Calling out a certain captain

Dear Jason Arnott,

I’d like to start off by saying that you are one of my favorite Predators of all-time. In the three-plus years you’ve spent here in Nashville, you’ve been a class act and led this team through a very difficult time. You have come through in the clutch time and time again, most recently late last year during the playoff push.

Unfortunately, we haven’t seen that same player this season. You are on pace for your lowest point total in almost a decade. There are some games where I need to go back and look at the stat-sheet just to make sure you actually played in the game. *POOF*… and you’re invisible on the ice. I didn’t know you were such a good magician!

Your team is going through a tough point in the season right now, as they’ve lost three in a row – all of which were very winnable games. It’s time you make it YOUR team again. Remember when you had 18 points in your last 11 games last season?? That’s the Jason Arnott the Preds need; not the team’s version of Harry Houdini.

This is a different team when you are on top of your game. This season, Nashville is 13-5-1 when you tally at least a point, but 8-11-2 when held pointless. On the contrary, how would you react if I told you the team is 8-3 when you are sitting in the press box?? I think everyone would agree that your presence in the lineup is very important, but the results show otherwise this season.

Too many times this season we’ve seen the Preds start games without jump or a spark. That blame should lie on you, Jason, and Coach Trotz. You two need to find a way to get the team fired up no matter who the opponent is. It’s disheartening to see the effort your team gives on home-ice sometimes. The Sommet Center needs to once again become a place that other teams hate to play in.

Jason… you have the ‘C’ on your chest for a reason. You are the veteran leader of this fairly young team. Guys like Patric Hornqvist and Cody Franson look up to you for guidance and leadership. There’s no other player I’d hand the captaincy to at this time. Now you have to rally the boys and the put the team on your back.

The Preds don’t have many forwards that can take over and be dominant for stretches at a time… but you are one of the few. The team is currently in 6th place, and losing ground to the rest of the conference. Turn your game on before I give you another kick in the pants. Let’s go!

Sincerely,
Ryan Porth