What an interesting game last night at Bridgestone Arena. The battered San Jose Sharks were in town for their second of their three game season series against Nashville. They left with the same results as their pre-Christmas visit, a 3-2 loss at the hands of the Preds. This win was not without controversy however as the Predators third goal was scored after Colin Wilson was pushed into Sharks goaltender Antti Niemi.
Frankly, I get tired of the excuses. San Jose simply didn’t play well enough to win. Plain and simple.
Full marks to the Predators for taking advantage of a depleted Sharks team, many in Pred Nation can remember many times where that simply wasn’t the case. It was a desperately needed win from a hockey team that is desperate to stay relevant in the race for a playoff spot. Last night’s win got the Predators out of the basement of the Central Division and continued a string of very encouraging play. Since their post-Christmas loss to Dallas, Nashville has taken eight out of twelve possible points, taking points at a 75% clip is what this team needs to do in order to have any hope of returning to the post-season. The Preds are seven points out of the last playoff position as of the conclusion of last night’s play.
It is always good to start a home stand with a win, this particular one is packed, thanks to the compressed schedule, five games in eight days before a quick trip to Philly then a return for two more. After January 20th, live hockey in Smashville will be a rare occurrence, with only three home games until the end of February. Then the real homestretch of the season begins.
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My thoughts on Olympic “snubs.” It’s fun to talk about but in the end, it is all about preference. It’s like arguing over which ice cream flavor is best. I have to admit, both Kevin Allen and Scott Burnside’s articles inside the selection of Team USA were absolute must reads. I’m willing to bet that kind of access never happens again, unfortunately.
The honesty shown is unsurprising, especially when the personalities that made up the committee is taken into consideration. You know that same process took place in every country’s selection room, and you know the process was painful but this is what these executives signed on for.
So far, the Predators have three Olympians. Shea Weber will be on Team Canada for the second time, Roman Josi and prospect Simon Moser will be on Team Switzerland each for their first Olympic experience. It is the second straight Olympics that the Predators top d-pair will be participating. All three players have significant international experience.
Some notable omissions from the Predator’s roster, Sweden not selecting Patric Hornqvist was a little surprising and frankly, I think Team USA may regret not taking Craig Smith, he has always excelled on the bigger ice surface.
Canada, of course, started the feeding frenzy on their snubs yesterday, most surprising to me? Claude Giroux. Team Russia was announced yesterday as well… they have a loaded roster.
The Olympic Tournament begins on February 12, Team Canada and Team USA have their first games on the 13th.
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Random Notes…
- Congratulations to Pred d-man Mattias Ekholm on scoring his first NHL goal last night.
- Filip Forsberg was in the house last night, I’m sure a decision is being made on calling him up or sending him back to Milwaukee. Forsberg is making that decision difficult after winning tournament MVP for Team Sweden in the recently concluded World Junior’s Tournament.
-Game two of the Predators five game homestand is tomorrow night. The ridiculously hot Anaheim Ducks are in town.
- Taylor Beck is continuing to light it up in Milwaukee, it does make you wonder when/if he will be called up. Beck is at a point per game over his last seven games with three goals and four assists.
- Three games tonight, 6:30pm start – Canadiens @ Flyers. 7pm start – Rangers @ Blackhawks. 8:30pm start – Senators @ Avalanche.
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