You could say that the Predators deserved a little bit better than they got last night in their 4-3 shootout loss to the Vancouver Canucks. You could also say that they were lucky to get a point last night. Two series of defensive breakdowns cost each team the momentum in the game. Vancouver took firm control of the game with two goals in 23 seconds at the end of the first period, heading into the locker room with a 3-1 lead, then Nashville grabbed the momentum back with two goals in 62 seconds just five minutes into the second period.
The goaltenders took it from there, Pekka Rinne and Roberto Luongo kept the game knotted… halfway through the third period you knew the game would go to a shootout.
There are some real positives to take from this game, besides the point that keeps the team within striking distance of Detroit. I really liked the aggressiveness Nashville showed in the overtime, they were not satisfied with merely getting to a shootout, they wanted the OT win. You had to like the shoot first mentality of the Predators offense last night as both second period goals weren’t pretty, but they still counted the same. The one concern is the defensive issues this team has shown since the all-star break, another game where three goals were given up on a boatload of shots.
The Predators take off for Ottawa this afternoon for a Thursday game against the Sens.
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SlapShot Radio's fundraiser to benefit C.A.P.E. is this Saturday at Blue Restaurant in Murfreesboro. We'll be watching the game against Boston, enjoying the great food and beverages at Blue. We'll have door prizes and the silent auction is really shaping up! We've got a Mike Fisher autographed stick, autographed photos of David Legwand, Martin Erat and Pekka Rinne. Autographed pucks from Jordin Tootoo and Cody Franson, plus great merchandise from Coleman's Dynamic Products, Predators tickets, Blue Restaurant Gifts and much more... join us Saturday to benefit CAPE and watch the game!
Big thanks to Greg Pogue for hosting us and the good folks at Blue Restaurant have announced they will be donating 20% of all food sales at the event between 11am - 3pm to CAPE! Plus, they will feature $2 draft beer and $3 draft Guinness! Along with Happy Hour pricing at the bar!!!
See you Saturday… at Blue!
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Random Notes
- The Predators are now in 5th place in the Western Conference standings, trailing conference leading Detroit by 3 points. Nashville is tied with St. Louis but they win the tiebreaker due to their games in hand. The Predators now lead Chicago by four points. St. Louis has two games in hand over Nashville, Chicago and Detroit.
- Chicago dropped their sixth straight last night to Colorado. This road trip has turned into a death march for the Blackhawks who are rapidly wasting their cushion in the West playoff race, LA is now only three points behind them.
- I have to say it... I wonder what Dan Hamhuis thought of the Tuesday night crowd in Nashville?
Tonight’s Impact Games
Edmonton @ Detroit – The Red Wings get back home and none too soon for them. They are dominant at the Joe and Edmonton, while playing better as of late, is just what the doctor ordered for Detroit to start a new win streak.
SportsClubStats Update
Predators Playoff Chances – 98.3%
Highest % Potential Playoff Opponent – St. Louis 38.7%, Detroit 29.6%
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On the next
SlapShot Radio
Tonight’s SlapShot Radio will feature the dean of NHL play-by-play announcers, NBC Sports' Michael "Doc" Emrick and we will preview the Ottawa Senators game with Sens radio analyst Gord Wilson. All this on SlapShot Radio, tonight at 6pm on 102.5 the Game.
To get a fix in the meantime… past episodes are also posted on the SlapShot Radio website.
Click
here to listen or download.
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