Bullied

The Preds 6 game winning streak came to a screeching halt as they ran into a buzz saw in the form of the Philadelphia Flyers. Despite outshooting the Broad Street Bullies 32-26, the Preds could only solve Marty Biron once with a tally by Martin Erat for his 16th goal of the season. The Flyers shut down the Pred offense and gave Biron good looks at the shots the Preds put on goal. The Preds took more penalties than normal (8) and gave up a second period power play goal, ending their streak of seven games without allowing a PP goal. The Preds PP was ineffective, going 0-7.

Streaks eventually come to an end- every team and fan knows that. What we do after this loss is the important thing now. It is imperative that the Preds bounce back against a very good Washington Capital squad that rolls into the Sommet Center on Tuesday night. Back to the basics- throwing pucks on the net and scoring in the hard areas, winning battles on the boards and in the corners, and playing solid D. Time for leadership in the locker room to assert itself and get the focus back.

As of tonight, Columbus now has 72 points and is 6th in the Western Conference; Dallas is in 7th with 70 points; and Edmonton sits in 8th with 70 points. Nashville occupies the 9th spot with 70 points as well, but the 7th and 8th teams have a game in hand. This is playoff hockey. Every game, every point is precious. Put this one in the rear view mirror and start a new streak, boys.