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Wednesday's loss was a blessing in disguise

April 24, 2021, 12:10 PM ET [13 Comments]
Paul McCann
Nashville Predators Blogger •Predators Radio Network • RSSArchiveCONTACT
The whipsaw that is the Predator’s 2020-2021 season has taken us on quite a ride and this past week was a microcosm of the whole season. Two dominating wins sandwiching a distressing overtime loss had Pred Nation talking sweep at the beginning of the week, then giving up all hope before restoring some semblance of normalcy after last night’s 3-1 win. After all is said and done, my take is that Wednesday night’s meltdown was exactly what the doctor ordered for this Predators team at exactly the right time.

We have seen this before… this team plays so much better with a chip on its’ shoulder.

As the Predators continued this unlikely push to the playoffs, the attitude they were playing with just seemed to fuel them. Nothing like being counted out to fire up the competitive juices. That being said, I got the feeling that the chip was shrinking a bit over the last two days or so. Just a little...

Not anymore. Wednesday’s third period collapse reignited that competitive fire and it was clearly evident last night. There was no let up, no loss of structure or discipline. It was the perfect response to adversity and valuable in any kind of playoff run. Last night's win culd be looked at as an outstanding springboard to the final seven games of the season.

After a weekend off, the Predators start the final two weeks of their regular season with a home back-to-back against Florida on Monday and Tuesday. The team gets three days off before a crucial Saturday night showdown with the Dallas Stars. The Stars will have made up two of their three games in hand by that game. Dallas plays Detroit tonight, a back-to-back with Carolina while the Preds are facing Florida then a game in Tampa before hitting Smashville.

The Predators control their own destiny again. Win out and the 4 spot in the Central is theirs no matter what else happens. The key to their playoff fate relies on this team maintaining that rather large chip on their shoulder.

The Preds are back in action Monday night against Florida, tickets are available.

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Random Notes – Presented by

- Where We Stand - A daily playoff update. As play opens today the Predators own 4th place in the Central leading Dallas by 4 points and Chicago by 5. Dallas still has 3 games in hand. The Predators playoff chances stand at 55.7%

-The Return of Tolvanen - Even though they haven’t scored in the two games since Eeli Tolvanen has returned to the lineup, the power play looked much more dangerous.

- Questions - Wondering about the playoff calendar, since Vancouver returned to play, the NHL regular season schedule is now set to finish on May 19… nine days after the Preds finish theirs.

- Gudbranson - I have to admit, Erik Gudbranson has been a solid pickup. The big Dman has brought a nice physical edge to the team.

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