SlapShot Radio's awesome photographer was out and about capturing the fun and the action on a Bridgestone Arena Saturday Night. Pictures courtesy DM Photography
Oh sure… that had to happen.
The Predators dropped a 2-1 shootout decision to the New York Rangers last night in a game where the Nashville Predators came out flat in the first period… again… gave up the first goal… again… and were giveaway/turnover machines… again… Of course the game just had to come down to a shootout, with the game winner being posted by Jimmy Vesey.
Talk about a microcosm of the Predators season thus far…
So, let’s talk about Vesey. My initial reaction is… meh. He has been highly protected so far in his young career by head coach Alain Vigneaut (that’s a compliment to the Ranger bench boss by the way.) He has been placed in solid situations that set the rookie up for success. Vesey will have his ups and downs, but will probably be a solid hockey player. Full marks to Vesey delivering on the first shot of the shootout.
The Predators have a few things to figure out after their second consecutive loss on home ice as they head out for a back-to-back in Philly and New Jersey.
- Road Woes – 2016/17 – 3-9-2… enough said.
- Giveaways – While nowhere leading the league in this stat, the eye test says that the giveaway will happen at the exact wrong time to the exact wrong place.
- Work ethic – Exh player needs to take a hard solid look at the effort being delivered each and every game. This team seems to be outworked at times and that has never been an issue over the life of this franchise.
This team has too much talent and way too many expectations to be floating at the .500 level. Having games in hand over a lot of the teams they are chasing helps, but this is a better team than their 13-12-5 record indicates. The time for taking positives from losses has passed…
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Random Notes
- Viktor Arvidsson’s point streak was snapped last night.
- I wonder if Brett Cyrgalls was watching last night… the boos and chants were loud, long and lusty.
- Thank heavens for a stellar performance by Juuse Saros last night or the Predators don’t get the OT point.
- PK Subban was certainly a surprise scratch last night… as was Saros’ start in net. Good news for Pred Nation is that Rinne normally has great games after an off day…
- Pekka Rinne’s off day was an interesting choice… I now wonder if the Rinne goes back-to-back on the road…
- Six games in the NHL today, all times CST – Noon – LAK @ BOS. 2pm – COL @ WPG. 3pm – CBJ @ VAN. 6pm – SJS @ CHI, OTT @ NYI. 6:30pm – NJD @ NYR.
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