In what could be called their most complete game of the 2011-12 season, the Nashville Predators extinguished the Calgary Flames at Bridgestone Arena on the strength of Colin Wilson’s power play goal in the third period. Nashville poured 45 shots on Calgary netminder Miikka Kiprosoff, who was stellar between the pipes, but his countryman was just a bit better, making save after save in a last minute flurry as the Flames attempted to tie the game.

Looking at last night’s contest a couple of things jump out at me…

- Colin Wilson was simply excellent. He has taken the next step in his development, bringing some consistency to his game. He is now using his size well and going to the hard areas with success. This is the type of game the franchise was looking for when they drafted him. Full marks to Wilson for learning the lessons of late last season.

- Special Teams – The team is now firing off the power play which is showing much more variety than previous iterations. There seems to be more options instead of the standard “pass it to Shea and get out of the way” mentality that dominated over the past few seasons. There is now a down low grind being added, and as that takes hold, the point will open up… making Weber an even more lethal part of the power play.

A wholly satisfying win that is a nice lead in to the next game, this three game win streak is the Predators longest of the season, they will need to be even better to make it four as the Detroit Red Wings are in town for their first visit of the season to Bridgestone Arena. Limited tickets remain.

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Random Notes

- Sending Jonathan Blum and Blake Geoffrion down to Milwaukee is the kind of move we have come to expect from the Predators. Hot starts in an emergency situation, good performance, followed by the inevitable small dip in production. I fully expect these two players to get their mojo back while in Milwaukee and come back stronger.

- The Shea Weber trick shot video has gone viral. Very cool stuff… check it out at nhl.com.

- After last night’s win, the Preds stand all alone at 7th in the Western Conference, three points behind Saturday night’s opponent, the St. Louis Blues.

- 24/7 debuts tonight at 9 central on HBO.

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