SlapShot Radio’s photographer captured the action and the color last night at Bridgestone Arena, here are today’s Sunday Shots.
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| From Predators vs Canadiens December 21, 2013 |
Now… on to last night…
The Nashville Predators let a critical point get away, dropping a heartbreaker to the Montreal Canadiens 4-3 in overtime. That is the headline, but more happened inside this game then a simple overtime loss. In front of a Hockey Night in Canada audience, the Preds came out flat and got pounded in the first period, giving up way too many chances leading to three goals on five shots before starter Marek Mazanec was lifted for Carter Hutton. That did seem to settle play down a bit and the Preds came back onto the ice for the second period with a new determination to get back into the game.
And that they did. There’s an old joke that asks “How do you eat an elephant?… The simple answer is “one bite at a time. Nashville climbed back into the game on the strength of a 20 shot barrage in the second period, getting goals from Gabriel Bourque and Nick Spaling to draw the Preds within one. Shea Weber tied the game on a wicked snap shot for his second point of the game and the second power play goal for the Predators.
The team has also been notified of an organization drive that may happen from the United Ironworkers as they hit so many posts in the game they could qualify for representation. Removing my tongue from my cheek, seriously… I counted at least four posts hit last night, there may have been at least two more I missed. A sign that it does seem the hockey gods have lost the Predators address.
The other sign from last night’s game? Another defenseman takes a puck to the face and leaves the game… first it was Weber a few weeks ago, last night it was Seth Jones, despite wearing a visor. Jones did not return to the game and more information is expected at practice today.
Here are the highlights from last night…
One game left before the Christmas break, defending Eastern Conference champs Boston hits town tomorrow night. Limited tickets remain for this one.
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Random Notes
- A lot of credit has been given to Matt Hendricks changing the momentum with his first period scrap. A great example of how a well placed bout can pick a team up.
- Quiet a few folks have noticed how Mike Fisher has consistently upped his game this season, he is playing inspired hockey.
- In the “It Could Be Worse… Department – Blue Jacket fans can’t buy a break… Martian Gaborik returned after 17 games lost to injury, only to break his collarbone in his return game last night in Philly. If it weren’t for bad luck…
- In the “It Could Be Worse… department part two… Edmonton lost their 6th consecutive game last night and their coach, Dallas Easkins is quoted today as saying “I’ve had enough misery already.… Amen coach… amen.
- Jaromir Jagr is on a roll, he scored his 964th goal of his career last night tying him for seventh all-time with legend Mark Messier.
- On last night’s 24/7… Did anyone else see the irony of Sidney Crosby throwing an extraneous elbow on a hit, then being shown saying that “I don’t hit anybody. I haven’t hit anybody (expletive) this year.… - So much for a “friendly…… Team USA and Team Canada got together in Grand Fork, ND last night. It appears the enmity between these two organizations extend to the women’s teams as well. A line brawl broke out last night in the game… see for yourself…
- Two games tonight – 6:30pm start – Wild @ Rangers. 7pm start – Jets @ Canucks.
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