Another game between the Calgary Flames and Nashville Predators, and yet another road victory. That has been the way in the season series and tonight the trend was continued as 15,030 at the Sommet Center saw a Calgary 2nd period surge turn into a 3-1 win. This was the Flames 5th win in a row and gives them a 2-1 season series lead on the Preds.
Felder’s FRUSTRATED Five:
1. Rebounds - It is ultimately what decided the game. Rebound control by both Dan Ellis and the Preds D just wasn't there in the key moments of this one. That's the nature of the game but there are given nights where it becomes more apparent than others. Watching rebounds go in is a frustrating sight but sometimes unpreventable.
2. Offensive Urgency - The lack of shots on goal and scoring chances throughout the game for the Preds was not easy to watch. Only the 1st period featured a double digit SOG stat for the Preds (10), while the 2nd and 3rd had 9. Of the 28 total Predator shots only a handful were quality scoring chances. After a glut of goals last month, it appears the Preds may be back to trying to push past the 2 goals or more a game threshold once again.
3. The Little Details - It's hard to really describe, but in most NHL games it is the little details that can make all the difference. It's chasing after pucks, sound positioning, timing when to pinch the D, etc… For me, the Flames had all the little details in this game, while the Predators waited until the 3rd period to have a fully developed game. By then, it's too late.
4. Lose the Pass First Mentality - If there is one thing I am fully tired of seeing it is the pass first mentality on this team as of late. Trotzy has to start preaching the SOG message once again. There appears to be a timidity for some players to even hold on to the puck for more than 2 seconds. As soon as pressure heads their way they are looking where to distribute the puck as fast as possible. Normally that's ok, but in the situations I'm thinking of they have a perfectly good shot at the net. This is how rebounds are created and cashed in on. There are some younger guys on the Nashville roster that consistently go to the net, so if the other (more veteran) players would place it on net then the goal opportunities in close will be there.
5. Selective Shooting - For me, better shot placement and not firing the puck into opponent's bodies would be a tremendous improvement. Tonight, the Preds had 17 shots blocked and 14 missed the net. Granted, you have to give credit to the Flames for sacrificing the body and blocking so many shots (especially a couple of Shea Web bombs) but this has been a consistent problem when Nashville goes into scoring slumps.
Other Notes:
* Tonight’s scratches were Martin Erat and Alex Sulzer. Smithson and Tootoo remain on IR. For Calgary, the scratches were Staffan Kronwall, Brian McGrattan, and Aaron Johnson. Cory Sarich is the only player listed on the Flames IR list.
* 1ST PERIOD
* 11:47 to go. Shea Weber shows why he IS Team Canada material and Dion Phaneuf is not. Phaneuf got a long feed from Kiprusoff during a line change and tried to cherry pick across the blueline. The Beast would have none of that and decked Dion against the boards as he dumped in the puck. A thunderous hit that put Phaneuf on his back on the ice.
* END OF THE 1ST PERIOD – NSH: 0 CGY: 0Positives - Nice pace and goaltending thus far. Not allowing the physical play of Calgary to slow down the Preds at this point. Won 54% of faceoffs. Negatives - Out shot by a narrow margin, 12-10.
* 2ND PERIOD
* GOAL for CALGARY - 10:28 to go. A scramble in the crease for an Eric Nystrom rebound produces a Flames goal after about 5 full seconds of mayhem. Dan Ellis spent most of the play stretched out protecting the bottom of the net. The whistle never blew and eventually David Moss pushed the puck in low glove side in a slim but unprotected portion of the net. Can't argue about the lack of a whistle though because the referee was basically on the right post watching the entire melee. Moss (7) from Nystrom (5). Calgary takes a 1-0 lead halfway through the 2nd period.
* GOAL for CALGARY - 17.1 to go. Hamhuis loses a battle in the corner with Flames Captain Jarome Iginla. A shot from the point by Phaneuf is stopped by Elly low stick side, but a rebound goes straight to Olli Jokinen's stick and he buries his chance above the sprawling Ellis. Jokinen (8) from Phaneuf (10) and Nigel Dawes (11). The Flames now hold a 2-0 lead.
* END OF THE 2ND PERIOD – NSH: 0 CGY: 2 Positives - Winning 58% of faceoffs. Negatives - Dominated in terms of SOG as it now stands at 28-19 Calgary leading.
* 3RD PERIOD
* POWER PLAY GOAL for NASHVILLE - 6:15 to go. The Preds cash in on a man advantage as Patric Hornqvist connects near the right post. Hornqvist had posted up down low and when he received the pass from Steve Sullivan he waited until Kipper had dropped to roof the puck up and in under the upper right corner. Nice to see the man advantage finally take advantage of all the time they had in the 3rd period. Hornqvist (14) from Sullivan (17) and Weber (17). Flames lead is now 2-1 and they called a timeout after this goal to catch a breather. It was a back to back PK effort for the Flames.
* 55 seconds to go and Dan Ellis reaches the bench for the extra attacker.
* EMPTY NET GOAL for CALGARY - 18.5 left. Daymond Langkow puts this one away after a chip in off the boards goes right to the slot for an easy goal. Langkow (11) from Iginla (12) and Glencross (10).
* FINAL SCORE – NSH - 1 CGY - 3.
My Three Stars:
1. Jokinen - 1 game winning goal, +1, 3 SOG, 2 hits, and won 8 of his 17 faceoffs taken.
2. Langkow - 1 empty net goal, game leading 6 SOG, 2 hits, and 2 blocked shots.
3. Kiprusoff - 27 saves on 28 shots against. Looked comfortable in net most of the night.
Goalie Grade:B- – The starting goaltender tonight was Dan Ellis. Ellis played pretty well and kept things close. Rebound control was an issue however and that tends to be the knock against Elly in most games. Tonight, it cost the team as neither Ellis nor his D-men could stop a couple of rebound chances from being potted into the Preds net.
Quotes:
Once again I did not go to the locker room thanks to my cough. It's almost gone though so I should be able to get some quotes finally later this week.
Final Thoughts:
Calgary has Nashville's number when it comes to games in the Sommet Center. For whatever reason, the Flames just know how to execute a well thought out road game that stifles the Preds offense in their own barn. Personally, I think it has to do with the physical nature the Flames play. They seem to wear their opponents down the first half of the game and then spring to life the rest of the way. That was the case in this game at least.
The Predators next game is Thursday night versus the Carolina Hurricanes. Normal start time of 7 PM CST. The real question will be how many people will be there. If reports of a winter storm come to the fruition of say 4 inches of snow that doesn't melt easily, it will be difficult for many regulars to get to the Sommet. Personally, if the weather does what is expected it will be likely I won't be at the game either. The trip from Murfreesboro to Nashville may be too much. We shall see though. Hopefully the weather permits hockey fans to get to the rink.
Till the next time, take care.
Questions, comments, and criticisms can be sent to [email protected] if you wish to contact me personally.
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