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Nashville Predators Blogger •
Is it just me or does everything seem a little nicer after a win? I know I find the drive home a bit easier. That being said last night the Predators finally put together the right kind of effort and walked away with 2 points after defeating the Atlanta Thrashers 3-0. This was a pivotal game in the sense that had the Preds lost, things would have surely been headed towards a quick, downward spiral. So without further ado, I FINALLY get to bring back:
Felder's FANTASTIC Five:
1. Dan Ellis - He clearly deserved my vote as the #1 star of the game. Although he wasn't tabbed as the backup goaltender when training camp started, he earned his way onto this NHL club. In the couple of times we've seen him replace Chris Mason in games, he has performed well. It
seemed that Barry Trotz had to do something to spark a little fire in the guys and maybe starting Ellis was just what the good doctor ordered. Ellis had only started one other time in his NHL career, but that was way back in 2003. Yes, I said 2003, as in pre-lockout days! You wouldn't know it had been that long from the way he played last night. He was consistent throughout the night and most importantly made the big saves when he had to. Atlanta should have had at least 2 goals on the night had it not been for some outstanding goaltending by Ellis. I can remember a couple of times where Ellis had to lay on the puck to stop a goal from being scored in his crease. Those scrums were interesting but even more interesting that he found a way to not let that puck in whatsoever. My only complaint on the night is that at one point Ellis tried to be like Marty Turco and handle the puck while on the PP. I know he was in the Dallas system and learned their puck handling ways, but please don't do that often Dan. It almost cost you a goal buddy. Other than that Ellis was excellent. Congrats to Dan Ellis on his 2nd career win and 1st career shutout.
2. Jerred Smithson - This guy played an outstanding game and even got the game winning goal. Smithson, who is a regular 3rd and 4th liner, was playing with a fire as usual and finally got rewarded in the goal department last night. David Legwand made a great play by shooting on net from close to the blueline, knowing that Smithson was driving to the net as well. Hedberg lost track of it as it slipped behind him and Smithson drove it in for an easy goal. The crowd erupted and it felt like everyone just let a monkey off of their back. It's been awhile since I've heard the crowd this loud (since the Dallas game to be exact) so it was nice to hear them back, and the players appreciated it as well. Smithson also won 80% of his faceoffs and had just another great hard working game.
3. Kevin Klein - With Marek Zidlicky getting the healthy scratch that meant that both Ville Koistinen and Kevin Klein would be in the lineup. Klein proved why he belonged on an NHL roster with a great game defensively, and surprisingly on offense as well. Klein made a move on Garnet Exelby that surprised everyone in the building. If you didn't see it you should go to www.nhl.tv and check out the Tootoo goal. It's better to see it then have me describe it. So Klein looked like a forward and set up Jordin Tootoo for his 2nd goal of the season . (As a side note Zidlicky has 0 goals and 3 points compared to Tootoo's 2 goals and 4 points. I found that kind of funny to be honest.) Klein also played a good defensive game and continues to impress me thus far.
4. Jordin Tootoo - He received 3rd star of the night honors and it was well deserved. Not only did he score the aforementioned goal but he helped set up the empty net goal as well. At one point he even had to go to the top line when Erat was nursing a foot injury. It may have only been one shift but Tootoo was just being himself, flying around, fighting for the puck. Considering only one other player on the team had less ice time (Hordichuk) Tootoo really took advantage of all 9:13 and ended the night with 2 points and a +2 rating.
5. David Legwand - His play last night might not get much attention so I'll give him his due now. He made a great play on the Smithson goal, did the right thing by passing to Nichol to avoid the backcheck, which led to the empty net Nichol goal. Leggy had a 2 point night, was +2, blocked 3 shots which was the most by a forward for either team, and won 57% of his faceoffs. Although he hasn't found the back of the net lately, setting up goals is just as nice too.
Other Notes:
* What an interesting start as we saw Kovalchuk hit the post and then Erat hit the post almost 30 seconds later.
* I was extremely pleased with the shots to shots against ratio. The Preds had 16 shots on goal in the 1st period while only allowing the Thrashers 5 that period. The final tally on the night was 34 shots for the Preds and 20 for the Thrashers.
* That isn't to say that Atlanta wasn't shooting. They were, but credit the team for going down and blocking 18 shots as well.
* I'm not sure how long it will last, but I was really happy with the creativity I was seeing from the Erat, Arnott, Dumont line. I think that if they are given time (and that's a big IF right now) they could really produce often. The 1st line will never be completely right though until Sullivan makes his return.
* I thought Hedberg played well and got lucky a few times in last nights game. There were a couple times in the 1st period where he was down and out, but somehow the Pred didn't convert.
* I mentioned the crowd after the Smithson goal, but they really woke up with 8:18 to go in the 1st period. The team had all kinds of chances in front of Atlanta's net with Dumont and Arnott buzzing around. Maybe the crowd was taking a wait and see approach (I know I was) and who can blame them. After that flurry of chances you could feel the building come to life.
* A funny moment occurred around 5:22 to play in the 1st when Hedberg fell skating back to his net. There was no one around him, he just fell on his own. I've never seen that before......
* I thought Radulov had a decent game last night. To me his best play was showing off his strength when he put Bryan Little on his butt. Little may live up to his own billing, but it was interesting to see Radu just back into him and knock him down.
* Jed Ortmeyer deserves some credit on the Tootoo goal as well. His pass off the boards to Klein was almost as good as Klein's move. I've yet to see a game where I was displeased with Ortmeyer's play.
* As mentioned briefly last night I have no complaints with the refs in this one. I thought they really just let the guys play, so credit goes to the crew of Don VanMassenhoven, Chris Rooney, Lyle Seitz, and Shane Heyer.
* Am I the only person who found Thrashers captain Holik really irritating last night? I kept saying to myself, "Someone needs to crush that guy. Where is Hordi?"
* I think Atlanta fans should be real happy with Kovalchuk. I haven't seen him play with such passion and emotion. He should have another big year.
* There were alot of positives last night, but I do want to mention a couple of negatives. I still think Ville Koistenen is getting used to the NHL speed of things. There were a couple of times that he appeared out of position to me. Hopefully he'll settle down a bit more soon.
* As great as it is to see the muckers and grinders get rewarded with goals, you have to hope that our top 2 lines get it going soon. It is a bit worrisome that our 1st line guys haven't scored in a couple of weeks.
* And lastly, the Preds powerplay is still not getting it done. I realize they only had three PP opportunities, but this was against the 29th ranked PK unit in the NHL. Before the game I was really hoping that the PP could get a goal and gain some momentum and confidence.
Quotes:
"We want to play as a team. Limit their scoring chances. We won our one on one battle and that was key. That's why we came out on top tonight." - Kevin Klein
"It was a 2 on 2 and I saw the guy was kinda challenging me. I just cut to the inside and when I did that both guys came at me and Toots was driving the net hard and I just slid it over and he put it in. So good job on his part." - Kevin Klein on his great play setting up Jordin Tootoo's goal
"It doesn't happen too often but it was nice. It was a great play by Leggy. I just happened to be there and tapped it home. It's a good feeling." - Jerred Smithson on his 1st goal of the season.
"This is what we need. This is how we played in the 1st two games. Our work ethic, and our goaltender played extremely well for us. I think we needed a little boost of energy and I think our fans gave us that tonight. They were awesome tonight, when we stepped on the ice we didn't know what to expect after the road trip, but they were behind us 110% so it was like playing with a 6th guy out there." - Jason Arnott on the style of play and the fans.
"We switched it last game. When you put new guys on it you have to move it around a little bit and work on it. We haven't had a whole lot of time so we just have to stick with and keep working on it." Jason Arnott on the PP and their difficulties.
"It's great. Mase is a total team player and an outstanding goaltender. He's our guy. I'm just here to provide depth and Mase a little rest. When I go in there it's my job to try to get a win." - Dan Ellis on Chris Mason's support in the paper and as a teammate.
"Tomas was probably the most important player in our organization through the growing years. When you talk about who is most important to the Predators (all-time) he might be the most important guy ever. It'll be a little strange to see him in the net over there. The fans, I think Nashville fans will be classy and I'm sure he'll get a standing ovation when he comes out." - Barry Trotz on Vokoun's return to Nashville this Saturday night.
So Pred fans were finally treated to win after a 6 game losing skid. Does this erase all the problems? No, but this is a step in the right direction and the next few games are pivotal to keeping the Preds on track. I hate to call any game this early in the season a "must" win, but Saturday is a real important game. They will be playing their last home game until Nov. 10th. After the Panthers the Preds go on a 5 game, 13 day road trip that ends in Detroit. The Preds need to continue their momentum Saturday if they are to head off and have any success on the road (where they have yet to win a game this season).
The next game is Saturday night, 7pm CST at the Sommet Center. The game will be on FSN South, but if you live nearby you should make a trip to the game and see the return of Tomas Vokoun. Also, if attending please wear pink as Saturday is the night in which the Preds salute Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I hope everyone will help out and support the cause. I'll be in a pink tie myself. Until then, take care Pred fans......
Felder's FANTASTIC Five:
1. Dan Ellis - He clearly deserved my vote as the #1 star of the game. Although he wasn't tabbed as the backup goaltender when training camp started, he earned his way onto this NHL club. In the couple of times we've seen him replace Chris Mason in games, he has performed well. It
seemed that Barry Trotz had to do something to spark a little fire in the guys and maybe starting Ellis was just what the good doctor ordered. Ellis had only started one other time in his NHL career, but that was way back in 2003. Yes, I said 2003, as in pre-lockout days! You wouldn't know it had been that long from the way he played last night. He was consistent throughout the night and most importantly made the big saves when he had to. Atlanta should have had at least 2 goals on the night had it not been for some outstanding goaltending by Ellis. I can remember a couple of times where Ellis had to lay on the puck to stop a goal from being scored in his crease. Those scrums were interesting but even more interesting that he found a way to not let that puck in whatsoever. My only complaint on the night is that at one point Ellis tried to be like Marty Turco and handle the puck while on the PP. I know he was in the Dallas system and learned their puck handling ways, but please don't do that often Dan. It almost cost you a goal buddy. Other than that Ellis was excellent. Congrats to Dan Ellis on his 2nd career win and 1st career shutout.
2. Jerred Smithson - This guy played an outstanding game and even got the game winning goal. Smithson, who is a regular 3rd and 4th liner, was playing with a fire as usual and finally got rewarded in the goal department last night. David Legwand made a great play by shooting on net from close to the blueline, knowing that Smithson was driving to the net as well. Hedberg lost track of it as it slipped behind him and Smithson drove it in for an easy goal. The crowd erupted and it felt like everyone just let a monkey off of their back. It's been awhile since I've heard the crowd this loud (since the Dallas game to be exact) so it was nice to hear them back, and the players appreciated it as well. Smithson also won 80% of his faceoffs and had just another great hard working game.
3. Kevin Klein - With Marek Zidlicky getting the healthy scratch that meant that both Ville Koistinen and Kevin Klein would be in the lineup. Klein proved why he belonged on an NHL roster with a great game defensively, and surprisingly on offense as well. Klein made a move on Garnet Exelby that surprised everyone in the building. If you didn't see it you should go to www.nhl.tv and check out the Tootoo goal. It's better to see it then have me describe it. So Klein looked like a forward and set up Jordin Tootoo for his 2nd goal of the season . (As a side note Zidlicky has 0 goals and 3 points compared to Tootoo's 2 goals and 4 points. I found that kind of funny to be honest.) Klein also played a good defensive game and continues to impress me thus far.
4. Jordin Tootoo - He received 3rd star of the night honors and it was well deserved. Not only did he score the aforementioned goal but he helped set up the empty net goal as well. At one point he even had to go to the top line when Erat was nursing a foot injury. It may have only been one shift but Tootoo was just being himself, flying around, fighting for the puck. Considering only one other player on the team had less ice time (Hordichuk) Tootoo really took advantage of all 9:13 and ended the night with 2 points and a +2 rating.
5. David Legwand - His play last night might not get much attention so I'll give him his due now. He made a great play on the Smithson goal, did the right thing by passing to Nichol to avoid the backcheck, which led to the empty net Nichol goal. Leggy had a 2 point night, was +2, blocked 3 shots which was the most by a forward for either team, and won 57% of his faceoffs. Although he hasn't found the back of the net lately, setting up goals is just as nice too.
Other Notes:
* What an interesting start as we saw Kovalchuk hit the post and then Erat hit the post almost 30 seconds later.
* I was extremely pleased with the shots to shots against ratio. The Preds had 16 shots on goal in the 1st period while only allowing the Thrashers 5 that period. The final tally on the night was 34 shots for the Preds and 20 for the Thrashers.
* That isn't to say that Atlanta wasn't shooting. They were, but credit the team for going down and blocking 18 shots as well.
* I'm not sure how long it will last, but I was really happy with the creativity I was seeing from the Erat, Arnott, Dumont line. I think that if they are given time (and that's a big IF right now) they could really produce often. The 1st line will never be completely right though until Sullivan makes his return.
* I thought Hedberg played well and got lucky a few times in last nights game. There were a couple times in the 1st period where he was down and out, but somehow the Pred didn't convert.
* I mentioned the crowd after the Smithson goal, but they really woke up with 8:18 to go in the 1st period. The team had all kinds of chances in front of Atlanta's net with Dumont and Arnott buzzing around. Maybe the crowd was taking a wait and see approach (I know I was) and who can blame them. After that flurry of chances you could feel the building come to life.
* A funny moment occurred around 5:22 to play in the 1st when Hedberg fell skating back to his net. There was no one around him, he just fell on his own. I've never seen that before......
* I thought Radulov had a decent game last night. To me his best play was showing off his strength when he put Bryan Little on his butt. Little may live up to his own billing, but it was interesting to see Radu just back into him and knock him down.
* Jed Ortmeyer deserves some credit on the Tootoo goal as well. His pass off the boards to Klein was almost as good as Klein's move. I've yet to see a game where I was displeased with Ortmeyer's play.
* As mentioned briefly last night I have no complaints with the refs in this one. I thought they really just let the guys play, so credit goes to the crew of Don VanMassenhoven, Chris Rooney, Lyle Seitz, and Shane Heyer.
* Am I the only person who found Thrashers captain Holik really irritating last night? I kept saying to myself, "Someone needs to crush that guy. Where is Hordi?"
* I think Atlanta fans should be real happy with Kovalchuk. I haven't seen him play with such passion and emotion. He should have another big year.
* There were alot of positives last night, but I do want to mention a couple of negatives. I still think Ville Koistenen is getting used to the NHL speed of things. There were a couple of times that he appeared out of position to me. Hopefully he'll settle down a bit more soon.
* As great as it is to see the muckers and grinders get rewarded with goals, you have to hope that our top 2 lines get it going soon. It is a bit worrisome that our 1st line guys haven't scored in a couple of weeks.
* And lastly, the Preds powerplay is still not getting it done. I realize they only had three PP opportunities, but this was against the 29th ranked PK unit in the NHL. Before the game I was really hoping that the PP could get a goal and gain some momentum and confidence.
Quotes:
"We want to play as a team. Limit their scoring chances. We won our one on one battle and that was key. That's why we came out on top tonight." - Kevin Klein
"It was a 2 on 2 and I saw the guy was kinda challenging me. I just cut to the inside and when I did that both guys came at me and Toots was driving the net hard and I just slid it over and he put it in. So good job on his part." - Kevin Klein on his great play setting up Jordin Tootoo's goal
"It doesn't happen too often but it was nice. It was a great play by Leggy. I just happened to be there and tapped it home. It's a good feeling." - Jerred Smithson on his 1st goal of the season.
"This is what we need. This is how we played in the 1st two games. Our work ethic, and our goaltender played extremely well for us. I think we needed a little boost of energy and I think our fans gave us that tonight. They were awesome tonight, when we stepped on the ice we didn't know what to expect after the road trip, but they were behind us 110% so it was like playing with a 6th guy out there." - Jason Arnott on the style of play and the fans.
"We switched it last game. When you put new guys on it you have to move it around a little bit and work on it. We haven't had a whole lot of time so we just have to stick with and keep working on it." Jason Arnott on the PP and their difficulties.
"It's great. Mase is a total team player and an outstanding goaltender. He's our guy. I'm just here to provide depth and Mase a little rest. When I go in there it's my job to try to get a win." - Dan Ellis on Chris Mason's support in the paper and as a teammate.
"Tomas was probably the most important player in our organization through the growing years. When you talk about who is most important to the Predators (all-time) he might be the most important guy ever. It'll be a little strange to see him in the net over there. The fans, I think Nashville fans will be classy and I'm sure he'll get a standing ovation when he comes out." - Barry Trotz on Vokoun's return to Nashville this Saturday night.
So Pred fans were finally treated to win after a 6 game losing skid. Does this erase all the problems? No, but this is a step in the right direction and the next few games are pivotal to keeping the Preds on track. I hate to call any game this early in the season a "must" win, but Saturday is a real important game. They will be playing their last home game until Nov. 10th. After the Panthers the Preds go on a 5 game, 13 day road trip that ends in Detroit. The Preds need to continue their momentum Saturday if they are to head off and have any success on the road (where they have yet to win a game this season).
The next game is Saturday night, 7pm CST at the Sommet Center. The game will be on FSN South, but if you live nearby you should make a trip to the game and see the return of Tomas Vokoun. Also, if attending please wear pink as Saturday is the night in which the Preds salute Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I hope everyone will help out and support the cause. I'll be in a pink tie myself. Until then, take care Pred fans......
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