Records are falling all over Smashville this season, last night’s 2-0 win over the Dallas Stars was the 9th straight win for the Nashville Predators, setting a new franchise record for consecutive wins. It was an odd game, that started slowly for both teams, Dallas having played the previous night and Nashville with its first home game since a four-game road trip that took them to western Canada and back.
The reason the game was scoreless after two periods? Simple… Kari Lehtonen. The Dallas netminder was outstanding last night after coming in mid-game for an injured Ben Bishop on Monday night, then getting the start last night. Lehtonen stopped 32 of 33 shots for Dallas and gave the Stars every chance to win… but… from a defensive standpoint… Nashville was simply better. The only shot Lehtonen didn’t stop was a simply nasty, top shelf backhand from newly acquired Ryan Hartman, scoring his second goal in gold and his second game winner for the Preds.
For Pekka Rinne, his 50th career shutout may have been the easiest one of his career. The Predators defense (without Roman Josi for the 3rd game) shone, clearing the crease, making sure Rinne saw every shot and not allowing much from inside.
It was fascinating that Dallas did have a strong game defensively, where they struggled was where they have the most talent, which was on offense. It wasn’t just last night… in their last 11 games, Dallas is averaging 1.8 goals a game and have been shut out three times. For a team with the kind of firepower they have, that is a problem. This team has a few injuries that are impacting key facets of their game, but there should be reason for concern in Big D.
This divisional game got chippier and chippier as it proceeded with all of the after the whistle shenanigans that Nashville will need to deal with as the playoffs inch closer. Don’t think that the Preds were choirboys here, they gave as good as they got… all in preparation for the Anaheim Ducks who hit town tomorrow.
Ahhhh… Anaheim… the team that plays with the strategy of “you can’t call them all.… Expect a gritty, nasty, dirty game tomorrow night… yum! Game time is 7pm.
Here are the highlights…
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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 95 points, leading Winnipeg (0 GIH) by six points, twelve points ahead of Minnesota (1 GIH) … The Predators lead the Western Conference, holding a six point lead over Vegas (0 GIH.) They trail Tampa Bay (1 GIH) by one point in the race for the Presidents’ Trophy.
Impact games tonight (all times Central) – None
Playoff Odds Courtesy SportsClubStats.com - The Predators playoff chances are at 99.997%, they need 1 point in their last 16 games to get to the 96 point line.
The Playoff Point Line - I look at the point level needed for at least a 75%+ chance to make the playoffs… the numbers are becoming more volatile… right now, 96 points gets you at 79.6% chance of making the playoffs, 95 gets you a 56.7% chance.
Playoff odds and playoff point line courtesy of SportsClubStats.com
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Random Notes
- Nashville’s penalty kill is starting to really pick up steam… they held the lethal Dallas power play scoreless, killing off every opportunity last night.
- The Nashville Predators are 14-2-2 since the beginning of February.
- Last night was the Predators 10th shutout as a team. They lead the NHL in this category.
- The season ticket renewal deadline has passed and unlike previous years, there does not appear to be an extension coming. If you’re on the wait list, you will get your chance. My… how times have changed.
- Eeli Watch – Eeli Tolvanen’s Jokerit team dropped game one of their best of five with HC Sochi, but has put together back-to-back 7-2 poundings to take a 2-1 lead in the best of seven. Tolvanen was held off the scoresheet yesterday and has 2 goals so far in the playoffs. Game four is today in Sochi.
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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 due to Predators Live on Wednesday at 7pm.
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. Also… The Crag… Nashville’s premiere location for indoor rock climbing. Newton Dominey and his awesome crew have a great location in Cool Springs and they have opened a new location in South Nashville at the corner of Old Hickory Blvd and Nolensville Rd. Check out their website at ILoveRockClimbing.com If you’ve never done it before… you need to try, they specialize on helping first timers.
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