Catfish Corner.

He's having the best season of his career, better than his Norris Tropy-winning season of a not-so-distant past. Roman Josi also is breaking Nashville Predators franchise records left and right. So what gives? Why won't he be in Vegas with Juuse Saros for All-Star weekend? Predators beat reporter Paul Skrbina and Tennessean columnist Gentry Estes discuss this and more on the latest edition of Catfish Corner.

The Nashville Predators have won five in a row and in first place in the Central Division. But their latest victory, Tuesday against the Colorado, may be the proof people have been waiting for that this team is legit. In the latest edition of the Catfish Corner podcast, Tennessean Predators beat writer Paul Skrbina and columnist Gentry Estes discuss the major reasons why this team is not only legitimate, but also could be trouble come the postseason.

Filip Forsberg doesn't have his back to the future.  The Nashville Predators forward isn't interested in predicting what's in front of him, either, when it comes to his next contract. Going into Thursday, Forsberg had seven goals -- including a four-goal game and an overtime winner -- in seven games since returning from an injury that caused him to miss nine. The unrestricted free agent to-be has yet to sign an extension with the Predators. Tennessean Predators reporter Paul Skrbina and columnist Gentry Estes discuss why not trading him might not be the best idea in the latest edition of Catfish Corner.

Who has been the Nashville Predators' MVP so far nearly a quarter of the way through the season? Who has been the biggest surprise? Biggest disappointment? What's up with Cracker Barrel on Thanksgiving? Tennessean Predators beat reporter Paul Skrbina and columnist Gentry Estes discuss all that and more after Nashville's victory against the Anaheim Ducks on Monday night at Bridgestone Arena on the latest edition of Catfish Corner.

The Nashville Predators were two points out of first place in the Central Division going into Thursday, when they were supposed to play the Ottawa Senators. That game was postponed because 10 Senators players were in the league's COVID-19 protocol, giving Nashville a couple of extra days in Montreal, where they will face the Canadiens on Saturday night.  Tennessean Predators beat reporter Paul Skrbina and columnist Gentry Estes discuss the surprising start and some reasons behind it, along with the departure of Rocco Grimaldi to Milwaukee, the play of Juuse Saros, the success without Filip Forsberg in the lineup and the identity that's finally becoming evident on the latest edition of Catfish Corner.

Pekka Rinne is coming back to Nashville soon -- not to play for the Predators but to live in his "second home" with his family and be honored as the first person in franchise history to have his jersey number retired. Tennessean Predators beat writer Paul Skrbina and columnist Gentry Estes both spoke to Rinne this week and share their thoughts about his legacy. They also discuss the state of the team through the first 10 games of the season.

The Nashville Predators began the season by losing three of four games, then went on a two-game winning streak. The power play and Juuse Saros have been a big reason why. Tennessean Predators reporter Paul Skrbina and columnist Gentry Estes discuss that plus the team's sellout streak finally ending, the Chicago Blackhawks scandal, Matt Duchene and Ryan Johansen, and lots of road games in November, which could help define the team's season. 

The Nashville Predators began the 2021-22 season last week without some familiar faces. Viktor Arvidsson is gone. Ryan Ellis, too. Pekka Rinne retired. What should we expect from the team this season? Tennessean columnist Gentry Estes and Predators beat reporter Paul Skrbina talk about that, the team's outdoor game in February at Nissan Stadium and more in the latest edition of Catfish Corner.

On the latest edition of Catfish Corner, Nashville Predators beat reporter Paul Skrbina and Tennessean columnist Gentry Estes discuss the team's injuries, the road trip and the pros and cons of trading Filip Forsberg. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nashville Predators beat writer Paul Skrbina and Tennessean columnist Gentry Estes discuss the team's future and the possibility of a complete rebuild in the latest edition of Catfish Corner. Also hear from Predators forward Viktor Arvidsson after the team's 5-4 loss to the Florida Panthers on Thursday night. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest edition of Catfish Corner, the Nashville Predators podcast, Paul Skrbina and Gentry Estes discuss general manager David Poile's future, Filip Forsberg's mustache and the team's prospects going forward. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest edition of Catfish Corner, Predators beat writer Paul Skrbina and Tennessean columnist Gentry Estes discuss the team's woes and what the future could hold as the team falls further in the Central Division Standings. Predators defenseman and alternate captain Ryan Ellis also speaks his mind about the team. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest episode of Catfish Corner, Predators beat writer Paul Skrbina and Tennessean columnist Gentry Estes discuss the state of the team after its latest loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning. We hear from captain Roman Josi about a team meeting that took place after the loss and what the team is trying to do going forward. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nashville Predators coach John Hynes also makes an appearance on Catfish Corner to expresses his displeasure with the team's recurring problems. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Predators beat writer Paul Skrbina and columnist Gentry Estes discuss the first two weeks of the season, Matt Duchene's honest assessment of his play and the team's state of mind on the latest edition of Catfish Corner. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode was recorded on Friday Paul Skrbina and Gentry Estes discuss the Preds' massive loss to the Dallas Stars, and how some old habits are creeping back in to the team's play. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to the 2021 season! Paul Skrbina and Gentry Estes spend some time breaking down the Nashville Predators' 3-1 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets in the season opener at Bridgestone Arena. They discuss how weird it was to be among the few hundreds of people in the building on Thursday night, Juuse Saros' solid start, Filip Forsberg and the Preds' new third defensive pairing. Rate, review and subscribe to Catfish Corner! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Paul Skrbina and Gentry Estes wrap up the Predators' eventful 2019-20 season that ended in a disappointing loss to the 11th-seeded Arizona Coyotes in the Stanley Cup qualifying round on Friday. What comes next for John Hynes, David Poile and the Predators' leadership? How can this team turn things around in 2020-21? Listen, subscribe and review Catfish Corner! See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

Paul Skrbina and Gentry Estes talk about Wednesday's Game 3 loss for the Predators against the Arizona Coyotes. Did the Preds play well despite a 4-1 scoreline? How can Nashville, down 2-1 in the best-of-five, turn this series around?  Listen and subscribe to Catfish Corner! See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

Catfish Corner is back, previewing real-life professional hockey between the Predators and Arizona Coyotes.  The two teams begin their best-of-five Stanley Cup Playoffs qualifying round series on Sunday in Edmonton. Preds beat writer Paul Skrbina and columnist Gentry Estes discuss some of the biggest questions about the Predators after four months off, starting with the question in net. Should Pekka Rinne or Juuse Saros get the majority of the starts this postseason? Will both goaltenders have to play in this series? They also discuss the JoFA line's impact on the rest of the lineup, Viktor Arvidsson's health and more.  Listen, subscribe and rate to Catfish Corner! See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

On this edition of Catfish Corner, legendary play-by-play voice Mike "Doc" Emrick, who calls NHL games for NBC, stops by to chat with Paul Skrbina on what would have been the day before the NHL playoffs started. The two discuss everything from what is filling the sports void, to growing up in rural Indiana to the great sports personalities Doc has met over the years. Apologies for the audio interference in the first two minutes of the recording.

Predators radio play-by-play man Pete Weber joins Paul Skrbina to talk about what's happening during the suspension of the NHL season and whatever else comes to mind.

The NHL paused the season on Thursday due to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus in the United States. They weren't alone, as most other sports leagues and tournaments had postponed or canceled their events as well. Paul Skrbina, Anna Gallegos and Gentry Estes discuss the ever-changing sports landscape, as well as their reactions at the craziness that is going on right now.

Predators beat reporter for The Tennessean Paul Skrbina and digital producer Jon Garcia (filling in for Anna Gallegos) discuss the recent play of the Nashville Predators, EBUGs, and the remaining schedule for the team.

Paul Skrbina and Anna Gallegos chat about the Predators sweep of the St. Louis Blues, what the crystal ball holds for the NHL Trade Deadline, and Willie O'Ree in Nashville. We also hear from Roman Josi.

Will the Predators be active at the trade deadline? Should they be worried about Shea Weber's streak of injuries as of late? Also, Barry Trotz is in town and gives John Hynes some real estate advice.

Paul Skrbina is going to the NHL All-Star Game in St. Louis to cover the event for The Tennessean and the USA TODAY Sports Network. He and host Tommy Deas discuss the state of the Predators and the impact of new coach John Hynes and the play of captain Roman Josi. They also talk about other top all-stars, issues facing the league and more.

The Predators fired Peter Laviolette on Monday after five-plus seasons at the helm of Nashville's squad. They tapped former New Jersey Devils' coach John Hynes to replace him. Paul Skrbina and Gentry Estes discuss the moves, Laviolette's success in Nashville, and what the team (and fans) can expect from a coach that was fired from a terrible Devils team just a month ago.

Paul Skrbina and Tommy Deas talk about what this means for the Predators franchise, how the fan base has embraced the game, how outdoor hockey is different and what viewers can expect when they watch the game.

Kyle Turris is back after being a healthy scratch for several games and the third line is producing above expectations, but the Predators are still looking for answers. The penalty kill has been a sore spot and while the power play is better than last year it hasn't been lights-out. The Predators need more production from their top players to become contenders. In the latest Catfish Corner podcast, Paul Skrbina and Tommy Deas discuss these topics as well as NHL's culture and recent accusations against coaches for abusive behavior, including Peter Laviolette's denial of allegations that he bullied players when coaching the Flyers.

Tennessean beat writer Paul Skrbina and sports director Tommy Deas discuss the latest downturn in the team's fortunes, as well as whether coach Peter Laviolette should be feeling the heat. And what about Kyle Turris being benched, and the coach's unwillingness to explain the reason?

Roman Josi has signed a long-term deal that will keep him with the Predators for, very possibly, the rest of his career. Paul Skrbina and Tommy Deas discuss the Predators' captain, what the deal means for him and what it means for the future of the franchise on the latest edition of the Catfish Corner podcast.

Paul Skrbina, Predators beat writer for The Tennessean, and Sports Director Tommy Deas talk about the power play, penalty kill and Pekka Rinne on the latest edition of the Catfish Corner podcast. And that's not to mention that pesky pedal tavern that's no longer on ice.

Paul Skrbina, Predators beat writer, and Tommy Deas, sports director at The Tennessean, talk about Matt Duchene's impact, the power play and more on the latest Catfish Corner podcast. They also touch on the chance for the Predators to improve their goal-scoring ability and improvements at Bridgestone Arena in this edition.

Paul Skrbina and Tommy Deas discuss the Predators entering the 2019-20 NHL season, including the power play and new guy Matt Duchene.

The Predators and city agreed on a huge lease extension for Bridgestone Arena, keeping the team in town through at least 2049. Tennessean business reporter Nate Rau joins the crew to break it all down.

Keeper of the Cup Howie Borrow brought the Stanley Cup to Nashville on Friday, and it got a tour of the Tennessean newsroom. Paul Skrbina and Jon Garcia sit down with Howie (and the Cup) to chat about the white gloves, the trophies beautiful flaws and scars, and what it's like to travel with the greatest trophy in all of sports for a living.

The Predators created their own momentum to finish the season atop the Central Division and draw the Dallas Stars in the first round of the NHL Playoffs. It looks to be a favorable match up the the team from Music City, but it may be a low scoring grind. Predators beat reporter Paul Skrbina and Tennessean sports columnist Joe Rexrode discuss the playoff series and what the Preds have to do to ensure there's no disappointing early exit this year.

The Stanley Cup playoffs are near, so we have to ask: Is this the year Predators goalie Pekka Rinne doesn't start every postseason game? Will Kyle Turris finally shake the season-long slump and bring some postseason production?

Paul Skrbina and Tommy Deas discuss Austin Watson's return to the Predators and what the most likely playoff matchups are going to be once the postseason starts. They also talk about Viktor Arvidsson's career year and Kyle Turris' year to forget.

The team is assembled. The pieces are in place. It's time to gear up for the stretch run and compete for the Stanley Cup. Tommy Deas and Paul Skrbina discuss the moves that the Nashville Predators made at the NHL trade deadline and if it is going to be enough to secure the first championship in team history.

Paul Skrbina and Tommy Deas talk about Craig Smith on injured reserve and what it means with the NHL trade deadline looming. Plus Doritos and more.

The Predators have lost three games in a row and nobody beyond the top line of Filip Forsberg, Ryan Johansen and Viktor Arvidsson are looking particularly dangerous right now. Paul Skrbina and Tommy Deas talk about what's wrong with the team, what can be addressed, and chat with Brian Boyle about his move to Nashville.

The Predators made a couple of moves on Wednesday to address some lingering issues and potentially try to get bigger in order to compete with Winnipeg. Paul Skrbina and Tommy Deas discuss the trades and look ahead to what needs to be done before the NHL Trade Deadline.

On this episode of Catfish Corner, Paul Skrbina and Tommy Deas discuss the news that Austin Watson is suspended indefinitely, and what changes (if any) that brings as the NHL Trade Deadline looms.

Paul Skrbina and Tommy Deas talk about P.K. Subban getting bitten, the emergence of Juuse Saros and the All-Star Game on the Catfish Corner podcast.

On this episode of Catfish Corner, Paul Skrbina and Tommy Deas discuss whether the Preds need to make a trade to gear up for the postseason, what's wrong with the power play and more. Paul also talks to Pekka Rinne about what he would do if he weren't in hockey and his work ethic in his younger years.

With the Nashville Predators on the road for most of January and the season's midway point already passed, Paul Skrbina and Tommy Deas catch up on how the Preds are doing, who should be the MVP of the first half of the season and who the fans consider to be the Preds' top rival. And with major players back on the ice, how are the Predators shaping up as a playoff contender?

With the news that Dallas will host the 2020 Winter Classic — but no word yet on an opponent — there are several reasons why the Predators would be a no-brainer in the contest. But would it be better to wait for an outdoor game to come to Nashville instead? Also, Viktor Arvidsson is the engine that runs the Predators, and Rocco Grimaldi continues to be the hardest working Predator.