I have seen some crazy hockey games in my life and last night’s bizarre 7-5 Predators win over the Senators at Bridgestone Arena certainly ranks up there. Three lead changes, crazy up and down action and an offensive explosion from both teams that left this blogger/radio host/PA Announcer with shredded vocal chords, twelve goals , four in the first, five in the second and a relatively light three in the third.
I said in my blog yesterday that special teams could be the key to this game, three power play goals and one shortie bore that out… but special teams wasn’t the story of the game. It was the newly put together line of Ausitn Watson, Gabriel Bourque and Colton Sissions. That line was dangerous every time it touched the ice, combining for six points and each player posting a goal and each establishing a +4 for the game.
A secondary story was the defensive scoring as defensemen made their presence known on the scoresheet. After going down 3-1 in the first Roman Josi scored an amazing goal to tie the game in the second, abusing Sens captain Erik Karlsson with a simply sick move then went top shelf to beat Craig Anderson. It was the kind of play that has made Josi a fellow Norris contender along with his partner.
Ah yes… what can be said about Shea Weber? Just 94 seconds earlier, Weber scored a milestone goal to close the gap to one, pinching down and firing home a rebound for his 150th goal and 400th point of his lustrous career. Weber and Josi weren’t alone as more blueliners got in on the scoring party in the third period after the Senators retook the lead late in the second.
Mattias Ekholm tied the game early in the third by converting on an incredible setup from Ryan Ellis, connecting on a nasty little slapper that Anderson is still looking for, then Barrett Jackman potted the eventual game winner on a shot that bounced off Sens defenseman Mark Borowiecki’s skate. Gabby Bourque netted the insurance goal about a minute and a half later and sent Pred Nation home happy with Frosty’s and more importantly, two needed points.
The Canadian gauntlet continues tomorrow night as the Toronto Maple Leafs come to town on a bit of a roll, beating Dallas last night and gaining points in four of their last five games.
Here are the highlights from NHL.com…
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As we take a day to remember and honor our veterans... I want to take a moment to thank each and every man and woman who served in the military… your sacrifice and service is deeply appreciated.
I would also like to thank the members of my family who served. My brothers, both who served 20+ years in the Navy… my cousin Billy Ridge who made the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam… my nephew Shawn who passed last year as a decorated US Army veteran of Afghanistan and Iraq… and my father… a Silver Star recipient and Army veteran of World War 2.
I am lucky, humbled and incredibly proud as a man can be to have had these brave heroes as a part of my life. My undying love and respect to you...
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Random Notes
- Attendance for last night’s game was 16,193, just short of the 17,113 for a sellout, this is the first home game of the season that has not sold out.
- Last night’s score-fest at the Bridge was the highest scoring game of the season so far.
- Tough night for Pekka Rinne, his stat line didn’t look too good, however, give the Ottawa Senators credit, they created a LOT of traffic in front of him and took his eyes on 4 of the 5 goals given up.
- Lots of tongues wagging over the All-Star Game format. 3 on 3 being bandied about along with a few other interesting wrinkles. Been hearing these rumblings for about a month now… stay tuned.
- Day two of the GM meetings will see a continuation of the discussions on goalie equipment and bigger nets along with the coaches challenge.
- The Dallas Stars did some pretty good trolling of Toronto last night
Srsly. That 🻠isn't cheap...
...well it's cheaper than up there, but still... pic.twitter.com/th8s1G6RbC
— Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) November 11, 2015- Trade rumors are starting to swirl around players like Patrick Marleau and Jarome Iginla
- Alex Ovechkin put 15 shots on net last night in the Caps 1-0 loss to Detroit…
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