This is rapidly turning into the year of the streak breaker. First Edmonton breaks through with their first win against the Predators, snapping a 14 game losing streak to the Preds and last night, an 11 game win streak over Colorado went down in the Av’s 3-2 win. The Preds six game home win streak was also eliminated as well.
It’s not that the Predators played badly, they really didn’t… they got a few good bounces and Kevin Fiala finally got rewarded for his solid play with his first goal in eight games on a gorgeous redirect of a Filip Forsberg shot. The difference… special teams and giveaways.
Colorado took advantage, Nashville did not… going 0-3 on the power play was bad enough, again raising questions on a power play that seemed to have recovered. The Predators gave up power play goals both times they were short handed as well. Not a recipe for a win against a divisional foe. The giveaways were frequent as Nashville posted its worst giveaway total of the season, allowing odd man rushes and breakaways that Pekka Rinne erased for the most part.
The other story of last night’s game… the dominant performance of Nathan MacKinnon. His two goal performance could have been four or more, except for outstanding saves from Pekka Rinne. MacKinnon was dangerous every time he touched the puck.
It could’ve been much worse, but… learn the lessons (as this team has done well so far this season) and move on to Arizona tomorrow. Perhaps a little work on details, taking care of the puck is in order.
Next up is the Arizona Coyotes, who beat the Preds at the end of the November roadie. Nashville has a chance to finish November with a 9-4-1 record, good for 19 points… not a bad way to finish. Limited tickets remain for tomorrow night’s game.
Get to the Bridge early tomorrow for the Rock the Red Kettle Concert on the Bridgestone Arena plaza. The Predators have partnered with the Salvation Army to drop the puck on the Red Kettle Challenge. Performing will be Big and Rich, Phil Vassar and Lonestar… the concert will be hosted by WWE Hall of Famer Jeff Jarrett.
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Random Notes
- Milwaukee Update –The Admirals are back in action on Friday night as they host the Texas Stars.
- You could see the relief on the face of Kevin Fiala after getting his goal last night, his frustration was building, especially after having a puck roll off his stick on an open net opportunity in the first period.
- Long home stands can be pretty taxing on a fan base. Especially when a team is smack dab in the middle of an eight of nine at home stretch.
- The only positive to come out of last night’s loss is that every other team in the Central chasing the Preds lost (except Colorado… I know…)
- Shea Weber played his first game of the season last night, a 2-1 loss to Carolina. Weber jumped right in, leading the team with 25+ minutes of ice time and posting an assist.
- My heavens… 10 in a row for the Buffalo Sabres.
- Once again, the Philadelphia Flyers are encased in a glass case of drama… who will the next GM be? Will he keep the coach? And what about Mary Lou (organ chord swells)… tune in for the next episode of “As the Flyers Turn… … Oh, and they lost to the Senators last night.
- If you haven’t read it yet… check out Jay Greenberg’s column on “The Real; Reason the Flyers Fired Ron Hextall… … really good read.
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