It is Trade Deadline Day in the NHL and expectations are limited at 501 Broadway, even after last night’s win over Colorado. The Predators posting a 3-1 win was not unexpected, but the way they did it was. After two periods of less than thrilling hockey, the Avalanche jumped out to a 1-0 lead on the strength of a pretty Matt Duchene goal, showing explosive speed as the young forward beat the Predators defense for what looked to be a game winner… until… desperation set in and hard work led to a good result.
The hard work was put in by Patric Hornqvist, Taylor Beck and David Legwand. Making two goals happen through staying with the play and never giving up on the puck, scoring the game tying goal with around 12 minutes to go and the game winner with a little over a minute left on the clock. Paul Gaustad sealed it with an empty netter a few seconds later.
So, here we are on deadline day, trying to see what color smoke comes out of the Bridgestone Arena chimney… Buyer? Seller? Or stand pat? If I put on my GM hat, I would be a limited seller at best… nowhere near the buyer this team has been in the last few crazy seasons… there is a case for that… there is also a strong case to stand pat.
Limited selling could move an aging vet or two… if the return in draft picks are right. We saw Ryan Clowe (really… Ryan Clowe) become the prize yesterday with the Rangers overpaying big time with a 2nd and 3rd in this year’s draft and a conditional 2nd in 2014. If that kind of deal gets offered for one of the vets, GM David Poile would have to look at it.
The case to stand pat may be a little stronger. With Colin Wilson having begun skating again, his reinsertion into the lineup may have a bigger impact than any other available player… at no cost to the team. The Predators haven’t had a first round pick in a few years and the prospect pool is really beginning to thin, and when marginal players like Ryan Clowe are drawing the kind of return that NY gave, I simply cannot see the Predators getting involved.
We may see a minor move or two today… but I don’t expect to see any headline grabbers. Stay tuned… and we will have a complete deadline day breakdown on tonight’s SlapShot Radio, live from Dave and Buster’s in Opry Mills.
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SportsClubStats Update
The Predators are 4th in the Central and 9th in the conference. Two points out of the last playoff spot, the biggest “uncontrollable” right now is games-in-hand… especially with St. Louis. That seems to be the biggest depressing factor on the Preds chances to make the playoffs.
6th – SJS – 42 pts – 2 games in hand
7th –DET – 41 pts – 1 game in hand
8th – STL – 38 pts – 3 games in hand
9th – NSH – 38 pts
10th – EDM – 37 pts – 2 games in hand
11th – CBJ – 37 pts – 1 game in hand
12th – PHX – 36 pts – 1 game in hand
13th – DAL – 35 pts – 2 games in hand
Predators Playoff Chances – 16.9%
Most likely number of points needed to make the playoffs – 55
Points needed – 17
Impact Games Tonight (and who Pred Nation should be rooting for)
Edmonton @ Calgary - Need a Flames win in regulation
Minnesota @ San Jose - Fascinating how San Jose has been a seller in the last few days, but still maintaining their position. root for the Wild in Regulation
Dallas @ Anaheim - Anaheim in regulation.
Predators Remaining Schedule
Twelve out of the last eighteen games are at home and we are tracking the team’s progress, so far, the Predators are 4-1-2 for 10 points, gaining points in six out of the seven games played since beginning this final stretch run.
3/21 – Calgary – W – 5-3 – 2 pts.
3/23 – Columbus – W – 5-2 – 2 pts.
3/25 – Edmonton – W – 3-2 – 2 pts.
3/28 – Phoenix – L – 4-7 – 0 pts
3/30 - @ Colorado – OTL – 0-1 – 1 pt
4/1 - @ Chicago – OTL – 2-3 – 1pt
4/2 – Colorado – W – 3-1 – 2 pts
Thursday – 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
- Circle the date… Thursday April 25th, the SlapShot Radio watch party at Burger Republic! We’ll be enjoying some great food and cheering on the Preds against Detroit in what could be a critical game for the Preds playoff chances.
- Expect to see an announcement of Zach Budish signing with the Preds today… Jim Diamond had the story in today’s Examiner.
- Speaking of prospects, Taylor Beck has certainly made an impact in his first extended stint with the club. Eight games played, two goals, four assists and a +5… not bad at all. His extended time in Gretzky’s office last night during the third period showed a patient, mature player who may have seen the last of Milwaukee.
- I know everyone went nuts over the Jagr trade to Boston… but does a team that needs some more grit like the Bruins see the Jagr move as the missing piece? Not sure about this one.
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