Nashville Predators home losses have been rare this season, so rare that when they happen they are shocking. Color Pred Nation shocked as the Minnesota Wild came into Bridgestone Arena and handed the Preds only their 4th home regulation loss as they beat the Preds 4-2. The loss snapped a six game Predators home win streak and brought their overall record down to 41-14-7
Give full marks to the Wild, they played an outstanding game, frankly giving a clinic on how to beat the Nashville Predators. They were relentless on the forecheck, opportunistic as almost every Nashville mistake ended up in their net and they were lucky as they got every fortunate bounce in the game. That’s not a slam on Minnesota, in a game like last night… you make your own luck, and the Wild did just that.
Nashville bounced back twice, but couldn’t get that third period goal. Credit the Wild’s very effective boxing out, keeping Nashville away from the rebounds that Minnesota goaltender Devan Dubnyk was giving up, a solid team effort. The Predators top line struggled last night, again credit a solid game plan.
The old saying that “you can’t win ‘em all… certainly applies here… no one goes 82-0-0 in this league. The Predators are back in action tomorrow for a matinee against the Detroit Red Wings… if you ain’t got tickets, forget about getting them, the game is a complete sell out, including all possible standing room and Lexus Lounge tickets… Game time is 2pm. The Preds/Wings alumni game follows.
Here are your highlights courtesy of nhl.com…
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Tickets are now on sale for the SlapShot Radio Cook Off. Predators forward Eric Nystrom and I will be battling it out at The Chef and I in Lenox Village on Monday night, March 23rd. If you have never been to The Chef and I, it is an “open kitchen… restaurant that allows you to watch the chef create your dinner! An incredible, accessible and unique experience. Eric and I will be taking over the show kitchen to compete in an “Iron Chef… like battle to win the Cup!
Measuring Cup that is…
It’s all to raise money for the Nashville Predators Foundation and should be a lot of fun! Tickets are on sale at our EventBrite site all tickets include a three course gourmet meal prepared by Chef Chris Rains. There is VIP Seating available that includes a ring side seat for all the action!
Please join us for all the fun, for a great cause! And by the way… you might want to check out The Chef and I’s website… they handle catering, conduct fun cooking classes and run a fantastic restaurant. Chris and Erica Rains are amazing people!
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Random Notes
- Standings update after play on 2/26 – Nashville has a four point lead in the President’s Trophy race over Montreal six points over Anaheim. The Canadiens a two game in hand over the Ducks and Preds. T Nashville’s lead in the Western Conference is six points, their lead in the Central stands at 7 points over St. Louis and 10 over Chicago. The Blues have a game in hand over Nashville and Chicago.
- The Western Wild Card – Winnipeg (63 games played) remains in the first wild card slot with 74 points. The second slot is currently owned by the Minnesota Wild (61) with 71 points. The Calgary Flames (61) trail by one with 70 points. San Jose (62) has 68 points. Dallas (61) and Colorado (61) are eight points back of the last slot.
- What an end-to-end play by Craig Smith on his goal last night… wow!
- Not the best defensive effort last night from Nashville… it will take a game or three to get Ryan Ellis back up to game speed.
- The press box at last night’s game must’ve had their stories written early as a heated “dress… debate broke out on social media… really? Is this where we are headed? And besides… it’s gold! :-)
- Trade deadline fever hit yesterday with quite a few suprises… Jagr to the Panthers wasn’t surprising… the fact they sent a 2nd and a 3rd round pick for him was. The dead money for almost dead money contract swap between Columbus and Toronto was an interesting one. At least Clarkson is able to play and getting out of the Toronto sausage grinder may be just what he needs. Toronto has the cash to absorb Horton’s salary and LTIR keeps the money off the cap hit.
- Rumors were flying about a deal in Chicago last night, but nothing is solid yet.
- Ottawa won back to back in Anaheim and LA … on back-to-back nights, snapping LA’s win streak. The Senators are making a late run and could do some damage.
- Someone tell Buffalo that if they are tanking… they are doing it wrong. Big win for the Sabres over Vancouver last night.
- Llama drama? Really mama? How bored are we?
- No Kane? No problem… Chicago beat Florida 3-0 last night.
- Six games in the NHL today – Bruins @ Devils, Flames @ Islanders, Capitals @ Hurricanes, Blackhawks @ Lightning, Avalanche @ Stars, Kings @ Ducks.
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