Paul McCann Nashville Predators Blogger •Predators Radio Network • RSS
• Archive
• CONTACT
The Nashville Predators got their 40th win of the season last night with a 5-0 whitewash of Minnesota, effectively putting the last nail in the Wild’s playoff fate. Once again, the Predators got balanced scoring opportunities across all four lines, once again they got excellent goaltending. This is a team that appears to be stepping it up for the playoffs at the right time, keeping the pressure on the chase group and creating some separation from the pack.
The story of last night’s game was also its’ number one star… Colin Wilson. Wilson showed speed, grit and determination in his game with a goal and an assist. The goal was a spectacular one, after blocking a shot, he turned on the afterburners, gathered in the loose puck and beat the Wild’s Josh Harding like a rented goalie. That not only sparked the Preds into a nice little spurt that resulted in four goals just over 15 minutes, it was a moment that took the wind out of the Wild’s sails.
Minnesota just hasn’t been able to get anything going on a consistent basis… especially on the road. They are the NHL’s version of the proverbial “box of chocolates.”
On the Preds side... Pekka Rinne looks to have really gotten his game together, he has two shutouts in his last four starts and has only given up 5 goals in that timeframe. The Predators now look forward to a back-to-back against Central Division foes. Columbus hits town Saturday, then the Preds (and HBR) take off for St. Louis for a 5pm Sunday showdown with the resurgent Blues. The team then returns home for another Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday run as they welcome the Stars, Coyotes and Red Wings. All teams that are either trying to keep their playoff hopes alive or battling for playoff position.
-------------------------------------
For the second consecutive year, a Predator’s prospect has been named a finalist for the Hobey Baker award, honoring college hockey’s top player. That’s exciting news on its own, but this year it is even more special as the finalist is Predators second round draft pick Blake Geoffrion.
Geoffrion was raised in Brentwood, a suburb of Nashville and played his youth hockey with the Nashville Youth Hockey League. The first NHL draftee from that program, the first one from Tennessee for that matter, Blake is the grandson of Bernie “Boom-Boom” Geoffrion and the son of Danny Geoffrion. He is a senior at the University of Wisconsin and is one of the captains of their hockey team. Blake has really shown his development this year, scoring 23 goals, posting 18 assists in his 34 games.
The growth of our great game in non-traditional regions continues… congratulations Blake! He won’t have time to savor this much as his Badgers are in action today in the semi-finals of the WCHA Final Five at 2pm.
-------------------------------------
On last night’s Phoenix telecast, play-by-play man Dave Strader used the phrase… “Make it seven baby!” after the Coyotes come from behind, shootout win, marking their seventh straight win… it brought a big smile to my face.
I’m just sayin’…
--------------------------------------
Where We Stand… A daily look at where the Predator’s stand in the playoff race…
Coming into today’s play, the Predators stand 2nd in the Central division and 7th in the Western Conference. Nashville is…
-tied in points with 6th place LA, the Kings have two games in hand.
- 1 points behind 5th place Colorado, the Av’s have a game in hand.
- 8 points behind 4th place Phoenix.
In the chase group… Nashville leads…
- 8th place Detroit by 5 points, the Red Wings have two games in hand.
- 9th place Calgary by 6 points, the Flames have a game in hand.
- 10th place St. Louis by 10 points, St. Louis has a game in hand.
The Preds have…
1 game left against – Stars(home - Tuesday), Blue Jackets(Saturday), Kings (home), Florida (road)
2 games left against – Coyotes (1r, 1h), Red Wings (1r,1h)
3 games left against – Blues (1 road-Sunday,2 home),
Tonight’s Impact Games
According to SportsClubStats.com, results of last night’s play has the Predators with an 93.7% chance of making the playoffs.
San Jose / Calgary – A Sharks win in regulation improves the Preds playoff chances. Edmonton /Detroit – Let’s Go Olilers! Any Edmonton win improves the Preds playoff chances, a win in regulation really helps!
Chase Group Odds of Making the Playoffs (according to SportsClubStats.com)
8. Detroit – 74.6%
9. Calgary – 25.2%
10. St. Louis – 5.6%
11. Minnesota – 2.1%
12. Dallas – 0.5%
13. Anaheim – 1.1%
--------------------------------------
Last day to buy tickets! Our first HockeyBuzz Radio road trip is Sunday, the head count for the trip is over 135 Pred fans joining us so far. Check our Facebook group page as we are attempting to put together a caravan… make sure you use your Preds car flags to help us identify each other on the road!
Other big news is that the HBR road trip will be featured in the first intermission of the FSTennessee broadcast! I’ll be appearing with Pete and a member of the road trip crew. HBR’s PR pro Denise will be taking pictures on the road for use during the interview, so if you can’t make the trip, make sure you watch!
Here’s the ticket details… We have a ticket deal available and are planning on meeting up for a pre-game feast at a pizza place near the Scottrade Center. If you have never had St. Louis style pizza, you are in for a treat as we meet up at Imo’s Pizza a couple blocks away from the arena. Puck drop is at 5pm. Lower bowl tickets are $42, upper bowl tickets are $24. We have been working with a specific Blues ticket rep, so… in order to get the deal call Jason Penning at (314) 622-2578. Make sure you call before 5pm TODAY! to get this ticket deal! Mention that you are with the HockeyBuzz Radio Road Trip and he’ll take care of your ticket needs.
It’s a perfect day trip, the early face off means you can get home on the same day if you want… C’mon, take a quick trip and support the Preds!!! This game is a free food night promotion as well, so no one should go hungry. For more information go to HockeyBuzz Radio's website or to our HBR Facebook group.
Wed 3/24 – We’ll be live at Dave and Buster’s breaking down the playoff race… 6pm Wednesday on SportsRadio 560 WNSR.
---------------------------------
You are invited to follow me on Twitter. Search for PredPAPaul… Not only will I be updating when I get news or updates… I’ll also be updating during Pred home games in season with information and explanations from the PA box.
Nashville Predators Blogger •Predators Radio Network • 
Join the Discussion:
»