And ... the end.

[sniffles]

And so, the Nashville Predators' post-season run again ends in the first round.

I sad.

And I dread the off-season, when -- according to pundits, fans, and most residents of Davidson County, whether or not they ever attended any hockey games -- there will be major shuffling of players and coaches.

To the Preds organization, I would like to say thanks. Thank you for a great season, even if it ended early. I love my Preds. I love watching hockey. I want the Preds to stay in Nashville for a very long time.

To the Preds players, thank you, and please stay. I really would love to see Forsberg play for us again next year, though reportedly there's a slim chance of that. Foppa, if by any chance you are reading, stay in Nashville!

Thanks to all the players, though, for a great season. Thank you for being great role models for our community, and thank you for all your work through the Predators Foundation.

And now I can return to the rest of my life. At least until pre-season starts this fall. :-)