Bookended around a less than stellar first period and a fairly disappointing shootout effort, the Nashville Predators managed to get a point out of their 3-2 loss to the St. Louis Blues last night. Frankly… the other point was theirs for the taking. Full marks to the Blues as they showed no signs of playing on the second night of a back-to-back, their energy did not flag in the third period and Jaroslav Halak was simply outstanding in net, keeping the game tied as the Predators put on a third period press.
Nashville had won the last two shootouts with St. Louis but the Predators shootout shortcomings were apparent last night as they lost their third consecutive tie game decider. The lack of scoring in this part of the game may be one of the biggest Preds’ offensive concerns. Barry Trotz did indicate that they would be working the shootout in today’s open practice at Centennial Sportsplex. Pekka Rinne has been stellar in the shootout but last night he needed the team to pick him up.
The other concern has to be the way that Nashville is starting their games. David Boclair has a solid write-up in today’s
City Paper on this. The team just seems to be waiting for the opponent to make the first move before responding, instead of consistently coming out strong. It is the next step of development for this young team, one that will be concentrated on over the next six weeks.
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“Murderer’s Row” – Tracking the toughest 14 days of the Predator’s season…
Points Available – 14
Points so far – 7 out of 10
2/14 – Chicago – W 3-2
2/17 – @ Detroit – L 2-1
2/19 – @ Dallas – W 3-2
2/21 – Vancouver – W 3-1
2/23 – St. Louis – OTL 3-2
2/25 – San Jose –
2/27 – Los Angeles –
2/28 - @Carolina –
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From the Predator’s PR Department…
PETERSON HONORED FOR TAKING BATTLE WITH PARKINSON’S TO THE PUBLIC
-Brent Peterson Appreciation/Parkinson’s Awareness Night set for Saturday-
Nashville, Tenn. (February 23, 2012) – This Saturday, the Nashville Predators will honor former Associate Coach and current Hockey Operations Advisor Brent Peterson with a Brent Peterson Appreciation/Parkinson’s Awareness Night for his contributions to the organization, and courage for taking his battle with Parkinson’s to the public.
Special initiatives from the night include the introduction of the “Miles for Petey” campaign, designed to encourage fans to make a monetary donation to Peterson Foundation for Parkinson’s (PFP) for every mile the Predators fly during the 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs; Brent Peterson “look-a-like” mask giveaways to all in attendance; a pre-game check presentation to the PFP; donation opportunities; PFP information tables at the section 120 Community Corner and more.
From the first time the Predators took to the ice until the end of the 2010-11 season, Brent Peterson provided a stable presence behind the Nashville Predators bench. After being diagnosed with Parkinson’s almost a decade ago, the veteran of 620 NHL games played and more than 1000 NHL games coached stepped down from his long-standing position this past summer due to advancement of the disease. Recently, Peterson brought his battle with Parkinson’s into the public eye – including in-depth coverage of his Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery (DBS) – in an effort to create awareness and cultivate donations to the Peterson Foundation for Parkinson’s. Donations to PFP fund critical research to aid in the fight against the disease.
“The strength and sense of humor Brent has shown throughout his battle with Parkinson’s has been incredible and inspiring,” Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations and General Manager David Poile said. “Choosing to make his journey and treatment public couldn’t have been easy, but shining the light on living with Parkinson’s has helped create invaluable awareness. He has given so much to this organization in his tenure and kept his spirit even through challenging times; we couldn’t be prouder to stand with Brent and help spread the word in any way we can.”
After the completion of DBS surgery this past December, Brent is currently healthy and has seen a remarkable decrease in symptoms associated with Parkinson’s.
The mission of Peterson Foundation for Parkinson’s is to educate and raise awareness of the devastating effects of Parkinson’s disease. Peterson Foundation for Parkinson’s raises funds to benefit Parkinson’s related research, education and support groups in the Middle Tennessee area as well as nationally. The Peterson Foundation for Parkinson’s also partners with the Nashville Predators Foundation for the Nashville Predators/Brent Peterson Celebrity Golf Classic and Petey’s Preds Party. This year’s event will take place Sept. 17 and 18. Visit nashvillepredators.com/golf for more information. For more information on the Peterson Foundation for Parkinson’s, and to donate to the “Miles for Petey” campaign, visit petersonforparkinsons.org.
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Saturday will be a special night.
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Random Notes…
- With 21 games remaining in the season, the Predators remain 5th in the Western Conference standings, trailing conference leading Detroit by 8 points. Nashville trails the Blues by four points. The Predators lead Chicago by four points. St. Louis and Nashville both have one game in hand over Chicago and Detroit.
- Roman Josi’s goal was another by-product of the addition of stay-at-home defenseman Hal Gill to the lineup. The pairing allows Josi to take better advantage of pinch-in situations.
- Last night was Jason Arnott’s first appearance on the ice since leaving the Predators at the end of the ’09-’10 season.
- Not surprised that Ryan Ellis was sent down today. He needs the ice time to continue his development.
- Kevin Klein and Patric Hornqvist will be at the Kroger on Nolensville Road in Brentwood, located near Concord Road from 4:30 – 6pm tonight..
- Still trying to wrap my head around the Carter trade. You knew he was going… you knew LA would be a reasonable destination… The return was an interesting one.
- The battle for the eight spot is certainly joined… three teams tied at 66 points Dallas is inn 8th along with Calgary and LA), three teams within 4 points (Colorado, Minnesota, Anaheim)
- The Rick Nash watch is intensifying… I still think that Columbus doesn’t move him.
Tonight’s Impact Game
Vancouver @ New Jersey – Fresh off snapping Detroit’s home win streak, the Canucks invade the Rock to take on the hottest team in the East.
SportsClubStats Update
Predators Playoff Chances – 99.5%
Highest % Potential Playoff Opponent – St. Louis 56.2%, Detroit 23.7%
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On the next
SlapShot Radio
Wednesday's podcast is posted with special guest co-host Jim Diamond from The Examiner. Our guests included Joe Yerdon from NBC Sports.com’s Pro Hockey Talk and San Jose Mercury News Sharks’ beat writer Kevin Pollack. Pete Weber had a very special Hockey History feature with Brent Peterson and legendary coach Scotty Bowman.
Click
here to listen or download any of our previous episodes.
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