In a game between two teams fighting for their playoff lives, the Preds prevailed in an overtime slug fest 6-5. The Preds now are tied with Edmonton and Anaheim with 68 points. The Preds have a game in hand on Anaheim and as of tonight occupy the 8th spot in the Western Conference.
This was a contest between two desperate teams, and the game reflected that desperation. The lead was swapped often, and the downside for the Preds is that they couldn't hold a 5-4 lead in the third, allowing Edmonton to take the game to overtime. The Preds stymied the Oil in the OT, with Jason Arnott scoring the game winner on a power play and extending the Oilers woes in the Sommet Center. The Oil has not won a game in the Preds barn since 2005.
David Legwand continues his torrid pace as he potted two goals in the first period. Steve Sullivan continues to round into form as he nets two goals. Ryan Suter scored on a power play blast from the blue line, and Arnott gets the game winner in overtime on a 4 on 3 power play.
This team has now won a season high 5 games in a row, and continues to exhibit the heart and drive that is necessary to carry them to the playoffs. Heart shows itself in many ways, and this team showed it tonight by answering the challenge from the Oil time after time. It would have been easy to lay down when Edmonton came back and took the lead with two quick goals in the third. There was no quit in this team as they answered the challenge and got the vital two points. Barry Trotz described it in his post game press conference as "climbing the ladder, one rung at a time." This team continues to climb the ladder to the playoffs. That is what heart is all about. Another critical game against Columbus on Thursday night. Continue to play with heart, boys.
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