Predators Drop Another Game to the Blues 1-0

The St. Louis Blues squared off against the Nashville Predators at Bridgestone Arena in a game that took on the characteristics of a heavyweight boxing match.

Both teams probed, took their offensive shots, and waited for the other to make a mistake to give them an opening.

It was the Predators that made the mistake, getting trapped in their own zone for a lengthy period of time and failing to clear the puck. That mistake wound up in the back of their net.

Troy Brouwer deflected a shot by Alex Pietrangelo past Pekka Rinne with 1:05 to go in regulation to give the Blues a 1-0 victory.

The Blues have won all 4 games against the Predators this season.

Some observations:

• Shots on goal were 11 apiece at the end of 2 periods as neither team would give an inch. That changed in the third period as the Blues had the quality scoring chances while the Predators rarely threatened Brian Elliott. Rinne had to make some huge saves, including a point blank stop on Magnus Paajarvi. Rinne was solid tonight and I can't fault him on the deflection that got past him. The Blues out shot the Predators 12-5 in the third as the offense was virtually non-existent. For the game, the Blues out shot the Predators 23-16.
• Ryan Johansen had 3 shots on net , but the rest of the Predators had no player record more than 2 shots on goal as the Blues defense did an effective job of choking off the offensive push. The Predators this season have had no answer for the heavy game the Blues play. They had better figure it out, because this is the kind of hockey every team will play between now and the end of the season.
• The Predators were good in the face off dot, winning 57% of the draws.
• I liked the game of Calle Jarnkrok tonight. He was aggressive in all zones and played with speed and pace. He was on a line with Craig Smith and Mike Ribeiro and this line created a few quality chances.
• Unfortunately for the Predators, there were not enough quality chances. Very little traffic to the net meant that Brian Elliott had a fairly easy night.
• This is the 6th time this season that the Predators have been shut out.
• There is no doubt that the Central Division is the toughest division in the NHL. If the Predators are going to climb into a solid playoff position, they are going to have to pick up their game against their division rivals. After tonight, the Predators are 6-10-2 against their Central opponents. 
• The Predators PK was solid, killing off all 3 of the Blues power plays. This unit continues to be effective and has really stepped up their play.
• On the other hand, the Predators power play was 0-3 and never really threatened the net. This unit has started to go cold, and the team needs this unit to pick up their sense of urgency and pace.

This is a tough loss for the Predators as it is a divisional loss and keeps them barely in the playoff hunt. With a chance to make up some ground  on the Blues and put some distance between the other teams chasing them, they sputtered.

It is not going to get any easier between now and the end of the season. Teams are going to be desperate and playing hard hockey.

They Predators are going to have to do the same.

My three stars:

1. Troy Brouwer

2. Pekka Rinne

3. Alex Pietrangelo

Predators Pick Up A Point, Fall In SO to the Blues

The Nashville Predators met the St. Louis Blues at Scott Trade Center for their last regular season meeting of the season.

It was a physical affair that took a shootout to decide the winner, which the Blues won 2-1 to capture a 5-4 win.

The Predators jumped out to a 2-0 lead off a power play goal by Mike Fisher and an even strength goal from Filip Forsberg as the Predators challenged Blues netminder Brian Elliott early in the contest.

The Blues exploded for three goals in the second period as Jaden Schwartz, T.J. Oshie, and Steve Ott tallied, the last 2 goals coming just 26 seconds apart.

Mike Fisher tied the game at 3 with a shorthanded goal in the second period.

Ryan Reaves gave the Blues a 4-3 lead late in the second period with a blast that eluded Carter Hutton.

James Neal tied the game late in the third period with a quick shot from the slot.

The overtime was scoreless and the game would be decided in a shootout.

In the shootout, T.J. Oshie  and Kevin Shattenkirk scored for the Blues while Roman Josi was the only scorer for the Predators.

Some observations:

• Mike Fisher's goal in the first period was his 500th career point. Most of those points have come from his gritty play in the hard areas, and tonight's goal was no different. A shot from the point from Roman Josi deflected off his shoulder, off the end board, and off Elliott's back into the goal. Every team needs a player that can get those gritty, greasy goals, and Fisher fills that role well for the Predators.
• We have seen Filip Forsberg score some amazing goals this season. One aspect of his game that is often overlooked is his fearlessness in going to the front of the net. His goal in the second period was, in my opinion, one of his best of the season. He was in the hard area in front of the net, gathered the puck in traffic, and had the hands to flip the puck over a sprawling Elliott. That was a quality goal from a high traffic area with lots of bodies around him, and that is an underrated aspect of his game. This was Forsberg's team leading 17th goal.
• The Predators have two shorthanded goals this season. Both have come against the Blues. Fisher collected the Predators second shortie of the season off a great job of forechecking by Calle Jarnkrok.
• Carter Hutton made some big saves, some really good saves, and I really can't fault him for the first three Blues goals. But as happens too often, he gave up a goal on an unscreened shot to Ryan Reaves for the Blues 4th goal. These are the kind of shots that have plagued Hutton in almost every game he has played, and frankly, these are the kinds of shots that an NHL netminder has too stop. All the time. Hutton's biggest problem is his inconsistency in making those types of saves.
• In the four previous contests with the Blues, the Predators took 10 penalties. Tonight, they were uncharacteristically undisciplined and took 6 penalties. The penalty kill did a great job against the League's number one power play unit, killing all 6 man advantage attempts by the Blues.
• Every game this season between the Predators and the Blues was decided by one goal. The Predators captured the season series 3-2.
• With the point tonight, the Predators have 68 points. The Blues have 64 points, and the Blackhawks have 62.

This was a tough, hard hitting contest, and the Predators played a solid road game. Some defensive breakdowns and a bad goal cost them the win. Yet the team did manage to pick up a point in this critical divisional game.

It doesn't get any easier as the Predators travel to Colorado for a matchup against the Avalanche tomorrow night.

My three stars:

1. Mike Fisher

2. T.J. Oshie

3. Roman Josi

Predators Refuse to Lose, Defeat the Blues 3-2

Relentless.

That was the Nashville Predators in their contest at the Bridgestone Arena against the St. Louis Blues in front of a raucous standing room only crowd.

The Predators overcame a talented and feisty Blues team and a blown goal call that negated a Predators score to defeat the Blues 3-2 and maintain their lead over their Central Division rival.

Shea Weber had two goals, including the game winner while the Predators were shorthanded. Gabriel Bourque had a stellar game, picking up a goal and an assist. Bourque scored just 5 seconds after a goal by Filip Forsberg was ruled no goal.

Olli Jokinen had his first multi point game as a Predator, picking up two assists.

Both teams played the night before, with the Predators game going to a shootout while the Blues won in regulation. Yet it was the Blues that looked like the more tired team as the Predators dominated stretches of play and out shot the Blues 47-28.

Weber gave the Predators a 1-0 lead with a wrist shot that beat Blues netminder Brian Elliot over the glove at 18:05 of the first period.

The Blues tied the game as Chris Butler beat Pekka Rinne through traffic and off the leg of Weber 50 seconds into the second period.

The Blues made it 2-1 on a 3 on 1 down low, passing the puck around until T. J. Oshie was able to bury a shot past Rinne, who had no chance on the shot.

The Predators looked to have tied the game as a Filip Forsberg shot tumbled over the pads of Elliot and just across the goal line. It was ruled no goal on the ice, and after a lengthy review, the War Room in Toronto ruled there was inconclusive evidence that the puck had crossed the goal line.

Guess they didn't have that angle to look at when they were making their review.

Gabriel Bourque tied the game at at 16:06 of the second period as he kicked the puck from his skate to his stick at the top of the crease and beat Elliott with a low shot to the stick side.

Weber got the game winning goal with the Predators on the penalty kill. Roman Josi started a 2 on 1 and slid a pass to Weber, who rifled a shot over the shoulder of Elliott at 9:02 of the third period.

The Predators were able to hold off the Blues for the remainder of the period, including 1:40 with Elliott pulled for the extra attacker for the critical 3-2 win.

Some observations:

• Can't say enough good things about Gabriel Bourque and his play of late. He has made the most of his time settling into the fourth line. He has played with jump and has been a demon on the forecheck. Tonight, he created several turnovers off the forecheck. He absolutely abused Jay Bouwmeester on his goal, driving through the Blues defender and straight to the net for his score. I like his energy, his hustle, and his compete level, and it was good to see him rewarded for his efforts by getting on the score sheet tonight.
• When was the last time you saw two defensemen on a 2 on 1 rush? On the penalty kill? I have mentioned roman Josi's skating ability before, and his speed and ability to handle the puck set up the game winner. But how about Shea Weber jumping into the rush from in front of his own net and flying down the ice? I have said that I think Weber is skating better this season than he has in any of his professional seasons and it showed tonight. 
• Weber's shorthanded goal was the first shorthanded goal the Blues have allowed this season.
• Speaking of Weber, his shot placement on his two goals was perfect. Under the crossbar for his first and wired over the blocker and shoulder of Elliott for his second.
• Weber's shorthanded goal was the first shorty for the Predators this season.
• Balanced scoring has been the hallmark of this team this season. The fourth line of Bourque, Jokinen, and Paul Gaustad combined for 5 points (1G-4A) and were a +7 tonight.
• The Predators are 14-2-1 on home ice this season. Protecting home ice is critical and the Predators have done a great job of doing that. And kudos to the home crowd for bringing it once again tonight. The noise and support for the team are noticed by not only the Predators but by their opponents as well.
• Anton Volchenkov returned to the line up after missing five game dues to an injury. Matt Cullen was scratched due to an upper body injury.
• Brian Elliott returned to action for the Blues after missing 14 games due to an injury.
• The Predators kept their foot on the gas all game, and despite the great work in net by Elliott, they just kept firing shots on goal. They had 12, 18, and 17 shots in each period. They were relentless in getting the puck on net and creating chances.
• By contrast, they held the Blues to 28 total shots: 8; 8; and 12 for each period.
• 36 games into the season and the Predators have not lost back to back games.
• The Predators are 24-9-3, good for 51 points. They are 1 point behind the Blackhawks, who were idle tonight, and 4 points in front of the Blues.

This was a great bounce back after the disappointing loss the night before. And it was against a good St. Louis squad that is challenging the Predators for second place in the Central.

This was a total team effort, the kind the Predators are going to need as they prepare for a grueling stretch in the month of January.

My three stars:

1. Shea Weber

2. Gabriel Bourque

3. Olli Jokinen

Predators Take Over Top Spot In the Central with a 2-1 Win Over the Blues

The Nashville Predators played their last game of a six game road trip in St. Louis in a match up that featured the top two teams in the Central Division.


Almost everyone expected the Blues to be there.


No one expected the Predators to be challenging for the top spot.


Part of the reason for the Predators success has been the play of goaltender Pekka Rinne. Rinne entered the game with a 1.89 GAA and a .932 save percentage.


He would face Brian Elliott, who has a 2.06 GAA and a .920 save percentage.


The Blues came into this contest with a 7 game winning streak.


The Blues struck first as a rebound of a Vladamir Tarasenko shot kicked out to Jori Lehtera, who slid the puck under the pad of Rinne, who was scrambling to get back in position. The goal occurred at 14:30 of the first period.


Filip Forsberg continued his strong play as he took a cross ice pass from Roman Josi and beat Elliott glove side at 7:20 of the second period to tie the game at 1. Great vision and patience by Josi to find Forsberg and excellent shot placement by Forsberg.


Did I mention Forsberg's strong play. He carried the puck into the blues zone and dropped a pass to James Neal, who blasted a shot over Elliot's stick to make it 2-1 Predators at 13:32 of the third period.


The Predators made that goal stand up, holding off the Blues and the extra attacker over final 1:10 to secure a 2-1 win and take over first place in the Central Division.


Some observations:

• Vladamir Tarasenko is a scary player. Scary good. The kid can skate, handles the puck well, and has a wicked good shot. The Blues have a player in Tarasenko that is fast becoming an elite hockey player.

• Filip Forsberg has made a strong case to be an early favorite for the Calder. He now has 5 goals in his last 4 games and leads all rookies in scoring and in +/-. Forsberg is quietly good and doesn't get the highlight reel goals like Tarasenko, but is putting together a very solid effort early in the season.

• I really like the Predators compete level in this game, especially in the second period. They created some good scoring chances and kept pressure on the Blues. One characteristic of this team that is really encouraging is that they do not sit back in a defensive posture throughout the game, but are looking for opportunities to attack.

• James Neal has a great shot- we all know that. But I like his total game. He goes to the hard areas and battles for the puck and is responsible in the defensive zone. His power game is a nice compliment to Forsberg and Ribeiro on his line.

• Neal's goal was his 8th, which leads the team.

• The Predators lost Colin Wilson in the third period to a lower body injury.

• The Predators out shot the Blues 35-27.

• The Predators finished the 6 game road trip with a 4-2 record.

The old saying is "if you want to be the best, you have to beat the best". Tonight was the Predators night to beat the best. Yes, it is only the first of many contests with the Blues, but this has to be a huge confidence boost for the Predators. They know they can not only play with the best team in the division but can defeat them.


Now the Predators get to come back home for a few days before they attempt to build on this momentum.


My three stars:


1. James Neal


2. Pekka Rinne


3. Filip Forsberg

Predators Fall to the Blues In a Shootout

The Nashville Predators looked to continue the positive momentum of last night's come from behind win over the New Jersey Devils as they visited the St. Louis Blues.

They faced a monumental challenge as the Blues have torn through the Central Division, posting a 13-0-1 record to date.

Carter Hutton would man the pipes for the second night in a row, and he was challenged throughout the game by the Blues. Hutton made some huge saves to keep the Predators from getting blown out of the Scott Trade Center.

Hutton final gave up a goal, but it was one on which he had not chance. With the Predators on the penalty kill, Jaden Schwartz got lost by the defense and found himself alone at the side of the net. He banged the puck past Hutton for a 1-0 Blues lead at 9:11 of the first period.

The Blues made it 2-0 at 3:31 of the second period as David Backes tallied his 19th goal of the season.

The Predators answered at 16:48 of the second as Paul Gaustad gathered in a errant pass from a Blues defender in the low slot and blasted the puck past Brian Elliott to make it 2-1. This was Gaustad's 8th goal of the season.

Mike Fisher tied the game at 2 as he threw a shot at Elliott from almost at the goal line. The puck banked off Elliott and into the net at 3:25 of the third period.

The Predators got their first lead of the night as David Legwand found Roman Josi streaking in from the blue line. Josi beat Elliott with a low wrist shot to give the Predators a 3-2 lead at 7:33.

The Predatos showed their disturbing tendency to quickly give up a goal after they score. Just 16 seconds after the Predators had taken the lead, Vladamir Tarasenko blasted a shot over the glove of Hutton to tie the game.

Both teams had good chances in the remainder of the third period, but could not get the game winning goal, so they were heading to overtime.

This was the first overtime meeting between these teams this season.

The overtime was scoreless, and so the Predators and Blues were heading to a shootout.

Which has not been kind to the Predators.

And the Predators continue to struggle in the shootout, dropping this one 2-1.

Some observations:

• Hutton played a strong game and came up with some huge saves to keep the Predators in the game. The Blues attacked all night, and Hutton made some quality saves. He moved well and was positionally sound.

• The Predators really got their game going in the second period, and I especially liked their effort in the third period. They went hard to the net and forced Elliott to make some big saves. The Predators looked purposeful in going to the net and really pressured the Blues goal with some quality chances. They have shown a  willingness to put the puck on the net and go hard after rebounds, and this is the style of hockey that they have to play.

• The Predators were still without the services of Matt Cullen and Viktor Stalberg. Youngsters Colton Sissons (8:00), Taylor Beck (13:58), and recent call up Simon Moser (10:21) all contributed some important minutes.

• The Predators had 4 shooters in the shootout, and they went with three defensemen in those four slots. Ryan Ellis, Roman Josi, and Mattias Ekholm all had attempts, with only Ellis converting. Taylor Beck was the only forward to take an attempt.

The Predators battled hard and picked up a point, but it is disappointing to see them give up another goal so soon after taking the lead. Whether it is maturity, intensity, or desire, it is lacking when they allow the opponents to score like that.

The Predators have been playing better of late and have been picking up some points.

They are going to have to continue that to get back into the playoff race.

My three stars:

1. Vladamir Tarasenko

2. Roman Josi

3. Jaden Schwartz

Blues Continue the Predators Woes

The Milwaukee Admirals Nashville Predators dropped a 1-0 decision to the St. Louis Blues at Bridgestone Arena for their 7th loss in their last 8 games.

The Predators have exited the playoff hunt and are just finishing out the season, and fielded a roster of many AHL call ups due to injuries depleting the roster.

Pekka Rinne took the loss as the Blues Alex Steen scored the lone goal of the game at 16:37 of the second period. Steen blew a shot past Rinne and that was enough for the Blues to hold off the offensively challenged Predators.

Brian Elliott got the win, and he was never really challenged by the Predators.

The Blues out shot the Predators 26-15, including a 15-4 advantage in the second period. The Predators did not record their first shot on goal in that period until 7:12 of the period.

Some observations:

Welcome To The Show

Daniel Bang was called up from Milwaukee and made his first appearance in an NHL game. The Predators roster tonight included 11 players that have played in Milwaukee this season. The talent gap between the Blues and the Predators roster was glaringly evident all night.

Veterans Are A No Show

With a roster of so many young players that have been called up due to injury, the Predators had to have veteran players step up to take up the slack and to have an opportunity to win this game. They failed miserably. David Legwand did not have a shot on goal and appeared to be unable or unwilling to be strong on the puck and create some offense. Sergei Kostitsyn, Nick Spaling, Austin Watson, Chris Mueller, and Bobby Butler also did not record a shot on goal. It is going to be difficult for the Predators to win any game if these guys cannot get pucks on net.

Sophomore Slump

Craig Smith undoubtedly possesses serious offensive skill, but his game is awful right now. Smith had three shots on goal, but has struggled mightily in the offensive and defensive zones. Hopefully Smith is getting this out of his system because the Predators desperately need him to get his game on track

Effort

I don't fault the effort of most of the young Predators. With this roster, the game could have been much worse. This situation presents great opportunity for guys like Daniel Bang, Austin Watson, Taylor Beck, and Chris Mueller, to name a few. They are going to have to play because of the injuries the Predators are contending with, and this is their opportunity to see what it takes to play at the NHL level and to prove they belong. Realistically, they are over matched against NHL regulars, but this is the chance to show they can bring the effort to compete. These young guys are playing for next season, and they need to show they belong on the roster.

Final Thoughts

The Predators are playing out the string. They will not be in the playoffs, but this is still an opportunity to demonstrate desire, heart, effort, and character. Fail to show that in the remaining games, and the disappointment among the fans will be palpable. Bring a solid effort, confront the adversity this team faces, and this can be a positive that the team can build upon.

The choice is yours, boys.

My three stars:

1.. Alex Steen

2. Brian Elliott

3. Pekka Rinne

Predators Beat Down the Blues 6-1

The Nashville Predators wrapped up their 7 game road trip with their third contest against the St. Louis Blues at ScottTrade Center.

The Predators looked to build on their success from consecutive shootout victories over the L.A. Kings and the San Jose Sharks. More importantly, the Predators were looking to continue to discover their identity and play their style of hockey- solid defense and opportunistic offense.

In other words, Predator Hockey.

The Predators had Pekka Rinne in net, while the Blues went with Brian Elliott.

The Predators wanted to bring a better effort than the last time they played the Blues, and the game certainly started well as Ryan Ellis tallied on the power play at 17:50 to give the Predators a 1-0 lead.

The Predators extended the lead to 2-0 on a play that was caused by the effort of Colin Wilson. Wilson fought for and controlled the puck at the Blues Blue line. Wilson tried to get the puck to Paul Gaustad, but the puck hit a Blues defender and came back to Wilson. He fired a shot that Elliott stopped with his pad, but Rich Clune was crashing the net and smacked home the rebound for his first NHL goal at 15:53.

The Predators kept up the pressure on the Blues net, and Nick Spaling cashed in as he lifted a shot over the prone Elliott at 19:13 of the period to give the Predators a 3-0 lead. The goal was typical Predator hockey: getting the puck on net with traffic, winning the puck battle, and slamming home a rebound.

All of a sudden, it appears as if the Predators have discovered Predator hockey.

The defense was solid as well, limiting the Blues to just 4 shots in the period, while the Predators had 9.

The Blues were expected to come out with a strong push in the second period, and through 9 minutes the Blues out shot the Predators 4-1. The Predators limited the Blues quality scoring chances, and needed to get their offense back in gear and not give momentum back to the Blues.

The Predators seized the momentum back as Kevin Klein unleashed a blast from the blue line that beat Elliott cleanly to give the Predators a 4-0 lead at 9:09 of the period. That goal would send Elliott to the bench and rookie Jake Allen entered the game.

The Predators welcomed Allen to the game as Colin Wilson split two Blues defenders and backhanded a puck that caromed off the crossbar and landed in the blue paint. Gabriel Bourque drove the net and the puck went off his skate and into the goal. After review, it was ruled a good goal, and Bourque had his first goal of the year at 10:09 to give the Predators a 5-0 lead.

The Blues made it 5-1 on the power play as Alex Pietrangelo lifted a backhand that went off the shoulder of Rinne at 13:09.

The Predators did not make it easy on themselves by taking a penalty but were able to kill off the man advantage.

Yet once again, the Predators were guilty of another penalty as Shea Weber was called for tripping, and they managed to kill off the penalty in the remainder of the period, but the Blues would have 1:38 of carry over power play time going into the third. By virtue of the Blues strong push and the Predators spending time down a man, the Blues out shot the Predators 14-3 in the second.

Going into the third, the Predators could not afford to lose their aggressiveness in the offensive zone. They needed to keep attacking and could not afford to sit back on their heels.

With 24 seconds remaining in the initial penalty to Shea Weber, Roman Josi was called for cross checking and the potent Blues power play had a brief 5 on 3 advantage.

The Predators killed the 5 on 3 and the penalty on Josi, but the Predators were going to have to play with more discipline and get back to the game that jumped on the Blues in the first period. Sitting back and letting the Blues dictate the attack was not a comfortable position for the Predators, even with the 4 goal lead.

The Predators picked up the attack and got some shots in on Allen, but more importantly got back to the forecheck. The Blues still had some quality chances, but the Predators began to limit time in their defensive zone and slow the Blues rush in the neutral zone. Pekka Rinne came up with some big stops to keep the Blues from gaining momentum.

The Predators restored their 5 goal lead as Marty Erat gathered in a rebound of his own shot and banged home the rebound to make it 6-1 at 16:34. The play was set up by Ryan Ellis, who found Erat breaking to the net and hit him with a perfect pass.

The remainder of the game was scoreless and the Predators had exploded for their highest goal output of the season in defeating the Blues 6-1.

There are numerous positives to take away from this game: Rinne was solid; scoring was opportunistic and came throughout the line up; and the Predators PK limited the number one power play in the NHL to 1 for 5.

Perhaps most importantly, the Predators look as if they have discovered their identity and are playing to the strengths of their game and their roster. If the Predators are going to succeed this season, they are going to have to play to that identity in the remaining games.

Gritty, opportunistic hockey. Staunch defense. Aggressive forechecking that creates scoring opportunities.

The Predators have built some good momentum off this road trip. 8 of the next 11 games are at the Bridgestone Arena.

Time to bring that momentum home.

My three stars:

1. Colin Wilson

2. Pekka Rinne

3. Marty Erat

Predators Pick Up a Point in 4-3 SO Loss to the Blues

For the second straight game, the Nashville Predators went to a shootout, and both times the results were the same as the Predators dropped a 4-3 decision to the St. Louis Blues.

Unlike the previous game with Columbus, the Predators played with more purpose. Like the previous game, there were stretches where the visiting Blues dominated puck possession and kept the Predators pinned in their own zone. Make no mistake, part of this is the fact that the Blues are a very talented team, but the fact that the Predators can be dominated as they were in their own zone is troubling.

In regulation, the Blues out shot the Predators 33-24. In the overtime period, the Predators could not muster a shot and were out shot 6-0.

The Predators opened the scoring at 9:10 of the first period as Colin Wilson took a pass from Patric Hornqvist and fired a shot from just inside the face off circle that beat Blues netminder Jaroslav Halak. Wilson was strong on the puck all night and played a very good game. In the two games of this young season, he has been the best skater for the Predators.

The Blues tied the game at 10:28 of the first period as rookie Vladamir Tarasenko fired a shot over the shoulder of Pekka Rinne for his third goal in two games. Tarasenko is a dynamic young player and a force for the Blues. He later added two assists on Blues goals to give him 5 points in two games.

The Blues took a 2-1 lead at 15:04 of the first as Andy McDonald tallied on the power play with David Legwand in the box for hooking. McDonald was able to roof the puck over an out of position Rinne for the Blues lead.

The Predators returned the favor on the power play at 17:13 of the first period as Mike Fisher took a nice cross ice feed from Marty Erat and beat Halak high stick side.

Although the Blues out shot the Predators 14-6 and had a decided territorial advantage in the first period, the opening frame ended tied at 2. Rinne made some good save to keep the Predators in the period as the Blues had a tremendous offensive zone time advantage.

The Predators were stronger on the puck in the second period, and although they were out shot 9-8, they tallied the only goal of the period on the power play. Patric Hornqvist got free down low and lifted a sharp angle backhand over the shoulder of Halak at 12:53 the give the Predators a 3-2 lead on only their 11th shot of the game. That was enough for Blues Coach Ken Hitchcock as he pulled Halak and inserted Brian Elliott in net.

That proved to be a wide coaching move by Hitch as Elliott would shut out the Predators the rest of the way.

Once again, the third period saw the Predators unable to hold a lead as the Blues tied the game at 12:10 of the third as Alex Pietrangelo was able to get the puck past Rinne.

Shots were 10-10 in the third period, but Rinne made some exceptional saves and the Predators hit the post on three occasions and couldn't finish their chances.

The Blues owned the overtime session as once again Rinne made some good saves to keep the Blues off the board. The Predators could not generate any offense and did not have a shot on goal in the extra session.

In the shootout, Craig Smith and Marty Erat were stopped by Elliott and T.J. Oshie and Alex Steen were able to beat Rinne to give the Blues the second point.

On the positive side, it was good to see Hornqvist and Fisher get on the score sheet. Hornqvist had a strong game and has been quietly effective. Colin Wilson had a solid game, skating well and was strong on the puck. Wilson has been the Predators best skater in the first two games and his game has matured nicely.

Troubling for the Predators is the way that the Blues were able to dominate in puck possession. There were stretches of the game where the Predators were fortunate to just get it out of their zone. Part of this is that the Blues are a very talented team. Part of this is that the Predators were sloppy with the puck. This has to improve for the Predators to get in the win column.

The other aspect of the Predators game that has to improve is the secondary scoring. Last year, the Predators were the beneficiaries of the third and fourth line contributing with timely scoring. So far, these lines have not had any offensive pop, and the Predators have to have these lines chipping in with some goals.

The Predators are in Minnesota tomorrow night, and this is another opportunity to continue to get their game back to Predator hockey. Some good strides were made tonight.

The progress has to continue.

My three stars:

1. Vladamir Tarasenko

2. Patric Hornqvist

3. Colin Wilson

Blues Blast the Predators 3-0

The war that has been the Predators/Blues series continued for the final time in the regular season at the Scott Trade Center. 4 of the previous 5 contests had gone the way of the Predators, with their only loss occurring in overtime, and there was nothing that the league leading Blues would like to do more than avenge some of their earlier losses.

The Predators welcomed Colin Wilson back into the line up, but were without Marty Erat for the second game in a row as well as Jordin Tootoo, who was injured in the game with Chicago.

While this game was going to be tight checking and a war among the skaters, there was also a stellar goaltending battle that was going to take place as well, as the Predators had Pekka Rinne in net while the Blues countered with Brian Elliott.

The significance of this game was twofold: with a win, the Predators could move back into 4th place in the West; and with a win, Barry Trotz would notch his 500th victory as a Head Coach, all with the Predators.

The first period was just as billed: a war. Both teams created some scoring chances, but the first 20 minutes was characterized by some ferocious checking, tight defense, and good goaltending. Both netminders were perfect, as Rinne turned away 6 shots and Elliott rejected 8.

The second period opened with the Blues putting pressure on the Predators and generating some good chances. The Blues finally capitalized as Jason Arnott fed Jamie Langenbrunner in the slot and he buried the wrister to give the Blues a 1-0 lead at 6:35 of the second period. Langenbrunner worked himself free and was alone in the slot to take the shot.

Save for the Langenbrunner goal, the second period was a mirror image of the first, with both teams trying to solve the others defense and goaltender. The Predators out shot the Blues 12-7, but could not solve Elliott, who was outstanding in net.

In the third period, the Predators were going to have to get more traffic to the front of the net to try and take advantage of the rebounds that Elliott was leaving on the ice. This was going to be a tall order, as the Blues defense had so far done a good job of collapsing around Elliott.

It was going to be a matter of "want to" for the Predators in the third period.

So much for "want to" as the Blues continued to win puck battles and clog the neutral zone. Their effort paid off as David Backes got the puck to David Perron who beat Kevin Klein to the front of the net and beat Rinne with a backhand to give the Blues a 2-0 lead at 4:47 of the third period.

The Predators caught a break when it appeared that the Blues scored as David Perron shoved the puck into the net, but the goal was waved off as it was deemed by the officials that Perron had pushed Rinne and the puck into the net.

At the 16:00 minute mark, T.J. Oshie beat Rinne with a backhand to make it 3-0 for the Blues, and this game was over.

The Predators got a taste of what playoff hockey will be like, and the team was found wanting. The forwards did not finish, they lost puck battles, and their compete level was not equal to that of the Blues.

This was not fun. By any stretch of the imagination. In fact, it was painful.

But the Predators should learn from this. Playoff hockey is different. Tonight, the Blues played playoff hockey.

The Predators did not.

The Predators finished the regular season series with the Blues 4-1-1, capturing 9 of a possible 12 points.

That feels good.

But the Blues are the team playing like it is the playoffs. The Predators are not.

And they are going to have to elevate their level of play.

My three stars:

1. Brian Elliott

2. David Perron

3. Jamie Langenbrunner

Predators Survive the Avs 3-2

The Nashville Predators defeated the Colorado Avalanche 3-2 in a game that best be described as the Predators surviving the Avalanche.The Predators managed to take a game that was well in hand and, to say the least, make it interesting.

Playing the Avalanche was a dangerous proposition for the Predators. The Avs are out of the playoffs and are playing loose and wide open hockey. It was going to be imperative that the Predators play sound hockey, disciplined hockey to not fall victim to the Avalanche.

It would be the Predators that would play their game early on in the contest.

The Predators opened the scoring at 15:35 of the first period as Matt Halischuk dug the puck out of the corner and got the puck to Colin Wilson. Wilson beat Brian Elliott for his 16th goal of the season to give the Predators a 1-0 lead.

A give and take first period saw Pekka Rinne make some big saves and the Predators generate some chances. For all the effort, though, the Predators held a slim 1-0 lead.

The second period was more of the same, with both Rinne and Elliott coming up with some big saves to keep the margin at 1.

That would change at 10:20 of the second period as Cody Franson would release a quick wrist shot from the blue line that was tipped by Jordin Tootoo past Elliott for his 6th goal of the season and a 2-0 Predators lead.

The first 40 minutes of the contest were dominated by the Predators as they out shot the Avs by a 30-14 margin. The forecheck was aggressive and the defensive effort was solid. The only negative of the first 40 minutes was the loss of Jordin Tootoo late in the period to an upper body injury.

As hard as it is to believe and as late in the season as it is, the Predators still have not seemed to grasp the fact that it is a 60 minute game. The third period was, shall we say, chaotic. It also saw the Avs score 2 goals to make the score way more interesting than it should have been.

Before the chaos erupted, the Predators extended their lead to 3-0 on the power play as Marty Erat stole the puck and broke in alone on Elliott. Elliot tried to poke check the puck away, but Erat deftly pulled the puck back and roofed a shot over Elliott.

A comfortable 3-0 lead with just over 12 minutes to go. Game in hand, wouldn't you think?

Not so fast.

The Avs out shot the Predators 15-4 in the third period. More about that in a moment. With the offensive zone time for the Avs, you just knew something was going to happen.

It did.

Paul Statsny beat Joel Ward in defensive coverage in front of the net and flipped the puck over Rinne to make it 3-1 Predators at 13:35. That goal seemed to really energize the Avalanche as they dominated in the offensive zone.

David Jones would somehow leak a puck between Rinne and the post at 18:58 of the third with the extra attacker on the ice. Now the Predators were just trying to hang on for the final 1:02.

They did hang on, but not for lack of effort by the Avalanche, who won an offensive zone face off with 3.5 seconds remaining and fired a shot on Rinne that required a good save at the horn.

Yes, the Predators won the game, but in reality, they survived the Avalanche.

Back to that third period.

What is difficult for me to grasp is the mentality of this team with a lead. The Predators had played a very solid 40 minutes of hockey and had a lead. They extended the lead 7 minutes into the third. And then they just sat back and let the Avalanche dominate the play. There is no doubt that this team has one of the elite goalies in the NHL in Pekka Rinne, but the tendency to rely- too heavily- on Rinne late in a game has bitten this team in the ass more than once this season, and it almost did again tonight. Foe the life of me, I don't understand the tendency to take the foot off the gas and let the opponent dictate play late in a game.

Play like this in the playoffs and you will see another first round exit.

This team needs to develop a killer instinct. Stop letting other teams claw back into the game by being passive. Playing a prevent defense does not work in football and the Predators are proving that it doesn't work in hockey.

Make no mistake- this is a win and two precious points. But this is a win that should teach you a lesson that hopefully you don't have to learn again.

Don't let up.

My three stars:

1. Marty Erat

2. Colin Wilson

3. Pekka Rinne

Predators Offense MIA in 2-1 Loss to Sens

Okay, who is wearing the Predators sweaters and what have you done with the real team?

After going on a tear in the early part of December, the Predators have absolutely stunk up the joint in their last three games, this time falling to at best an average Ottawa Senators hockey team by a score of 2-1.

The game wasn't as close as the score indicated.

The Predators made the Senators look much better than they really are and made Brian Elliott, the Ottawa netminder look fantastic.

Merry Christmas. Enjoy your gifts.

In the first three minutes of the contest, the Predators were outshot 9-1. It didn't get much better as the game went on.

Sure, the Predators narrowed the shot total, trailing for the game 30-26, but the reality is that the Predators rarely challenged Elliott for the bulk of the contest. We certainly did a great job of making him look like a quality goaltender.

The Predator offense struggled all night, at times unable to get in the zone. When they did get in the zone, there was very little puck support and the puck was turned over frequently, often going the other way. The offensive zone presence of the Predators was abysmal. This continues the disturbing trend that has reared its ugly head in the three game losing streak that the Predators have endured.

The Predators welcomed back Pekka Rinne in net, and did nothing to help him throughout the night. I can fault Rinne for neither goal that was given up tonight, as the defense in front of Rinne once again broke down, as they often have in this three game slide.

Merry Christmas, Pekka.

The Sens first goal came when Cal O'Reilly threw a pass to Kevin Klein in the defensive zone that put Klein in an impossible position to handle the puck. Peter Regin slammed Klein into the boards with a clean check, got control of the puck, and flipped a back pass to Alexei Kovalev who was alone in the low slot. Kovalev beat Rinne high glove side as Francis Buillon and O'Reilly both were late to rotate back in coverage.

Ottawa made it 2-0 on the power play as Nick Foligno was left alone at the side of the net and buried the rebound off Rinne's pads for an easy goal.

The Predators cut the deficit to 2-1 as Marcel Goc tipped home a shot from Cody Franson, but that was the only offensive thrust that the Predators could muster.

The ineptness of the Predators offense was not helped when both Marty Erat and Steve Sullivan were lost to injury. Erat went hard into the boards and appeared to injure his back midway of the second period. Sullivan left in the third period with a lower body injury.

The Predators have now been outscored in their last three games by a margin of 12-3. The offense, once so effective in their early December streak, has seen the wheels come off. Their is no flow and no consistency from the forwards. The forecheck, once devastatingly effective, has disappeared. The Predators are now having trouble just entering the offensive zone.

The offense has to get their mojo back for this team to be successful. Right now, their is no semblance of that happening.

Two days off to enjoy the Christmas holiday may be what this team needs. Time to regroup and get their focus back.

If you believe in Santa, it's time to ask him to bring the Predators some offense.

We certainly need it.

My three stars:

1. Alexei Kovalev

2. Brian Elliott

3. Marcel Goc