Some trade deadline thoughts as crazy season is here and the trades are starting to fly. Although I don’t see Nashville making any big moves, never underestimate GM David Poile, he’s pulled the trigger before and has shown he’s not afraid to go all in. That does beg the question… should Poile make any moves? At this point, I have to say… maybe not.
This Predators team has been an enigma all season long… maybe it is a result of highly elevated expectations, but the roller coaster ride of 2016/17 has been a wild one. Multiple injuries to the blueline delayed its development as a unit, impacting the performances of Ellis, Subban and Josi. Perceptions of inconsistent goaltending has some fans crying out for change, although a lot of the goaltending woes derive from the insane levels and timing of giveaways. All of that being said… there is a case to be made for standing pat.
I see the noise revolving around Jonathan Drouin, who could be e nice fit in Nashville… it all depends on the cost… picks and prospects? Then maybe… Honestly, I would love to pick up a Patrick Sharp, should Dallas decide to move him, a solid, playoff hardened vet that could be a really nice add, with the benefit of keeping him out of Chicago. But the best move this season, may be no move at all…. Now… on to tonight’s game.
The Nashville Predators are riding a three game win streak and a five game point streak heading into tonight’s contest with the Buffalo Sabres at Key Bank Center. With 20 games to play, the Sabres are seven points out of the Eastern Conference Wild Card race, with five teams to leap frog. Playoffs may be out of reach for Buffalo… they came out of their bye week with back-to-back road losses to Colorado and Arizona, the two worst teams in the league. The loss to Arizona was especially destructive, blowing a 2-0 lead in the third period, allowing the game winner with :18.9 seconds left in the game. That kind of loss can hang with you for a while… or be used as inspirational fuel.
The Predators have exploded offensively over the past five games filling the net for 23 goals in that span and going 4-0-1 over that period. Led by the NHL’s First Star of the Week, Filip Forsberg has been feelin’ it… eight goals in four games… back-to-back hat tricks… along with linemates Ryan Johansen and Viktor Arvidsson piling up points… the JOFA line has been dominant.
Offensive output can cover a multitude of sins and Nashville is an object lesson in that. The last piece to the puzzle that is Nashville is to get the giveaways under control… it is a root cause to the blueline issues and some of the perceived goaltending issues. It’s fine to win games 4-3, 4-2, 5-2, 5-4… but this is not the type of hockey played come April, May and June…
In net? Who knows? Both teams were off yesterday. Buffalo starter Robin Lehner didn’t dress on Sunday after taking several hits against Colorado on Saturday, so we may see Anders Nilsson get the nod again tonight. For Nashville, It will all depend on how head coach Peter Laviolette wants to manage Pekka Rinne. I wouldn’t be surprised if Juuse Saros goes tonight with Rinne set for Montreal on Thursday. We should know more at day of game skate later this morning.
Game time is 6pm central… coverage on Fox Sports Tennessee and the Predators Radio Network.
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Random Notes
- Where We Stand – After yesterday’s play, the Nashville Predators have 71 points in 62 games played and remain 3rd in the Central Division, leading St. Louis by four points. The Blues have a game in hand on Nashville. Per sportsclubstats.com, the Predators playoff chances are at 89.7%
- Was there any other choice for First Star of The Week in the NHL? Ummm… no.
- The mumps are back in the NHL… first Vancouver… now Minnesota with players diagnosed. The Preds have played both of those teams in the past three weeks… stay tuned.
- Alex Burrows is now an Ottawa Senator… good move for Vancouver as his production has seriously declined.
- Kevin Shattenkirk to Washington? An interesting move… resolution of this situation may help the Blues.
- The Toronto Maple Leafs may have won the trade deadline with the acquisition of Brian Boyle. Great add for them.
- Twelve games in the NHL tonight, all times CST – 6pm – WSH @ NYR, NSH @ BUF, COL @ PHI, ARI @ BOS. 6:30pm – CAR @ FLA, CBJ @ MTL. 7pm – EDM @ STL, MIN @ WPG. 7:30pm – PIT @ DAL. 8pm - LAK @ CGY. 9pm – DET @ VAN. 9:30pm – TOR @ SJS.
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