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Hands Go Up as the Sharks Go Down

February 26, 2012, 11:16 AM ET [37 Comments]
Paul McCann
Nashville Predators Blogger •Predators Radio Network • RSSArchiveCONTACT
SlapShot Radio’s photographer has some outstanding pictures from last night’s Sharks game… it’s our regular feature, Sunday Shots…



Photos courtesy DLM/SlapShot Radio
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In my last blog, I called out that how Nashville had started games were becoming a concern for the team, overcoming flat starts is something Pred Nation was getting used to. For one night at least, that concern was allayed as the Predators jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first 3:23 of the game and then never let San Jose get closer than one goal in the team’s 6-2 dismantling of the Sharks.

It was a damaging loss for the Sharks as the Phoenix Coyotes have taken over first place in the Pacific Division. This is a team that is sinking fast, 3-6-1 in their last ten, now 7th in the west and in real danger of dropping out of the playoff mix.

Give the Predators full marks for controlling the high powered Shark offense. Even though the Pavelski/Marleau/Thorton line got a couple, the rest of the team simply couldn’t garner any production from their other three lines.

It’s time for a day off before the Los Angeles Kings come to town for a rare Monday night matchup. The focus for the next 36 hours will be on the trade deadline.

Ahhh… the trade deadline. The Predators are generating a lot of buzz as being in on a few of the bigger names… ok… the one big name.

Will Nashville become "Nash"-ville? That depends…

The deal that has been floated out there is a big one and if true, would mean a sea change inside a Pred locker room that is a pretty tight one and is still digesting the trade of Jerred Smithson to the Panthers. Smithson was a key guy in the room… In Josh Cooper’s blog on the Tennessean website he quotes Jordin Tootoo at yesterday’s day of game skate…

“It seems like over the last year I’ve been losing a lot of things, and Jerred has been by my side since Day1,” Tootoo said. “When somebody is down, we have to lift them back up. Jerred was a guy who always brought a lot of excitement to the dressing room, and he was an entertainer.”


Smithson’s presence on the ice had diminished some and Panther’s GM Mike Santos has been after him for quite awhile. Jerred will make in impact in Florida. He is the kind of character guy that team’s need during a playoff stretch.

Will that be the only change to the Nashville locker room? We will find out over the next day or so… the deadline is Monday at 2pm central time

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“Murderer’s Row” – Tracking the toughest 14 days of the Predator’s season…
Points Available – 14
Points so far – 9 out of 12

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 – W 6-2
2/27 – Los Angeles –
2/28 - @Carolina –

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Random Notes…

- With 20 games remaining in the season, the Predators remain 5th in the Western Conference standings, trailing division leading Detroit by 6 points. Nashville trails the Blues by four points. The Predators lead Chicago by six points. St. Louis and Nashville both have one game in hand each over Chicago and Detroit.

- The balanced scoring attack from the Predators looks to be causing problems for most teams. I can see where it would be tough to scheme against, and you saw Sharks coach Todd McLellen struggle to match lines during last night’s game.

- Among the more interesting names being bandied about is Kings captain Dustin Brown. If he is available… he would make a nice add to any team king to fortify. I just wonder why a team looking to make the playoffs would be looking to move him?

- Evegeny Malkin had an amazing game on national TV yesterday, driving the Lightning further toward “seller” stautus.

- There is nothing wrong with your computer screen, the Winnipeg Jets are now 8th in the East.

- Vancouver’s hot streak has them at the top of the Western Conference standings, one point in front of the Red Wings.


Tonight’s Impact Game
Vancouver @ Dallas – The Canucks have been terrorizing opponents on the road lately (with a notable exception of last Tuesday night) and have risen to the top of the Western Conference standings, the Stars have faded and are trying desperately to hang on the 8th spot in the West. They are tied with LA (9) and Colorado (10) with 68 points. Should be a good one this afternoon in Big D.

SportsClubStats Update
Predators Playoff Chances – 99.7%
Highest % Potential Playoff Opponent – St. Louis 49.4%, Detroit 35.9%

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