The beleaguered Nashville Predators took the ice at Bridgestone Arena last night with a four game losing streak, public questions about the talent and heart of the team, and a skeptical sellout crowd awaiting them. The vibe in the arena was palpable… one that could be described as one from Missouri would…
Show me.
Well that mission was accomplished. Nashville came from behind twice in a stirring 5-3 victory over the Calgary Flames. To give you an idea of how this team has finally picked itself up… this was the first come-from-behind victory since the teams first win of the season after giving up the first goal. But it was more than come-from-behind, it was come-from-behind after giving up two short-handed goals in the first period. Finally… some resilience from this team.
All of the criticisms heard about the youth, and especially about the veterans on this team were taken to heart and acted upon. The line of Mike Fisher, Martin Erat and Sergei Kostitsyn put together their most complete game of the year. While Fisher and Erat did all the scoring it does need to be said that SK74 reacted well to his benching and put together a solid two-way game last night. Mike Fisher’s play of late has been hidden by the losing streak that this team has been on, but he has shone brightly, scoring two last night and five over the last five games and Martin Erat had the breakout game Pred Nation has been looking for.
It wasn't perfect and it was only one win, but when the story of this season is finally finished, it may be the turning point when this team finally found itself.
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SportsClubStats Update
With last night’s win, the Predators moved up into a tie for 4th in the division and is in a three way tie for 10th in the conference. The team is two points out of the 8th spot.
Predators Playoff Chances – 21.3%
Most likely number of points needed to make the playoffs – 55
Points needed – 25
Remaining schedule
3/21 – Calgary – W – 5-3 – 2 pts.
Saturday – Columbus
3/25 – Edmonton
3/28 – Phoenix
3/30 - @ Colorado
4/1 - @ Chicago
4/2 – Colorado
4/4 – Columbus
4/6 – Chicago
4/7 – @ Chicago
4/9 – St. Louis
4/12 – Dallas
4/14 – Detroit
4/15 – Vancouver
4/19 - @ Chicago
4/23 – Calgary
4/25 - @ Detroit
4/27 - @ Columbus
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Random Notes
- Zach Boychuk has ended up back where he started the season as the forward was claimed on waivers by the Carolina Hurricanes.
- Nashville’s sellout streak is at 26 and counting.
- Nick Spaling scored last night, marking the 19th time he has scored a goal at home. The Preds are 15-0-1 in games where Nick scores at home.
- Craig Smith was a healthy scratch last night, another performance message being sent.
- Tomorrow night’s opponent is Columbus, who is hosting Calgary tonight.
- Heckuva return for Martin Brodeur, the goaltender was credited with the third goal of his career in New Jersey’s 4-1 win over Carolina last night.
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