Predators Get Back In the Win Column, Defeat the Wild 3-0

to say the Nashville Predators needed a win is a gross understatement. Playing against the Minnesota Wild, who commit to the horribly boring trap game, meant that the Predators were going to have to play with energy and get to the net.

They did just that as they shut out the Wild 3-0 at Bridgestone Arena.

The Predators scored on their first shot of the game as Eric Nystrom re-directed a point shot from Shea Weber past Devan Dubnyk to give the good guys a 1-0 lead.

Carter Hutton got the start in net and he had to be sharp as the Wild at one point in the first period out shot the Predators 9-1. The Predators rallied back, getting out shot 12-11 at the end of the first period and leading 1-0 going into the intermission.

After a scoreless second period, the Predators did a good job of getting traffic to the net and it paid off on the power play as Roman Josi cashed in on a rebound of a Ryan Johansen shot to give the Predators a 2-0 lead.

Filip Forsberg iced the game with an empty net goal to give the Predators their final margin of 3-0.

Some observations:

• Carter Hutton was outstanding tonight. He made some very good saves and was positionally sound all night. Hutton is often scrambling around in the crease, and although he had a few frenetic moments, was solid in his positioning and appeared to be calm and in control of the play around his crease. Big ups to Hutton for his play tonight. Hutton recorded his third career shut out.
• The much maligned penalty kill of the Predators was very good tonight. They killed off all 3 man advantage chances by the Wild and gave them very few good looks. This is the kind of effort the Predators needed and they definitely need to build on their play tonight.
• I questioned Eric Nystrom moving to the third line, but two goals in two nights shows that he can contribute and be effective. Nystrom is not shy about going to the net and his efforts have been rewarded. His re-direct of Shea Weber's shot was perfectly placed to the far post where Dubnyk had no chance.
• This was the last game of the regular season with the Wild. The Predators captured the season series by a 3-1 margin.
• Anthony Bitetto got the start again on the third pairing with Barrett Jackman and played a solid game. Bitetto is looking more comfortable and brings a solid physical presence on the ice.
• The Predators power play got back on track, going 1 for 2 tonight. The addition of Ryan Johansen has been a big plus to this unit. He is dangerous with his passes and his shot, and Roman Josi was the beneficiary of Johansen's ability to find the shooting lanes. Having an elite center has been a plus for this unit and for the team. Johansen has 7 points in 4 games with the team. Johansen also recorded his 200th career point.
• Calle Jarnkrok was very good in the face off circle. He led the the team, winning 6 of 9 faceoffs, good for 67%.
• I like the hustle and effort of Craig Smith. Now if he could just bury some shots.
• Paul Gaustad played in his 700th NHL game tonight.

No doubt this was a much needed win for the Predators, and it was a solid team effort. After a slow start, the Predators got their feet moving and played a complete game.

Now the Preds need to build on this win and start stringing together some victories.

My three stars:

1. Carter Hutton

2. Roman Josi

3. Eric Nystrom

Predators Stop Losing Streak, Defeat the Wild 3-2

The Nashville Predators needed a fast start against the Minnesota Wild at Bridgestone Arena.

Scoring on your first shot on goal qualifies as fast.

The Predators rode a tip in goal by Filip Forsberg just 46 seconds into the game along with a first period goal from Mike Ribeiro and a second period goal by James Neal to a 3-2 win to snap a 3 game losing streak.

Forsberg tipped in a rebound of a shot by Shea Weber that Devan Dubnyk could not control.

Shea Weber was involved in the Predators second goal as well. The Predators had a two man advantage when Weber launched a blast from the point that was tipped by Dubnyk by Mike Ribeiro for a 2-0 lead.

Pekka Rinne did not have a lot of work in the first period as the Wild could only muster 7 shots. He did face a penalty shot as Ryan Ellis was called for hooking on a break away by Jason Zucker. Rinne was up to the task as he stopped Zucker with his glove to keep the Wild off the board.

James Neal notched his 13th goal of the season in the second period as he beat Dubnyk from the face off circle to give the Predators a 3-0 lead.

The Predators would need every one of those goals as Zach Parise tipped a point shot from Marco Scandella past Rinne to make it 3-1.

Going into the third period, the Wild pressed and tried to make it a game. They did just that as Zucker was able to dig the puck out of the skates of Neal off a face off and get loose in the low slot to beat Rinne over the glove.

Zucker's goal made it 3-2 and upped the pucker factor in the arena exponentially.

The Predators were able to thwart the final push by the Wild and captured a much needed 3-2 win.

Some observations:

• The Predators won this game in two critical areas: they controlled the neutral zone, both offensively and defensively; and they did an excellent job of getting traffic to the net. The Predators were able to defeat the Wild's trap by making smart passes through the neutral zone and making players available to receive the breakout passes. The Wild try to trap the life out of a team and the Predators consistently broke the trap and got the puck deep. Once they got the puck deep in the zone, they did a good job of retrieving it and controlling the play. They also got traffic to the net and the first 2 goals were a direct result of going hard to the net.
• The traffic going to the net is something that the Predators have not done consistently in this slump, so it was good to see them make a consistent and concerted effort to do that tonight.
• The Predators forecheck disrupted the Wild's offensive flow all night. They held the Wild to single digits in shots every period (7, 6, and 9) while also forcing 8 turnovers. The Predators forecheck also allowed the offense to control the puck and this was reflected in their shot totals. They had 39 for the game and had 13, 14. and 12 by period.
• Those shot totals by the Predators showed they did not take their foot off the gas throughout the game. All too often, the Predators have been content to sit on a lead in the third period and hope for the best. Tonight, they kept attacking throughout the game and it was critical to securing the win.
• The Predators are 10-1-2 when they lead after two periods.
• By contrast, they are 2-9-2 when they trail after 2 periods.
• This is the 19th game this season that the Predators have recorded at least 30 shots on goal.
• The Predators played a very disciplined game. Ellis was called for hooking that resulted in the aforementioned penalty shot by Zucker. They took one other penalty, a holding call on Viktor Arvidsson in the third period that they killed.
• The Predators recorded a 5 on 3 power play goal, their first of the season. They Wild gave up their first 5 on 3 goal of the season.

To say that the Predators needed this win is both a blinding flash of the obvious and a huge understatement. The fact that the Predators were able to step up their game and get this win speaks volumes about their character.

Now the big challenge for the Predators will be to start stringing together these kinds of efforts and getting some back to back wins.

My three stars:

1. Mike Ribeiro

2. Shea Weber

3. James Neal

Predators Look Awful In a 4-0 Loss to the Wild

The Nashville Predators looked to bounce back from an off game last night against Columbus as  they took on the Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center.

Instead, the Predators stunk up the rink as they showed no fire and little effort in dropping a 4-0 decision to the Wild.

Lyin' Ryan Suter, Mikael Granlund, Jonas Brodin, and Thomas Vanek scored for the Wild. Suter and Vanek's goals came on the power play.

The Predators hung Pekka Rinne out to dry and never challenged Devan Dubnyk, who sat in his rocking chair with an easy night.

The lack of intensity and attack by the Predators is hugely disappointing as they showed no mental toughness and push back against the Wild in an important divisional game.


Some observations:

• Eric Nystrom and Paul Gaustad returned to the line up for the Predators. As a result, Colton Sissons was reassigned to Milwaukee. Miikka Salomaki was a healthy scratch.
• Cody Hodgson moved up to the first line with Mike Fisher and James Neal. Colin Wilson dropped down to the third line.
• Good night, another odd man rush results in a goal against the Predators. This is the third goal in two games that has come as a direct result of the Predators being outmanned in the defensive zone. I don't know if this is because the lines have been jumbled and there is some confusion but this is really frustrating to see the Predators breakdown like this.
• The Predators continue their undisciplined play as they made a steady march to the penalty box. of the 6 goals that the Wild have scored against the Predators this season, 4 have come on the power play. One of their even strength goals in this game came just 13 seconds after their power play had ended. Tonight, the Predators had 30 minutes in penalties, including a 10 minute misconduct against Mike Ribeiro.
• Rinne was under assault in this game and got no help from the skaters in front of him. He managed to make some very good saves, but couldn't keep the Wild from storming the net and putting follow up shots on goal, something the Predators have failed to do in their last two games.
• The disturbing aspect of these last two games, besides the loss of discipline, is the lack of intensity and push back from this team, especially the forwards. The Preds forwards have stopped attacking and as such have generated zero quality offensive chances. If they continue to play this way, this will be a very ugly road trip.
• The Predators have been shut out in back to back games and have been outscored 8-0. 
• OUCH

There was nothing good at all to say about this game. The Predators were awful and showed no heart in this loss.

They had better figure it out quickly.

My three stars:

1. Thomas Vanek

2. Lyin' Ryan Suter

3. Devan Dubnyk

Predators Survive Penalties, Hand the Wild Their First Home Loss

The Predators returned to action on their CMA road trip with a stop at the Xcel Energy Center to take on the Minnesota Wild for their first meeting of the season.

This is the Predators first game since their meeting with the Anaheim Ducks on Sunday. The Predators are squaring off against a Wild team that is 5-0 on home ice this season.

Pekka Rinne started between the pipes for the Predators, while the Wild had Devan Dubnyk in net.

After a scoreless first period, Mike Fisher broke the tie in the second period with a snap shot that beat Dubnyk stick side.

That lead stood until 17:36 of the second as the Wild scored on the power play as Marco Scandella beat Rinne to tie the game at 1.

Just 12 seconds into the third period, Roman Josi fired a shot from outside the face off circle that beat Dubnyk through traffic to give the Predators a 2-1 lead.

*I still don't think that Lyin Ryan Suter is better than Josi, and the numbers bear me out*

The Predators tempted fate by taking consecutive penalties and had to kill a 5 on 3. They were successful in that, but during the remaining power play, Matthew Dumba beat Rinne through traffic from the point to tie the game.

Cody Hodgson followed his own shot that Dubnyk could not control and gave the Predators a 3-2 lead. This was his first goal of the season and was a great hustle play to follow his shot.

A weak penalty call against Colin Wilson meant that the Predators were going to finish the final 1:39 down a man.

The penalty killers came up big and the Predators handed the Wild their first home loss by a 3-2 count.

Some observations:

•  This was the Predators first Central Division contest of the season. Both teams entered the contest with 16 points.
• While the Predators were finishing 10 days on the road, this was only their 4th game in this 2 week trip. 
• In his short time with the big club, Mikka Salomaki has brought a physical presence and a good fit to the second line. His physical play has opened up space for Craig Smith and Mike Ribeiro. It has also allowed Colin Wilson to drop to the third line, which has given him more favorable defensive match ups. It will be a big plus for the Predators if both those players can get their game going on their new lines.
• Salomaki was called up due to an injury to Eric Nystrom, who has missed the last two games.
• James Neal is a sniper, but you cannot underestimate his physical game. Zach Parise did, and got blown up in the first period by Neal. Parise finished the first period but did not return to the game in the second period and was called out for the remainder of the game with a lower body injury.
• Pekka Rinne had a lot of work and had to make some good saves with lots of traffic in front. Rinne did a very good job of tracking the puck and being positionally sound to frustrate the Wild.
• Welcome to the score sheet, Cody Hodgson. It took a while, but glad to see you find the back of the net. Hopefully this will open the door to your scoring touch. The Predators would welcome it.
• The Predators got sloppy with their penalties, especially in the third period. This is playing with fire against one of the best power play teams in the NHL. I really don't think the Wild were going to score 5 on 5 tonight, but the Predators kept them in the game with their transgressions.
• This was a very physical game, with not only Parise but Calle Jarnkrok and Paul Gaustad having to take trip to the locker room after getting dinged during play. Both of the Predators were able to return and finish the game.
• The Predators were out shot 29-24.
• The Predators blocked 23 shots.
• The Predators escaped with this win. They had 14 penalty minutes to the Wild's 4 and took the only 4 penalties in the third period.
• That said, the Predators penalty killers did a very good job against an exceptional power play team. The Predators killed off 5 of 7 chances the Wild had with the man advantage.

 This was a tough game and a scrappy win by the Predators against a tough Divisional opponent.

The thing I like the most about this win is that in times past, this was the type of game that would have seen the Predators wilt in the face of adversity like they faced tonight. Instead, they kept coming at the Wild and refused to quit.

And it was certainly a good way to start play in the division.

My three stars:

1. Cody Hodgson

2. Pekka Rinne

3. Roman Josi

* honorable mention: Mike Fisher

Predators Once Again Blow a Lead, Fall In OT to the Wild

The Nashville Predators are desperate for a win.

Roman Josi did his best to see that would happen.

Unfortunately, the rest of the team didn't follow.

Roman Josi put the team on his back and scored 2 goals 45 seconds apart in the second period to give the Predators a 2-1 lead going into the third period.

Regrettably, this Predators team has lost all ability to close out a game.

Charlie Coyle had given the Wild a 1-0 lead at the end of the first period as he out muscled the Predators mini-me defenseman Ryan Ellis. Coyle struck again in a third period that the Predators once again let slip away. His rocket from the face off circle over the shoulder of Pekka Rinne tied the game at 2.

Just 22 seconds into the overtime, Matt Dumba scored to give the Wild a win and send the Predators to their 9th loss in their last 12 games.

Some observations:

• The Predators dominated the second period and pumped 11 shots on Devan Dubnyk. Roman Josi got free in the slot and blasted a shot over the shoulder of Dubnyk. Less than a minute later, Josi strucjk again with a well placed shot through traffic that beat Dubnyk on the glove side. The Predators controlled play and out shot the Wild 11-3 and held a decided territorial advantage in the Wild zone.
• The most troubling aspect about this team that has shown itself through this losing streak is that the opponents have ramped up their intensity and their snappiness while the Predators have not come close to matching that effort. The Wild out shot the Predators 11-6 in the third period, but controlled play for long stretches in the Predators zone. The Predators had no answer, much like in the Ducks game and like many games in this losing skid. This does not bode well for this team. I have said that opponents are playing playoff hockey, while the Predators are not even close. This was another of those games. When the Predators have had the lead, they have been content to stop attacking and just dump the puck out of the zone. They have relied on Rinne to make every save, and this is not a formula for success. Failing to match the intensity and effort of the opponent and losing their offensive edge has cost the Predators the last two games. It will cost them in the playoffs as well.
• Big ups to Roman Josi, who played his ass off and did his dead level best to carry the Predators to victory. It is a shame the rest of his mates didn't follow suit. There were questions as to whether Josi could be an adequate replacement for Ryan Suter, and Josi has more than answered those questions. He is by far and away a more complete defenseman than Suter. Josi is 5 points away from tying Shea Weber's point total for most points by a Predators defenseman (61 points).
• For the life of me, I cannot understand why Mike Santorelli is getting top line minutes. Since his acquisition at the trade deadline, Santorelli has shown me nothing. He does not have a point yet is getting prime minutes with James Neal out of the lineup.

This losing skid has exposed the most glaring weakness of this team, and that is the failure to amp up their intensity in tightly contested contests.

Think that intensity is going to be even higher in the playoffs?

The Predators have done nothing different in their style of play. That worked well early in the season, but this is the time of year where effort, intensity, and heart go to another level. The Predators have- so far- shown they are not up to that challenge.

As they slip further in the standings, they are looking at a first round matchup against Chicago. Think the Blackhawks will elevate their game?

The question for the Predators is can they find another gear?

If they can't, it is not going to be fun.

My three stars:

1. Roman Josi

2. Charlie Coyle

3. Matt Dumba

Wild Tame the Predators 4-2

The Minnesota Wild took down the Nashville Predators by a 4-2 margin at Bridgestone Arena by reverting to their roots.

Early in their history, the Wild were a trapping team that would try to choke the life out of the opposition and rely on some timely goal scoring.

They did just that tonight, especially in the third period, as their trap game had the Predators completely out of sync.

The Wild opened the scoring off an Eric Haula blast that Pekka Rinne never saw.

Mike Fisher would tie the game as he muscled a puck past Devan Dubnyk. That lead would be short lived, however, as Kyle Brodziak would beat Rinne under the crossbar for a 2-1 lead.

Once again, the Predators tied the game as Mike Fisher sprung Craig Smith for a breakaway and he popped the puck under the crossbar.

The Predators couldn't keep the Wild off the board as the defense broke down and left Nino Neiderreiter alone in the slot and he beat Rinne to give the Predators a 3-2 lead. at the end of the second period.

The third period was when the Wild exerted their will and completely disrupted and smothered the Predators. The Preds had difficulty even entering the zone, and when they did they rarely challenged Dubnyk.

Neiderreiter sealed the win with an empty net goal.

Some observations:

• This game is an indication of the type of games that will be played in the playoffs, and the Predators have struggled this season with these types of games where the opponent aggressively forechecks them all game. The Predators were completely out of rhythm in the third period, having trouble getting through the neutral zone and setting up their offense. This is something the Predators are going to have to improve markedly if they want to have success in the playoffs.
• This game also pointed out that the Predators need a truly talented center that can carry and distribute the puck. This is the most glaring weakness on the roster right now, and I don't know if it can (or will) be corrected at the trade deadline.
• The Predators wilted under the pressure from the Wild and were a turnover machine tonight. The Predators turned it over 17 times to just 6 for the Wild.
• Since being acquired by the Wild, Dubnyk is 14-3-2. He has played well, and the Wild do an excellent job of protecting him in front of the net. Dubnyk was spitting out rebounds, but rarely did the Predators get to them for second chance opportunities.
• Mike Ribeiro did not have a good game. He had 3 giveaways, was a non-factor in the offensive zone, and was a -3 on the night. He won just 38% of his faceoffs.
• Craig Smith reached the 20 goal club for the second year in a row. He has 8 points (6G-2A) in his last 7 games.
• Roman Josi has settled in on the top D pairing with Shea Weber. How has he compared this season with the man he replaced, Ryan Suter? This season, Josi has 44 points (11G-33A) and is a +20. Suter has 30 points (2G-28A) and is a -1. I like our replacement better.
• Ryan Ellis returned to action after missing 21 games with a knee injury. He was paired with Seth Jones on the third D pair.
• Interestingly, Ellis and Cody Franson (who was on the second D pair with Mattias Ekholm) did not see the ice for the final 10 minutes of the game. Ellis played 11:29 and Franson played 12:50.

Not the kind of game the Predators are used to playing, and this game pointed out some weaknesses for the Predators.

There are some things that need to be tweaked and improved upon. I believe this team will do that in the regular season games remaining.

They better.

My three stars:

1. Nino Neiderreiter

2. Mike Fisher

3. Kyle Brodziak 

Predators Sneak Past the Coyotes In A Shootout 4-3

The Nashville Predators faced off against the Phoenix Arizona Coyotes at Bridgestone Arena in a contest that would prove to be quite a battle.

The Predators defeated the Coyotes 4-3 in a shootout.

And frankly, they were fortunate to secure the win and the two points.

The Yotes opened the scoring off a 2 on1 break. David Moss carried the puck in the offensive zone on the right side and slipped the puck to Rob Klinkhammer. The Colonel tapped the puck past Pekka Rinne at 3:21 of the first period.

The Predators answered off an odd man rush of their own. Mike Ribeiro carried the puck into the offensive zone with the Predators on a 4 on 1 rush. Ribeiro sent the puck to Ryan Ellis in the high slot and got a return pass that he put through the wickets of Devan Dubnyk to tie the game at 12:05 of the first period.

Ellis gave the Predators a 2-1 lead at 5:12of the second period, just 3 seconds after a Predators power play had expired. Ellis beat Dubnyk short side from the top of the face off circle, sneaking the shot just inside the post.

The Coyotes tied the game just 3 seconds into a power play. With Calle Jarnkrok in the box for unsportsmanlike conduct, Antoine Vermette won a face off back to Keith Yandle and he beat Rinne glove side at 11:18 of the second period.

Former Predator Marty Erat gathered in a rebound at the side of the net and scored at 7:42 of the third period to give the Coyotes a 3-2 lead.

That goal was answered by James Neal, who blasted a slap shot past Dubnyk from the circle at 8:03 of the third period.

After the remainder of the third and the overtime period ended with neither team able to score, the game went to a shootout.

Derek Roy scored in the first round for the Predators, while Antoine Vermette scored in the third round to tie the shootout.

Ryan Ellis scored off a sweet move in the fourth round, and Rinne was able to stop Erat to secure the win.

Some observations:

• In three of their past four games, the Predators have shown alarming inconsistency in handling an aggressive forecheck. Tonight, the Predators had difficulty throughout the game in dealing with the aggressive, attacking style of the Coyotes. The pressure the Coyotes put on the Predators disrupted their breakouts and their cycle once they got in the offensive zone. On several occasions, the Coyotes forecheck forced turnovers in the Predators defensive zone, resulting in Rinne having to make some quality saves.

• The Coyotes turned up the intensity in the third period, and the Predators could not match their effort. The Yotes out shot the Predators 17-5 in the third, and 36-26 for the game.

• Ryan Ellis had a monster game, recording a goal, two assists, and the shootout winner. this was Ellis' first three point game of his career.

• How sweet must this game have been for Mike Ribeiro. He had a goal and an assist against the team that dumped him last season. Ribeiro now has points in his last 4 games.

• Former Predator Marty Erat had a goal and played with energy all night. Where was that game from Marty in his last year as a Predator?

• The goal from James Neal was a blast that he just blew past Dubnyk, Neal now has two goals in his last three games. Good to see him starting to heat up.

• The Predators are now 18-10-3 all time against the Coyotes at Bridgestone Arena.

• The Predators struggled in the face off dot all night, winning just 45% of the draws. Paul Gaustad led the team, winning 11 of 18 draws for 61%. This is going to have to improve especially in the offensive zone.

• The Predators power play did not look good at all. They were 0-5 tonight, and the PP unit just looks too static without much movement. Especially troubling was the lack of net front presence. No one was taking away the eyes of Dubnyk, and he had some rather routine saves when the Preds had the man advantage.

• Shea Weber led the team with 33:18 TOI. Roman Josi was the leader in blocked shots with 6.

• The Predators are now 4-0-2, good for 10 points and first place in the Central Division.

While winning the game feels good and getting points is important, the reality is that the Predators, while working hard, have caught a few breaks. There are facets of their game that have to improve if they want to continue to win games and pile up points.

But for now, enjoy the win and get ready for another test against Chicago on Thursday night.

My three stars:

1. Ryan Ellis

2. Mike Ribeiro

3. Keith Yandle

Predators Waste Nystrom's 4 Goal Night, Fall to the Flames In a Shoot Out

The Nashville Predators have won of their last five games. Tonight, they were in Calgary taking on a team that has struggled with injuries and trying to find their identity.

This was a game the Predators needed to win, for the points of course, but also to build on the momentum that the team has had recently. coming into this game , the Predators have been playing more consistently and have started to mesh.

They needed a fast start to take the home crowd out of the game, and they got that start courtesy of Eric Nystrom.

Nystrom tallied the first two Predators goals, the first just 1:51 into the game. Gabriel Bourque battled for the puck and got it to Nystrom, who made a sweet move on Flames netminder Kari Ramo. Nystrom faked Ramo down to the ice and tucked the puck into the net for a 1-0.

The Flames tied the game on the power play. Predators goaltender Devan Dubnyk was screened and never appeared to see the Mark Giordano shot, which was the Flames first one of the man advantage.

Tied at 1 going into the second intermission, Nystrom asserted himself again. he went to the front of the net and gathered in a bouncing puck off a flip in by Roman Josi that Ramo could not control. Nystrom was able to slide the puck through the five hole of Ramo at 1:50 of the first period.

Paul Gaustad took a sharp angle shot with Nystrom in front screening, and the puck deflected in off Nystrom for the goal. at 6:00 of the second. For Nystrom, this was his first career hat trick.

That was it for Ramo, as he had given up 3 goals on 13 shots, and Reto Berra entered the game in net for the Flames.

The Predators opened the third period on the penalty kill, and brutal turnover by Seth Jones led to a David Jones goal at 1:24 to cut the lead to 3-2 for the Predators.

Eric Nystrom scored his 4th goal of the night as Matt Cullen threw the puck into the slot and Nystrom re-directed the pass through the pads of Berra to give the Predators a 4-2 lead and some breathing room. His goal came at 10:47 of the third period.

The Predators did not make it easy on themselves as they wound up with 2 men in the box, giving the Flames 1:27 of 5 on 3 advantage.

The Flames took advantage of the Predators miscues to score a 5 on 3 goal as Mikael Backlund scored at 12:27.

The Flames tied the game just after the power play ended as T.J. Brodie blasted a shot from the blue line that beat Dubnyk over the shoulder at 13:36.

The Predators had complete control of this game and managed to give away a 2 goal lead and momentum.

Unbelievable.

The overtime period saw both team have some good scoring chances. Matt Cullen rang a shot off the pipe, but neither team could score.

So, in a game that the Predators should have won handily, the shoot out would decide the winner.

Shootouts are kind to the Predators, as they have only won one this season.

They still have only one win, as the Flames won the skills competition 2-1.

Some observations:

• Eric Nystrom was in full on beast mode. He is the first player in franchise history to score 4 goals in a game, and he played with jump and speed tonight. Good to see this hard working forward get rewarded.

• The Predators gave this game away with some stupid third period penalties and an awful turnover. This team is not good enough to overcome those kind of mistakes.

• Cullen, Colin Wilson, and Mike Fisher finished with zero shot on goal. Three top line forwards... and you wonder why the offense struggles.

• Dubnyk is not the long term solution at back up.

• Seth Jones shows flashes of brilliance, and he is going to be an elite player in the NHL. There are times when he shows that he is a rookie, as he did when he failed to clear the puck and turned it over in the defensive zone on the penalty kill. It was a terrible giveaway that led to the Flames third goal.

Well, boys, you threw this one away. Not much more you can say.

Hopefully the team can re-group and play a solid game in Edmonton.

My three stars:

1. Eric Nystrom

2. Mikael Backlund

3. Matt Cullen

Predators Can't Overcome First Period Hole, Fall to Avs 5-4

The Colorado Avalanche are a very skilled team. The Nashville Predators are not. So if the Predators were going to capture a win at Bridgestone Arena, they were going to have to play a full 60 minute game and bring the effort in all zones.

Forget all zones.

The Predators didn't bother to show up and embarrassed themselves in the first period as they dug a 3-0 hole. Their furious comeback could not overcome this deficit as the Predators fell 5-4 leaving a sellout crowd disappointed and frustrated.

The Avs controlled the first period and cycled the puck at will. All three of their first period goals came off strong puck possession and the cycle.

The Predators tallied a 5 on 3 power play goal in the second period to cut the deficit to 3-1 as Patric Hornqvist took a sweet pass from Mike Fisher at the top of the crease and buried the shot for his 10th goal of the season.

The Predators needed a strong start to the third period to get back into the game. Instead, they gave up 2 goals to the Avalanche to make it 5-1 and send fans scurrying to the exits.

Finally, the Predators woke up and got back into the game. Craig Smith, Ryan Ellis, and Roman Josi all scored to make it 5-4, but the Predators could not get the tying goal as Semyon Varlamov and the Avs held the Predators off the board.

Some observations:

• GM David Poile should take a close look at the Avalanche. They are a team that has been built with skilled offensive players. That skill dominated the will of the Predators for most of the game. The Predators are built in such a way that they have to play a nearly perfect game to win against quality, skilled teams, and more often than not their will is not sufficient nor is their game close enough to perfection to beat skilled teams.

• That said, kudos to the Predators for battling back. Down 5-1, they could have folded, but continued to fight. The deficit was too great to overcome and the team lacks the dangerous offensive threat to consistently put the puck in the net.

• The Predators have the annoying habit of making average players look great. Tonight, Avs journeyman defenseman Nick Holden looked like the second coming of Ray Bourque, notching 2 goals.

• Can we agree that Viktor Stalberg playing on the 4th line is a failed experiment? Stalberg didn't have the start that he wanted to this season, but he is defensively responsible and possesses great speed that his current line mates cannot match. While Stalberg languishes on the 4th line, Colin Wilson continues to get top line minutes while doing absolutely nothing. Perhaps the coaching staff needs to look at some line changes. As it is, the lack of productivity from Wilson does not justify his current role. tonight, Wilson had no shots on goal and was a -1.

• Devan Dubnyk got his first start tonight. He wasn't great and wasn't altogether bad. There are a couple of goals that he would like to have back, but most were the result of the dominance of the Avs in the Predators offensive zone.

• Craig Smith tallied his team leading 15th goal. This is a career high for the Honey Badger and he continues to play a solid game. He leads the team in scoring and continues to play a high tempo game and is creative offensively.

• I had my doubts about mini-me, uh, Ryan Ellis. I was unsure as to whether he could handle the rigors of a full time role as a blueliner, but he is proving me wrong. he has played a more physical game and continues to produce offensively.

The start was brutal and the Predators could not overcome their ineptitude and lack of energy to begin the game and at the start of the third period.

The lack of consistency from this team will cost them a playoff spot. The lack of skill on this squad cannot overcome the grit or Predator "hard" or whatever we call it now.

The task for the Predators is just to try to gain consistency- hopefully good, positive consistency- every night.

My three stars:

1. Nick Holden

2. Nathan Mackinnon

3. Roman Josi

Predators Slide Past the Oilers 3-2

The Nashville Predators faced off against the Edmonton Oilers in a critical contest at the Bridgestone Arena. The Predators are fighting for a playoff spot, and their margin of error is razor thin. They have to win games and they have to take care of business against struggling teams like the Oilers.

Mission accomplished.

It wasn't pretty at times, but the Predators captured a 3-2 win over a potentially explosive Oilers team that has given the Predators fits at times.

Sergei Kostitsyn finally broke out of his season long funk with a goal and an assist. Kevin Klein had a goal, and Chris Mueller had a highlight reel goal to account for the Predators scoring.

Pekka Rinne outdueled Devan Dubnyk for the win, his 12th of the season.

The Oilers opened the scoring on the power play as Patric Hornqvist was in the box for interference at 7:42 of the first. Just 11 seconds into the power play, Corey Potter took a shot from the point that was deflected by Taylor Hall to give the Oilers a 1-0 lead. 

The Predators answered at 11:51 of the first period as Marty Erat worked hard on the boards in the Oilers zone and dug the puck out and got it to Mike Fisher. Fisher spotted Sergei Kostitsyn driving the net on the off wing and put the puck right on his tape. Kostitsyn lifted the puck over the shoulder of Dubnyk for his third goal of the season.

The Predators made it 2-1 at 4:31 of the second period as Marty Erat drove the puck into the Oilers zone. The puck was worked over to Kostitsyn, who drove to the left side of the net. Mike Fisher was creating havoc in front of the net, and Kostitsyn forced Dubnyk to move to front his drive. Kostitsyn found Kevin Klein pinching down from the blue line, slid him the puck, and Klein buried the puck into the open net.

The Predators stretched their lead to 3-1 at 11:33 of the second as Brandon Yip pushed the puck into the Oilers zone. He found Chris Mueller with the pass, and Mueller used his speed to avoid a hit from Mark Fistric. Mueller then beat Dubnyk over his shoulder for what would prove to be the game winning goal. Mueller's shot was a dandy, as he had a very small space in which to shoot the puck, and he was perfect on his shot.

The Oilers made things interesting in the third period as Shawn Horcoff took a shot that Rinne appeared to have smothered. Instead, the puck trickled through Rinne's pads and over the goal line to make it 3-2 at 7:03 of the third period.

The Predators were able to hold off the Oilers for the remainder of the period and had their third win in a row.

More importantly, they won a game they needed to win and should have won.

Some observations:

Good To See You

Finally! Sergei Kostitsyn got his offensive game back into gear with a goal and an assist. Kostitsyn hustled all night, made some good decisions with the puck, and was engaged throughout the game. These elements have been lacking for most of the season from Sergei, and the Predators need  this kind of effort from him in their remaining games.

Welcome Back

Patric Hornqvist returned to the line up after missing 8 games due to injury. Hornqvist was his usual crash and bang self, and the Predators need him to get his game going quickly and score those dirty goals from the hard areas. His production and grit have been missed. Badly.

Mueller Time

Chris Mueller continues to play solid hockey, using his speed and hustle to create chances. His goal tonight was a jaw dropper as he deposited the puck into a very small opening against a big goalie that was perfectly positioned. It bodes well for the Predators if Mueller can bring some of the scoring touch he has shown at the AHL level.

Fisher Is Flying

Fisher's assist tonight gives him a point in his last seven games. The Predators obviously need his production, but Fisher has been leading by example as well. His hustle is off the chart; he has been physical; and he is reliable in all zones. Fisher's line with Erat and Kostitsyn has begun to click, and the Predators need them to keep bringing that effort.

Final Thoughts

The Predators are now 14-13-6 and have 34 points. They will be tied with San Jose in points for the 8th spot in the West, but San Jose has a game in hand. I still believe the cut line for the playoffs will be 56 points. If that is true, the Predators will need to win 12 of their last 15 games.

That is a very steep hill to climb.

But it can be done.

The Predators have started to get some players healthy with the return of Hal Gill and Patric Hornqvist. They have started to play Predator hockey again. They have a majority of their remaining games at home.

The task is difficult.

I think you are up to the challenge, boys.

My three stars:

1. Sergei Kostitsyn

2. Marty Erat

3. Chris Mueller

Predators Gaffes Give Away Game to the Oilers

Just over the midway mark of the season, and the Nashville Predators faced the Edmonton Oilers at Rexall Place in a game that had to be considered "must win" for the Predators.

The good news for the Predators was that their offense was finally scoring some goals, having scored 7 in their past two games.

The bad news was that the Predators defense had totally collapsed in those two games, allowing 13 goals.

For the Predators to have a chance to win this game against an Oilers offense that can score, they were going to have to play better defense.

The Predators had Pekka Rinne in net, while the Oilers went with Devan Dubnyk.

The first period ended 0-0 with the Predators having a 10-6 shot advantage. Rinne had to make a couple of great saves to keep the Oilers off the board, while Roman Josi beat Dubnyk with a blast but rang it off the post.

The Oilers got on the board first on the power play at 8:11. Ryan Ellis was in the box for cross checking and Magnus Paajarvi tapped the rebound of a Ryan Whitney shot past Rinne from in front of the net. Rinne was left alone as Paajarvi had gotten lost behind Shea Weber and had an easy put back for the score.

The Oilers had three shots on the power play, and those were their first three shots of the period.

The Predators tied the game at 1 on their power play at 16:37 off a bomb from the blue line by Shea Weber for his 5th goal of the year. Roman Josi and Craig Smith picked up assists on the goal.

The period ended tied at 1. The Oilers out shot the Predators 10-7.

The Predators lost defenseman Scott Hannan to an injury in the second period, and he was out for the remainder of the game.

The Predators had a power play, but Sergei Kostitsyn had the puck hop away from him at the blue line. The Oilers had a 2 on 2 until Kostitsyn went to the bench, leaving the Oilers 2 on 1 against Shea Weber. The Oilers made the Predators pay for a major gaffe by Kostitsyn as Lennart Petrell  and Sam Gange broke in and Petrell hammered home a shot at 10:53.

Inexplicable decision by Kostitsyn, and it cost the Predators.

The Oilers picked up a Jonathan Blum turnover just inside their blue line and began a rush down the ice. Jordan Eberle whistled a shot over the shoulder of Rinne to make it 3-1 at 15:48 of the third.

Roman Josi scored with the extra attacker on the ice with 9.2 seconds remaining in the game.

Unfortunately, it was once again too little too late for the Predators as they lost their third in a row by a 3-2 margin.

Some observations:

Made of Glass

Right now, this team has no confidence and is fragile. Every mistake ends up in their net, and this team is tentative.  Playing not to make mistakes and tentatively is a formula to consistently lose games. And that is the way this team is playing. If they are going to reverse their fortunes, they are going to have to play more like Predator teams of the past: sound defense and capitalizing on the other team's mistakes. Right now, the opponents are making the Predators pay for their errors.

Get Out the Stapler

Better yet, don't staple Sergei Kostitsyn to the bench. His play has been so atrocious of late that he should be relegated to the press box to watch. His play on the second Oilers goal is inexplicable and inexcusable. A lack of offensive presence and a too casual attitude are killing the Predators.

Better Jump, No Finish

I can't fault the Predators for their effort in general. They had good chances, but once again, could not finish on those chances. Until they bury some pucks, their offense is all sound and fury, but signifies nothing.

Better Hope Rinne Is Mentally Tough...

because this team in front of him is making him look bad.

Final Thoughts

It is now desperation time for the Predators. Their string is short if they are going to make the playoffs, and they are going to have to start putting together a lengthy winning streak.

Right now, I don't see that.

This team is not playing with confidence. Their breakdowns are resulting in goals. Their scorers are not scoring consistently.

Not a great combination of factors.

Now it boils down to those in the room. The have to reach down inside and get their mojo back. It will not come from the coaches. It will come from those guys that put on the sweater each night.

This will be a test of character and heart.

Time to find out what you got, boys.

My three stars:

1. Devan Dubnyk

2. Jordan Eberle

3. Roman Josi

Predators Find Their Offense in 6-0 Drubbing of the Oilers

Desperately trying to end a three game skid and a goal scoring drought, the Nashville Predators got just what they needed to get healthy against a struggling Edmonton Oilers team at the Bridgestone Arena.

The Predators suddenly found their scoring touch in a 6-0 win before their 24th straight sellout crowd.

Pekka Rinne was in net for the Predators, and recorded his 4th shutout of the season.

Colin Wilson led the way for the Predators offense with two goals and two assists.

Some observations:

The Killer B's

The Predators added forwards Bobby Butler and Zach Boychuk as waiver acquisitions and called up defenseman Victor Bartley from Milwaukee. All three had positive contributions to the win tonight.

Butler showed good jump and a willingness to god to the hard areas. His nose for the puck and ability to move his feet resulted in drawing three penalties against the Oilers. The Predators capitalized on two of the subsequent power plays.

Boychuk has incredible speed and offensive skills. The Predators just may be what he needs to get his game together and stick on an NHL roster. Boychuk made some slick passes, was strong on the puck, and re-directed a Shea Weber blast past Yann Danis for his first goal as a Predator.

I was very impressed with Bartley. He kept his game simple, made good passes on the breakout, and was solid in the defensive zone. Paired with Kevin Klein, he looked comfortable and did a good job of communicating with his partner on the blue line. Bartley even jumped in on several occasions in the offensive zone, and played with a great deal of poise.

The Push

Maybe it was the presence of the new players on the roster. Maybe it was the fact that there could now be some competition for ice time. Whatever the reason, the Predators played like the Predators tonight. They pushed the puck up the ice, played with jump, and looked for shots rather than passes. The Predators out shot the Oilers 34-24 and had a decided edge in offensive zone time.

This is the way the Predators have to play. Not fancy hockey. Simple hockey. Predator hockey. This is their formula to win games, and recently, the Predators had gotten away from that type of hockey. They will need to continue to play like they did tonight to keep winning.

The Wall

Rinne recorded his 4th shut out of the season, and although he was not seriously challenged, he did have to come up with a couple of big saves on Ryan Jones. Jones, a former Predator, had a shorthanded breakaway in the first period and another breakaway chance in the second period. Rinne stoned Jones on both attempts to keep the Oilers off the board and not allow the visitors to get some momentum.

Rinne is an excellent goalie, but has not had much help in front of him in recent games. Tonight, he was solid in net, making some timely saves, and the guys in front of him were much better. This is the combination that the Predators have to bring to the ice each game to win.

Wilson Wows

Colin Wilson played like many have believed he can play. Wilson went strong to the net for his first goal and his second goal was a rocket from the face off circle. Wilson dished out two assists and was strong on the puck and created offense. This is the kind of play the Predators need each game for the talented winger.

Clune Continues To Impress

Rich Clune isn't the most talented player on the Predators roster, but he plays with heart and effort every night. Clune got a goal by going to the hard area in front of the net, sliding home a rebound between the pads of Danis. He also went skate to skate with Oilers heavyweight Mike Brown in a first period fight. Clune skates hard and plays harder, something some of the other players on the roster should note.

Blind Hog

David Legwand scored on a fluke goal late in the first period, flipping the puck from the red line and skipping it past Dubnyk. This was Legwand's first goal since February 16th, and frankly, the Predators need much more from him.

I guess this goal proves the old adage that blind hogs do find acorns.

Hornqvist Hurt

Patric Hornqvist had a Patric Hornqvist goal to open the scoring by tipping a puck past Devan Dubnyk from in front of the net. That was the good. The bad was seeing Hornqvist crunched into the boards  in the second period by Theo Peckham on a questionable hit and leaving the ice with what looked to be a badly injured shoulder. Hornqvist went straight to the locker room and did not return to the game.

This was a game that the Predators had to have. Nashville now has 25 points at the halfway mark of the season. I believe that it will take 55 points to get into the playoffs.

If that is the case, the Predators can ill afford any more losing streaks and will have to elevate their play to get into the playoffs.

This game reinforced to the Predators what they have to do to win. Get pucks to the net, play with heart, and keep it simple.

This is the formula upon which this team has to build in the second half of the season.

It starts tomorrow night.

My three stars:

1. Colin Wilson

2. Pekka Rinne

3. Shea Weber

Predators Embarrassed by the Oilers 6-3

The Nashville Predators were in the Bridgestone Arena for a game with the Edmonton Oilers. Unfortunately, the Predators were there in name only, as the Oilers embarrassed them by a 6-3 margin.

First, kudos to the Oilers. The captured the season series 3-0-1 and the Predators never were in any of the contests except for a lucky OT win in Edmonton. Tonight, the team with the second worst record in the Western Conference dominated the Predators and earned the win.

Here are some observations from the game:

The Predators out shot the Oilers 44-20. That is a positive. However, many of the shots were easy for Oilers netminder Devan Dubnyk to handle. Often the shots came from the point with not traffic in front of the net. In fact, Patric Hornqvist was one of a few Predators that was willing to go into the hard areas in front of the net. Hornqvist was rewarded for his efforts with a goal and was hosed by the officials when another goal was waved off for a specious interference call.

At times, the power play looked lost. Yes, they were 1 for 3, but often, the Oilers won puck battles or beat the Predators to pucks and cleared the zone. The power play did not show much movement at times, allowing the Oilers to attack the puck and force the turnover.

The two and a half man D pairing of Hal Gill and Ryan Ellis was atrocious. Those two spent two periods together and never developed any semblance of chemistry. Gill was -3 and Ellis was -4 for the night. That pairing was split up in the third period, with Kevin Klein pairing with Gill and Ellis pairing with Francis Buillon.

The Oilers first goal was a fluke, with a puck thrown toward the net careening off the skate of Klein and past Rinne. The second goal was a 2 on 1 break by the Oilers. But the third goal was a killer. It looked as if Rinne had the puck in his glove, and the defense relaxed. Rinne did not control the rebound, and the Oilers played to the whistle and Ales Hemsky banged home the loose puck for a 3-1 lead.

The Predators sloppy play made Hemsky look like the second coming of Gretzky, as Hemsky had a hat trick. The only thing that one can say about that is unbelievable.

To give up 6 goals on 20 shots is...beyond words. Defensive coverage was awful, allowing way too much traffic to our net. It is surprising how much this team misses Roman Josi.

Here is the bottom line: this is a talented team that is not ready for a playoff run. This team lacks intensity and an edge. Too often, the Predators let their opponent punch them in the mouth and they do not respond. This is an element of their game that is missing and will bite them in the ass come playoff time.

It is up to the coaching staff to get this team ready to play, and I have confidence they do that. However, it is up to the players themselves to respond positively to adversity, and right now, I do not see that leadership on the ice. That is scary, and does not bode well for the Predators.

As a team, you do not want to shuffle into the playoffs. You want to be hitting stride when the playoffs start. Right now, the Predators are not in stride. They are stumbling.

It is time for each player to look around the room and hold themselves and each other accountable. It is time for this team to amp up their intensity and their effort. The shots on goal belie the fact this team was sloppy tonight.

Sloppy will get you killed in the playoffs.

This is a game that is forgettable. I hope this team doesn't forget it. I want them to vividly remember that just showing up is not how you win games.

I want this team to remember the opportunity they lost. An opportunity to build a small lead on their hold on fourth place. And I want them to use this embarrassment to fuel stronger play in the remaining regular season games.

And especially in the playoffs.

My three stars:

1. Ales Hemsky

2. Devan Dubnyk

3. David Legwand

Predators Eclispse Edmonton 3-1

The Nashville Predators defeated the Edmonton Oilers 3-1 in a game that at times featured surgical precision by the Predators, at times was workmanlike, and at times was frankly tedious. With the win, the Predators ran their record to 39-25-10 and are tied with Los Angeles for 5th with 88 points.

The Predators opened the scoring at 4:08 of the first period as Joel Ward drew the defense and Edmonton netminder Devan Dubnyk to him as he drove the net. Ward slipped a beautiful pass to Martin Erat who buried a shot into the open net to put the Predators up 1-0.

That score was significant for the Predators because in their previous losses to the Oilers they had poured shots on the Edmonton net but had not been able to solve Dubnyk. Scoring first lifted the onus of not scoring off the Predators and built their confidence. They now knew they could score against Dubnyk, and more importantly, put the struggling Oilers in an early hole.

The Predators continued to pressure the Oilers, and with Kurtis Foster in the box for tripping, made them pay on the power play. Patric Hornqvist took a nice drop pass from Sergei Kostitsyn and banged a puck off the post and into the net at 7:40 of the first period to give the Predators a 2-0 lead.

The Predators played an excellent first period of hockey, firing 15 shots at Dubnyk, while Nashville netminder Pekka Rinne was hardly tested as the Oilers were only able to muster 5 shots on goal.

In the second period, the Oilers came out with more jump and controlled the puck on the cycle for lengthy stretches in the period. The Predators defense did a good job of keeping the Oilers to the perimeter and rarely allowing good scoring chances, but the Oilers were controlling the puck. For Predator fans, there was concern about the lack of offensive push.

That would change at 13:00 of the second as David Legwand took a stretch pass from Ryan Suter and drove the low slot. Legwand lifted a backhand that beat Dubnyk high glove side to give the Predators a 3-0 lead on their first shot of the second period.

Edmonton cut the deficit to 3-1 on the power play. Sergei Kostitsyn took a lazy tripping penalty at 8:45 of the second. Andrew Cogliano fired a shot from the low slot that Rinne kicked out with his right pad, but the rebound came right to Jordan Eberle who buried the shot at 9:38.

In the second period, the Oilers outshot the Predators 7 to 5, with each team able to tally a goal. Although the Predators had a 2 goal lead, it was going to be important to come out and control play in the third period and capture the victory and the all important 2 points.

The Predators did just that. Edmonton did not record their first shot on goal until there was only 3:23 remaining in the period. The Predators defense forced the Oilers to the outside and did not give them any quality chances.

When the Oilers did generate chances late in the period, Rinne was sharp. The save of the night came when Rinne made an outstanding glove save on a follow up shot by Tom Gilbert from the low slot.

The Predators outshot the Oilers 10-8 in the period, and most of the shots the Oilers created were with the extra attacker late in the period.

This was a big win for the Predators because this was a game they should have won and because the Oilers have vexed the Predators this season. These are the types of games that can be a mental test, but the Predators were equal to the task.

The level of competition is going to get tougher for the Predators with Anaheim, Dallas, and Vancouver coming to town in the next three games. There are areas that the Predators will need to improve upon, notably puck management. Nevertheless, this is a win the Predators can savor.

With the upcoming games and the tight playoff race, it is going to be important for the Predators to be focused, mentally tough, and physically ready to compete. This is a team that seems to have reclaimed their mojo, and they are going to have to bring it in the next three games.

Your fate is in your hands, boys. Seize the opportunity.

My three stars:

1. David Legwand

2. Martin Erat

3. Pekka Rinne

Predators Embarrassed by the Oilers 4-0

The Edmonton Oilers came into the Bridgestone Arena and knocked the Nashville Predators on their ass, took their lunch money, and ran away with their girlfriend in a 4-0 rout of the hapless Predators. And the Predators did nothing about it.

This loss was disgusting, embarrassing, and beyond words- at least words that I will say on this blog. Spin this one any way you want guys; say it wasn't your night or whatever. The fact is that you pissed away two precious points against the worst team in the Western Conference. Yes, they have some talent, but you guys managed to make them look like Stanley Cup contenders tonight.

Pekka Rinne got the start, and he gave up all four goals. The guys in front of Rinne owe him an apology for their play tonight.

The Predators rang some shots off the post (three times in the second period), but they managed to make Devan Dubnyk look like a Vezina Trophy finalist tonight. This team was generally inept and impotent on offense tonight.

You can read the scoring recap here.

Here is the painful fact: if this team does not develop mental toughness- quickly- they will be in trouble down the stretch. There is no excuse for not defending your home ice and turning in the effort you did tonight, boys. You should be embarrassed. I am as a fan.

These are the kind of games that will come back to haunt you. A very winnable game that you stunk up. A game where you showed absolutely no response and fight when the chips were down.

In a word, disgusting.

The up and down nature of this team does not bode well. Good teams win the games they are supposed to win and don't let down. Tonight, you let down. Badly. A team without mental toughness.

Maybe you were still feeling good about the Detroit win. Maybe you just expected to throw your jersey out on the ice and notch another two points. I don't know. This effort tonight is beyond explanation.

Here is the takeaway from this game: play like this and you are going to get your head handed to you and you will continue to be embarrassed.

Games like tonight are unacceptable.

I hope you feel as badly about your effort as I do.

If not, you are in trouble.

My three stars:

All Oilers

Predators Slide Past the Oilers in a SO 3-2

The Nashville Predators continued their lengthy road trip with a stop in frigid Edmonton, and for moments in the game, it looked as if the Predators had a brain freeze in their defensive zone. The Predators prevailed over the Oilers 3-2 in a shootout, but it was a game that shouldn't have been this close and yet was a game the Predators nearly threw away.

There is no doubt that the Oilers have some very fine young talent on their squad, and these young players at times show flashes of excellence. At the same time, the Predators made the likes of Taylor Hall and Linus Omark look very good.

The Predators opened the scoring at 11:53 of the first period as Alexander Sulzer was on the ice after spending two minutes of shame in the sin bin for holding. Cody Franson got an outlet pass to Sergei Kostitsyn, who drove hard to the net. Sulzer jumped in the play on the rush and was the beneficiary of a nice pass from Kostitsyn as he tipped a backhand past Edmonton netminder Devan Dubnyk. Congratulations on your first first NHL goal, Mr. Sulzer.

After a scoreless second period, the third period became more frenetic and the Predators once again demonstrated a frustrating inability to put away a team.

The Oilers tied the game at 2:03 of the third period as Liam Reddox made Cody Franson look like a pylon at the blue line. Franson got trapped in no man's land as he neither played the puck nor took the body and Reddox easily chipped the puck off the boards and past Franson. Shane O'Brien had Andrew Cogliano on the off side of the ice, but left his man to pick up Reddox. Reddox had an easy pass to make to Cogliano, who beat Pekka Rinne with the game tying goal.

Three players broke down on this play, and it cost the Predators. Franson was beat at the blue line; O'Brien overplayed the puck; and the forward coming back, Patric Hornqvist, was late getting in on the play. On unfortunate set of breakdowns and now we have a tie game and new life and energy for the Oil.

The Predators would regain the lead on the power play as Joel Ward was battling in front of the net and was able to tip in a shot from Alexander Sulzer at 14:05.

2-1 Predators and just under six minutes to go in the game. Lock this one down and skate away with the win.

Uh, what part of "lock this one down" did we not understand?

The Oilers would tie the game at 16:13 a Dustin Penner dug a puck off the boards and slipped it to Taylor Hall. Hall is dangerous, but when he breaks in on the goaltender alone, he is nearly unstoppable. That is what the Predators allowed- Hall breaking in on Rinne. Alone. Hall roofed a shot to the top corner to tie the game at 2.


The game remained scoreless for the the rest of regulation time, and the Predators and Oilers were heading to overtime.

Nashville netminder Pekka Rinne was outstanding in this game, and I cannot fault him for the two goals allowed. Rinne made some outstanding saves to keep the Oil off the board. The two goals allowed in regulation were off of a 2 on 1 breakaway and a breakaway goal.

Rinne would make his most amazing save in the OT period, however. Amazing because he didn't touch the puck, yet managed to keep it out of his net. Let me tell you how we got there.

The Predators would have an abbreviated power play of 1:14 going into OT. The Predators could not capitalize on their man advantage, so they figured they would see if the Oilers could score with the man advantage.

Ryan Suter was called for tripping at 1:21 of OT, and the Oil did a good job of buzzing the Predators net and generating some scoring chances. In a scramble around the net, Rinne dropped his stick, but continues to battle and try to locate the puck. The Oilers put a shot on net that got past Rinne and appeared to be going in the net at the far side post.

Remember that dropped goalie stick? Guess where it was laying. On the ice, just inside the far side post. The puck hit the stick and deflected out. For the Oilers, the puck tantalizingly lay on the goal line before spinning harmlessly away. For Predator fans, there was a massive and collective sigh of relief.

No scoring in overtime and we were heading to the shootout, where Rinne has been dominant. Tonight was no different.

The Oil elected to shoot first , and phenom Linus Omark was the first shooter. Omark approached with speed, tried to deke Rinne, who said O-No-You-Don't-Mark, as he poked the puck away from the rookie. Marcel Goc was stopped by Dubnyk, and the teams were tied after one round.

Rinne stopped Edmonton's second shooter, Sam Gagne.

The second shooter for the Predators was an exciting forward....wait...what? A defenseman? Cody Franson?!

Sure enough, Cody Franson came over the boards to take the second shot for the Predators, and he buried a quick snap shot over the glove hand of Dubnyk. Franson looked incredibly poised in his first attempt at the shootout and also made the coaching staff look like geniuses for sending him out.

Rinne stopped Taylor Hall and the Predators had a hard fought victory. Frankly, harder than it should have been.

Focusing on the positives, the Predators continued to pile up the points, and these two points were important and were going to be difficult to capture. As stated earlier, this is an Oilers team that has good young talent, and they are going to be dangerous in a few years. This was a team that the Predators could have overlooked if they just looked at records. They almost did. Operative word: almost.

The Predators now stand at 27-15-6 and have 60 points. They are currently second in the Central Division, behind Detroit, who has 64 points. The Predators are in 4th place in the West, 2 points ahead of Anaheim.

The Predators have now captured 6 of the possible 8 points on this road trip. They play in Calgary tomorrow night.

Bring your "A" game boys and you want have to slide by the Flames

My three stars:

1. Pekka Rinne

2. Alexander Sulzer

3. Cody Franson











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