Tag: nashville predators

AK46’s Accuracy saves Predators in SO, Nashville wins 5-4 in Phoenix

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Francis Bouillon and Ryan Ellis celebrate Frankie's first goal of the season.

The Predators began their Western trek last night with their first stop in Glendale, Arizona to face the team that currently holds the 2nd spot in the Pacific Division, the Phoenix Coyotes. After losing five games in a row, then coming back to demolish the San Jose Sharks on Saturday 3-0, the Coyotes were eager to jump back on the winning wagon and retain their #2 spot in the division. However, the Coyotes fall just two spots behind the Predators in conference standings, and just ten points behind the Preds… Who was more hungry for a win? Here are the highlights from last night’s all-nighter:

KEY POINTS:

  • Craig Smith was finally able to stretch his legs, getting off the scratched list to see some ice time. Kevin Klein, Brian McGrattan, Brandon Yip, and Roman Josi topped out the scratched list, with Roman suffering from a possible concussion. In fact, Josi didn’t even make the trip to Phoenix with the team, leading us to speculate that his concussion might lead to possible IR time. Yikes.
  • Both teams were shaky in the first, with both the Predators and the Coyotes only sending 8 goals a piece on net during the period. Martin Erat was finally able to slip a wrist shot past Mike Smith at 19:31 for his 17th goal of the season. Sergei Kostitsyn picked up his 24th assist and Hal Gill his 10th of the season on Marty’s Party goal.
  • Phoenix must have had an intermission intervention, for Daymond Langkow tipped the puck in past Pekka Rinne 49 seconds into the 2nd Period for his 9th goal of the season.
  • The Predators would finally take the lead once again at 11:04 with a beautiful setup between the dream team that is Martin Erat, Sergei Kostitsyn, and Mike Fisher. Fisher’s wrist shot gave him his 21st goal of the season, along with SK74’s 25 assist and Marty’s 34th assist of the season.
  • Keith Yandle didn’t wait too long to tie the game once more, gaining his 10th goal of the season at 14:23.
  • The back and forth would continue at 18:26 with a wrist shot from Francis Bouillon, his 1st goal of the season. Martin Erat picked up his second assist of the night (35th) along with Ryan Ellis (7th assist).
  • Craig Smith would come out fast in the 3rd Period, scoring his 13th goal of the season at 2:36 with a backhanded beauty. Paul Gaustad was the lone assist, picking up his 13th for the season.
  • The Coyotes wouldn’t let the Predators, who were up by 2 in the third, simply slip away with the easy win and came back with force. First with a goal from Oliver Ekman-Larsson (his 9th of the season) at 7:11 and then another from Raffi Torres at 15:01 for his 13th goal of the season. Both goalies and defense would block each team from taking the win, sending the game into OT.
  • Overtime, although with Phoenix taking 2 shots and the Predators only taking 1 on goal, would produce nothing for either teams, sending the go-around into a shootout, a testament for both teams’ goalies.
  1. PHOENIX – Ray Whitney – SAVE BY RINNE
  2. NASHVILLE – Andrei Kostitsyn – GOAL
  3. PHOENIX – Radim Vrbata – SAVE BY RINNE
  4. NASHVILLE – Martin Erat – SAVE BY SMITH
  5. PHOENIX – Mikkel Boedker – SAVE BY RINNE
  • Andrei Kostitsyn’s accuracy saved the Predators from a rough and too-close-for-comfort game. The Predators may have left with the two points, but the Coyotes slipped away with one, and after holding the lead by two, the Predators (although the victors) hung their head after letting an easy win turn into a fight for survival.
  • Both teams equalled out in shots on goal at 35, but both goalies took a beating. Both Pekka Rinne and Mike Smith made some remarkable saves, but due to flaws in the defense, Pekka wasn’t able to stop nasty goalies from the likes of Yandle and Langkow.
  • The Predators only gave the Coyotes one power play chance, with a tripping penalty called on Sergei Kostitsyn at 16:43 in the 2nd Period. The Coyotes handed the Predators three chances, but none were used to Nashville’s advantage.
The Predators slipped away with the win by the skin of their teeth, clearly a lack of motivation after gaining the lead by 2. The Coyotes ate up the sluggish, slackers and almost sent the Predators packing to San Jose with a loss under their belt. However, no matter how nasty of a win, a win is a win and the Predators came out the victors.
Trotz has probably already tanned their hides for the close call, so hopefully the Predators will be more focused and ready to win the game in regulation against the San Jose Sharks on Thursday night. The puck drops even later on Thursday with the game starting at 9:30PM CST.
We leave you with this video highlight of last night’s game, with a shot of AK46’s shootout goal that save the Predators from a loss.
…Who’s a happy GM? David Poile’s a happy GM!
Until then,
GO PREDS.

AK-SK-Leggy Line Proves Triumphant over Detroit Red Wings

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Andrei and Sergei prove that they work well together in a line with veteran David Legwand.

Still running high after their 4-2 win over the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday, the Predators welcome their favorite division rival, the Detroit Red Wings (along with half their fan base) to Nashville tonight. The Predators would have to hang on to the momentum from Thursday to power through the Red Wings, even though a majority of their team, including the unstoppable Pavel Datsyuk, was scratched due to injuries and other causes. However, even with all the scratches and set backs, the Red Wings are still 2nd in the Central Division and the Predators are currently sitting pretty in 3rd.
Here are the highlights from tonight’s game against the Motor City:

KEY POINTS:

  • Craig Smith, Brandon Yip, Brian McGrattan, Jack Hillen, and Kevin Klein were minor scratches compared to half the team for the Red Wings. Klein is still hanging out on the scratched list so we are hoping his injury isn’t as bad as once thought. No IR for Klein… yet.
  • Patric Hornqvist drew the first blood, sending a wrist shot flying past Wings goalie, Joey MacDonald for his 21st goal of the season at 7:30. David Legwand picked up his first assist (27th overall) of the night on Horny’s goal.
  • Like a bad memory from Tuesday’s game against the Kings, before Paul could even announce Horny’s goal, the Red Wings tied the game 1-1 with a wrist shot from Drew Miller at 7:43. Detroit’s first goal of the night was Miller’s 13th of the season.
  • Andrei Kostitsyn would pick up his first power play goal with the Predators at 11:59 with a gorgeous wrist shot past MacDonald with a little help from little brother Sergei and Predators veteran David Legwand (Leggy’s send assist of the night).
  • The 2nd Period was filled with ups and downs, but produced no goals. The Predators defense stepped up and showed real strengthen during a critical moment when both Shea Weber and Francis Bouillon found themselves in the penalty box at the same time, leaving the Predators down 3 to 5. The Predators were able to keep the puck cleared of Pekka’s net and the Red Wings were unable to capitalize on the potential power play opportunities.
  • Andrei Kostitsyn would answer the power play call once again at 4:34 in the 3rd, sealing his 15th goal of the season with another clean wrist shot into the net. Once again, Sergei Kostitsyn and David Legwand picked up the assists, proving that the 46-74-11 line is just as powerful as the 12-74-10 line. Of course, tonight was the first night for this line, so time will tell if this new Belorussian Leg Line will be as reliable as the Belorussian Fishing Erat Line.
  • Detroit’s Justin Abdelkader would make the Predators fans sweat a wee bit at 14:35 for his 8th goal of the season. Unfortunately for the Red Wings, even with an empty-netter and a nice penalty from Captain Shea Weber with 10 seconds left in the game, they just weren’t able to slip passed Nashville’s defense and the all-powerful Pekka Rinne.
  • The Predators were out-shot by the Red Wings 37 to 20 and still managed to pull out the win (like they always seem to do). Pekka Rinne continued to prove his awesomeness, with gymnast-like moves that would make your gym teacher smile. Thankfully, the defense was on their A-Game as well, keeping many pucks from reaching the final block that is Pekka Rinne.
  • Both Detroit and Nashville had the same amount of penalties, both accounting for four. Luckily for Nashville, the Red Wings were unable to score on any that were given to them, yet the Predators were able to clinch two power plays. Here are the penalties Weber and Bouillon added to the game:
  1. Shea Weber – 14:48 2nd Period – Interference
  2. Francis Bouillon – 16:38 2nd Period – Hooking
  3. Francis Bouillon – 12:01 3rd Period – Holding
  4. Shea Weber – 19:50 3rd Period – Roughing (more like punching Holmstrom in the head)

As the headline reads, the AK-SK-Leggy Line proved successful tonight against the Red Wings. However, not all of the glory must be bestowed upon the two Belorussians and the Detroit native, for the defense played exceptionally well also, giving Pekka a little breathing room.

The Predators are now 40-21-7 on the season and are heading west to take on a few conference rivals including the Coyotes, the Sharks, the Kings, and the ever popular Ducks in the upcoming week. The Predators will return to Nashville to take on the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday, March 20th (which also happens to be Sergei Kostitsyn’s birthday). <– No stalking around here, totally in the Predators calendar!

The Predators are off to Phoenix Monday to face the Coyotes, who are currently 2nd in the Pacific Division. The puck drops late at 9PM CST.

Until then,
GO PREDS.

(Photo credit: John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images)

Almost forgot! A catfish and two squids (or were they octopi? Couldn’t count the legs from afar) were thrown to the ice tonight. We haven’t seen a catfish in quite a while, but we thank whoever took one for the team to stuff a catfish in their undies to smuggle it into the game. We also commend the Red Wings fans who brought the squids.

The Predators Wipe Out Avalanche 4-2

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Patric Hornqvist battles against former Predator Shane O'Brien

After a rough game against the L.A. Kings on Tuesday, the Predators needed a jolt on the ice to get the momentum going once again. Although currently 2nd in the Northwest Division and coming off a two-win streak against the Wild, the Avalanche have been a bit iffy this season. However, the Avalanche are not one to sit back and take a beating and Thursday’s game proved to be one with attitude. Here are the highlights from Thursday’s game against the Mile High team:

KEY POINTS:

  • Another night for plenty of healthy scratches, including Colin Wilson. Along with Wilson, the scratch list included Brian McGrattan, Craig Smith, Kevin Klein, and Jack Hillen. Although a healthy scratch, Klein is still suffering from an upper-body injury, but has yet to be placed on the IR.
  • Colorado started the night off with a goal at 1:14 with a wrist shot from Jamie McGinn for his 16th goal of the season.
  • The Predators quickly responded with their own goal at 2:54 with a wrist shot from Mike Fisher for his 20th goal of the season. Shea Weber and Ryan Suter picked up the assists on Fish’s goal.
  • Brandon Yip finished out the 1st Period with a tip-in past Semyon Varlamov at 6:58. After being credited to Roman Josi, it was finally rewarded to Yip for his 2nd goal of the season. Roman Josi and Gabriel Bourque picked up the assists.
  • The Avalanche came out with their pants on fire during the second, but not with shots on goal. In fact, the Predators out-shot Colorado 13 to 9 in the 2nd. Instead, the Avalanche took to throwing elbows and finally, at 19:43, Jordin Tootoo and Cody McLeod dropped the gloves and threw the fists.

    Unfortunately, Toots didn’t fair too well against McLeod, but it did get the crowd stirred up quite a bit. It also got the Predators fired up a bit, too.
  • While at even play with both McLeod and Tootoo taking the fighting penalty, Sergei Kostitsyn sealed his 17th goal of the season with a wrist shot at 19:28. Not only did SK74 put the team up 3-1, he also captured the elusive Goo Goo Goal. Matt Halischuk was the lone assist on SK74’s Goo Goo Goal.
  • The feisty Avalanche would continue to pressure the Predators into the 3rd Period, with Paul Stastny sealing his 17th goal of the season at 4:58.
  • Martin Erat would nail his 16th goal of the season on the empty-netter at 19:16, ending the game in the Predators’ favor 4-2. Paul Gaustad was the lone assist on Erat’s empty-netter.
  • The Predators, although bruised and blooded by the Avalanche, still managed to out-shoot Colorado in every single period, ending the game with 31 shots to Colorado’s 17. Pekka Rinne returned to his usual self after a rough game on Tuesday night, blocking 15 of the 17 shots.
  • Along with plentiful shots on goal, the Predators also managed to stay out of the penalty box more than two times. Colorado gave the Predators four penalty opportunities, none of which were capitalized on. Former Predator, Shane O’Brien found himself in the penalty box twice, once for interference, then for hooking. Here are the two penalty box lovers:
  1. Jordin Tootoo – 18:31 2nd Period – Fighting
  2. Mike Fisher – 19:43 2nd Period – Roughing

The Predators have beaten the Avalanche all three times this season and will see Colorado one last time during the season on April 7th in Denver.

The Predators finish up at home on Saturday as the Detroit Red Wings come storming into Nashville at 7PM.

Until then,
GO PREDS.

(Photo credit: John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images)

Predators Fall to the Los Angeles Kings 5-4

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Craig Smith fights for the puck along with L.A.'s Jarret Stoll

The Predators welcome L.A. back to Nashville Tuesday night, expecting to send them packing once more with another loss. However, the Kings had other plans on their schedule, seeking to overthrow the Nashville Predators at home and slip that much closer to the playoff cutoff spot. Although the Predators are safe (for now), the L.A. Kings aren’t as lucky and needed the win in Nashville to move up to bump the San Jose Sharks. Here are the highlights from Tuesday night’s game:

KEY NOTES:

  • Jack Hillen, Matt Halischuk, Brandon Yip, and Brian McGrattan found themselves on the scratched list, along with Kevin Klein, who is still battling an undisclosed upper-body injury.
  • The Kings wasted no time taking the lead, with Justin Williams scoring his 14th goal of the season at 6:16 with a wrist shot past Pekka Rinne.
  • Patric Hornqvist would tie the game up at 18:41 with this 19th goal of the season. Andrei Kostitsyn and Ryan Suter picked up the assists on Horny’s goal.
  • Unfortunately, even before Hornqvist’s goal could be announced, Justin Williams slipped in and sealed his 15th goal of the season at 18:53 with a back-hander into the net.
  • Martin Erat would tie the game up once again at 9:16 in the 2nd Period with a wrist shot past Jonathan Quick. Mike Fisher and Roman Josi picked up the assists on Erat’s 15th goal of the season.
  • L.A. would put themselves in the lead for the third time of the game at 12:21 with a wrist shot by Drew Doughty. This was Doughty’s 8th goal of the season.
  • Sergei Kostitsyn would help continue to back and forth match by sealing his 16th goal of the season at 14:05. Completely unassisted, SK74’s goal would leave the two teams tied into the 3rd Period.
  • The Kings reminded the Predators of who wanted to win more with a goal at 1:15 in the 3rd. With his 4th goal of the season, Matt Greene sent a slap shot soaring past Pekka Rinne.
  • Trevor Lewis sealed his 3rd goal of the season at 3:00, putting the Kings up 5-3 over the Predators early in the 3rd Period.
  • Patric Hornqvist will nail his second goal of the night at 14:42 for his 20th goal of the season, but it just wasn’t enough to send the game into OT. Andrei Kostitsyn and Ryan Suter picked up the assists on Horny’s goal.
  • It was clear that Pekka was having an off night, but unfortunately, it wasn’t just him. The entire team looked disheveled and off, never good when playing against a team hungry for a playoff position. Pekka took 28 shots, blocking 23 of those on net. It’s been a while since Peks has let 5 or more pucks fly passed him, but off days happen, especially with as many games as he starts.
  • The Predators only gave the Kings three chances on the power play, but with the way the team played, even one misstep had a major impact on the Predators. Here are the boys who took some penalty time:
  1. Jordin Tootoo – 9:48 1st Period – Roughing
  2. Nick Spaling – 3:21 2nd Period – Cross Checking
  3. Jordin Tootoo – 13:19 3rd Period – Misconduct (10 Minutes)

 

The Predators took a tough loss against the L.A. Kings, a team they were expected to beat once again at home. The Predators continue their home stretch by welcoming the Colorado Avalanche back to Nashville on Thursday and the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday. The puck drops at 7PM for both games.

Until then,
GO PREDS.

(Photo credit: Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)

Predators Show no Mercy for Former Players, Defeat Panthers 3-1

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Pekka prepares himself for the game against the Florida Panthers.

The Predators didn’t fair too well in Raleigh, North Carolina against the Hurricanes on Tuesday night, prompting the team to take their next game a wee bit more seriously. Although another Eastern Conference team, the Florida Panthers are currently 1st in the Southeast Division, meaning the Predators would need to be a little more focused and much more ready to hit the ice (the Hurricanes are 5th in the Southeast).

However, those three days of rest (and reflection time) gave the Predators some much needed motivation when they took to the ice in South Florida tonight. How did the three new Trade Picks do against their former conference rivals? Here are the highlights from tonight’s game:

KEY POINTS:

  • Brian McGrattan is still sitting pretty on the IR, but was overheard as saying he should be back possibly by Tuesday’s game against the Kings (We’ll hope for that one). Kevin Klein is also feeling the pain from a recent injury, taking a night off to rest. Rookie Ryan Ellis is still fighting off a cold of some sort, and Brandon Yip and Matt Halischuk were the healthy scratches.
  • The Predators got the ball rolling at 11:35 of the 1st with a snap shot from newcomer, Andrei Kostitsyn, his 13th goal of the season and his 100th overall. With this just being his second game in a Predators sweater, AK46 is making a good name for himself with the team and the fans; looks like Sergei might have some competition as favorite brother. Paul Gaustad and Hal Gill picked up the assists on AK46’s goal, making for a “Trade Pick” goal.
  • Mike Fisher wasted no time in the 2nd period, scoring his 19th goal in just 28 seconds with a snap shot past Scott Clemmensen. Martin Erat picked up his 33rd assist on Fisher’s goal.
  • Florida would outplay the Predators for their first and only goal of the night, clearing the ice and giving Wojtek Wolski what was basically an empty-netter (sorry Peks) at 7:49. The 2nd period would end with the Predators still on top 2-1.
  • David Legwand would seal his 15th goal of the season at 7:02 in the third with a backhander past Clemmensen. Andrei Kostitsyn and Ryan Suter picked up the assists on Leggy’s goal.

At some point during the 3rd period, Jack Hillen was hit by this lovely thing:

And they think our catfish are dumb...

Similar to Nashville’s catfish, the Florida Panther fans throw their own animal of choice. This is just a generic photo we found on Google, so we’re almost positive the rat did not say “Panthers Win!” on it, but just in case you missed Hillen being smacked with it.

  •  As Nashville goes, the Predators won and still were out-shot 40 to 23 overall, with Pekka blocking 39 of those on goal (isn’t he a Finnish dream boat?). It’s pretty clear as to why Pekka Rinne was the First Star of the Game tonight.
  • The Predators are lucky Pekka is as good as he is, due to the fact they took some unnecessary penalties tonight, three compared to Florida’s one. Luckily, the Panthers were unable to capitalize on any of the chances handed to them.
  1. Mike Fisher – 7:20 1st Period – Holding
  2. Sergei Kostitsyn – 12:24 2nd Period – Slashing
  3. Jordin Tootoo – 16:45 2nd Period – Tripping
The Predators redeem themselves after the loss on Tuesday against the Hurricanes, showing no mercy to former Preds Jerred Smithson and Marcel Goc. The Predators are finished with the Eastern Conference for a while, coming home to take on the L.A. Kings on Tuesday and then welcoming back Shane O’Brien and the Avalanche on Thursday night. 

Andrei Kostitsyn celebrates his 100th career goal.

Until then,
Go Preds.
(Photo credit: First Image – Grant Halverson/Getty Images, Second Image – Eliot J. Schechter/NHLI via Getty Images)

Preds Player Profile: Paul Gaustad

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Gaustad isn't afraid to drop the gloves and take a hit or two.

Paul Gaustad was the second and last trade pickup made this past Monday at the Trade Deadline between the Nashville Predators and Buffalo Sabres. Like the Andrei Kostitsyn trade move, Predators fans were blind-sided by the trade for the Center for a first round pick (the Sabres also gave the Predators a fourth round in the trade).

Paul Gaustad was born on February 3, 1982 in Fargo, North Dakota and was drafted by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2000 NHL Draft, 7th Round (220th overall). Add another tall one to the Predators roster, Gaustad stands at 6’5″, the same height as goalie, Pekka Rinne.

Gaustad began his hockey career in the WHL under the Portland Winter Hawks and notched three seasons with the minor league of the Canadian Hockey League. Gaustad began playing under the AHL team for the Buffalo Sabres in 2002-03 and made his way to the Sabres in 2005.

The forward/enforcer had a close call on February 7, 2007 when a collision with Ottawa Senator, Dany Heatley almost ended his career. Gaustad’s tendon was sliced by Heatley’s skate and, if it had been an inch deeper, Paul’s career would have been shot right then and there. Fortunately for Gaustad, his season was ended by the accident, but his career would remain intact.

After a productive 2007-08 season, the Buffalo Sabres re-signed Gaustad to a 4-year extension worth $9.2 million, just before becoming a free agent.

OTHER NOTABLE FACTS:

  • Wore #14 while in the AHL, but had to revert to #28 due to Rene Robert having that number retired with the Sabres.
  • Scored 12 goals in three consecutive seasons (2008-09 to 2010-11).
  • Shares the same birthday as new Nashville Predator, Andrei Kostitsyn. Former Nashville Predator (now Montreal Canadiens) Blake Geoffrion also shares the February 3rd birthday.
  • 12th American to play for the Nashville Predators this season.

Paul Gaustad was fan favorite in Buffalo and is sure to bring his popularity to Nashville. Although he, Jordin Tootoo and Anders Lindback had a heated square-off due to the Ryan Miller incident, Gaustad will fit with the rest of the Predators just fine. It was clear that Gaustad was simply standing up for his fellow teammate, which means he will do the same with his new teammates with the Predators.

Like Brian McGrattan, Paul Gaustad isn’t afraid to drop the gloves and is quite the enforcer. Along with this attribute, Gaustad’s frame makes him ideal for screening shots on goal, just like fellow giant, Hal Gill.

Paul Gaustad is expected to make his Predators debut on Saturday against the Florida Panthers and was seen practicing with the team on Thursday morning. Gaustad is coming off an upper-body injury, keeping him from playing last Tuesday alongside newcomer, Andrei Kostitsyn.

Welcome to Nashville, Paul Gaustad!

(Photo credit: Paul Bereswill/Getty Images North America)

Preds Player Profile: Andrei Kostitsyn

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Andrei Kostitsyn will make his Nashville debut on Tuesday, March 6th.

The Predators picked up two players before the Trade Deadline commenced on Monday afternoon, surprising most (if not all) Predators fan. With everyone’s minds on the Nash-to-Nash conundrum, no one saw who Predators General Manager, David Poile was really eyeing in the Eastern Conference.

The first of those two Eastern Conference contenders the Predators traded for was Andrei Kostitsyn, current Nashville Predators player Sergei Kostitsyn’s older brother. The Predators made a trade agreement with the Montreal Canadiens, that (along with the conditional draft pick used to get Hal Gill) the Canadiens would hand over AK46 for a 2nd Round Draft Pick in the 2013 NHL Draft.

Andrei Kostitsyn was born on February 3, 1985 in Novopolotsk, Belarus. Before starting his career in the NHL, Andrei competed in several different leagues, including the Eastern European Hockey League and the CSKA of Russia. After his first season with CSKA,  Andrei was drafted first round (10th overall) in the 2003 NHL Draft by the Montreal Canadiens. In the summer of 2004, AK46 signed a three-year contract with the team.

Andrei Kostitsyn saw his first NHL game on December 1, 2005 against the Buffalo Sabres, a game the Canadiens would ultimately lose in overtime. Kostitsyn wasted no time scoring his first NHL goal on the December 13th against the Phoenix Coyotes, a game the Canadiens would end up winning 5-2.

Unfortunately, the older Kostitsyn is no stranger to injury, suffering a minor concussion in the 2008-09 season along with a leg injury. Thankfully, in the same month, AK46 notched his first career Hat Trick on December 27, 2008.

After seven years with the Montreal Canadiens, it was time for AK46 to be reunited with little brother, SK74 in Nashville. Sergei and Andrei were separated on June 29, 2009 when Sergei was traded to the Nashville Predators for goaltender Dan Ellis and forward Dustin Boyd.

OTHER NOTABLE FACTS:

  • Posted 12:13 minutes of ice time against the Carolina Hurricanes on Tuesday night during his debut with the Nashville Predators.
  • Andrei and Paul Gaustad, the other major trade pickup for the Predators, both share the same birthday (February 3rd).
  • Collected 24 points (12 goals, 12 assists) in 53 games this season with the Montreal Canadiens.
  • AK46 played 379 NHL games since his 2005-06 career, all with the Montreal Canadiens. Along with this, Kostitsyn has tallied 99 goals and 210 points.

Andrei Kostitsyn has been called the complete opposite of his young brother, Sergei. In what ways? Well, Andrei likes to shoot and shoot as often as possible. Though Sergei is finally coming around to shooting more often, hopefully with his brother on his side, both will become an unstoppable brotherly force. Maybe a Sedin twin combo? Along with this potential, by picking up Andrei, the chances of the Predators re-signing Sergei are much higher come post-season.

Welcome to Nashville, Andrei Kostitsyn!

(Photo credit: Elsa/Getty Images North America)

Predators Penalties prove Fatal against Hurricanes

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Sergei and Andrei are reunited in Raleigh against the Carolina Hurricanes.

The Predators took to the ice tonight in Raleigh, North Carolina after defeating the L.A. Kings 2-1 last night in Smashville. Back-to-back games can be pretty challenging, and the Predators went into tonight’s game with a boost from the recent trade pickups from yesterday afternoon. The Carolina Hurricanes are 5th in the Southeast, but don’t let that fool you; Carolina can be just as pesky as the Predators win it comes to sneaky wins. Here are the highlights from tonight’s game in Raleigh:

KEY POINTS:

  • Andrei Kostitsyn made his Predators debut tonight with his little brother against the Hurricanes. AK46 has been called the complete opposite of SK74, pushing himself as a consistent shooter.
  • Kevin Klein rested again tonight on the scratched list, along with Ryan Ellis and Brandon Yip. Brian McGrattan remains on the IR and new comer, Paul Gaustad stayed off the ice due to an upper-body injury.
  • The Predators came out strong with a wrist shot past Cam Ward from Craig Smith, his 12th goal of the season. Although Smith hasn’t had a goal since early January, he is 41st in the league for power play goals and 138th in assists. Matt Halischuk and Gabriel Bourque picked up assists on Smith’s goal.
  • Smith’s goal would be the only scored in the first, but Carolina’s Jamie McBain was quick to tie the game at 5:17 in the 2nd. McBain sent a slap shot past Anders Lindback for his 7th goal of the season.
  • Colin Wilson would answer the call for the Predators at 12:31 with a backhanded goal unassisted, his 15th goal of the season.
  • Carolina put their power play chances to use with two goals at both 13:04 and then at 17:24. Both goals were back-handers, the first one from Eric Staal (his 19th goal of the season) and the second from Tim Brent (his 9th goal of the season).
  • Bryan Allen would add salt to the wound with a goal at 1:28 in the 3rd, sending the Hurricanes up 4-2 over the Predators. As added insult to injury, the wrist shot past Lindback was Allen’s first goal of the season.
  • Rookie Gabriel Bourque would breathe life into the Predators at 2:18 with a wrist shot for his 4th goal of the season. Jordin Tootoo and David Legwand assisted on the rookie’s goal.
  • Unfortunately, the Predators just could catch enough momentum to snag an extra goal to tie the game and at least seal one point. The Carolina Hurricanes are now 24-26-13 on the season, the Predators 37-20-7.
  • Anders Lindback took over for Pekka Rinne tonight, blocking 29 of 33 shots on goal. Although Anders let a few slip by, quite a few were mistakes by the defense. The Predators were out-shot (surprised?) by the Carolina Hurricanes 33 to 29.
  • Unlike last night’s game, the Predators spent way too much time adding penalty minutes to their times sheet, with six penalties compared to Carolina’s one. Here are the six offenders of the bench:
  1. Jack Hillen – 1st Period 9:16 – Holding
  2. David Legwand – 1st Period 19:00 – Hi-Sticking
  3. Colin Wilson – 2nd Period 0.55 – Too Many Men/Ice
  4. Andrei Kostitsyn – 2nd Period 12:52 – Hooking
  5. Shea Weber – 2nd Period 17:13 – Hooking
  6. Mike Fisher – 3rd Period 8:50 – Hooking

The Predators have a few days to recuperate themselves before hitting the ice in sunny Miami on Saturday night where they will be faced with an old friend, Jerred Smithson.

On a lighter note from tonight’s game, Jordin Tootoo will be hosting another radio show tomorrow night with special guests Colin Wilson and Brandon Yip! You know you don’t want to miss that one, right?

Until then,
GO PREDS.

(Photo credit: Grant Halverson/Getty Images)

Preds Win with Both Trade Deadline and against L.A. Kings

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Patric Hornqvist returns to the lineup on fire with his 18th goal of the season.

NEVER ENOUGH KOSTITSYNS:

The NHL Trade Deadline may have ended at 2PM yesterday, but that didn’t mean the day ended for the Nashville Predators. Although Nashville was thought to be in the running for Blue Jackets captain, Rick Nash, Predators GM David Poile had other plans up his sleeves.

David Poile surprised many Preds fans with the trade agreement between the Montreal Canadiens for Andrei Kostitsyn, Sergei’s older brother. Andrei had expressed interest in wanting to be traded to Nashville, but because everyone’s minds were on the Nash-to-Nash situation, no one saw this one coming. The Predators and the Canadiens came to an agreement that, along with the conditional trade that came along with Hal Gill, the Predators would give up a 2nd Round Draft pick for 2013.

Poile made a last minute trade with the Buffalo Sabres, picking up Forward Paul Gaustad for a 1st Round pick in this year’s draft, another unexpected move. If you can remember the Ryan Miller/Jordin Tootoo incident from December 3rd, you might recall a certain player who attacked Jordin Tootoo afterwards and had it out for Anders Lindback. If you guessed Paul Gaustad, you are correct. Although tension will probably cease now that the three are teammates, but it is still a little awkward.

Although most fans, if not all, were blinded by the Nash-to-Nash possible trade (we definitely were), these two additions to the Nashville Predators may (and will most likely have to be) the key to keeping both Ryan Suter and Shea Weber in the gold sweaters. We won’t dive into that controversy right now. However, what’s most important is that these two additions will help the Predators advance to the Stanley Cup.

ON TO THE GAME:

  • Ryan Ellis was called up for last night’s game against the Kings, making many fans think Jack Hillen, if any Predator, would be on the fence during the Trade Deadline. Hillen made it past 2PM and got some ice time, making a Pekka-like save in front of the goal, preventing a clear goal from the Kings. Kevin Klein was the surprising scratch (along with Ellis) and Brian McGrattan is still sitting pretty on the IR.
  • Rookie Roman Josi got the ball rolling at the end of the 1st (18:27), sending a wrist shot past Jonathan Quick for his 4th goal of the season. David Legwand and Gabriel Bourque picked up the assists on Josi’s goal.
  • Patric Hornqvist wasted no time putting his team up 2-0 at 3:52 in the 2nd, sending a wrist shot of his own past Quick for his 18th goal of the season. David Legwand picked up his second assist of the night and Sergei Kostitsyn picked up one as well.
  • The Kings would prevent the Predators from shutting them out at 16:36 in the third with wrist shot from Dustin Brown, his 18th goal of the season.
  • Pekka Rinne saw one of his best nights of the season, blocking 30 of 31 shots on goal. The Predators were also out-shot 31 to 28, adding to their NHL record.
  • The Predators and the Kings both only faced one penalty kill each, with Gabriel Bourque facing a tripping penalty at 4:37 in the 2nd Period.

The Predators are off to Raleigh to face the 23-26-13 Carolina Hurricanes on Tuesday night, but they will have Andrei Kostitsyn and Paul Gaustad in tow. Will they blow the Hurricanes out of the water? The puck drops at 6PM!

Until then,
GO PREDS.

San Jose no Match for Predators, Nashville Wins 6-2

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The Predators come out looking like a new team against the San Jose Sharks on Saturday.

After a tough loss on Thursday, the Predators needed a good game against Conference rivals, the San Jose Sharks last night to get the momentum going again. Last night’s game was more than just good, it was played by a Predators team that needs to come out more often. A ton of changes came about this week with the Predators, but the chemistry amongst the players last night was incredible. Here are the highlights from last night’s win in the Music City:

BUSY TWO DAYS FOR NASHVILLE:

  • Before getting to last night’s game, there was an interesting and surprising trade on Friday between the Predators and the Florida Panthers. Veteran Predator Jerred Smithson was traded to the Panthers for a 6th Round Pick in this year’s NHL Draft. It was pretty clear no Predators fan saw this one coming. Although we are sad to lose such a key player, we are happy that Smithson will have more playing time and opportunity with Florida. We wish him the best with the Panthers!
  • Also on Friday, though not as surprising, rookie sensation Ryan Ellis was sent back to Milwaukee to play a few games with the Admirals. Trotz had said it had nothing to do with his performance, just needed the space for the newly acquired Hal Gill and to get Jack Hillen some ice time. Ryan Ellis will more than likely be back with the Predators soon.
  • Yet another surprising move by the Predators, Nashville presented a trade to the Columbus Blue Jackets for a certain key player, Rick Nash. The Predators offered up Colin Wilson, Ryan Ellis, Teemu Laakso and a first round pick for the Blue Jackets’ captain, but CJB has stated that they did not want to trade Nash to a rival Central Division team. As such, CBJ and Nash have not agreed nor denied Nashville’s trade offer, so we will keep you up-to-date with this information as it comes.

ON TO THE GAME:

  • Patric Hornqvist returned to the lineup last night after spending a few games on the IR. Brian McGrattan was still missing from the ice, along with Jack Hillen.
  • The Predators wasted no time getting the ball rolling, with Colin Wilson scoring his 14th goal of the season with a wrist shot past Thomas Greiss. Assisted only by Jordin Tootoo, was this Wilson’s way of saying he doesn’t want to leave Nashville? Or was this proving to CBJ how good he is?
  • Shea Weber capitalized on Wilson’s goal by scoring one of his own at 3:23, his 13th goal of the season. Martin Erat and Sergei Kostitsyn picked up the assists on Weber’s goal.
  • San Jose would finally make an appearance at 10:58 with a wrist shot by Patrick Marleau, his 26th goal of the season.
  • Kevin Klein would silence Marleau’s goal at five minutes later at 15:58 with a snap shot of his own for his 4th goal of the season. It was thought to be Patric Hornqvist’s goal, but inevitably given to Klein. Roman Josi and Mike Fisher picked up the assists.
  • Brandon Yip dropped the gloves with Tommy Wingels for his first fight in a Predators sweater. Yip got a few good punches in, but Wingels was able to throw Brandon to the ground. Here’s the video from the elbow throws:
  • San Jose surprised Nashville by scoring 23 seconds into the 2nd with a goal from Joe Pavelski for his 23rd goal of the season.
  • Shea Weber picked up his second goal of the night at 12:04 on the powerplay with his signature slap shot, picking up his 14th goal of the season. David Legwand and Ryan Suter both picked up the assists from Weber’s goal.
  • The third period belong to Nashville, with an empty-netter at 18:00 by Martin Erat for his 14th goal of the season. We need to send out a congratulations to both Erat and his wife with the birth of a baby boy! Gabriel Bourque and Roman Josi picked up the assists on Erat’s empty-netter.
  • Nick Spaling added salt to San Jose’s wound at 19:18 with a snap shot to seal the game, his tenth goal of the season. Jordin Tootoo and Colin Wilson picked up the assists.
  • The Predators prove why they are 1st in the league with this particular stat: The Predators were out-shot 34 to 21, yet still managed to beat the Sharks 6-2 in regulation.
  • The Predators not only won the game, but also won their 17th sellout of this season. The Predators are expected to surpass 20 sellouts, a record that was set back in the 1999-2000 season.
  • The Predators faced quite a few penalties last night, but were able to capitalize on one of San Jose’s misfortunes. The Sharks, although given four chances on the power play, were not able to sneak a goal passed Pekka to score. Here are the four Preds who took some time in the penalty box:
  1. Brandon Yip – 17:22 1st Period – Fighting
  2. Hal Gill – 13:22 2nd Period – Tripping
  3. Roman Josi – 3:28 3rd Period – Tripping
  4. Francis Bouillon – 9:39 3rd Period – Tripping

The Predators dominated the San Jose Sharks with a kind of momentum they should have brought against St. Louis on Thursday night. With this win, the Predators are now 36-19-7 on the season and expect to be 37-19-7 on Monday with a hopeful win over the L.A. Kings.

With the NHL Trade Deadline looming overhead, will CBJ accept the potential trade offer from the Predators? Personally, it makes us nervous. Although Nash is a big contender in the NHL and would be a great gain for the Predators, the loss of three players (and a 1st round pick) for just one could be a risk, costly move for the Predators (resulting in the loss of Ryan Suter and/or Shea Weber in the end). However, as stated before, CBJ is not looking to trade within the division, but if no other good offers are made, Columbus may just take the bait.

The Predators welcome the L.A. Kings tomorrow for a rare Monday night game, then Nashville is off to take on the Carolina Hurricanes.

Until then,
GO PREDS.