The last week before the Olympic Break dawns with the Nashville Predators in a better place than they have been this season. The team has recovered nicely from a shaky start and is now finding ways to grind out desperately needed points, despite injuries to some key personnel. A few days rest and practice doesn’t hurt either as the team doesn’t play again until a key Central Division matchup Thursday night in Minnesota. As I write this, Nashville stands four point behind Vancouver and five behind Minnesota. Vancouver has a game in hand. Phoenix, Dallas and Winnipeg are all in pack chasing the Wild Card. It's time to do a little scoreboard watching, or, better yet… a little Center Ice spinning. Some key games leading up to Thursday…
Tonight
Vancouver @ Detroit – This is Vancouver’s game in hand over the Predators and the Canucks have been struggling as of late but tonight is the return of John Tortorella behind the bench, having served his suspension. The Red Wings are also battling for playoff position and barely hanging on to the eight spot coming into this game. This should be a good one as Vancouver desperately needs a win and Detroit has not been good at home.
Tuesday
Vancouver @ Boston – Second half of a tough back-to-back for the Canucks, Detroit on Monday, Boston on Tuesday? Vancouver could put some distance between the pack and the playoffs… or fall closer to it.
Winnipeg @ Carolina – Can’t forget about the Jets who have certainly done their best to climb back into the race, but Carolina is back in the playoff mix as well, just one point out of the
Tampa Bay @ Minnesota - This is a big one for the Wild, whatever happens, this game gives Nashville a game-in-hand coming into Thursday night’s game. The Lightning are solidly in second place in the Atlantic division and looking to make a run at the Bruins for the top spot.
Dallas @ Phoenix - The two teams that Nashville needs to leap frog go at it in a game that no one wants to see go into overtime… Dallas has two games in hand on Nashville and are tied in points… the Coyotes also have two games in hand and a three point lead on the Preds.
Wednesday
Dallas @ San Jose - This game draws the stars even with Nashville in games played and is the back end of a back-to-back. San Jose is nearly invincible at home, posting a 20-3-3 mark so far this season, where Dallas, depending on the results of Tuesday’s game with Phoenix is either one game below or above .500 on the road.
So, set your satellite spinning or your Game Center live to mosaic mode… there’s lots of hockey to watch until Thursday night’s game.
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Random Notes
- After stealing a point on Saturday night, the Predators are continuing the 1.5 points per game pace necessary to finish the season with 96 points.
- Simon Moser and Colton Sissons have been returned to Milwaukee, we’ll see if they end up joining the team in Minnesota after Milwaukee’s game against Hamilton on Wednesday.
- The best thing about last night’s Super Bowl? Bruno Mars at halftime. BTW, I’m a huge Chili Peppers fan, but ummm… guys… you’re at an age where you should put on a shirt. I’m just sayin’…
- A shout-out to Peyton Manning… look up class in the dictionary and you find his picture. Especially after hearing about his incredibly kind treatment of a beer vendor at MetLife Stadium after what could be one of the lowest points in his brilliant career.
- Seven games tonight – 6pm starts – Oilers @ Sabres, Senators @ Penguins. 6:30pm starts – Canucks @ Red Wings, Avalanche @ Devils. 9pm start – Columbus @ Ducks. 9:30pm starts – Blackhawks @ Kings, Flyers @ Sharks.
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