Tag: nashville predators

The Blues come out Singing, Predators lose 3-2 in SO

Leave a comment

Rookie Roman Josi finds the back of the net for his third goal of the season.

The Predators welcomed division rival St. Louis Blues to Nashville Thursday night, seeking to extend their winning streak to three. However, the Blues were just as hungry (if not more) than the Predators, seeking to finally take the almighty Predators down for this first time this season. Here are the highlights from Thursday night’s game in Smashville:

KEY POINTS:

  • Although Patric Hornqvist and Brian McGrattan are still feeling the effects of their upper-body injuries, both players are expected to play on Saturday against the San Jose Sharks. Jack Hillen and rookie Ryan Ellis were the two scratches for the night.
  • It was clear from the get-go that the St. Louis Blues were looking for a win in Nashville, controlling the puck for the majority of the 1st period. The Blues wasted no time gaining the lead at 4:13 with a wrist shot past Pekka from Chris Stewart, his 13th goal of the season. The Predators would trail the Blues into the second period 1-0.
  • Barry Trotz must have given the team an “intermission intervention”, for the second period looked much better for the Predators than the first period did. Rookie Roman Josi found the back of the net at 2:53, tying the game 1-1 for this third goal of the season. Roman was assisted by Brandon Yip (2) and Matt Halischuk (9).
  • Colin Wilson would give the Predators the lead at 12:52 with a backhanded goal, his 13th goal of the season. Wilson was assisted by Jordin Tootoo (20) and Nick Spaling (9).
  • The Predators did not have long to celebrate, for at 13:26 saw a goal from St. Louis’s Vladimir Sobotka, his 4th goal of the season. The two Central Division rivals would end the second period tied at 2.
  • The third period resulted in no goals from either team, thus tossing the game into overtime. After five minutes, neither team was able to produce a goal (plenty of close calls, though), sending the game into a shootout. Here is the shootout play-by-play:
  1. ST. LOUIS – T.J. Oshie – GOAL
  2. NASHVILLE – Colin Wilson – SAVE
  3. ST. LOUIS – Andy McDonald – GOAL
  4. NASHVILLE – Martin Erat – MISS
  • The St. Louis Blues managed to steal the win in the shootout over the Predators, their first win of the season against Nashville. Nashville was able to out-shoot the Blues 27 to 24, but Jaroslav Halak was able to block more goals than Pekka Rinne.
  • Neither team was able to use their powerplays successfully, although there was only one amongst both teams. Hal Gill was sent to the box at 9:26 in the second period for delaying the game.

The Blues left Nashville with the two points, but Nashville was able to get away with one point, which is much better than losing in regulation. It was clear that the Predators did not have their heads in the game – either they assumed a win against the Blues or they were just completely out of it – and the St. Louis Blues took complete advantage of the situation at hand.

The Predators continue the home stretch against the San Jose Sharks on Saturday, who are 32-21-6 on the season and are 2nd in the Pacific Conference.

Until then,
GO PREDS.

Revenge is Sweet: Predators take out Canucks 3-1

Leave a comment

Mike Fisher continues to dominate as the race for the playoffs tightens.

The Vancouver Canucks are always able to draw a crowd in Nashville, only because of a building rivalry between the two Western Conference teams (and the fact Vancouver is mostly despised around these parts). After losing a in the shootout on February 7th against the Canucks, the Predators were itching to seek revenge against the Canucks at home. Here are the highlights from last night’s game:

KEY POINTS:

  • Mike Fisher wasn’t gone for long, quickly fighting off his bout with the flu. Brian McGrattan and Patric Hornqvist aren’t as lucky, still feeling the effects of their upper-body injuries, though Horny was seen on the ice during the morning skate. Jack Hillen and Chris Mueller were the healthy scratches for the night.
  • The first period was a nail-biter, with both teams putting the pressure on Luongo and Rinne in the nets. Neither team was able to produce a goal during the first, but the Canucks took 12 shots to the Predators’ 11 shots on goal.
  • The Predators struck gold first with power play goal from Mike Fisher at 5:42, his 18th goal of the season. He was assisted by Ryan Suter and Martin Erat.
  • Sergei Kostitsyn was awarded a beautiful short-handed goal at 13:16 for his 15th goal of the season. He was assisted by Mike Fisher and newcomer, Hal Gill.
  • The Canucks finally hit the board at 16:52 with a backhanded goal from Dale Weise, his 4th goal of the season. The 2nd period would end with the Predators up 2-1.
  • Similar to the first period, the 3rd period started out as a nail-biter as well. That was, until David Legwand hit a slap shot past Luongo at 17:09 for his 14th goal of the season. Leggy was assisted by Martin Erat and Mike Fisher.
  • Alex Burrows celebrated his 500th game on Tuesday night and got a little cocky somewhat. What do we mean? Well, he tried to take on Shea Weber. Unfortunately, no video could be found, but Burrows did a little pushing and Weber did a little tackling. Congrats on your 500th, Alex!
  • The Canucks ended up out-shooting the Predators 33 to 28, but Pekka Rinne was able to block 32 of those shots. Should we expect anything less? However, expect to see Anders Lindback in goal sometime soon…
  • Did you happen to notice we said Chris Mueller was scratched? Yes, the Predators called Milwaukee Admiral Chris Mueller up for the night, just as precaution. Unfortunately, Mueller got a free flight to Nashville for the night and was back at this airport this morning.
  • The Predators had more penalty kills than the Canucks, but luckily, Nashville was able to capitalize on one of Vancouver’s, and… one of their own? Short-handed goals are a slap in the face to the opposing team, and Sergei slapped the Canucks hard. Here are the three Preds who faced the penalty box:
  1. Colin Wilson – 8:35 2nd Period – Hooking
  2. Francis Bouillon – 12:29 2nd Period – Tripping
  3. Shea Weber – 19:23 2nd Period – Roughing

The Predators got the sweet revenge that they sought after, but the team doesn’t have much time to celebrate. The St. Louis Blues are on their way to Nashville and now they are seeking the revenge, having lost every game this season against the Predators. The puck drops at 7PM and, don’t forget, it’s college night!

Until then,
GO PREDS.

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

Hal Gill makes Debut, Predators overthrow Stars 3-2

Leave a comment

Hal Gill makes his debut with Nashville in Dallas tonight.

The Predators were a little distraught after losing to the Red Wings with five seconds left in the game on Friday night, giving Detroit its 22nd consecutive home game win. The Predators didn’t have time to dwell on their loss, though because they were quickly sent off to Dallas to take on the Stars, a team they had yet to seal a win against this season. However, the Predators had just acquired a potential killing machine on Friday afternoon and he stands at 6’7″… Here are the highlights from tonight’s game:

KEY POINTS:

  • Defenseman Hal Gill made his debut with Nashville tonight in Dallas, sporting the white and gold. At 6’7″, he made Jordin Tootoo look like he was skating with Goliath during the game. #75 is very hard to miss on the ice.
  • Patric Hornqvist and Brian McGrattan are still lingering on the IR, hopefully healing quickly. In a surprise scratch is Mike Fisher, who is currently suffering from the flu. Jack Hillen was also scratched from tonight.
  • Dallas got the ball rolling at 6:49 in the first period with a wrist shot from Michael Ryder, his 23rd goal of the season.
  • At 15:39, rookie Gabriel Bourque tied it up 1-1, his third goal of the season. David Legwand and Matt Halischuk pick up the assists.
  • In an outstanding goal, Shea Weber was able to put the Predators up 2-1 with just one second left in the 1st at 19:59. This was his 12th goal of the season with Ryan Suter and Sergei Kostitsyn picking up the assists.
  • The 2nd period only produced one goal, and luckily it was from Colin Wilson at 16:05 with a backhanded goal passed Kari Lehtonen, his 12th goal of the season. Jordin Tootoo and goalie Pekka Rinne gain the assists.
  • The Predators held the lead at 3-1 until 15:11 in the third, when Alex Goligoski knocked a wrist shot passed Pekka for his eight goal of the season. Even with the Stars on the power play with the last minute in the game and an empty net, it just wasn’t enough for the Stars to tie up the game, giving the Predators their first win in Dallas this season 3-2.
  • The Stars out shot the Predators 24 to 21, but Pekka was able to stop 22 of them and managed to pick up an assist, his third this season. Newcomer Hal Gill was the only penalty for the Predators at 17:55 in the third due to a tripping call. It put the Predators in a sticky situation, but the team was able to hold out for the win.

The Predators head back to Nashville to take on the ever-so-lovely Vancouver Canucks on Tuesday night. The Predators fell in the shootout the last time Vancouver came to visit the Music City, so the Predators definitely do not want another loss to the Sedin twins on their own home turf.

Check out our events page for all the fun that is going on this week! A public skate at Bridgestone, a Jordin Tootoo Show, and a meet and greet!

Until then,
GO PREDS.

(Photo credit of: Glenn James/NHLI via Getty Images)

Preds Player Profile: Hal Gill

Leave a comment

Welcome to Smashville, Gill!

Defenseman Hal Gill will take the ice tonight with his new teammates of the Nashville Predators against the Dallas Stars tonight. Gill has been apart of the NHL for quite a while, so to celebrate his arrival to the Predators, let’s get you a little aquatinted with the 36 year old!

Hal Gill was born in Concord, Massachusetts on April 6, 1975. The 6’7″ defenseman was drafted by the Boston Bruins in the 8th Round (207th overall) in the 1993 NHL Draft, but spent four years playing at Providence College. Before entering college, Gill was a well-known quarterback for Nashoba Regional High School in Bolton, MA!

Hal Gill finally hit the NHL during the 1997-98 season with the Bruins and played over 600 regular-season games with Boston before turning to Lukko in the Finnish SM-liiga league when the 2004-05 NHL season was in lock out. In July of 2006, Gill was picked up by the Toronto Maple Leafs, averaging his best numbers in his career. In February of 2008, Hal Gill was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins for a second round draft pick in the 2008 Draft and a fifth round pick in the 2009 NHL Draft.

While in Pittsburgh, Hal Gill picked up what could possibly be the most important aspect to the Nashville Predators. On June 12, 2009, Hal Gill held up the Stanley Cup after defeating the Detroit Red Wings. Less than a month later, Gill signed a two-year, $4.5 million contract with the Montreal Canadiens. He would then resign for another year during the 2010-11 season.

And then that leads to Nashville! On February 17, 2012, Nashville traded Blake Geoffrion, Robert Slaney, and a second-round pick for both Gill and a conditional fifth-round pick in the 2012 NHL Draft.

Hal Gill grew up in Bolton, Massachusetts and has three children (son, two daughters) with wife, Anne.

Other notable facts about Hal Gill include:

  • Ranks 14th in the NHL with 122 block shots this season.
  • Played 53 games this season with the Canadiens, eight points (1 goal, 7 assists) and 29 penalty minutes.
  • Ranks 3rd in the league’s penalty killers.
  • Played his 1,000 game with the Canadiens on October 20, 2011 against former team the Pittsburgh Penguins.
  • Appeared back-to-back in the Stanley Cup finals in 2008 and 2009, winning with the Penguins in 2009.
  • Sergei Kostitsyn was a fellow teammate during the 2009-10 season at Montreal.

Hal Gill brings with him to Nashville stamina and experience, exactly what the Predators need amongst the young, rookie-filled team. With his Stanley Cup win under his belt, Gill will provide the knowledge the Predators need to claw closer to the ultimate prize in the NHL.

Welcome to Nashville, Hal Gill!

Until then,
GO PREDS.

(Photo credit of: Ronald Martinez/Getty Images North America)

Datsyuk’s last Second Goal saves Wings, Preds lose 2-1

Leave a comment

Pavel Datsyuk keeps the game from going into overtime at 19:54.

This is one of the few and rare times we will use a picture of the opposing team to headline our post game write-ups. However, Detroit’s Pavel Datsyuk gets the rare opportunity only because he kept the game from going into overtime and sealing Detroit’s 22nd consecutive home game win. The Predators and the Red Wings both put up a tough fight, but it was Datsyuk’s 19:54 goal that saved the Red Wings in the end. Here are the highlights from last night’s game in the Motor City:

KEY POINTS:

  • Patric Hornqvist has now been placed on the IR due to his upper-body injury. Brian McGrattan is also feeling the effects of his injury, finding himself once again on the scratched list. Jack Hillen was also scratched from the game also.
  • Bittersweet news for the Predators on Friday as the Predators and the Montreal Canadiens came to a trade agreement. The Predators acquired defensemen Hal Gill, but for the price of a one Blake Geoffrion along with Milwaukee Admiral Robert Slaney. Along with Gill, the Predators were also given a conditional 5th round pick in this year’s draft. Gill met with his new teammates last night in Detroit, but will officially dawn the gold jersey against the Dallas Stars on Sunday night.
  • Both teams pushed hard in the first period, giving both goalies a run for their money. It was Johan Franzen who struck a nerve first at 12:44 with a wrist shot passed Pekka, his twenty-third goal of the season.
  • The second period only produced one goal as well, but this time under the Predators’ control. At 14:58, Nick Spaling gained his ninth goal of the season with a wrist shot passed Joey MacDonald. Spals was assisted by solely by Jordin Tootoo.
  • After 19 minutes of back and forth play, it seemed as if the game was going to go into overtime. Pavel Datsyuk had different intentions, tripping up the Predators, and wrist shooting one right passed Pekka to seal the 22nd consecutive home game for the Detroit Red Wings, extending their record-setting achievement. Sadly, yet another thing for Red Wing fans to run their mouths about…
  • Pekka did exceptionally well, as always, blocking 29 of 31 shots on goal. Also, only one Predator found time in the penalty box, which was rookie Ryan Ellis in the 1st period with a hooking penalty.

Since the All-Star break, the Predators have been lacking just a wee bit in the winning department, still looking a little groggy from that one week of freedom. However, with the recent acquiring of veteran Hal Gill, the Predators might (and hopefully) get a good grip of playoff potential reality.

The Predators continue their trek against Western Conference rivals on Sunday against the Dallas Stars at 6PM. The Predators have not been able to take out the Stars at all this season, so a nice win in Dallas might just be what the Predators need to get back on the winning train.

Until then,
GO PREDS.

Preds break Chicago’s Heart with Win 3-2

Leave a comment

Jordin Tootoo shows Nashville his love after the game on Tuesday.

The Predators and the Chicago Blackhawks aren’t exactly sweethearts, so for the two division rivals to come together on Valentine’s Day meant someone would be leaving the Bridgestone Arena with a broken heart. Both teams were coming into this game with a few losses under their belts, the Predators with three straight losses, the Blackhawks with an outrageous eight straight losses. Needless to say for the Blackhawks, a win in the Music City would be essential for their run for the playoffs, but the Predators don’t give up home games easily…
Here are the highlights from Tuesday’s game:

KEY POINTS

  • Jack Hillen and Brian McGrattan found no love on Tuesday night, with both players being scratched for the game. Patric Hornqvist was also scratched due to an upper-body injury.
  • Both teams came out strong in the first, putting pressure on both goalies. Ryan Suter got the ball rolling late in the 1st period with a snap shot at 18:20, his seventh goal of the season. He was assisted by Sergei Kostitsyn and Mike Fisher.
  • Chicago didn’t give the Predators a chance to celebrate though as Bryan Bickell sent a wrist shot passed Pekka Rinne, his sixth goal of the season. The Predators and Blackhawks ended the first period tied 1-1.
  • The 2nd period was relatively quietly until late at 17:21 with a tip-in from Nick Spaling, his eight goal of the season. He was assisted by Ryan Ellis and Jordin Tootoo.
  • Marian Hossa made sure to make the Predators sweat in the third period, with a wrist shot at 6:05, his 21st goal of the season.
  • Rookie Ryan Ellis silenced the Blackhawks at 14:18 with a slap shot passed Ray Emery, his third goal of the season. He was assisted by veteran David Legwand.
  • Pekka was on his A-Game once again, blocking 30 of 32 shots on goal. No power play goals were allowed during this game, but both the Predators and the Blackhawks gave each other plenty of opportunities. Here are the three culprits on the penalty box:
  1.  Mike Fisher – 3:51 1st Period – Hooking
  2. Martin Erat – 9:03 1st Period – Holding
  3. Roman Josi – 13:50 2nd Period – Tripping

 

The Predators end their three-game losing streak with the 3-2 win over the Blackhawks, extending Chicago’s losing streak to nine. The Predators will take two days off and head North to the Motor City to take on another Western Conference foe, the Detroit Red Wings on Friday at 6:30PM.

Until then,
GO PREDS.

Predators Face 3rd Loss in a Row, Fall to Bruins 4-3 in Shootout

Leave a comment

Shea Weber scored the first goal for the Predators, but was it enough?

The Predators hoped to shrug off the past two losses with a trip to Bean Town to face the 2011 Stanley Cup champs, the Boston Bruins this afternoon. However, similar to the Ottawa situation, Boston was coming off a nasty previous loss, one where they lost 6-0 to the Buffalo Sabres. As such, the Bruins were seeing red and the Predators, although in white, blue, and gold, might as well should have been wearing giant targets on their chests. With 17,565 in attendance, could the Predators knock out the reining Stanley Cup champs and seal the win? Here are the highlights from today’s noon start game in Boston:

KEY POINTS

  • A surprise in the scratch department, silent but deadly Matt Halischuk was scratched, along with rookie Ryan Ellis. This meant the usual Brandon Yip and Jack Hillen finally got some ice time, but sadly, Brian McGrattan was scratched yet again.
  • Both teams battled back and forth until 16:00 in the first when Boston’s Patrice Bergeron hit a wrist shot passed Pekka Rinne on a shorthanded goal for his 16th goal of the season. The Predators and the Bruins would ended the first period 1-0.
  • The Predators caught up at 7:32 when Shea Weber used the power play to his advantage and nailed his one-of-a-kind slap shot passed Tim Thomas, his 11th goal of the season. Ryan Suter picked up the assist on Weber’s goal. The Bruins and the Predators would end the 2nd period tied at 1.
  • The Bruins wasted no time in the third, with a backhand goal from Daniel Paille, his 9th goal of the season.
  • Patric Hornqvist waited until 9:33 to slip a wrist shot passed Tim Thomas for his 17th goal of the season, tying the game at 2. Sergei Kostitsyn and goalie Pekka Rinne picked up the two assists.
  • Mike Fisher finally put the Predators up and over the Bruins at 16:28 with a backhanded goal of his own, his 17th goal of the season. Patric Hornqvist and Francis Bouillon picked up the assists on Fisher’s goal.
  • At 18:53, Milan Lucic was able to tie the game by sending a wrist shot passed Pekka Rinne, his 20th goal of the season. Neither team was able to score again in regulation, thus throwing the game into overtime.
  • Both Boston and Nashville fought back and forth during overtime, but neither time was able to get one passed the goalies to end the game. Here is the shootout play-by-play:
  1. BOSTON – David Krejci – SAVED BY RINNE
  2. NASHVILLE – Sergei Kostitsyn – SAVED BY THOMAS
  3. BOSTON – Tyler Seguin – GOAL
  4. NASHVILLE – Martin Erat – SAVED BY THOMAS
  5. BOSTON – Patrice Bergeron – GOAL
  • With two successful sweeps passed Pekka, Boston sealed the 2-points and the game, leaving the Predators to hang their heads and tuck tail back to Nashville. Although Nashville slipped away with one point, now is not the time to go on a losing streak. This is the 3rd game in a row the Predators have lost 4-3 and, although it could be worse, a loss is a loss.
  • Although it’s easy to blame Pekka, he honestly hasn’t done anything different. He was able to block 38 of 41 shots on goal, which is pretty outstanding. It all plays back to the Predators defense and shots, neither of which we want to delve into at this moment.
  • The Predators were given three power play opportunities, one of which they were able to capitalize on. Unfortunately, the Predators were able to give Boston two power play goals out of four chances. Here are the penalty takers:
  1. Mike Fisher – 10:37 1st Period – Hooking
  2. Craig Smith – 13:02 1st Period – Too many Men/Ice
  3. Sergei Kostitsyn – 10:30 2nd Period – Interference
  4. Sergei Kostitsyn – 17:42 3rd Period – Tripping

The Predators head home with a third loss hanging over their heads and hope to start back on a winning streak when division rival the Chicago Blackhawks come to town on Valentine’s Day. As stated before, there’s never a good time to have a losing streak, but with the battle for division and conference leaders at steak, now is really not the time. We can only hope for the best on Tuesday.

Until then,
GO PREDS.

(Photo credit: Doug Pensinger/Getty Images North America)

No Love for Nashville in Ottawa, Preds fall to Senators 4-3

Leave a comment

Gabriel Bourque scores his second goal with the Predators in Ottawa.

After the tough loss at home on Tuesday night, the Predators packed up and headed East to the capital of Canada to face to Ottawa Senators. Former Ottawa Senator, Mike Fisher, was given a standing ovation by the home crowd, his first game back in Ottawa since being traded to the Predators. Fisher spent his first 11 years of his NHL career in Ottawa and is missed dearly in Ottawa, but Nashville is happier to have him. Would the arrival of Mike Fisher mean the Senators would go soft on the Predators? Absolutely not. After losing seven straight games, the Senators were itching for a weak spot in the Predators and were able to capitalize on it, winning in regulation 4-3. Here are the highlights from Thursday’s game in Ottawa:

KEY POINTS:

  • Brandon Yip, Jack Hillen, and Brian McGrattan were all scratched for Thursday’s game, the typical bunch. Again, McGrattan could have livened up the game a bit, we think.
  • Ottawa wasted no time adding points to the board with a wrist shot passed Pekka Rinne at 4:46 by Jason Spezza, his 21st goal of the season.
  • Fourteen minutes later, the Predators would put the pressure on Ottawa, with a wrist shot from rookie Gabriel Bourque at 18:46, his second goal of the season and as a Nashville Predator. He was assisted by Jordin Tootoo and Ryan Suter.
  • Ottawa’s Chris Phillips would put the Senators up 2-1 at 7:50 in the second period with a wrist shot passed Pekka, his first goal of the season.
  • Patric Hornqvist would tie the game for the Predators once again at 12:40 on the power play, his 16th goal of the season. He was assisted by Ryan Suter and Martin Erat.
  • Ottawa would end the second period with the lead 3-2 at 18:55 with a tip-in by Jason Spezza, giving him his second goal of the night and his 22nd overall.
  • At 13:35, Chris Phillips would capitalize on his second goal of the night and his second overall with a wrist shot, sending the Senators up 4-2.
  • Martin Erat would gain the remaining goal for the Predators at 19:50, his 13th goal of the season. He was alone in his goal.
  •  Pekka Rinne made some amazing saves during this game, but let a few weak shots in the net. He was able to block 25 of 29 shots on goal.
  • The Predators took plenty of penalties during the game with six, whereas the Senators took five. The Predators were able to use one of the power plays to their advantage, but the Senators were able to use two of Nashville’s. Here are the guys who took the unnecessary penalties:
  1. Sergei Kostitsyn – 1:40 2nd Period – Holding
  2. Nick Spaling – 3:28 2nd Period – Tripping
  3. Francis Bouillon – 8:32 2nd Period – Hi-Sticking
  4. Martin Erat – 18:49 2nd Period – Hooking
  5. David Legwand – 11:55 3rd Period – Slashing
  6. David Legwand – 14:22 3rd Period – Hooking

This was the second straight loss for the Predators since December 23rd against Dallas and December 26th against the Red Wings.  The Predators will continue in the Eastern Conference on Saturday as they take on the defending Stanley Cup champs, the Boston Bruins in Boston at a special noon start.

Until then,
GO PREDS.

(Photo credit: Doug Pensinger/Getty Images North America)

Vancouver Scrapes by with Win in Nashville, Preds lose 4-3 in Shoot Out

Leave a comment

Colin Wilson gets the first goal for the Preds, but can't seal the win in the shootout.

The Nashville Predators welcome the always favored Vancouver Canucks to Music City on Tuesday night, hoping to continue their defeat of Western Conference rivals after the All-Star break. The Canucks, however, weren’t going to leave Nashville quietly, and both teams battled through regulation, overtime, and ultimately into a shootout.  Unfortunately for the Predators, it was the Canucks who slipped by with 2-point win, their 33rd win of the season, 4-3 in SO. Here are the highlights from Tuesday’s game against the Vancouver Canucks:

KEY POINTS:

  • The usuals found themselves scratched Tuesday night and that would be Jack Hillen, Gabriel Bourque, and the fighter himself, Brian McGrattan. Personally, we would have liked to see Big Ern take out Dan Hamhuis (boo) or Alex Burrows (oh heck, the whole team).
  • Both teams started out strong, but Vancouver struck first at 11:42 on the power play from Ryan Kesler, his 17th goal of the season. Both Alex Burrows and Dan Hamhuis (boo) assisted on the snap shot passed Pekka Rinne.
  • The Predators didn’t let the Canucks celebrate the 1-0 lead long, when Colin Wilson sent his own snap shot passed Roberto Luongo at 13:47, his 11th goal of the season. David Legwand and Patric Hornqvist picked up the assists.
  • Vancouver would return the pressure at 18:21 with a slap shot from Byron Bitz, his first goal of the season.
  • About 20 seconds later, the Canucks would score once more at 18:44 from Daniel Sedin, his 23rd goal of the season.
  • The Predators wasted no time in the second catching up the Canucks, with a tip-in from Sergei Kostitsyn at 4:14, his 14th goal of the season. Kevin Klein and Martin Erat assisted on the goal.
  • One minute later, at 5:16, Mike Fisher tied the game with a wrist shot passed Luongo, his 16th goal of the season. Captain Shea Weber picked up the only assist.
  • The third period produced no goals, but both teams fought hard for the winning goal. Overtime was basically the same as the third periods, with neither team able to seal the game, thus throwing the game into a shootout situation. Here is how the shootout played out:
  1. VANCOUVER – Mason Raymond – MISS
  2. NASHVILLE – Sergei Kostitsyn – SAVED BY LUONGO
  3. VANCOUVER – Ryan Kesler – SAVED BY RINNE
  4. NASHVILLE – Martin Erat – MISS
  5. VANCOUVER – Alex Burrows – GOAL
  6. NASHVILLE – David Legwand – GOAL
  7. VANCOUVER – Daniel Sedin – MISS
  8. NASHVILLE – Mike Fisher – SAVED BY LUONGO
  9. VANCOUVER – Cody Hodgson – MISS
  10. NASHVILLE – Ryan Ellis – SAVED BY LUONGO
  11. VANCOUVER – Alexander Edler – GOAL
  12. NASHVILLE – Colin Wilson – MISS
  • After twelve rounds, the Canucks were able to knock the Predators off and gain the 2-point win, leaving Nashville a little victorious (Nashville still got one point out of the game).
  • Pekka Rinne was just as strong as ever, stopping 3 of 31 shots. The Predators were able to get 4o shots on goal, with twelve of those shots taken in the second period.
  • The Predators only gave the Canucks one power play chance and, unfortunately, Vancouver was able to capitalize on Brandon Yip’s slashing penalty in the first period. The Canucks gave the Predators four power play chances, but the Predators were unable to use any of them to their advantage.

The Predators definitely felt this comeback loss to the Canucks, but at least scraped by with one point, much better than none at all. The Predators take some time in the Eastern Conference and head to the capital of Canada to face the Ottawa Senators on Thursday night and then over to Bean Town on Saturday to take on the defending Stanley Cup champs, the Boston Bruins at a special 12PM start game.

Until then,
GO PREDS.

(Photo credit: Doug Pensinger/Getty Images North America)

St. Louis leaves Singing the Blues for Fourth Time in Smashville

Leave a comment

Sergei Kostitsyn sealed the game for the Predators with an empty-netter.

The Predators welcome the St. Louis Blues back to the Bridgestone Arena Saturday night, the fourth meeting this season between the two division rivals. Before this game, the Predators had already shutdown the Blues all three times, so St. Louis was itching to ruin the fourth try on Nashville’s home turf. Saturday’s game also welcomed a ton of fans from both sides, the 16th sellout of the season for the Predators. Here are the highlights from Saturday’s game:

KEY POINTS:

  • Even though he made the cover of Saturday’s Preds Press, Jack Hillen found himself amongst the scratched that night, along with Jerred Smithson (his thirty-third birthday, geez – no love) and rookie Gabriel Bourque.
  • The Blues came out a bit scrappy, eager to get the first goal on Pekka Rinne. However, St. Louis made a fatal mistake when David Perron took a hooking penalty, giving Martin Erat his 12th goal of the season with a slap shot passed Jaroslav Halak on the power play at 6:59. Both Patric Hornqvist and Ryan Suter assisted on the power play.
  • Mike Fisher wasted little time at 12:30 with a wrist shot in front of the net, sending the Predators up and over the Blues 2-0. Fisher’s 15th goal of the season was assisted by Sergei Kostitsyn and Martin Erat.
  • The second period produced no goals, but Brian McGrattan reminded Ryan Reaves who you should and shouldn’t drop the gloves against. Though the video is voiced by the St. Louis announcers (and of course they are going to go for Reaves), but anyone with a brain can tell you Big Ern put the little Blues player in his place. We put the video on our Facebook on Saturday, but here it is in case you missed it:
  • Chris Porter made up his fellow Blues players with a goal at 4:01 in the third, finally getting the St. Louis Blues on the board (Dang! No doughnut for us…), his 3rd goal of the season.
  • St. Louis would continue to push Pekka Rinne to his limits, but in the end, at 19:37 with a nice, clean pass from David Legwand, Sergei Kostitsyn sealed the empty-netter along with the game, his 13th goal of the season. Along with the assistance from Leggy, Martin Erat picked up an assist and his third point for the game.
  • Pekka Rinne has been on fire since the get-go, and these last few games have produced some new contortionist moves from the Finnish phenom, keeping expectant goals away from the net. How was he not an All-Star goalie again? Pekka was able to block an amazing 42 of 43 shots on goal (we wouldn’t expect any less).
  • The Blues and the Predators both faced their share of penalties, with the Predators capitalizing on one of three given to them. The Predators also gave the Blues three chances, and here are the culprits:
  1. Jordin Tootoo – 13:27 1st Period – Tripping (absolutely horrible call)
  2. Brian McGrattan – 8:49 2nd Period – Fighting (awesome beat down)
  3. Craig Smith – 8:49 3rd Period – Delaying the Game – Puck over Glass (he sure makes some silly mistakes)

Since the Predators dismantled the Blues and their thought of a win, Nashville is now 4-0-0 against the Blues this season, though each game has been nail-bitingly close. The Predators continue at home on Tuesday when they welcome the oh-so-lovable Vancouver Canucks to Nashville. The puck drops at 7PM!

Also, congrats to everyone who ran, walked, jogged, etc. today during the Predators Fangtastic 5K! Although it was raining, that didn’t stop 1400 fans from taking on the 3 miler! We jogged it, but still felt the burn the next day!

Until then,
GO PREDS.

(Photo credit: Frederick Breedon/Getty Images North America)