The monkey on the Predators’ back is now gone. Pred Nation awakes this morning, (OK, some will wake up this afternoon) with a list of "nevers" that are no more.
- Never winning more than three games in a series... check.
- Never holding a more than one game lead in a series... check.
- Never winning a game five in a series... check.
- Never winning a game six in a series... check.
- Never winning a playoff series... check.
To make it even sweeter, Nashville clinched the series in front of 17,113 screaming, chanting, stomping, towel waving members of Pred Nation. A crowd that stood and roared for the last 15 minutes of the third period, feeding their team energy, willing them to victory. History was indeed made.
I can’t help but think back to almost four years ago, in some of the darkest times a franchise can see... on a sultry July evening, when 7,000 fans packed the floor of the arena to rally for their team. This one was for them. The hardcore, hockey loving maniacs who have supported this team and preached the gospel of hockey to all who would listen, they knew that games like last night’s are the reason for their passion.
Now the attention turns to potential second round opponents. The scenarios are fairly simple… The #3 seed, Detroit is already through… two more series need to be determined.
> If #1 seed Vancouver and #2 seed San Jose win their series… the #5 Predators play #1 Vancouver, # 3 Detroit plays #2 San Jose.
> If #8 Chicago and #2 San Jose win their series… the #5 Predators play #3 Detroit, #2 San Jose plays #8 Chicago.
> If #8 Chicago and #7 Los Angeles win their series… the #5 Predators play #7 Los Angeles and have home ice advantage. #3 Detroit plays #8 Chicago.
> If #1 Vancouver and #7 Los Angeles win their series… the #5 Predators play #3 Detroit, #1 Vancouver plays #7 Los Angeles. (thanks to famousjon on the thread for pointing this one out)
See? Simple… :-) If the San Jose/ Los Angeles series goes seven, it could push back the start of the western conference semi-finals to Friday.
But for now… Savor this one, it’s been a long time coming.
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Random Notes
- Jordin Tootoo is getting some much deserved press for his play in the first round. This is the type of player that the scouts believed he could be. He’s come through a lot of adversity, good on him for taking it to the next level.
- Walking to the media room before yesterday’s game, I saw a group of Anaheim players in their pre-game soccer. You got the feeling, a look in the eyes, they were still a bit shell shocked after the Friday night game.
- Did we witness the final game of Teemu Selanne? I hope not as he is still playing at an amazing level.
- Coaching chess match – Very interesting how Randy Carlyle started the game with Bobby Ryan on the third line, then moved him back up to the top line in the second period. Barry Trotz matched lines well last night, and the officials were watching for the late change from the Anaheim bench, they stopped three or four attempts that I saw.
- You could see how tight the Anaheim coaching staff was... to the point where Randy Carlyle was on the bench for most of the pre-game warmup... unusual.
- If I told you that the Predators would win this series with Pekka Rinne posting a GAA of 3.29 and a save percentage of .876, you’d be wondering what I was smoking.
- How big would the disallowed goal two minutes into the third period have been if the Predator’s hadn’t have won last night? TSN was definitive in saying it was a goal… the war room in Toronto disagreed... or at least didn't have enough info to overturn the call on the ice.
- A panic move from Vancouver Canucks head coach Alain Vigneault last night? The move to start Corey Schneider showed an astounding lack of confidence in Roberto Luongo… plus, it didn’t work. Tuesday night’s game seven could be epic!
- The Chicago Blackhawks have been unbelievable with their backs to the wall, Dave Bolland has simply been amazing… and Ben Smith??? Who the heck is Ben Smith? Besides the owner of last night’s GWG, the Blackhawks are not going quietly and anything can happen in a game seven.
- Ville Leino does it again for Philly, a huge overtime goal that sends the Flyers/Sabres series back to Philly for game seven. I am wondering if Mike Richards gets suspended for his hit on Tim Connelly.
- Tonight’s playoff schedule – Pittsburgh @ Tampa Bay – Penguins lead 3-2, 6pm CDT (Versus, CBC), San Jose @ Los Angeles – Sharks lead 3-2, 9pm CDT (Versus, TSN)
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You are invited to follow me on Twitter. Search for @PredPAPaul… Not only will I be updating when I get news or updates, but we are having a bit of fun by getting your input on Gnash introductions, weigh in on Twitter and who knows, we may use your introduction for the best mascot in the NHL at the next Preds game!
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COMING UP ON THE NEXT SLAPSHOT RADIO…
This week’s we will be previewing round two of the Stanley Cup playoffs with the PUck Daddy, Greg Wysynsky and a blogger roundtable.
in the meantime, You can get check out our podcasts at
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