This Winnipeg – Nashville rivalry is growing. With each intemperate comment, each behind the play bit of nonsense, each incident of on ice yapping it grows… and man, there was a lot of that last night in Nashville’s 3-0 win over the Jets. As boring as Opening Night was on the ice, it made this one that much more fun to watch.
The first period was an up-and-down affair, both teams showing the speed and grit that they are known for, with long stretches of whistle-less play… until… we let’s face it… The Jets finally got called for their Anaheim-like play. As their frustration grew with their inability to score… or get under the skin of the Preds, the parade to the penalty box got longer… a slash, a four-minute high-sticking, a roughing, and interference… then things really boiled over late in the second period when Zac Rinaldo drew a cross-checking penalty which led to a couple of fights sending four players to the locker room for the rest of the period.
It wasn’t done yet as the Jets frustration simply made them lose their cool, two more penalties taken before Tyler Myers took a ridiculous misconduct by mocking the referee, yup, that always works out well. After all that… you would think this game would be out of hand… I mean come on… seven power plays… the Preds would have to be up by a couple of goals, right?
Ummm… negative ghost rider…
The Predators held on to a slim 1-0 lead at that point, courtesy of Ryan Hartman’s steal and breakaway, going five hole on Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck to put the Preds up. That means… by the end of the second period… the Preds power play went 0 fer. If you are the Jets, you can’t be unhappy with that result… considering they had a power play to begin the third period… they had to be salivating. But there was a problem… Pekka Rinne. They simply couldn’t crack the reigning Vezina trophy holder.
Roman Josi scored almost eight minutes in, continuing his scoring tear against the Jets and seven minutes later, Ryan Johansen iced it with a sweet play, going back-hand top-shelf to give the Preds their 3-0 winning margin.
Maybe it was the banners that bothered the Jets so much… after all, their comments before the game indicated how bothered they were by them, maybe they brought that with them on the ice. Whatever the reason, this one was sweet for the Predators and especially Pekka Rinne, who was simply stellar in net, posting his first shutout of the year and his 52nd career shutout. A small measure of redemption for the big Finn.
The rivalry is on… that is to be sure. This one gets to marinate a bit as the next meeting between these two teams happens on January 17th at Bridgestone Arena. Someone should let the Jets know... the banners will still be there.
Preds are back in action tomorrow night in Smashville, closing out the season series with the New York Islanders.
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Tonight… It’s a Murder Mystery specifically written for this event called Five for Murder! This event is presented by
The Murder Mystery Company , the nationwide leader in mystery-themed entertainment. Our presenting sponsors are SlapShot Radio and by
Jackalope Brewing Company.
So, what’s the story? The hockey community is rocked when a high-profile hockey personality is found dead! Now it is up to you and your teammates to find the ice-cold killer… and put him in the penalty box – for life!
If you ever wanted to take part in a live game of Clue, this is your chance!
Join us for a hockey-themed murder mystery show where guests will enjoy an evening full of fun, food, drinks, and a chance to meet some Predators personalities. Throughout the night, the plot will unfold and we need your help to solve the mystery! Guests will get to interrogate suspects, gather clues and work with their team to crack the case before the suspect gets away.
All proceeds benefit Best Buddies programs devoted to changing the world for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through meaningful one-to-one friendships and supported employment.
This will be a show you won’t want to miss, so grab your tickets today… click
here to get your tickets. VIP tickets are almost gone and every ticket includes dinner, and an open bar for beer and wine.
Here are the details…
When? Tonight
6–7 pm: VIP Reception (early access and seat choice, meet and great with the cast and Predators personalities)
7 pm: Doors open for General Admission
8–10 pm: Show
Where? The Barn at Chavis 4054 Wilson Pike Franklin, TN 37067
It’s going to be a great night and all proceeds benefit Best Buddies… so we would love to see on tonight!
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Random Notes
- The Jets only managed 2 shots on goal in the second period.
- For all the complaining about the officiating, the Jets media are refreshingly honest about it, key quote from today’s Winnipeg Free Press “… make no mistake, Winnipeg’s penalties were mostly well-earned.”
- Ryan Hartman’s speed was on full display last night. His pick-off of a Ben Chiarot pass led to his breakaway goal, leaving Dustin Byfuglien in his dust to score the first home Preds goal of the season.
- Edmonton finally got their second game of the season in, losing to the Bruins last night in Boston. This after playing in Bern for their opening game. Their opponent was New Jersey who won their return game at home last night… pasting the defending Stanley Cup champs 6-0
- A very rare dark night in the NHL… no games scheduled tonight.
- The faux outrage about the Preds banners is absolutely hysterical... acting like it's never happened before (which, of course... it has.) I just don't get it... my lord, some writers get triggered so easily. They are acting like the Preds just set an outrageous precedent that will ruin the game forever. It's a banner... other teams have them too... simma down!
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