Depends on what you're intending us to believe in. Are they cup contenders? Can they make the playoffs? Are they capable of playing competent hockey on a more consistent basis? I'd say no, probably, and thank god finally yes! I wouldn't call yesterday's game evenly matched, they played much better on Saturday, it felt more like hanging on and surviving... Though granted that was the type of game they definitely would've lost earlier in the season. Rinni absolutely saved our bacon, and it's felt like forever since I've been able to say that. Preds did just beat the champs for the fourth time, and that is something to feel good about. It's four more times than most of us probably thought they'd beat the Blues this season.
Cautious optimism is fine, and the fan base deserves to feel good after this weekend, but let's not go overboard just yet. Hopefully Carolina doesn't come in here, blow our doors off, and have everybody screaming at Poile to burn the team down again.
- Squatchy
I think there is a chance the Preds make the playoffs via wildcard simply due to the games in hand over the Flames and Coyotes. That assumes that the Preds continue to win more consistently and that neither of those two teams (or the Jets) catch fire.
The Blues looked unbeatable in many ways last night. Fortunately, they missed a lot of opportunities plus, as you mentioned, Rinne was outstanding. The team also gave Rinne good support up close - that's a noticeable change since Hynes became coach.
Preds were mostly ok but the big takeaway for me was that they didn't give up. I never noticed dejected players on the ice or the bench. They played with confidence and resolve even as they were being smothered and often outplayed. That was impressive to me. Plus, they made good on their opportunities. Face off wins were a plus factor but the giveaways were horrible. However, I credit the Blues for some of that stat as they were relentless. The pressure from St louis for the entire sixty minutes was as good as I've seen in a while.
Preds were fortunate to win. However, that is exactly what better teams do - win when it maybe should be otherwise.