The Nashville Predators were looking to string together some wins and especially to reverse their fortunes on home ice, where they had the worst home record in the NHL. What better opponent to face than the struggling Anaheim Ducks.
Nashville once again had workhorse Pekka Rinne in net, while the Ducks went with former Nashville Predator Dan Ellis.
The first period was scoreless but not without controversy. Colin Wilson scored for the Predators on the power play, but the goal was waved off because it was deemed by referee Stephan Auger that Wilson had kicked the puck into the net. The replay did not confirm this, but after a lengthy review, the call on the ice stood.
The first period was scoreless, but the Predators had a decided territorial advantage and out shot the Ducks 7-5. Ellis made some good saves to keep the Predators off the board, but the effort by the Predators was one of their best of the season. They controlled the puck for long stretches at a time and did not let the explosive Ducks offense get in gear. For the Predators, the task was to solve Ellis and find the back of the net.
The Ducks opened the second period with a score just 38 seconds into the second frame. Andrew Gordon took a feed from Brandon McMillan and walked out of the corner with it past defenseman Roman Josi, who had fallen and was scrambling to catch up to Gordon. Gordon fired a snap shot that beat Rinne to the far post to give the Ducks a 1-0 lead.
The Predators appeared to tie the game when Mike Fisher banged home a rebound in a goal mouth scramble, but once again, the Predators had the goal waved off as it was ruled to have been kicked in.
Could it be one of those nights?
The answer would be a resounding "No".
Nick Spaling took a nice pass from Colin Wilson across the slot and beat Ellis high glove side to tie the game at 1 at 12:03 of the second period. This goal was not waved off.
The Predators once again dominated the period, maintaining a huge territorial advantage in the offensive zone and out shooting the Ducks 13-5, yet the game was tied at 1 heading into the third period.
The game was in the balance, and it was going to be important for the Predators to step up and take control.
And that is just what they did.
With Brandon McMillan in the box for slashing Jordin Tootoo, Roman Josi took a feed from Shea Weber and unleashed a rocket from just inside the blue line. The shot beat a screened Ellis over his glove to make it 2-1 Predators at 2:33 of the third.
Jordin Tootoo extended the Predators lead to 3-1 as Kevin Klein found Toots streaking in and hit him with a pass at the Ducks blue line. Tootoo drove hard to the net and his hard wrist shot beat Ellis over his glove hand at 5:25 of the third period.
Francois Beauchemin scored for Anaheim at 13:24, beating Rinne high over his glove to cut the lead to one for the Predators.
The Predators managed to shut the Ducks down for the remainder of the period and had won consecutive games for the first time since November 17th. More importantly, they had protected their home ice.
The Predators did a good job of overcoming adversity, having two goals waved off by the officials. Their ability to bounce back and persevere has been what this team has inconsistently done throughout this season, and it was good to see the resiliency of this team shine through.
I mentioned that the Predators had a territorial advantage throughout all three periods. The shot totals reflect that, with the Predators out shooting the Ducks 28-17. This would not have happened if the Predators had not been dominant in the face off dot. Particular mention goes to Mike Fisher, who was 10 of 13 in the dot, and was especially strong in the offensive zone. This was very important to the Predators as they were able to maintain possession, particularly on their power plays.
About that power play: although they were 1 of 4, they dominated with the man advantage. There was one power play that stands out. The Predators kept the puck in the offensive zone for 1:40 before the Ducks could get a clear. The movement was better and the chances that the man advantage created were good scoring chances. This has to continue for the Predators.
Although the Ducks are struggling- heck, let's call it like it is- they are inept, this was a solid win for the Predators. Their defensive effort against the Ducks offensive weapons was exceptional, shutting them down all night. A great effort from Ryan Suter and Shea Weber. Having Frankie Buillon back in the line up settles the other pairings as well, and their work tonight was very good.
This team is developing their edge again. They are playing Predator hockey- aggressively forechecking, opportunistic offense, and solid defense.
Keep playing like this and you will down some more teams.
My three stars:
1, Jordin Tootoo
2. Roman Josi
3. Mike Fisher
Showing posts with label Dan Ellis. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dan Ellis. Show all posts
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Predators Paste the Ducks 4-1
The Predators opened their Stanley Cup match up with the Anaheim Ducks in the hostile confines of the Honda Center. The Predators made themselves right at home in the Ducks nest with a 4-1 victory.
It was obvious that the Ducks were going to try to exert their physical will against the Predators. The Ducks finished their checks with vigor, but the Predators answered with some thunderous checks of their own. As the period wore on, the Predators gave a solid physical response to the Ducks, showing that the physical play would not back them down.
The Ducks over aggressive play led to a cross checking penalty by Matt Belesky against Kevin Klein. The Predators made the Ducks pay for their transgression with the first goal of the playoff series with a blast from Shea Weber from the point that blew past Dan Ellis at 4:13 of the first period.
Pekka Rinne was called upon to make some big saves for the Predators, and the most amazing was a right pad save on Teemu Selanne. Selanne took a cross crease pass and had an open net, but Rinne was cat quick in sliding across and getting the pad on the shot.
The Predators were determined to put pucks and traffic on the net and did that often in the first period. Dan Ellis made some good stops with an abundance of traffic in front of him.
The second period was like a heavyweight fight with both teams trading checks and probing for the others weakness. Play was intense and up and down the ice. As the period wore on, the pace slowed a bit, but the Predators kept up a strong forecheck that bottled up the Ducks offense. When the Ducks did establish their offense, Rinne was strong in net.
The Predators finally cracked the Ducks defense when Cody Franson chipped the puck off the glass to the far blue line. Steve Sullivan gathered in the puck and broke in alone on Ellis, who stopped the first shot sprawling to the ice. Sullivan did not give up on the puck and was able to get his stick on the rebound lying in the blue ice and tap it under the pads of the prone Ellis at 15:16.
The Predators kept the pressure on the Ducks and capitalized at 18:08 when Mike Fisher took a pass from Patric Hornqvist and blistered a shot over the shoulder of Ellis from the left face off circle.
The Predators outshot the Ducks for the period 14-8 and held a 22-16 advantage through two periods. So far, the defense had done a great job of shutting down the weapons of the Ducks.
You knew the Ducks would come out flying in the third as they attempted to get back in the game. Mike Fisher thwarted that momentum and ripped the heart out of the Ducks with his second goal of the game just 56 seconds into the period off an assist from Jonathan Blum. Fisher split the defense and rifled a shot from just inside the blueline that handcuffed Ellis for a 4-1 Predators lead and Fisher's second of the game.
The fourth goal by the Predators was a Dan Ellis problem, as he was pulled and Ray Emery came into the game.
The Ducks reverted to their thuggish ways in the third and goaded the Predators into penalties.Blake Geoffrion and Luca Sbisa got coincidental roughing penalties at 9:30. David Legwand got a hooking penalty at 9:50. Kevin Klein got a double minor for roughing and Corey Perry got a minor for roughing at 10:28. With a 5 on 3 advantage, the Ducks were finally able to find the back of the net as Teemu Selanne tallied at 11:24.
Since the Ducks could not solve Rinne and could not outscore the Predators at even strength, their strategy was to try to run Rinne and get the Predators to take penalties. For the most, the Predators did a good job of keeping their emotions in check and continuing to frustrate the Ducks.Keeping those emotions in check proved to be a Herculean task as the Ducks took every opportunity to try to draw penalties, hit after the play, and run at Rinne. Kudos to the boys for keeping their composure.
The best way to deal with the goons from Anaheim? Shane O'Brien did it when he pointed at the scoreboard after a late game scrum.
The Predators closed out the Ducks by playing solid defense and staying disciplined for the remainder of the game.
This feels good, but the Predators have to remember they are playing the NHL's equivalent of the Hell's Angels. The Ducks are a dirty team- witness Corey Perry's spear of Pekka Rinne at the end of the second period- and they will attempt to goon it up in the rest of this series. The Predators are going have to be physically AND mentally tough to survive this series. They cannot let the Ducks goad them into penalties. They have to control their physical play. This series will be a war. Be ready.
Punish the Ducks for their play, but do it within the confines of the rules.
This is one. One win out of 16 that you need for the prize. Your second step toward that prize comes on Friday night.
My three stars:
1. Mike Fisher
2. Pekka Rinne
3. Steve Sullivan
It was obvious that the Ducks were going to try to exert their physical will against the Predators. The Ducks finished their checks with vigor, but the Predators answered with some thunderous checks of their own. As the period wore on, the Predators gave a solid physical response to the Ducks, showing that the physical play would not back them down.
The Ducks over aggressive play led to a cross checking penalty by Matt Belesky against Kevin Klein. The Predators made the Ducks pay for their transgression with the first goal of the playoff series with a blast from Shea Weber from the point that blew past Dan Ellis at 4:13 of the first period.
Pekka Rinne was called upon to make some big saves for the Predators, and the most amazing was a right pad save on Teemu Selanne. Selanne took a cross crease pass and had an open net, but Rinne was cat quick in sliding across and getting the pad on the shot.
The Predators were determined to put pucks and traffic on the net and did that often in the first period. Dan Ellis made some good stops with an abundance of traffic in front of him.
The second period was like a heavyweight fight with both teams trading checks and probing for the others weakness. Play was intense and up and down the ice. As the period wore on, the pace slowed a bit, but the Predators kept up a strong forecheck that bottled up the Ducks offense. When the Ducks did establish their offense, Rinne was strong in net.
The Predators finally cracked the Ducks defense when Cody Franson chipped the puck off the glass to the far blue line. Steve Sullivan gathered in the puck and broke in alone on Ellis, who stopped the first shot sprawling to the ice. Sullivan did not give up on the puck and was able to get his stick on the rebound lying in the blue ice and tap it under the pads of the prone Ellis at 15:16.
The Predators kept the pressure on the Ducks and capitalized at 18:08 when Mike Fisher took a pass from Patric Hornqvist and blistered a shot over the shoulder of Ellis from the left face off circle.
The Predators outshot the Ducks for the period 14-8 and held a 22-16 advantage through two periods. So far, the defense had done a great job of shutting down the weapons of the Ducks.
You knew the Ducks would come out flying in the third as they attempted to get back in the game. Mike Fisher thwarted that momentum and ripped the heart out of the Ducks with his second goal of the game just 56 seconds into the period off an assist from Jonathan Blum. Fisher split the defense and rifled a shot from just inside the blueline that handcuffed Ellis for a 4-1 Predators lead and Fisher's second of the game.
The fourth goal by the Predators was a Dan Ellis problem, as he was pulled and Ray Emery came into the game.
The Ducks reverted to their thuggish ways in the third and goaded the Predators into penalties.Blake Geoffrion and Luca Sbisa got coincidental roughing penalties at 9:30. David Legwand got a hooking penalty at 9:50. Kevin Klein got a double minor for roughing and Corey Perry got a minor for roughing at 10:28. With a 5 on 3 advantage, the Ducks were finally able to find the back of the net as Teemu Selanne tallied at 11:24.
Since the Ducks could not solve Rinne and could not outscore the Predators at even strength, their strategy was to try to run Rinne and get the Predators to take penalties. For the most, the Predators did a good job of keeping their emotions in check and continuing to frustrate the Ducks.Keeping those emotions in check proved to be a Herculean task as the Ducks took every opportunity to try to draw penalties, hit after the play, and run at Rinne. Kudos to the boys for keeping their composure.
The best way to deal with the goons from Anaheim? Shane O'Brien did it when he pointed at the scoreboard after a late game scrum.
The Predators closed out the Ducks by playing solid defense and staying disciplined for the remainder of the game.
This feels good, but the Predators have to remember they are playing the NHL's equivalent of the Hell's Angels. The Ducks are a dirty team- witness Corey Perry's spear of Pekka Rinne at the end of the second period- and they will attempt to goon it up in the rest of this series. The Predators are going have to be physically AND mentally tough to survive this series. They cannot let the Ducks goad them into penalties. They have to control their physical play. This series will be a war. Be ready.
Punish the Ducks for their play, but do it within the confines of the rules.
This is one. One win out of 16 that you need for the prize. Your second step toward that prize comes on Friday night.
My three stars:
1. Mike Fisher
2. Pekka Rinne
3. Steve Sullivan
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Predators Down the Ducks 5-4
The Nashville Predators scored three first period goals and needed every one of them as they held off the Anaheim Ducks 5-4 for their fifth straight win. With the win, the Predators now have 90 points and currently sit in fifth place in the Western Conference. The victory snapped Anaheim's four game win streak, and more importantly stretched their lead over the Ducks to three points and two points over Chicago and Los Angeles, who is playing at this time.
The Predators opened the game with a very strong effort against Anaheim netminder Jonas Hiller, who was making his first appearance after missing 16 games due to suffering from vertigo. The lack of playing time would show for Hiller, as he allowed three goals on just seven shots.
Sergei Kostitsyn open the scoring for the Predators at 2:04 of the first period as Patric Hornqvist took a shot from the right side of the net that leaked between the post and Hiller and was laying in the blue paint. Kostitsyn drove the net and tapped the puck home into a wide open net for a 1-0 Predators lead.
The Predators would extend the lead to 2-0 at 11:18 of the first when Jonathan Blum fired a shot wide of the net and Nick Spaling jumped on the rebound off the end boards and shoved the puck under th pad of Hiller for his 8th goal of the season. This was a smart play by Blum to put the puck in a scoring position and a great hustle play by Spaling to get to the puck and jam it under Hiller's pad.
Just 19 seconds later, the Predators would stretch the lead to 3-0 as Patric Hornqvist would launch a shot toward the net that Sergei Kostitsyn would re-direct past Hiller. 7 shots and three goals and the rusty Hiller would enjoy the rest of the night from the bench as former Predator Dan Ellis would come in to replace the shell shocked starter.
Anaheim would cut the deficit to 3-1 at 16:11 of the first as Corey Perry was left alone at the side of the net. Bobby Ryan found him with a quick pass and he jammed it into the open net past a defenseless Pekka Rinne. The defensive coverage broke down and Rinne had no chance with Perry stationed alone at the side of the net.
The Predators dominated the second period, limiting the Ducks to just five shots on goal and controlling the play in the neutral zone and in the defensive zone. The Predators generated some great offensive chances and were frustrated by Ellis, who made some great saves to keep the Predators off the board.
Rinne was not often challenged, but made a key glove save on a breakaway by Andreas Lilja to keep the Ducks scoreless. Rinne has owned the Ducks this season, and it appeared that the Ducks knew they could not solve the Finnish wall.
The Predators ran their advantage to 4-1 as Jordin Tootoo tallied his fifth goal of the season. Shane O'Brien fed the puck to Tootoo in traffic in the low slot, and he managed to get the shot off and it hit Ellis on the inside of his left leg and found the back of the net. Tootoo played a strong game and was rewarded for his efforts with the marker at 18:20 of the second.
In the third period, the Predators would make the score 5-1 with a short handed goal by David Legwand. With Shane O'Brien in the box for delay of game, Legwand broke into the offensive zone with Joel Ward. Ward drove to the net and was screened Dan Ellis. Legwand ripped a shot that hit the far side post and then into the net as Ward was checked into Ellis by Saku Koivu but Ward was called for goaltender interference after the score. A bizarre call to say the least.
The Ducks would score just 10 seconds later on the 5 on 3 power play as Teemu Selanne tallied his 24th goal of the season.
Selanne would notch his second 5 on 3 goal at 15:14 of the third to cut the lead to 5-3 Predators. The puck was tipped off the stick of Ryan Suter past Rinne, who had no chance on the re-directed puck. Frankly, Anaheim was not going to score unless it was the Predators allowing them to score with their mistakes.
And the Predators would make a lot of mistakes in the third period.
Corey Perry would strike again at 19:34 of the third period to make it 5-4. On this weird score, Ryan Suter would try to kick the fluttering shot of Perry out of harms way, but instead would kick the puck over the shoulder of Rinne and into the net.
The Predators would hold off Anaheim for the final 26 seconds to secure an all important win and gather the two precious points, but dang, that third period was stressful.
The truth is that the Predators dominated the Ducks, and if they had not made in essence two scores for the Ducks, the game would have been a rout. Perhaps more importantly, the Predators have to realize they cannot let teams climb back into games with them. The Predators were guilty of opening the door for the Ducks with penalties and with scores on their own goalie.
Fortunately for the Predators, their offensive explosion was enough to vanquish the Ducks. Play this haphazardly against the teams that remain on the schedule and the outcome will not be as favorable.
It goes without saying this was a big win for the Predators, not only from the standings but from a mental aspect as well. This was a challenge for this team, one that could very well determine a playoff spot. The Ducks were coming off an improbable win against Dallas the night before and had momentum. The Predators jumped on the Ducks early and kept the pressure up throughout the game. Erase the last 10 minutes of the contest and this was a textbook game.
You can't, however, erase those last 10 minutes. What the team can do is learn from the mistakes that were made and correct them. The remaining games on the schedule are going to be a war, and it will be imperative for this team to correct these types of mistakes and bring their best effort.
The bottom line: the Predators won the game and picked up the points. Build on this momentum and take care of business when Dallas comes to town.
My three stars:
1. Sergei Kostitsyn
2. Corey Perry
3. Teemu Selanne
Honorable mention:
Patric Hornqvist
Dishonorable mention:
Ryan Suter (scoring two goals for the Ducks)
The Predators opened the game with a very strong effort against Anaheim netminder Jonas Hiller, who was making his first appearance after missing 16 games due to suffering from vertigo. The lack of playing time would show for Hiller, as he allowed three goals on just seven shots.
Sergei Kostitsyn open the scoring for the Predators at 2:04 of the first period as Patric Hornqvist took a shot from the right side of the net that leaked between the post and Hiller and was laying in the blue paint. Kostitsyn drove the net and tapped the puck home into a wide open net for a 1-0 Predators lead.
The Predators would extend the lead to 2-0 at 11:18 of the first when Jonathan Blum fired a shot wide of the net and Nick Spaling jumped on the rebound off the end boards and shoved the puck under th pad of Hiller for his 8th goal of the season. This was a smart play by Blum to put the puck in a scoring position and a great hustle play by Spaling to get to the puck and jam it under Hiller's pad.
Just 19 seconds later, the Predators would stretch the lead to 3-0 as Patric Hornqvist would launch a shot toward the net that Sergei Kostitsyn would re-direct past Hiller. 7 shots and three goals and the rusty Hiller would enjoy the rest of the night from the bench as former Predator Dan Ellis would come in to replace the shell shocked starter.
Anaheim would cut the deficit to 3-1 at 16:11 of the first as Corey Perry was left alone at the side of the net. Bobby Ryan found him with a quick pass and he jammed it into the open net past a defenseless Pekka Rinne. The defensive coverage broke down and Rinne had no chance with Perry stationed alone at the side of the net.
The Predators dominated the second period, limiting the Ducks to just five shots on goal and controlling the play in the neutral zone and in the defensive zone. The Predators generated some great offensive chances and were frustrated by Ellis, who made some great saves to keep the Predators off the board.
Rinne was not often challenged, but made a key glove save on a breakaway by Andreas Lilja to keep the Ducks scoreless. Rinne has owned the Ducks this season, and it appeared that the Ducks knew they could not solve the Finnish wall.
The Predators ran their advantage to 4-1 as Jordin Tootoo tallied his fifth goal of the season. Shane O'Brien fed the puck to Tootoo in traffic in the low slot, and he managed to get the shot off and it hit Ellis on the inside of his left leg and found the back of the net. Tootoo played a strong game and was rewarded for his efforts with the marker at 18:20 of the second.
In the third period, the Predators would make the score 5-1 with a short handed goal by David Legwand. With Shane O'Brien in the box for delay of game, Legwand broke into the offensive zone with Joel Ward. Ward drove to the net and was screened Dan Ellis. Legwand ripped a shot that hit the far side post and then into the net as Ward was checked into Ellis by Saku Koivu but Ward was called for goaltender interference after the score. A bizarre call to say the least.
The Ducks would score just 10 seconds later on the 5 on 3 power play as Teemu Selanne tallied his 24th goal of the season.
Selanne would notch his second 5 on 3 goal at 15:14 of the third to cut the lead to 5-3 Predators. The puck was tipped off the stick of Ryan Suter past Rinne, who had no chance on the re-directed puck. Frankly, Anaheim was not going to score unless it was the Predators allowing them to score with their mistakes.
And the Predators would make a lot of mistakes in the third period.
Corey Perry would strike again at 19:34 of the third period to make it 5-4. On this weird score, Ryan Suter would try to kick the fluttering shot of Perry out of harms way, but instead would kick the puck over the shoulder of Rinne and into the net.
The Predators would hold off Anaheim for the final 26 seconds to secure an all important win and gather the two precious points, but dang, that third period was stressful.
The truth is that the Predators dominated the Ducks, and if they had not made in essence two scores for the Ducks, the game would have been a rout. Perhaps more importantly, the Predators have to realize they cannot let teams climb back into games with them. The Predators were guilty of opening the door for the Ducks with penalties and with scores on their own goalie.
Fortunately for the Predators, their offensive explosion was enough to vanquish the Ducks. Play this haphazardly against the teams that remain on the schedule and the outcome will not be as favorable.
It goes without saying this was a big win for the Predators, not only from the standings but from a mental aspect as well. This was a challenge for this team, one that could very well determine a playoff spot. The Ducks were coming off an improbable win against Dallas the night before and had momentum. The Predators jumped on the Ducks early and kept the pressure up throughout the game. Erase the last 10 minutes of the contest and this was a textbook game.
You can't, however, erase those last 10 minutes. What the team can do is learn from the mistakes that were made and correct them. The remaining games on the schedule are going to be a war, and it will be imperative for this team to correct these types of mistakes and bring their best effort.
The bottom line: the Predators won the game and picked up the points. Build on this momentum and take care of business when Dallas comes to town.
My three stars:
1. Sergei Kostitsyn
2. Corey Perry
3. Teemu Selanne
Honorable mention:
Patric Hornqvist
Dishonorable mention:
Ryan Suter (scoring two goals for the Ducks)
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Predators Outlast Tampa 4-3
The Nashville Predators looked to be cruising to a 4-1 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning as they held that comfortable lead late in the third period. Two Tampa goals in the span of 57 seconds forced the Predators to scramble for the win, but win they did by a 4-3 margin.
With the win, the Predators moved to 5-0-3 and remain as the only team in the League that has not lost a game in regulation.
With the Predators playing the previous night in Dallas, Anders Lindback got the start.
The Lightning opened the scoring at 6:30 of the first period as Sean Bergenheim made a nice move on Lindback on a breakaway.
The Predators would answer at 11:54 of the period as Shea Weber would notch his first goal of the season. His defense partner, Francis Bouillon would take a shot from the point. Weber went to the net and roofed a beauty of a shot top corner to beat Lightning netminder Dan Ellis, who was getting the start against his former team.
Sergei Kostitsyn would get his first goal of the season at 15:04 of the first as he shoved in a rebound of a Jerred Smithson shot. Kostitsyn has been playing with a broken toe, and it is good for the team to see his game starting to round into shape. This goal was purely gritty, drive to the net hockey. Smithson's strong drive to the net didn't allow Ellis to control the rebound. Kostitsyn drove hard to the net as well and cleaned up the rebound lying free at the side of the net.
The second period was back and forth, with both teams getting scoring opportunities and both teams having good defensive stands. That would change at 17:55 of the second, and the change would come from an unlikely source.
David Legwand controlled the puck in the defensive zone and sent a pass to defenseman Cody Franson, who was breaking out of the zone. Franson went in alone on Ellis and made a sweet backhand to forehand move to beat Ellis for his second goal of the year and stake the Predators to a 3-1 lead.
Down 3-1 in the third period, the Bolts turned up the offensive pressure, but Lindback was very solid in net. He turned aside several quality scoring chances, including a breakaway attempt by Vinny Lecavalier. Lindback has looked very good in net and has given the Predators quality starts, which will be very important in a long season.
The Predators extended their lead to 4-1 at 14:10 of the third on a nice give and go between J.P. Dumont, Martin Erat, and Colin Wilson. Wilson was the beneficiary of the great puck movement as he buried a one timer past Ellis.
With six minutes left in the game and a three goal lead, the predators looked poised to cruise to an easy victory. The explosive Lightning had other ideas, however.
Martin St. Louis roofed a shot past Lindback at 15:01 to make the score 4-2. The Predators defensive coverage broke down and St. Louis was left alone at the side of the net.
Five minutes to go and a two goal lead. No problem for the Predators, right?
Riiight.
57 seconds later, former Predator Adam hall scored a fluky goal to make it 4-3 Predators. Hall was behind the net and threw the puck out front. It hit a skate and careened past a surprised Lindback between his skate and the post.
The Predators didn't make it easy on themselves as Martin Erat came dangerously close to boarding Steven Stamkos at 16:53 of the third. Luckily for the Predators, the call was two minutes for cross checking.
The Predators were able to kill off the power play, but looked as if they would ice the puck with approximately 25 seconds left in the period. Instead, icing was waved off on a great hustle play by Steve Sullivan. Sully hustled down the ice and dove to touch the puck first, forcing the Lightning to regroup and the clock to keep running.
The Predators were able to clear the puck and run out the clock for a quality win against on of the hottest teams in the League.
Quality win.
That can best summarize the effort tonight against the Bolts. The Predators contained a dangerous offense for much of the night. The goaltending by Lindback was superb. Scoring came from multiple lines.
All hallmarks of a quality win.
And a quality team.
It is early in the season, and the Predators have a lot of hockey yet to play. This team is learning a lot about itself, though. They are learning that they can deal with injury and adversity and that they can play winning hockey.
Take these lessons to heart and you will outlast the adversity and the rigors of the season.
My three stars:
1. Anders Lindback
2. Cody Franson
3. Colin Wilson
With the win, the Predators moved to 5-0-3 and remain as the only team in the League that has not lost a game in regulation.
With the Predators playing the previous night in Dallas, Anders Lindback got the start.
The Lightning opened the scoring at 6:30 of the first period as Sean Bergenheim made a nice move on Lindback on a breakaway.
The Predators would answer at 11:54 of the period as Shea Weber would notch his first goal of the season. His defense partner, Francis Bouillon would take a shot from the point. Weber went to the net and roofed a beauty of a shot top corner to beat Lightning netminder Dan Ellis, who was getting the start against his former team.
Sergei Kostitsyn would get his first goal of the season at 15:04 of the first as he shoved in a rebound of a Jerred Smithson shot. Kostitsyn has been playing with a broken toe, and it is good for the team to see his game starting to round into shape. This goal was purely gritty, drive to the net hockey. Smithson's strong drive to the net didn't allow Ellis to control the rebound. Kostitsyn drove hard to the net as well and cleaned up the rebound lying free at the side of the net.
The second period was back and forth, with both teams getting scoring opportunities and both teams having good defensive stands. That would change at 17:55 of the second, and the change would come from an unlikely source.
David Legwand controlled the puck in the defensive zone and sent a pass to defenseman Cody Franson, who was breaking out of the zone. Franson went in alone on Ellis and made a sweet backhand to forehand move to beat Ellis for his second goal of the year and stake the Predators to a 3-1 lead.
Down 3-1 in the third period, the Bolts turned up the offensive pressure, but Lindback was very solid in net. He turned aside several quality scoring chances, including a breakaway attempt by Vinny Lecavalier. Lindback has looked very good in net and has given the Predators quality starts, which will be very important in a long season.
The Predators extended their lead to 4-1 at 14:10 of the third on a nice give and go between J.P. Dumont, Martin Erat, and Colin Wilson. Wilson was the beneficiary of the great puck movement as he buried a one timer past Ellis.
With six minutes left in the game and a three goal lead, the predators looked poised to cruise to an easy victory. The explosive Lightning had other ideas, however.
Martin St. Louis roofed a shot past Lindback at 15:01 to make the score 4-2. The Predators defensive coverage broke down and St. Louis was left alone at the side of the net.
Five minutes to go and a two goal lead. No problem for the Predators, right?
Riiight.
57 seconds later, former Predator Adam hall scored a fluky goal to make it 4-3 Predators. Hall was behind the net and threw the puck out front. It hit a skate and careened past a surprised Lindback between his skate and the post.
The Predators didn't make it easy on themselves as Martin Erat came dangerously close to boarding Steven Stamkos at 16:53 of the third. Luckily for the Predators, the call was two minutes for cross checking.
The Predators were able to kill off the power play, but looked as if they would ice the puck with approximately 25 seconds left in the period. Instead, icing was waved off on a great hustle play by Steve Sullivan. Sully hustled down the ice and dove to touch the puck first, forcing the Lightning to regroup and the clock to keep running.
The Predators were able to clear the puck and run out the clock for a quality win against on of the hottest teams in the League.
Quality win.
That can best summarize the effort tonight against the Bolts. The Predators contained a dangerous offense for much of the night. The goaltending by Lindback was superb. Scoring came from multiple lines.
All hallmarks of a quality win.
And a quality team.
It is early in the season, and the Predators have a lot of hockey yet to play. This team is learning a lot about itself, though. They are learning that they can deal with injury and adversity and that they can play winning hockey.
Take these lessons to heart and you will outlast the adversity and the rigors of the season.
My three stars:
1. Anders Lindback
2. Cody Franson
3. Colin Wilson
Monday, March 29, 2010
Predators Creep past the Cats, Beat Florida 3-2 in Overtime
In a game that could only be described as a trap game, the Nashville Predators outlasted the Florida Panthers in overtime by a 3-2 score.The Predators frankly survived the game in the Litter Box at Sunrise to go to 94 points with the win.
After a scoreless first period, the Predators took a 1-0 lead on David Legwand's 11th goal of the season, his first goal in 84 days. Welcome back to the scoring column, David. You have been away for far too long.
The remainder of the period remained scoreless as Dan Ellis made some solid saves to keep the Panthers off the board. Ellis was strong in net, and was especially solid in fending off three Panthers power play opportunities.
The third period saw the Panthers come out flying and putting pressure on the Predators in the defensive zone. The pressure put the Predators back on their heels and gave the Panthers great scoring chances. Unfortunately for the Predators, the Panthers were able to turn the pressure into goals.
Keith Ballard tied the game for the Cats as he was able to get the puck past Ellis at 3:12 of the third. The Panthers continued to press the attack and Stephen Weiss put the Panthers up 2-1 with a deflection past Ellis at 5:53 of the period. Two goals in under three minutes and the Panthers pressure was overwhelming the Predators.
As the period continued, the Predators seemed unable to muster much of an attack. When the Predators did get a quality chance, Panther netminder Scott Clemmensen was able to turn aside the threat. This game had the appearance of an opportunity that would be lost by the Predators, thus tightening the race in the Western Conference.
The momentum would swing back to the Predators at 16:53 of the period as Patric Hornqvist notched his 30th goal with a shot from the right board that beat Clemmensen to tie the game. Hornqvist continues to shine as he scored a timely goal for the Predators to take momentum away from the Panthers.
The game would remain scoreless for the rest of the third period. An important point in the books for the Predators, but the all important second point was hanging in the balance.
That precious second point would be secured just one minute into the overtime period and on the first shot of the extra frame. Francis Buillon launched a shot that cleanly beat Clemmensen for the game winning goal, and the Predators skated away with the two points.
One can look at this game and say the Predators stole two points; that they didn't play with a lot of jump for most of the game; that they just didn't look good. True, to a point. The aspect that is so very positive for the Predators is that they won a game with a depleted lineup. Missing were Jason Arnott, Joel Ward, and Marty Erat, all vital cogs to this team. Young players were called upon to step in to prominent roles and contribute quality minutes. The lines were jumbled, which affected chemistry. This team wasn't hitting on all cylinders.
When it looked as if this game was slipping in to the loss column, this team didn't quit. It would have been easy to fall back on any number of excuses and let this game go in to the tank. They didn't do this. They kept pushing. They didn't relent. They showed some heart.
Key players out of the lineup meant that others had to step up to secure a win. David Legwand, you have been invisible for a long time. Tonight, you stepped up with a critical goal. Hornqvist continued his strong play. Frankie Buillon contributed with the game winning goal to go along with his continued solid play on the blue line.
Florida had nothing to lose in the game tonight. The Predators took their best shot and persevered. They showed some resiliency and heart. This is the mark of a team that believes in itself.
With the win, the Predators go to 94 points and remain if 5th place in the West. Detroit has 91 in 6th; L.A. has 90 in 7th; and Colorado has 89 in 8th. One can see how important the points are to this team.
The rest of the regular season schedule will be a test of wills, a test of character. Tonight, the Predators passed the test. The next one comes tomorrow night against L.A., and they won't get any easier. This is the time to reach down deep and call up what it takes to win.
This is the time for heart and character to shine through.
After a scoreless first period, the Predators took a 1-0 lead on David Legwand's 11th goal of the season, his first goal in 84 days. Welcome back to the scoring column, David. You have been away for far too long.
The remainder of the period remained scoreless as Dan Ellis made some solid saves to keep the Panthers off the board. Ellis was strong in net, and was especially solid in fending off three Panthers power play opportunities.
The third period saw the Panthers come out flying and putting pressure on the Predators in the defensive zone. The pressure put the Predators back on their heels and gave the Panthers great scoring chances. Unfortunately for the Predators, the Panthers were able to turn the pressure into goals.
Keith Ballard tied the game for the Cats as he was able to get the puck past Ellis at 3:12 of the third. The Panthers continued to press the attack and Stephen Weiss put the Panthers up 2-1 with a deflection past Ellis at 5:53 of the period. Two goals in under three minutes and the Panthers pressure was overwhelming the Predators.
As the period continued, the Predators seemed unable to muster much of an attack. When the Predators did get a quality chance, Panther netminder Scott Clemmensen was able to turn aside the threat. This game had the appearance of an opportunity that would be lost by the Predators, thus tightening the race in the Western Conference.
The momentum would swing back to the Predators at 16:53 of the period as Patric Hornqvist notched his 30th goal with a shot from the right board that beat Clemmensen to tie the game. Hornqvist continues to shine as he scored a timely goal for the Predators to take momentum away from the Panthers.
The game would remain scoreless for the rest of the third period. An important point in the books for the Predators, but the all important second point was hanging in the balance.
That precious second point would be secured just one minute into the overtime period and on the first shot of the extra frame. Francis Buillon launched a shot that cleanly beat Clemmensen for the game winning goal, and the Predators skated away with the two points.
One can look at this game and say the Predators stole two points; that they didn't play with a lot of jump for most of the game; that they just didn't look good. True, to a point. The aspect that is so very positive for the Predators is that they won a game with a depleted lineup. Missing were Jason Arnott, Joel Ward, and Marty Erat, all vital cogs to this team. Young players were called upon to step in to prominent roles and contribute quality minutes. The lines were jumbled, which affected chemistry. This team wasn't hitting on all cylinders.
When it looked as if this game was slipping in to the loss column, this team didn't quit. It would have been easy to fall back on any number of excuses and let this game go in to the tank. They didn't do this. They kept pushing. They didn't relent. They showed some heart.
Key players out of the lineup meant that others had to step up to secure a win. David Legwand, you have been invisible for a long time. Tonight, you stepped up with a critical goal. Hornqvist continued his strong play. Frankie Buillon contributed with the game winning goal to go along with his continued solid play on the blue line.
Florida had nothing to lose in the game tonight. The Predators took their best shot and persevered. They showed some resiliency and heart. This is the mark of a team that believes in itself.
With the win, the Predators go to 94 points and remain if 5th place in the West. Detroit has 91 in 6th; L.A. has 90 in 7th; and Colorado has 89 in 8th. One can see how important the points are to this team.
The rest of the regular season schedule will be a test of wills, a test of character. Tonight, the Predators passed the test. The next one comes tomorrow night against L.A., and they won't get any easier. This is the time to reach down deep and call up what it takes to win.
This is the time for heart and character to shine through.
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