Paul McCann: Preds @ Blues Part Deaux

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- tshafer

Nixt to fist.

Yes, concerns about special teams are warranted. One thing that's interesting about that, though, is the relatively small amount of time the Preds spend on Special Teams. They have the 3rd fewest power play opportunities in the league so far with 43 (2 teams have 42). On the flip side, they have the 2nd fewest times shorthanded, with 41 (Edmonton has 40).

That brings up a couple of questions to me.

1. Can the Preds keep up the disciplined play to keep the penalty kills to a minimum?

2. When the Preds do get up to 55-60 PP attempts like a big portion of the league already has, will their percentages be better as the units have more time to find chemistry?

So, special teams is a weakness. It just so happens that special teams have been a relatively small portion of each game. I've always thought the Preds struggled to get the benefit of the doubt with the penalty calls. Now, I'm thinking the math may prove that. Either way, with this team, 5-on-5 play is where they are best, so I'm happy for the Refs to keep their whistles in their pockets for now.

should be some post season vibe to this one.

Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more;
...
But when the blast of war blows in our ears,
Then imitate the action of the tiger. . . . (saber-tooth that is..)

Yes, concerns about special teams are warranted. One thing that's interesting about that, though, is the relatively small amount of time the Preds spend on Special Teams. They have the 3rd fewest power play opportunities in the league so far with 43 (2 teams have 42). On the flip side, they have the 2nd fewest times shorthanded, with 41 (Edmonton has 40).

That brings up a couple of questions to me.

1. Can the Preds keep up the disciplined play to keep the penalty kills to a minimum?

2. When the Preds do get up to 55-60 PP attempts like a big portion of the league already has, will their percentages be better as the units have more time to find chemistry?

So, special teams is a weakness. It just so happens that special teams have been a relatively small portion of each game. I've always thought the Preds struggled to get the benefit of the doubt with the penalty calls. Now, I'm thinking the math may prove that. Either way, with this team, 5-on-5 play is where they are best, so I'm happy for the Refs to keep their whistles in their pockets for now.
- holycow_75

I'm really looking forward to this game. I don't think the Blues have an advantage in Special Teams though. They've only scored PP goals against the worst PK teams in the league. Plus, as pointed out, these two teams don't play much on special teams, especially when playing each other. What were there 3 PPs on Saturday?

The Blues and Preds both play their best games 5 on 5, so lets see who gets scoring from outside their top line tonight and pulls off the 2-1 victory.

I'm really looking forward to this game. I don't think the Blues have an advantage in Special Teams though. They've only scored PP goals against the worst PK teams in the league. Plus, as pointed out, these two teams don't play much on special teams, especially when playing each other. What were there 3 PPs on Saturday?

The Blues and Preds both play their best games 5 on 5, so lets see who gets scoring from outside their top line tonight and pulls off the 2-1 victory.
- bluenoter

That's my prediction on another board. I think the Blues take this one, 2-1. I hope for the Preds' sake it at least goes to overtime. The Preds have endured a tough stretch of roadies with only one of their last 8 at home. If they can get something out of tonight, even an OT loss or SO loss - I would be happy.

That's my prediction on another board. I think the Blues take this one, 2-1. I hope for the Preds' sake it at least goes to overtime. The Preds have endured a tough stretch of roadies with only one of their last 8 at home. If they can get something out of tonight, even an OT loss or SO loss - I would be happy.
- holycow_75

I believe the Steen - Stastny - Lindstrom line will be the difference. Stastny is starting to look healthier and Steen/Lindstrom hooked up twice late in that Buffalo game on the meaningless "garbage time" PP.

Also, Oshie returning tonight with Backes and Berglund can't hurt. But with Rinne and those great 5 D-man, the Preds can win any game.

So, special teams is a weakness. It just so happens that special teams have been a relatively small portion of each game. I've always thought the Preds struggled to get the benefit of the doubt with the penalty calls. Now, I'm thinking the math may prove that. Either way, with this team, 5-on-5 play is where they are best, so I'm happy for the Refs to keep their whistles in their pockets for now.
- holycow_75

Agreed, but the games we lost could've been won by the Preds if their special teams did convert.

I am pretty worried about tonight's game. That being said the Blues always worry me for some reason. Hopefully we can come out strong and not play catch up from early in the first.

Go Preds

Prediction of impact players of the game (guess at the first star for either team)...

Steen or Rinne

Just looking at the standings, the top 3 central teams(NSH,STL,CHI) have surrendered the least and second least goals in the league. If either team can get three goals tonight, they're basically a lock to get the 2 pts.

Edit: I was wrong, but the credit goes to the blues for a good game. At some point, we need some scoring from 2nd/3rd line if we're going to compete with a complete team like the blues. Can't wait for the next rematch. I think we need a Rocky IV training clip to stop Tarasenko.

Too many missed chances when the opportunity was there.

Also, I don't think this team will be able to rely on Forsberg keeping the Point/game pace, so they had better start getting the 2nd line going.

Too many missed chances when the opportunity was there.

Also, I don't think this team will be able to rely on Forsberg keeping the Point/game pace, so they had better start getting the 2nd line going.
- nikoli1206

I'll admit I was wrong about the game. I thought it would be close, but didn't see 7 goals. Anyways, my immediate thought after the game was "When is Fisher going to be back?"

I know he's not a savior-type player. But he's a hard worker that can put up 40 points in a full season. Not sure we have anyone on the 3rd line (or second line for that matter) that is on that kind of pace right now. If we could jettison Jokinen for a low draft pick when Fisher returns, or package him with Stalberg & get rid of two no-scoring forwards, that would be fine with me. Even if the return is a sack of pucks, or a keg of beer. At some point, you have to have a 2nd or 3rd line that can score a little if you're going to be successful. Funny, under Trotz, the 2nd/3rd lines were the ones that produced. Now it's the opposite.

Get your stick on the ice Jokinen!

I'll admit I was wrong about the game. I thought it would be close, but didn't see 7 goals. Anyways, my immediate thought after the game was "When is Fisher going to be back?"

I know he's not a savior-type player. But he's a hard worker that can put up 40 points in a full season. Not sure we have anyone on the 3rd line (or second line for that matter) that is on that kind of pace right now. If we could jettison Jokinen for a low draft pick when Fisher returns, or package him with Stalberg & get rid of two no-scoring forwards, that would be fine with me. Even if the return is a sack of pucks, or a keg of beer. At some point, you have to have a 2nd or 3rd line that can score a little if you're going to be successful. Funny, under Trotz, the 2nd/3rd lines were the ones that produced. Now it's the opposite.
- holycow_75

I'd be willing to go after M.Richards too. We've got plenty of serviceable centers whose contracts are up this year. They could fill Richards role with LA for the remainder of the year, and it would give the cap relief they need for next season. We'd have to throw in a pick as well, I would imagine, but we can afford that.