Another road game, another ugly loss as the road losing streak continues. The frustration is evident in the team and the fan base as anything that can go wrong, does go wrong in a 4-1 loss to the Arizona Coyrtes. Giving Arizona goaltender MIek Smith a two goal cushion is a reciope for disaster, even after closing the gap to 2-1 late in the first, the Predators just couldn't seem to crack Smith again, putting 45 shots on the Coyotes netminder.
While Smith was on his game, the absence of Ryan Ellis was never more evident in the defensive corps. The sense of urgency seems to be lacking and the special teams have been bad. The physicality of Anthony Bitteto and Miikka Solomaki is also an element missing from this team. Let's face it... I appreciate PK Subban stepping up and defending Viktor Arvidsson, but quite frankly, the trade off of Subban for Crouse doesn't benefit Nashville.
You wonder where the sense of urgency is, because several members of the team admit that the intensity hasn't been there in post game quotes for the past two games.
That intensity needs to be found and found quick as the next three are at home... against teams in playoff position. St. Louis, Minnesota and the New York Rangers are a tough streak to get well against, but that is the task ahead.
The team is heading home as I write this, the SlapShot Radio Road Trip heads home Sunday after a great weekend in the desert. Thanks to the Coyotes organization for thier hospitality, great fans and a really nice area around the rink. This new ownership gets it and are building this back up right.
Wanna be part of the SSR Road Crew and join us on the next road trip? Like the SlapShot Radio Facebook page as we use that to get your input on where the road trip will be after the NHL schedule comes out. A special thank you to my partner in SlapShot Radio and my partner in life, Denise who works tirelessly behind the scenes and puts together all the logistics for these road trips and they always go off without a hitch, so this time, I get to say... Thanks Denise!!!
Preds are back in action at Bridgestone Arena on Tuesday night against the St. Louis Blues.
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