The SBP Archives - Your less than frequent dose of SBP!

Most people think acquiring Peter Forsberg for a long playoff run is ill-advised. Giving up some of your future for a player, while one of the best when healthy, is injury-prone and unlikely to be able to play at 100% even when he's healthy enough to dress up. But, having said all that, I admire the guts the Nashville Predators are showing.

You have to take risks to win the ultimate prize, and this trade does come with risks. It's entirely possible Forsberg won't even dress for one playoff game. But, the message this move tells the fans and players is that they feel they can win it all. How exciting is it for the 3,000 Predators fans in Nashville? They already had a legitimate shot at the Cup, and this move just makes them that much better.

Fans said, "I told you so" with Hasek's injury history last year, pulling his groin (not adductor, groin) last year and unable to compete in the playoffs. But the Sens took a gamble. If he was healthy, how far could have Ottawa gone? We'll never know. Melnyk wanted to put together a winner and Hasek was the key. It was a risk he was willing to take, and the Red Wings are now enjoying the benefits of signing the 41 year-old goaltender.

Only time will tell how the Predators will fare in their quest for the Cup, but even if they fail, they had the nerve to make this move and for that alone I admire them for it.