Predators Flop Against Phoenix

Brutal.

That is the only printable word I can use to describe the Predators effort against the Phoenix Coyotes at the Bridgestone Arena.

A brutal effort that saw the Predators give up 3 goals on the first 3 shots of the game. They gave up 5 goals on the first 7 shots by the Coyotes, and 6 in the first period en route to a 7-4 beatdown by a team that had lost 8 in a row.

Oh yeah, and had played an overtime game the night before.

The Predators ultimately lost the game by a 7-4 margin, but the bigger picture is that this was a game the Predators had to win to keep their faint playoff hopes alive.

Instead, the Predators came out flat and not ready to play and were embarrassed by the Coyotes.

Frankly, this game is not worth recapping in detail.

The fact is that the Predators have a razor thin margin to get into the playoffs, and this was a winnable game for a team that seemed to be getting their act together, having won three straight games.

But the Predators pissed away the opportunity to continue to gain ground.

Brutal, yes.

Disgraceful. Disgusting. Take your pick of negative adjectives.

Embarrassing and inexplicable come to mind.

The season hangs in the balance for this team, and throwing away games like they did tonight means that the probability of missing the playoffs grows larger.

The sense of urgency that this team needs to have is lacking, and ultimately, it will cost them another post season appearance if it is not corrected quickly.

The goaltending was a sieve, as both Pekka Rinne and Chris Mason offered little resistance to the Coyotes. Bad games happen, but this was atrocious.

Boys, the measure of your heart is going to be tested in the coming games.

The onus of showing what you are made of is right in front of you.

A few more efforts like tonight, and Predator fans will have a painful answer.

My three stars:

1. Take your pick of anyone on the Coyotes roster