The Predators post “stupid suspension” slump continues as the comeback are now falling short and Nashville is looking to avoid a three game losing streak. Since the DoPS’s idiotic suspension of Filip Forsberg, the Predators are 3-2-2 with efforts that have been far from acceptable. That started to change on Saturday night as Nashville put forth a much better effort and could rightfully say that they deserved a better fate. Pred Nation hopes that carries over to tonight’s first half of a revenge back-to-back when the Ottawa Senators hit town for a rare Monday night matchup.
The Senators took down the Preds in overtime ten days ago and the time for retribution is here. The Senators come to town off a 6-3 beatdown of the New York Rangers for their second consecutive win. The Sens look a little different from the last time these teams met as Ottawa executed a trade with Los Angeles, Dion Phanuff for Marian Gaborik and others. Ottawa will be without Bobby Ryan and Chris Wideman, both on IR and of course, Alex Burrows continues to sit out his 10 game suspension for his ludicrous behavior in a game against the New Jersey Devils.
Nashville’s IR continues to be clear as Saturday’s loss was the first Nashville has sustained with their full lineup on the ice. That does bode well for tonight.
Between the pipes, well… considering the Preds are on the front half of a back-to-back… the goal tender question is completely open. Because Juuse Saros started last game, you would expect Pekka Rinne in net… but with another game against Detroit tomorrow night… who know what direction Peter Laviolette goes in…
Lots of good signs from Saturday, besides effort… increased shots, lots of iron hit, first power play goal since 2/3, another excellent game from Ryan Joahansen, Craig Smith continuing his point streak… things are definitely pointing in the right direction.
Should be a good one tonight at the Bridge, limited tickets remain. Game time is 7pm, radio coverage begins at 6pm with pregame live for the Jack Daniels Barrell House, tv coverage begins at 6:30pm with Predators Live from the Fox Sports Zone outside of section 105.
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“Where We Stand” update… a daily tracking of where the Preds are in the standings and the games that impact them most, brought to you by Mark Lonsway - THE real estate professional for hockey fans!
After last night’s play the Predators now have slipped to second in the Central Division with 77 points, two points behind Winnipeg (2 GIH) and five points ahead of Dallas (2 GIH) … the Preds lead St. Louis (3 GIH) by five points and Minnesota (1 GIH) by eight points. The Predators trail Vegas (1 GIH) by five points for the Western Conference lead.
Impact games today (all times Central) – Noon – MIN @ NYI. 9pm – ANA @ VGK.
Playoff Odds Courtesy SportsClubStats.com - The Predators playoff chances are at 99.8%, they need 18 points in 26 games to get to the 97 point line.
The Playoff Point Line - I look at the point level needed for at least a 75%+ chance to make the playoffs… right now, 97 points gets you at 88.5% chance of making the playoffs, 96 gets you and 74% chance.
Playoff odds and playoff point line courtesy of SportsClubStats.com
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Random Notes
- Filip Forsberg’s next goal will tie him for 5th on the franchise all-time list with Mike Fisher.
- The Preds complete the “revenge” back-to-back in Detroit tomorrow night.
- Detroit goaltender Petr Mrazek flippin’ owns the Preds… he is unbeaten when staring against the Preds.
- Team USA Women’s team is through to the gold medal game in Olympic hockey, they take on the winner of the Team Canada, Team OAR game. The gold medal game is Thursday
- Eeli Watch – Eeli Tolvanen is, leading the Olympic tournament in points and goals. He has 3 goals and 3 assists in 4 games. Finland will take on the Unified Korean team tomorrow.
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SlapShot Radio’s tenth anniversary season is on. As the longest running hockey show in the region, SSR feeds hockey fans what they crave… intelligent, fun, entertaining talk about their favorite sport and we do it from the opening of training camp all the way through UFA day… the only local hockey show that does that.
We are on every Wednesday night at 7pm on the Predators flagship station, 102.5 the Game. Our co-hosts, Dan Keczmer and JP Dumont bring a true insiders perspective to the show. Our next show is Saturday 2/24 at 8am as we step aside for the player’s how on Wednesday.
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