Well, that was interesting. What a crazy game at Bridgestone Arena last night. After knocking off a lot of rust in the first period and spotting the Tampa Bay St. Louis’s a 2-0 lead, the Nashville Predators stormed back with three power play goals to take a pulse pounding 3-2 win over the Lightning in front of a sold out crowd that welcomed the NHL back after the Olympic break. The win gives Nashville 62 points, keeping them four back of the last Western Conference wild card slot.
I have to admit, after the first period, I was wondering if it was going to be a long game. The Preds looked lethargic in allowing Martin St. Louis two goals in less than four minutes to put the Lightning up 2-0, but a different team came out of the locker room for the second period and giving credit where it is most definitely due… Rich Clune injected a much needed shot of energy into the arena with a spirited scrap against BJ Crombeen. The Predators fed off the energy and tied the game within 4 minutes of the scrap… I know the “anti-fighting… brigade was trying to explain it away, but this was a perfect example of using a scrap to propel a team, and good on Clune for picking the right time.
After that four minute span, the Lightning really were never a threat… only seven shots in the last two periods and frankly, their level of play was not up to snuff and some untimely penalties were their undoing. Full marks to Patric Hornqvist who showed his warrior mentality after taking a slap shot off his leg and barely being able to get to the bench… three minutes later, he scored the winning goal.
Enjoy the highlights…
So, a successful return for the Predators, but there is not much time to savor as it is a fairly quick turnaround, Nashville hosts the Winnipeg Jets tomorrow afternoon with a special 2pm faceoff.
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Random Notes
- It was great to have Pete Weber, hale, hearty and back where he belongs… behind the microphone, calling the Predators action with Terry Crisp. That pair has become an institution for Nashville hockey fans.
- If you are interested in watching Pekka Rinne’s return tonight in Milwaukee… go to the Ad’s website to sign up for AHL Live… You can watch the game for $6.99 online.
- Shea Weber continued his hot play, posting two assists last night.
- UAH Alum Cam Talbot had a great night for the Rangers, posting a 2-1 victory over Chicago.
- Hat tricks galore last night, Johna Frazen and Joe Pavelski both posted three for the Sharks and Wings respectively.
- Gotta show this one… Tim Thomas’ amazing save from his keister…
- Four games tonight – 6pm start – Sharks @ Sabres. 8pm start – Coyotes @ Avalanche. 9pm starts – Wild @ Canucks, Blues @ Ducks
- Who to root for/against tonight – Root for Colorado and Vancouver… both in regulation.
- Playoff Point Tracker – Need - 36 out of 46… Got – 2 out of 2 … Playoff Chances – 3.4% (up .6%)
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