Predators Capture the Season Series Over the Ducks With 3-2 Win

Some games, a team steals a win. That is just what the Nashville Predators did to the Anaheim Ducks at Bridgestone Arena.

The Predators rode goals from Shea Weber, James Neal, and Mikka Salomaki to a 3-2 victory over the Ducks.

Rikard Rakell and Mike Santorelli tallied for the Ducks.

Weber staked the Predators to a 1-0 lead with the Predators on the man advantage. His blast from the point blew past Frederik Anderssen to give the Predators a 1-0 lead in the first period.

The Ducks tied it on Rakell's goal to tie the game at 10:47 of the first period as he beat Pekka Rinne on a wrap around to the far post..

James Neal broke the tie with his 9th goal of the season at 13:13 of the first period. Neal's goal came off a harmless flip from center ice that skipped in front of Anderssen and squirted between his pads.

Mikka Salomaki extended the lead to 3-1 as he tipped a shot from Mattias Ekholm between the pads of Anderssen.

That was it offensively for the Predators as the Ducks took over the game. Pekka Rinne made some outstanding saves, including stopping Carl Hagelin on a break away as well as the follow up shot from Hagelin.

The Ducks dominated possession in the third period and Mike Santorelli finally broke through, poking a puck into the net off a goal mouth scramble at 5:33 of the third period to make it 3-2.

The Predators managed to hang on behind the stellar play of Rinne to capture a hard fought- and very ugly- win by that one goal margin.

Some observations:

• Rinne was outstanding tonight. he did a great job of tracking the puck through traffic, and there was a LOT of traffic in front of Rinne tonight. His save on the Hagelin break away was a thing of beauty and he thwarted the follow up by Hagelin as well. He also stopped Andrew Cogliano on a break away just a few moments later. The team rode the broad shoulders of Rinne to this win because the skaters in front of him were back on their heels for most of the night. This game was vintage Rinne. He had the aura of invincibility and it frustrated the Ducks all night. He made a season high 38 saves tonight.
• This is the first game of the season where the Predators were totally dominated. The Ducks time of possession very lopsided in their favor and they kept the Predators back in their defensive zone from midway through the second period to the end of the game. The Ducks out shot the Predators 40-21 for the game. Their dominance started in the second period when they out shot the Predators 19-9 and in the third by an 11-4 margin. The Predators did not record their first shot on net in the third period until there was just 6:33 remaining.
• The Predators did chase Anderssen, who gave up 3 goals on 10 shots, including the Steve Bernier-esque soft goal from center ice (Bernier is the Toronto goalie that gave up a similar goal last night). Anton Khudobin, who played last night in Carolina, finished the game.
• The Ducks have the number one penalty kill in the NHL. Weber's goal on the Predators first power play was a missile that Anderssen never saw but must have heard as it whistled past him into the net.
• However, the Ducks penalty kill took over after that power play goal. They stymied the Predators power play, often stealing the puck at the Predators blue line and creating some good scoring chances. The Predators were 1 for 7 on the power play and looked very ineffective against the Ducks penalty killers.
• On the other side, though, the Predators penalty killers were stellar. The Ducks wer 0-8 on the man advantage.
• The Predators took a lot of sloppy penalties, giving the Ducks too many chances in this games. Two tripping penalties, two roughing penalties, and unsportsmanlike conduct, and an interference penalty left the Predators a man down too often in this game.
• Last season, James Neal had a total of 20 penalties. With 2 penalties tonight, Neal now has been called for 12 penalties so far this season. 
• I really like the younger players- Salomaki and Watson in particular- being trusted in the penalty kill situation. They are logging some hard minutes and have earned the trust of the coaching staff with their play. This is critical for the this team in a long season to have these young players eating up some hard minutes.
• Roman Josi picked up an assist on Weber's goal and that is his 100th assist in his career. he is the 6th Predators defenseman in history to record 100 assists.
• The Predators went 3-1-1 on this 5 game home stand. It is so important to defend home ice, and the Predators have been making it tough for opponents to come into Bridgestone Arena.
• The Ducks, as they are prone to do, decidied early on they wanted it to be a physical contest. Indeed, they thought they could goon it up and intimidate the Predators. In the first period, Kevin Bieksa decided to drop the gloves with Mike Fisher. Once the officials broke up the fight, Bieksa was minus a tooth and we saw no more running around from Bieksa for the rest of the game.You can see the fight, including a nice slow motion of Bieksa losing a chicklet here

This was not a pretty win, but it was a win, and they don't grade them on style points (thankfully).

Now the Predators embark on a tough roadie, with 6 games in 9 nights, including two sets of back to backs

They will have to play with the heart and mettle they have shwon recently.

My three stars:

1. Pekka Rinne

2. Mikka Salomaki

3. Shea Weber

Predators Even the Series, Shell the Blackhawks 6-2

The Nashville Predators evened their first round series with the Chicago Blackhawks by pummeling them 6-2 in front of a raucous packed house at Bridgestone Arena.

Colin Wilson continued his torrid play, tallying a power play goal. Craig Smith notched two goals; Filip Forsberg scored his first playoff goal; Roman Josi and Mike Santorelli added goals as the Predators showed that the gut wrenching double overtime loss didn't set them back.

Some observations:

• Colin Wilson must feel like he has gotten the 8,000 pound gorilla off his back with his play in the first two games. He is dynamic with the puck and finding the back of the net, scoring two goals in game one and adding another goal in this game. Wilson had been invisible over the last 22 games of the season, but it is certainly good to see Wilson picking his game up in the post season.
• Craig Smith has always been a streaky scorer, and tonight he got his first goal in his past 10 games going back to the regular season. His second goal was pure speed combined with determination as he split two defenders to score. If Smith can get on another hot streak, it bodes well for the Predators. I like Smith's hustle and willingness to shoot the puck, and he had a stellar game tonight with 4 points (2G-2A). Now if he can just consistently find the net.
• The Predators lost Shea Weber midway of the second period as he was hit and went down awkwardly in the corner. Weber limped to the bench and went straight down the tunnel. This would be a huge loss for the Predators if he cannot return in this series.
• The loss of Weber meant the Predators played half the game with just 5 defensemen. Big props to the blueliners as they stepped their game up and played some solid defense. Roman Josi led the D corps with 24:31 of ice time.
• Speaking of Josi, his goal late in the first period was a beauty. He skated through the entire Blackhawks team before firing a shot from the faceoff circle that found the back of the net with 3.6 seconds left on the clock. One of Josi's strengths is his calmness with the puck. His puck handling skills are superb and his ability to keep calm and maneuver to open ice were on display on this goal.
• The Blackhawks second goal was scored by Patrick Kane when the Blackhawks clearly had 6 men on the ice. Head Coach Peter Laviolette was furious by got no relief from the officials. If the NHL wants to be taken seriously and not viewed as a minor sport, there is going to have to be integrity and significant improvement with the officiating.
• The Hawks have taken a page out of the Anaheim Ducks playbook. Down late in the game, they decided to goon it up. The Predators showed remarkable poise and didn't retaliate but didn't back down either. Look for this series to get nastier the longer it goes.
• Finally- the Predators played a second period with emotion and intensity. The middle frame has been the bane of the Predators for a while. Good to see them come out with a good response in the second.
• Big ups to the Predators 7th man. The barn was rocking all night long and it is obvious that it rattles the Blackhawks and energizes the Predators.
• Goodness, it would be nice if the Predators could lock down the low slot. Patrick Sharp was left all alone right in front of the crease for an easy goal. Nothing Pekka Rinne could have done about that goal and the defense has to be more aware.
• Rinne was sharp tonight and made some good saves. Rinne is battling and his effort seems to inspire the team. The more saves that Rinne makes, the more frustrated the Blackhawks become. Rinne became the franchise leader with his 14th post season win.
• Gotta wonder who Coach Q will have in net on Sunday. Corey Crawford got lit for three goals in 2:19 in the third period and has allowed 9 goals on 47 shots in the first two games. In reality, Crawford has allowed 9 goals in 4 periods of hockey after getting pulled in the first period of game one. 
• You can't say enough about the Predators penalty kill. After Paul Gaustad took a double minor for high sticking, the Predators PK totally frustrated the Hawks, allowing only one shot on goal over that 4 minute span. That was huge momentum swing for the Predators in this game.
• The Predators blocked 23 shots tonight and have blocked 55 in the first two games.
• The goals by Forsberg, Josi, Santorelli, and Smith were their first career post season goals.

This was a huge win for the Predators. Lose tonight and it was going to be a short series. Now the series shifts to Chicago for the next two games and the Predators are going to have to bring a maximum effort to capture a win.

This team has shown they can do that. They have shown they can beat Chicago in a grinding, tough series.

Now they have to do it.

And I believe they can.

My three stars:

1. Craig Smith

2. Filip Forsberg

3. Colin Wilson

Predators Defeat the Lightning 3-2, and Scenes From the Road

Boy, it's fun to win hockey games again!

Even if they are the nail-biting, sweat it out to the end kind of games.

The Nashville Predators did just that as they took on the Tampa Bay Lightning at Amalie Arena. The Predators knocked off the Lightning 3-2, beating a top ranked Eastern Conference team for the second game in a row.

The Lightning opened the game with lots of jump and controlled play in the Predators end of the ice, outshooting them 9-3 through the first ten minutes of the first period.

The positive for the Predators was that they scored on 2 of those three shots.

Mike Ribeiro redirected a shot from the point by Roman Josi that eluded Ben Bishop. Just 40 seconds later, Paul Gaustad batted a puck out of the air off a rebound of a Taylor Beck shot past Bishop to give the Predators a 2-0 lead.

The Lightning cut the lead to 2-1 with just 39 seconds remaining in the the first period as Vladamir Namestnikov beat Pekka Rinne on a wrap around.

Mike Santorelli got his first goal as a Predators as he followed the rebound of his shot and jammed it between the skate of Bishop and the post to make it 3-1.

Brian Boyle cut the lead to 3-2 as the Predators defense completely forgot about him standing in the low slot. He took a pass from J.T. Brown and beat Rinne and give the momentum to the Bolts.

That set up a third period where the game rested on the broad shoulders of Rinne. Rinne didn't disappoint as he made some great saves and got some help from the defense in front of him. Rinne stopped all 11 shots he faced and the Predators captured a confidence building 3-2 win.

Some observations:

• With the win, the Predators are the first team in the Central Division to reach 100 points. They currently have the Division lead by 1 over the Blues.
• Rinne was outstanding tonight. He was in control and moved well in the crease. The only time he was caught out of position was on the goal by Namestnikov, and it appeared that he was tangled with one of his defensemen when he tried to push off and come back to the post. Rinne was in control of the game and his team in front of him fed off that effort.
• Goodness, the power play is just awful. I have no words for this unit and their inability to generate some quality chances. Watch out, because this is going to be an Achilles heel for this team. 
• Good to see Mike Santorelli finally get on the score sheet. Hopefully this gets him going.
• Calle Jarnkrok was a beast on the penalty kill and his forechecking frustrated the skilled Lightning forwards and disrupted their offensive rhythm all night. Great effort in a roll that is often overlooked.

Just a brief update, but here are some pictures from the road:

 Amalie Arena is downtown and is a beautiful facility. This is a view of the main entrance and the
The home crowd gathers here before the game and it is a festive atmosphere.

 

The plaza area is called "Thunder Alley, and this is a view of it before the crowds gather. The band stage is to the right.

 The statue of Phil Esposito on the plaza. Phil was the first General Manager of the Lightning and still does radio color for the team.

 The statue of Dave Andruchuk, the Captain of the Lightning when they won the Stanley Cup. As you can see, it is at the entrance to Thunder Alley.

 

The massive scoreboard inside of Amalie Arena. You almost feel like you are in Jerry World in Dallas when you see the size of the scoreboard.

 The Arena doesn't have a band stage, but they have a huge organ that is played throughout the game. This is a shot of the stage where the organ sits at the top of the arena.

The arena has two Tesla coils that fire off lightning bolts when the Lightning come on the ice. I have to say, it is one of the coolest things I have seen in an arena.

A huge win for the Predators, one that will hopefully give them more swagger as they sprint to the end of the season.

A final thought: big, BIG ups to the number of Predators fans that made the trip down to support the boys. There was a noticeable amount of gold spread throughout the arena.

My three stars:

1. Pekka Rinne

2. Brian Boyle

3. Paul Gaustad

Predators Wilt Under the Pressure From the Jets, Fall 3-1

The Winnipeg Jets continued the Nashville Predators recent misery, handing them a 3-1 defeat at the Bridgestone Arena for the Predators 6th consecutive loss.

The Jets opened the scoring when Andrew Ladd blew past Seth Jones and slipped a pass to Michael Frolik, who had beaten Cody Franson badly driving to the net. Frolik's shot was partially stopped by Pekka Rinne but it was not enough to keep the puck out of the net.

The Predators tied the game at 1 in the second period when a shot from the point by Ryan Ellis made its way through traffic and over the shoulder of Michael Hutchinson.

The elation of that goal was short lived, however, as Rinne kicked out a rebound of a Tyler Myers shot. Shea Weber lost track of Blake Wheeler and he pounded the puck home to give the Jets a lead they would not relinquish.

Drew Stafford added an empty net goal for the final margin.

Some observations:

• My view of this team is that they overachieved in the first half of the season and are now reverting to who they really are. Many pundits spoke of this team as elite. They are not. Not even close. They are most certainly a good team, but far from elite. When this team plays their game and limits mistakes, more often than not, they will win games. Right now, they are making mistakes and those mistakes are ending up in the back of their net. And they are certainly not playing their game- attacking the net and aggressively fighting for rebounds and position on the ice.
• The Jets gave the Predators fits all night. They trapped coming out of the defensive zone and in the neutral zone, sending two forecheckers after the puck carrier. This baffled the Predators all night and forced them into bad passes and turnovers. When the Predators could get into the offensive zone, once again the Jets pressured the puck carrier and disrupted the offense. The Predators puck support was terrible and they lost just about every battle for the puck along the boards. Part of this speaks to the effort of the Jets. More troubling is that the Predators didn't adjust and step up their game to match the intensity of the Jets. Elite teams adjust their game. The Predators did not.
• To that point, their were only two Predators that seemed to be able to consistently handle the puck against the Jets pressure. Filip Forsberg and Roman Josi could carry the puck into the zone against the trap. Rarely could any other Predator. This is going to be a serious problem in the playoffs.
• How stifling was the Jets defense? They held the Predators to 4 shots on goal in the first period and 7 in the third. The Preds got 10 shots in the second for a total of 21. The Jets had 26 shots on goal.
• I really like the play of Gabriel Bourque. He was physical and created some scoring chances. He certainly went hard to the net, including a scary first period collision with Hutchinson when he was forchecked into the Jets netminder by Adam Lowry.
• The defensive pairing of Seth Jones and Cody Franson looked out of sync all night. The Jets first goal was a direct result of bad plays by both. These two just look like they have no chemistry at all. 
• Franson took a knee on knee hit and crashed into the boards in the second period, and it looked bad. He left the ice with the assistance of the training staff and could put no weight on his left leg. Fortunately, he did return for the third period.
• It sure would be nice to see Mike Santorelli get his game going. Santorelli has been invisible since he was acquired from the Maple Leafs.
• Someone on the coaching staff please tell Mike Ribeiro it is okay to take the puck to the net and especially to shoot the puck. Ribeiro had a couple of open looks at the net but chose to try to pass instead. Never pass up a good shot at the net, Ribs.
• For the 11th straight game, the Predators gave up the first goal. Can we stop this trend? PLEASE! Remember early in the season when we were doing that and we were still winning games? Now the Predators are 19-18-3 when giving up the first goal. See my first bullet point above.
• Thankfully, this is the last time we play the Jets in the regular season. The Predators captured the season series 3-2.

No doubt this isn't fun for the team and the fans. As fans, we can just sit and stew and vent our frustration. Getting out of this funk is on the team. They are going to have to elevate their game to break this losing streak.

More importantly, they are going to have to play smart. They are going to have to play with heart and passion.

That is the only way out.

My three stars:

1. Blake Wheeler

2. Michael Frolik

3. Ryan Ellis

Predators Salvage Two Points With A Shootout Win Over the Sabres

The Nashville Predators went into their game with the Buffalo Sabres with a mandate to shoot the puck.

They did just that at First Niagara Center, firing 36 shots on Sabres goalie Michael Neuvirth in regulation.

It took regulation, overtime, and for the second game in a row for the Predators, a shootout, before the Predators prevailed 2-1.

Neuvirth was up to the challenge, stopping 35 of those shots he faced, giving up a late power play goal to Mike Ribeiro.

Ribeiro's goal was critical for the Predators because they had given up a second period goal to Tyler Ennis when the a bad line change left Ennis wide open and he beat Carter Hutton to give the Sabres a 1-0 lead.

The Predators defense, other than that breakdown, was generally good. They held the Sabres to 13 shots in regulation, although they gave up two breakaways that Hutton made great saves to stop.

In the overtime, the Predators had the final minute on a power play, but could not capitalize.

In the shootout,  Mike Santorelli and Filip Forsberg scored for the Predators in a four round shootout while Tyler Ennis was the only scorer for the Sabres as the Predators won the game 2-1.

Some observations:

• Lines were juggled once again for this game. Neal, Ribeiro, and Forsberg were reunited. Fisher centered Craig Smith and Matt Cullen. Mike Santorelli centered Colin Wilson and Taylor Beck. Nystrom, Gaustad, and Bourque remained intact on the 4th line.
• D pairs were Weber, Josi; Ekholm, Franson; and Jones and Bitetto.
• Paul Gaustad returned to the First Niagra Center, where he played 479 games for the Sabres.
• In their last two games, the Predators had gotten away from what has brought them success. Too many cute plays in the offensive zone and breakdowns in the defensive zone and it has cost them. Simple hockey- getting pucks to the net and attacking have been replaced with attempting fancy passes and the results have shown in their play of late. This team is good, but getting away from their fundamentals is not going to yield consistently good results. This game saw them get back to getting pucks on net and attacking the goal. That is how they are going to have to play to continue to win games.
•  Carter Hutton played a very good game, with the only Sabres goal coming off a bad line change by the Predators that resulted in Ennis beating Hutton on a shot that would have been very difficult to stop. Hutton stopped two breakaways and made some good saves through the course of the game.
• The power play struggled for most of the night. The first 5 chances the Predators had did not generate much quality in terms of shots and there wasn't a great sense of urgency. That said, Mike Ribeiro did convert on the Preds 6th opportunity to tie the game. Their 7th power play, which came with 2:58 remaining in the game, was totally inept and didn't generate a shot.
•  The 8th Predators power play came with 1 minute remaining in overtime. Once again, the man advantage unit could not get control of the puck and create any quality chances.
• You have to give props to Michael Neuvirth. The Predators threw 36 shots at him in regulation and he made some outstanding saves to keep the Sabres in the game. You can't fault the Predators for their effort in the offensive zone and for getting pucks to the net. Neuvirth was just solid between the pipes, and this game looked for all the world like a hot goalie was going to steal a game from the Preds.
• The Predators got 38 shots through on Neuvirth, but the Sabres also blocked another 23 shots. Think Head Coach Laviolette's message to shoot the puck got through to these guys?
• The Predators now have 87 points, and are 7-2-1 in their last 10 games. Anaheim and Montreal have 81; the Islanders, Tampa Bay, and St. Louis have 80. 

This wasn't a pretty win by any stretch, but it was a pretty win.

Huh?

Pretty from the standpoint that the Predators never relented in their attack and kept persevering a red-hot goalie that almost stole a game.

That relentlessness is going to be needed in the last quarter of this season.

My three stars:

1. Mike Ribeiro

2. Michael Neuvirth

3. Filip Forsberg

Predators Phail In Philly, Phall in Shootout 3-2

The Nashville Predators continued their three game Eastern Conference road trip with a stop in Philadelphia to take on the Flyers.

Someone should have told the Predators it was a 12:00 start.

The Predators were guilty of sleep walking through most of the game before a third period goal from Craig Smith tied the game to send it to overtime.

Wayne Simmonds scored on deflection to give the Flyers a 1-0 lead in the first period. Colin Wilson answered to tie the game at one after 20 minutes.

It was improbable that the Predators would be tied as they could only generate 3 shots on net.

Ryan White was left alone in the slot and beat Rinne stick side for the only goal in the second period.

The Predators got on the board 23 seconds into the third period as Mike Fisher set up Craig Smith for his 18th goal.

After a scoreless overtime, Jakub Voracek and Wayne Simmons scored in the shootout, while Matt Cullen and Craig Smith were stopped by Rob Zepp.

Some observations:

• Cody Franson and Mike Santorelli had a day of practice on Friday and were in the line up for the Predators. Santorelli was on the third line with Calle Jarnkrok and Matt Cullen, while Franson was paired with Mattias Ekholm on the second D pair.
• The Predators offense was totally inept in the first period. Mustered only 3 shots on goal against a 33 year old rookie back up goaltender who has played all of 6 games. This is where the Predators need to turn up the intensity and get pucks to the net and challenge the goalie. Instead, they were sleep walking in the first period.
• By contrast, the Flyers were pumping pucks at the net. Rinne faced 13 shots and was beaten on a terrific redirected shot by Wayne Simmons.
• The ineptitude of the Predators offense continued in the second period as they could only get 4 shots on net. The Predators looked totally out of sync and had absolutely no intensity and compete level. This is both puzzling and disturbing as the Predators offense looked totally disjointed. No one was stepping up to make plays or to try to generate any fire on the team. This is an aspect of the Predators game that we have only rarely seen this season, and now for the second game in a row, it becomes worrisome.
• Pekka Rinne made a huge stop on Ryan White early in the third period, who had the puck alone at the top of the crease. Goodness, the compete level and athleticism of Rinne are off the charts. He would later make a couple of spectacular saves on Mark Streit and Claude Giroux. Frankly, the only reason the Predators were even in this game was the play of Rinne.
• The Predators continue to get good production from Colin Wilson and Craig Smith. Both tallied goals to get the Predators back into the game. For Wilson, it was his 19th of the season and it was the 18th for Smith. One of the strengths of this team this year has been balanced and consistent scoring.
• By forcing overtime, the Predators still have not lost back to back regulation games this season.
• The Predators power play was awful. They had 2 chances with the man advantage and generated one shot.

This was a game where the Predators salvaged a point, and that is the only positive that you can take away from it. A lack of intensity and focus bit the Predators in the butt.

Hopefully, this is not the start of a trend.

For the Predators, they need to get back to simple, hard nosed hockey and quit trying to make the cute plays. That has been their formula for success, and we have seen in the last two games what happens when they get away from that formula.

They get their chance to try to play that way tomorrow in Buffalo.

My three stars:

1.  Wayne Simonds

2. Pekka Rinne

3. Rob Zepp

Predators Bolster Roster, Acquire Santorelli and Franson From Toronto

The Nashville Predators didn't wait for the trade deadline to make a move that will add depth for a playoff run.

The Predators acquired forward Mike Santorelli and defenseman Cody Franson from the Toronto Maple Leafs. They sent roster forward Olli Jokinen, prospect Brendan Leipsic, and a 2015 first round draft pick back to Toronto.

The Predators re-acquired two players that they originally drafted in Santorelli and Franson. Santorelli was a 6th round draft pick in 2004 (178th overall). Franson was selected in the 5th round (78th overall) in the 2005 draft.

Both signings add depth and versatility to the Predators roster which will be essential in the remainder of the regular season and the playoffs.

My view is that these were good adds for the Predators, and both Santorelli and Franson have to be ecstatic about coming to the top team in the NHL.

Here is the press release from the Predators:

NASHVILLE ACQUIRES FRANSON AND SANTORELLI FROM TORONTO

-Predators acquire a pair of players originally drafted by the team-

Nashville, Tenn. (February 15, 2015) – Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced today that the team has acquired defenseman Cody Franson and forward Mike Santorelli from the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for Nashville’s first-round selection in the 2015 Draft, and forwards Brendan Leipsic and Olli Jokinen.

“In preparation for the 2015 playoff run, our goal was to add a veteran defenseman who could play in all situations and a proven forward who could move up and down lineup based on the situation,” Poile said. “We were fortunate to do this in the same transaction with players who are in the prime of their careers more than two weeks before the Trade Deadline in order to give them more time to contribute and gel with their teammates.”

“Both Cody and Mike were drafted, developed and began their NHL careers here. They know our organization and still have former teammates and friends on the roster. We are fully confident that they will seamlessly fit into our team.”

Franson, 27 (8/8/87), was selected by the Predators 78th overall (third round) in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft and was a member of the 2010-11 Nashville club along with current Preds Shea Weber, Colin Wilson, Mike Fisher and Pekka Rinne, that won the first playoff series in franchise history. Hailing from the same hometown as Weber – Sicamous, British Columbia – Franson has amassed 32 points (6g-26a) in 55 games this season for the Maple Leafs, and 165 points (34g-131a) in 377 career NHL games. From 2007-09, he played with Nashville’s primary developmental affiliate, the Milwaukee Admirals, and from 2009-11, he posted 50 points (14g-36a) in 141 regular-season games and seven points (1g-6a) in 16 Stanley Cup Playoff games with the Predators.

“Cody brings size, offensive ability and the capacity to play in all situations to our lineup,” Poile said. “He is the perfect component to round out our defensive corps and give us eight proven NHL defensemen.”

Santorelli, 29 (12/14/85), was selected 178th overall (sixth round) in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft, 80 picks and two rounds before the Predators selected Rinne. The 6-0, 190-pound forward posted a 20-goal, 41-point season with the Florida Panthers in 2010-11, and has 29 points (11g-18a) and a +7 rating in 57 games for Toronto in 2014-15. In 314 career NHL games, the Vancouver native has 116 points (54g-62a). Santorelli posted three points (2g-1a) in 32 games with the Predators from 2008-10, in addition to amassing 74 goals and 171 points in 207 AHL games with the Milwaukee Admirals from 2007-10.

“Mike is a versatile player that can move up and down the lineup based on the situation,” Poile said. “He has fantastic speed, is excellent in the face-off circle, and can play all three forward positions if called upon. He is an excellent complement to our existing group of forwards.”

Predators Win 9th Straight at Home, Defeat the Leafs 4-3

The Nashville Predators have won 8 straight games and have been practically unbeatable on home ice.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have lost 9 straight games and have struggled mightily, winning just 3 games in their last 21 contests.

Yet the Leafs gave the Predators all they could handle at Bridgestone Arena before dropping a 4-3 decision to the Predators.

The Predators jumped out to a 2-0 first period lead off a beautiful shorthanded goal by Seth Jones, who stole a pass at the Predators blue line and roofed a shot under the crossbar, and a power play blast by Shea Weber that blew past Jonathan Bernier.

After a stellar first period, the Predators intensity level dropped in the second period, and the Leafs cut the lead to 2-1 as Daniel Winnik beat Carter Hutton with an unscreened shot from the high slot.

Bernier was cut by a skate late in the second period and James Reimer entered the game with the Predators going on the power play. The Predators couldn't take advantage of Reimer with the power play to finish the period and the carry over time in the third.

That seemed to energize the Leafs as they scored two quick goals. Nazem Kadri scored on a wrist shot and 37 seconds later Mike Santorelli cleanly beat Hutton from the face off circle to give the Leafs a 3-2 lead.

Bernier reentered the game and was victimized by Mike Fisher, who took a pass from Colin Wilson and lifted a puck over the shoulder of Bernier from in close.

Colin Wilson got the game winner off a rebound of a James Neal shot. Fisher was in front screening Bernier, who couldn't control the puck and it squirted out to side of Bernier's left pad. Wilson drove the net and slammed the puck home before Bernier could get his glove on the puck.

Some observations:

• Carter Hutton... man, you made some great saves, and your save in the third period off a puck that was deflected several times was absolutely ridiculous. Hutton was off balance, reached around behind him and swatted away a puck the was about to cross the goal line. That said, you are frustratingly inconsistent. Too often, Hutton gets beat on unscreened shots that just get blown past him. If he could get this aspect of his game together, I would certainly have more confidence in his game. As it is, that inconsistency has plagued him in nearly every game he has played this season, and that has to improve.
• You cannot overstate the value of Mike Fisher to this team. Fisher had a goal and 2 assists and battled in front of the net and in the corners all night. The game winning goal was a direct result of Fisher screening Bernier and battling for the puck. His goal was the result of some sweet hands as he was able to elevate the puck from in close. Frankly, I never expected to see Fisher contributing at this level after missing a month at the start of the season while recovering from a ruptured Achilles tendon. I am glad I have been proven wrong.
• Colin Wilson had a goal and an assist tonight. His goal was his 16th of the year and tied a career high. His 35 points also ties a career high. Wilson has consistently elevated his game this season and is a big part of the Predators success.
• Seth Jones not only showed some great hands to score a shorthanded goal for the Predators but also showed some very good speed as he went from a dead stop at the Predators blue line to full speed for the break away.
• Jones shorthanded goal was the Predators third shorty this season. It was Jones first career SHG.
• This is the first time in the history of the Predators that a defenseman has scored a shorthanded goal (Jones) and a power play goal (Weber) in the same game.
• The Predators set a franchise record with 9 consecutive home wins.
• While the Predators got a first period power play goal, the Predators last power play in the third period was an absolute clustertruck. Poor puck decisions and puck handling led to several shots by the Leafs that were good scoring chances and resulted in Hutton having to make an incredible save to keep the Leafs off the board. Sometimes it appears that the Preds power play tries to get too cute rather than keep it simple and gain the zone.
• I really like the play of Mike Ribeiro, but please, Ribs, shoot the puck when you have an open lane. Ribeiro passed up a shot on several occasions while looking for a pass and it resulted in turnovers. 
• Former Predators assistant head Coach Peter Horachek has the unenviable job of being the interim head Coach of the Leafs. While the Leafs have struggled, Horachek has instilled greater defensive responsibility among his charges and they made it a difficult night for the Predators.
• Paul Gaustad won 73% of his faceoffs; Mike Ribero won 71%, his best night as a Predator.
• Bernier missed the last minute of the second period and the first five minutes of the third as he cut his left leg with his skate while making a sprawling save on a Matt Cullen breakaway. Bernier required 12 stitches to sew up the cut. He gave up all 4 goals to the Predators.
• The Leafs loss was a franchise record 10th consecutive loss.
• The Predators are 11-5-1 against the Eastern Conference.

This was a win, but the Predators made it way more difficult than it should have been with some stretches of uninspired play.

But here is the bottom line- it was a win.

And it was an important win to keep them on top of the Central Division. They currently sit in first with 72 points, 2 ahead of St. Louis and 8 ahead of Chicago.

They will be tested on home ice on Thursday against Anaheim.

My three stars:

1. Colin Wilson

2. Mike Fisher

3. Mike Santorelli

Predators Destroy the Leafs 9-2

The Nashville Predators visited the Air Canada Centre to take on the Toronto Maple Leafs in the first of a three game stretch against Eastern Conference teams.




The Predators went with Pekka Rinne in net while the Leafs net was manned by Jonathan Bernier.


Taylor Beck opened the scoring at 1:52 of the first period as he drove wide around the defense and  rifled a shot over the shoulder of Bernier to the far post for his second goal of the year.


Derek Roy scored an absolutely beautiful goal at 10:14 of the first period to make it 2-0 for the Predators. Roy drove the net and took a pass from Matt Cullen. With former Predator Cody Franson hanging all over him Roy got his stick on the puck and was able to slide the puck five hole on  Bernier.


Taylor Beck struck again, this time on the power play. A shot from the point by Seth Jones hit Beck in the chest and dropped straight down on the ice. Beck felt Bernier behind and swatted the puck between his legs and into the back of the net before Bernier could drop to the ice. Beck's goal came at 16:49 of the first period.


James Reimer came in to net for the Leafs to begin the second period.


The second period saw both teams get some scoring chances but neither could score. The period looked as if it would end scoreless unless Taylor Beck fed Eric Nystrom, who carried the puck to the high slot and beat Reimer with a wrister over the glove at 18:45.


Just 53 seconds into the third period, the Predators swarmed the Leafs net and Mike Ribeiro was the beneficiary of a nice slap pass from Ryan Ellis as he re-directed the pass past Reimer to make it 5-0.


Filip Forsberg deflected a puck off his skate past Reimer at 1:26 of the period. After a video review, it was ruled a good goal, and Forsberg had his 9th goal and the Predators had a 6-0 lead.


Calle Jarnkrok took a sweet pass from Colin Wilson and Jarnkrok buried it for his first goal of the year and a 7-0 Predators lead at 3:06 of the third.


Roman Josi made it 8-0 at 5:14 as he wrapped around the net and his shot hit Mike Santorelli's stick and bounced over the shoulder of Reimer and trickled into the net.


The Leafs spoiled Rinne's shutout as the Predators turned the puck over behind their net and Mike Santorelli was able to slap the puck past a scrambling defense and Rinne to make it 8-1 at 8:18 of the third.


The Leafs made it 8-2 as Nazem Kadri redirected a shot from the point past Rinne at 10:33.


Colin Wilson gathered in a Craig Smith shot  a snuck the puck between Reimer and the post to make it 9-2 at 17:28. Another goal that was the result of good pressure around the Leafs net.


For the Leafs, the game mercifully ended with no more pucks in their net, and the Predators put on a show of dominant hockey in a city that believes it is the center of the hockey universe.


Some observations:

• The Predators tried changing up the power play with James Neal on the point. Uh... let's not do that again. A couple of turnovers and a shorthanded chance by the Leafs on the first power play should quash that experiment quickly.

• Speaking of the power play... Beck got some time on the PP unit and scored a goal. And tonight, the power play unit got shots on net, which they failed to do in four attempts in their previous game. Puck movement was better and they did a good job of getting pucks through.

• I have to say it again, that goal by Roy was a beauty, and it was good to see him get his first goal as a Predator. That goal was Roy's 500th NHL point.

• The speed difference between the Predators and the Leafs was noticeable. The Predators speed created matchup problems for the Leafs and scoring opportunities for the Predators.

• Taylor Beck's second goal was a smart play as he knew Bernier was not down on the ice and slapped the puck between his legs to the net. Beck is playing with lots of confidence to go with the energy he brings to the ice, and it is good to see him getting rewarded for his efforts.

• Good to see the Predators get secondary scoring, which they are going to need to continue their success.

• The Predators scored on their first four shots of the third period.

• Early in the contest, Rinne made some very good saves to thwart the Leafs attack.

• A disgruntled Leafs fan tossed their sweater on the ice in the third period.

• The Predators tied the franchise record for most goals in a game.

• 14 Predator skaters recorded a point tonight.

Wow!


That was fun, eh?


This was a complete game by the Predators. All phases played well, secondary scoring was there, and the effort was for 60 minutes. One aspect that was especially encouraging was that the Predators didn't sit back with the lead but kept coming at the Leafs all night. That is the formula for success for this team.


Now, they have to bring that effort every game.


My three stars:


1. Taylor Beck


2. Shea Weber


3. Pekka Rinne

Panthers Become a Pelt on the Predators Wall

The Nashville Predators experienced a family reunion of sorts as they faced several old teammates now with the Florida Panthers in a contest at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise. Across the way, the Predators would see former line mates Marcel Goc, Mike Santorelli, and recently traded Jerred Smithson, as well as Scottie Upshall, who is on injured reserve.

Family or not, the Predators were attempting to put a Panther's pelt on their wall.

Pekka Rinne was in net for the Predators while the Panthers went with Scott Clemmensen.

For the Predators, this was an opportunity to pick up two points against an Eastern Conference opponent and close the gap with St. Louis and Detroit, who sit just above them in the standings. This was going to be no easy task, as the Panthers were desperate for points as well, clinging to a tenuous two point lead over Winnipeg in the Southeast Division.

The Predators faced a strong pus from the Panthers early in the game. Through the first 10 minutes, the Panthers had out shot the Predators 9-2. Rinne made several big saves to keep the Panthers off the board.

The Predators broke through at 11:35 of the first as Andrei Kostitsyn got the puck and some open space and with fired a puck  from the face off circle to the far side post that beat Clemmensen to give the Predators a 1-0 lead on only their third shot of the game.

Shortly after the score, Shea Weber got smoked in the corner by Sean Bergenheim and appeared to be injured. he skated to the bench and his spot was taken by Jack Hillen. After missing a shift, Weber returned for the Predators to the great relief of Predator fans everywhere.

The first period ended with the Predators holding a 1-0 lead but being out shot 15-6. Hopefully the Predators shook off the rust of having a few days off and would come out with more offensive push in the second period.

The Predators opened the second period with much better jump. Martin Erat fought for and got control of the puck behind the Panthers net and found Mike Fisher streaking down the slot. The pass from Erat landed right on the tape of Fisher and his one time chip beat Clemmensen to give the Predators a 2-0 lead just 28 seconds into the period.

The Panthers cut the lead to 2-1 on a nice give and go between Marcel Goc and Wojtek Wolski at 7:29 of the second. Wolski took a pass and had a wide open net into which to shoot the puck as Rinne had to respect Goc who was breaking in on the left side.

The period ended with the Predators holding a 2-1 lead, and the shot on goal was certainly more respectable, favoring the Panthers by a 9-8 margin. The Predators did a better job of moving their feet and controlling the puck in their offensive zone.

The key to the third period was going to be more of the same for the Predators.

The Predators got a bit loose with their defensive coverage and gave up a 2 on 1 and a partial breakaway, but Rinne made some great saves to keep the Panthers from getting the equalizer.

The Predators extended their lead to 3-1 at 7:02 of the period as Andrei Kostitsyn sent David Legwand in on a breakaway. Legwand made a nice fake and got Clemmensen to open the five hole, and Legwand deftly slid the puck through for his 15th goal of the year.

The Predators had some good scoring chances on a breakaway by Craig Fisher and a 2 on 1 with Sergei Kostitsyn and Mike Fisher, but Clemmensen was able to make some good saves to keep the score 3-1.

The Panthers pulled Clemmensen with 1:53 to go in the game for the extra attacker. The Predators did a good job of keeping the Panthers bottled up in their zone and didn't allow them to gain easy entry into the offensive zone. Rinne made a huge save on Stephen Weiss to keep the score 3-1 with 38 seconds remaining in the contest.

The Predators ran out the remainder of the clock and skated away with a 3-1 victory and more importantly, two more precious points.

The Predators survived the first period and played a solid 40 minutes. They caught a few breaks as the Panthers misfired on some good scoring chances, and Rinne was once again stellar in net, making 39 saves. for the game, the Panthers out shot the Predators 40-23, which is a disturbing margin.

Rinne won his 36th game, best in the NHL.

It was good to see solid contributions from the newcomers, as Paul Gaustad was solid in the face off circle, and he and Hal Gill had an assist on Andrei Kostitsyn's goal.

This was a solid win for the Predators. They will jump back into Western Conference play next week with three home games against opponents from inside their conference. Sitting solidly in fifth place with 83 points, the Predators look to make a move up the standings with these critical games.

And put another pelt on their wall.

My three stars:

1. Pekka Rinne

2. Mike Fisher

3. Andrei Kostitsyn