The Forsberg Flop

A week after the Forsberg trade, I give it a grade of C. So far the only positive result has been a huge increase in local interest. Tickets sales have gone up and the media seems to have been taking a closer look at the Preds. On the negative side, Forsberg hasn't had a single assist or goal. I know he isn't a pure shooter and his magic is supposed to be the result of his play making and creating scoring chances. His passes have been off of the mark and he often whiffs on the puck when it's passed to him. I know it takes time to develop chemistry and become used to the different game play that the Predators have compared to the Flyers, but so far it's been unimpressive. Last night, the Preds scored five goals, led Montreal by two goals twice and they managed to choke in the waning seconds of regulation, allowing too much traffic in front of their net. Sudden death overtime was scoreless, resulting in a shootout, which is always exciting. After the Preds and Habs sent out their first three, it was a tie game, one all. Saku Koivu managed a goal for the Habs and the Preds sent out Forsberg to tie it up and be a hero. He took the puck at the blue stripe, skated toward Montreal's goal, attempted a deke, and promptly fell down, ending the game in a Pred's loss. Surely things will get better. I can only hope Forsberg lives up to one tenth of the hype. We still have a lot of hockey left to play.