Now that the Predators have clinched their playoff spot, now that goal one has been achieved, the focus now falls to position. Their chances for the number one seed in the west are very high, especially given the results the Predators are generating. Now, the question in Pred Nation is… “are the Predators peaking too early?’
Hmmm… it is a fair question for a team that has gone 18-2-3 since the calendar page flipped to February rocketing to the top of the NHL standings.
My answer… nope… not even close…
This team is playing good hockey… even spectacular hockey in spurts, but honestly, they are doing just enough to win and not much more. In this observer’s opinion, they still have work to on defense, the inopportune giveaways really hang the goaltenders out to dry. The penchant of letting off the gas when getting a lead could kill this team come playoff time. Offensively, they are notoriously streaky.
Have I given you enough to worry about yet?
Now… before you head over to the walking bridge to jump into the Cumberland… those issues are all fixable. The thing that keeps rolling round my brain is the word resilience. The one consistent thing we have seen is that this team NEVER believes they are out of a game. The third period comebacks that we have seen this season shows that. The scoring by committee makes this team more dangerous and harder to scheme against. Having three offensive lines to roll has given and will give continue to give opposing coaches fits.
This Nashville Predators team is continuing to improve their level of play, upping the intensity and making sure they are ready. Coach Peter Laviolette is rotating healthy scratches to ensure the entire roster is ready come April 11.
Oh… and by the way… the Predators want the President’s Trophy… they want home ice throughout the playoffs. There is no curse, there is no jinx when it comes to the trophy given for most points in the regular season. I know that the Washington Capitals have made that meme feel true… but it isn’t. As a matter of fact…
Hockey writer Adam Gretz has an excellent piece on this… he did some great research and found that out of the past 30 seasons, 12 President’s Trophy winners have gone to the Final… eight of those teams have gone on to win the Cup. President’s Trophy winners have won the cup at a higher percentage than any other seed. The last team to win the Cup as the President’s Trophy was Chicago in 2013.
Want some other news to hook onto? The last three teams to win the Stanley Cup and the President’s Trophy in the same season were from the Central Division.
Fret not Pred Nation. The team is well positioned and actually has a little history on its’ side.
Predators are back in action Monday night in Buffalo, taking on Phil Housley’s Sabres.
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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 remain first in the Central Division with 104 points, leading Winnipeg (0 GIH) by 10 points … The Predators lead the Western Conference, holding a nine point lead over Vegas (0 GIH.) The Predators also now lead Tampa Bay (0 GIH) in the race for the Presidents’ Trophy by four points.
Impact games tonight (all times Central) – 3pm – CGY @ VGK. 4pm – EDM @ TBL. 6:30pm = DAL @ WPG.
Playoff Seed Chances - The Predators chances at the number one seed in the West stands at 97%. Their chances for the President’s Trophy is now up to 69.7%.
The Current Opponent - If the playoffs began today, the Predators would draw the number 8 seed in the second wild card position… currently the Dallas Stars. Thee is a 25.4% chance of the Preds meeting Dallas in Round One.
Playoff odds and playoff point line courtesy of SportsClubStats.com
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Random Notes
- The Vegas Golden Knights are floundering at home… how surprising. They are running into teams that are stepping up to playoff level hockey… they may surprise, but I still say that Vegas does not have that gear and may up being the team that everyone wants to play in round one.
- A light week in Smashville as there is only one home game, Thursday vs. Toronto.
- Only five homes games left inside the Friendly confines.
- Sorry for the light blogging over the last couple of days, been tied up with NCAA March Madness at the Arena.
- Eeli Watch – Eeli Tolvanen’s Jokerit dropped games one and two of their series with CSKA, game three is tomorrow. CSKA leads 2-0.
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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 at 8am.
We have been delivering great hockey talk to the most energetic and engaged fans in radio and advertising with us drives results at a reasonable price. Just ask our sponsors… including day one sponsor Dr. Jane Bacon at Hermitage Family and Cosmetic Dentistry … make your appointment at (615) 872-7762, Mark Lonsway at ReMax Fine Homes, call him for all your real estate needs at (615) 207-7799, and TurfMasters… check out their great service at TurfMasters.com.
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