The Nashville Predators are riding high at this point as they have won 2 games in a row, and in both games played a full 60 minutes. Tonight, the Preds visit Dallas for the first time this year, but it will be their second time facing the Stars. In our last Preds V Stars episode Nashville defeated the Stars 3-1 to open the Sommet Center to this season. Sean Avery and Dan Hamhuis dropped the gloves and received game misconducts as well.

Tonight at the American Airlines Center in Dallas we find a home team that has yet to get a W on its record this year. Dallas is 0-1-1 and feeling the pressure of high expectations in not only the Pacific Division but the Western Conference as a whole (unless you believe like EK did before the season that this team will miss playoffs....).

For the Predators one of the biggest questions will be line combos thanks to an hand injury for Jason Arnott that will keep him out for at least the next 3 games. There have been thoughts that Bonk or Peverley will take over 2nd line center. For me, the biggest thing this does is allow Ryan Jones time on a proper line. I touched on this just a little bit on Monday night's Nashville Hockeybuzz radio show (every Monday from 6pm to 7pm on 560 AM WNSR, or online at www.wnsr.com although you should know all those things by now...) but I really had a rant ready and just didn't have the time to fully get it out.

Ryan Jones has not been put in a situation to succeed yet. He's had 1 game, and in that one game was buried on the 4th line. Now tell me this. If you are a forward whose skill set is to go to the net and deflect pucks, how many offensive chances do you expect your linemates to get on the 4th line? Not very many to say the least. The 4th line isn't a scoring line, that's a hitting line that disrupts. If Ryan Jones is to succeed he needs to be on a line with scorers that are going to set up in the offensive zone and fire off shots at the net so he can screen the goalie, or deflect those shots in. For some people to already say that he should be sent down to Milwaukee is a bit foolish to me because we haven't seen him in his natural situation. He must have 2nd line time to show off his game. Yes, he was a little behind in making decisions Friday night, but at the same time lets not forget that St. Louis threw the kitchen sink with a forward going to hit you right after at us. I think plenty of our players were discombobulated that particular night. So let's give this kid a chance and not write him off after one bad game from not only him but the team. I think he can have real success but only if he is put in the right spot, on a scoring line, not the 4th line. 4th line is as misuse of his talents and wasteful. Were he to be stuck on the 4th line all year then yes, I agree, send him to the Admirals so he can play in the proper situations.

Ok, now on to Felder's Five Focuses:

1. Way to D - The top 4 on our D is playing quite well and they just need to keep it up. With Arnott out the defense needs to continue to produce points, rather it be assists or as the case is lately goals. Suter and Weber are logging big minutes and they have deserved it as they have been limiting the opposition's time and space, plus scoring.

2. Keep the shot count down - As of yesterday the Preds were 5th in the league in the shots against average with just a 22.3 avg. The Preds must continue this to frustrate Dallas' shooters. Morrow, Ribiero, and Modano are all gunning to get things back going and our D must do their best to limit their chances.

3. Dan keep being the Man - Ellis has played consistent, and loves to beat Dallas. Simple equation there. If Ellis just continues to play like he has the last 2 games then the Preds have a solid chance.

4. PK Leads the Way - The Preds penalty killing unit currently OWNS Dallas. They have killed off 35 of 35 Star PP's in the last 6 games vs Dallas. This streak dates back to 06-07 and you have to hope it continues.

5. Get in their kitchen - The Stars are reeling a bit at the moment and the Preds should try and keep Dallas on tilt if possible. Tootoo and Nichol will have to disturb and force the Stars to lose focus of their game plan. If they accomplish that, then the Preds will get a rare victory in Dallas.



I posted this in the comments of my last blog but wanted to share it with the masses. There are some nice early trends for the Preds. All of these stats were current before the games yesterday:

Preds are 8th in the league on the PP with a 21.4% conversion rate.

The Preds are 5th in the league in the shots against average with just a 22.3 avg.

Nashville is 8th in the league in faceoff winning percentage with a 54% rate.

The Preds are averaging 27 shots on goal a game.

Nashville is 11th in the league with allowing just a 2.67 goals against average.

J.P. Dumont is tied for 3rd in league with 5 points thus far.

Ryan Suter is 9th in the league in average time on ice with 26:29 avg.

Some of those may have changed over night but like I said, just strong early indicators of possible trends....

Enjoy the game tonight. It can be viewed in HD on FS Tennessee or heard via the radio air waves on 104.5 the Zone. Look for the post-game late tonight, or when you wake up.

Till tonight, take care.




Don’t forget to tune into the Nashville Hockeybuzz Radio show, Monday nights from 6 to 7 pm on WNSR 560 A.M. with Paul McCann and myself discussing all things Preds!


Questions, comments, and criticisms can be sent to [email protected] if you wish to contact me personally.