The Nashville Predators trail their round one series 2-1 after yesterday’s 4-2 loss at United Center. I’ve always hated the “closer than the score indicated… meme… but in this case… it was. Full marks to Chicago head coach Joel Quinneville, solid lineup moves beyond starting Scott Darling led to this win as Andrew Desjardins put the first one up and played an overall solid game. Now, it’s time for the counter-move from Preds bench boss Peter Laviolette.
Call it out… Chicago played an excellent game and deserved the win, that being said, there a more than couple of positives for Nashville to build on for game 4.
- Even without Shea Weber, the Predators were in game 3… even without Mike Fisher, the Predators were in game 3. No injury excuses, this team was in it, on the road, with the Blackhawks playing VERY well. That is something to build on…
- Mike Ribeiro played an outstanding game yesterday. Scoring, skating and playing with an attitude, including his absolutely justified swat at Andrew Shaw for blatantly interfering with the play from the bench in the third period. A little piss and vinegar is exactly what this team needs.
- Nashville’s resiliency was evident as they countered each of the first two goals with an equalizer less than :30 seconds later.
Joel Quinneville has not named his starter yet, but I would anticipate Scott Darling to go again, and opening a gigantic issue with the Hawks… just what they needed, a goaltending controversy. Gloss over it if you will, even if the Hawks win this series, which is still far from a given, this situation is not good.
Speaking of goaltending, the situation on the Predators side isn’t very good as well. Pekka Rinne has just been ordinary between the pipes and without two of the big sticks in the lineup, Rinne needs to step up and steal one. There have been flashes of brilliance, but consistency is critical as the pinching defensive system the Predators play requires the occasional defensive bailout by the goaltender, that just isn’t happening so far this series.
The Predators practice today in preparation for Game Four tomorrow night. They have already shown they can apply the lessons learned from a loss and turn it into a win, that needs to happen for the team to return to Nashville with a tied series and home ice advantage.
Here’s the highlights of yesterday’s game from nhl.com
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Random Notes
- I wouldn’t be surprised to see Mike Fisher back in the lineup tomorrow night. Although a lot will depend on today’s practice.
- Victor Bartley made his playoff debut last night as the Predators tried to scheme a replacement for Shea Weber. He only generated a little over nine minutes of ice time.
- Once again the Predators outshot the Blackhawks, too many of them were aimed right at the crest unfortunately.
- Viktor Stalberg and Craig Smith certainly weren’t afraid of shooting in game 3, 13 shots between them.
- The Hawks keyed on Filip Forsberg, limiting his space and shots and neutralizing of the of the Preds most potent weapons. The coaching staff needs to figure out how to free him up some...
- The Vancouver / Calgary series just continues to build up the hate, things got nasty again in Game 3 last night as Calgary took a 2-1 series lead with a 4-2 win over the Canucks.
- Stick a fork in the Senators, down 0-3, they kinda kill the whole “how you come into the playoffs matters… meme.
- Playoff hockey in the ‘Peg as the Jets 2.0 look to finally get the franchise’s first playoff win (0-4 in Atlanta and 0-2 so far this series) tonight at MTS Centre. That barn is going to be crazy loud as Jets fans have been waiting a loooong time for this.
- Weather in Winnipeg for tonight’s game three, snow! They are kinda taking the “white out… thing a little too far, dontcha think? :-)
Three games tonight with national coverage options… - New York Rangers @ Pittsburgh – Series tied 1-1 – 6pm CDT faceoff – Coverage on CBC, NBCSN - St. Louis @ Minnesota – Series tied 1-1 – 7pm CDT faceoff – Coverage on CNBC, SN1 - Anaheim @ Winnipeg – ANA leads 2-0 – 8pm CDT faceoff – NHL Network, NBCSN (JIP), SN
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