Tag: nashville predators

Winning Streak ends in Philly: Preds fall to Flyers 4-1

Leave a comment

Alternate Captain Ryan Suter with the only goal on the night.

Though the Predators started out sluggish against Minnesota on Tuesday night and tricked the Wild, the Philadelphia Flyers didn’t fall for the act tonight, squishing the Predators in the city of Brotherly Love 4-1. It was clear from tonight’s performance, the Predators were still not completely back from the week-long break and are struggling to regain their game time composure. Although a loss is disheartening in its own way, at least it will no affect the Predators on the Western front end. Here are the highlights from tonight’s game in Philly:

KEY POINTS:

  • Jerred Smithson and Francis Bouillon were back tonight after suffering from upper-body injuries. As a result, Brian McGrattan, Jack Hillen, and new kid Brandon Yip were all healthy scratches.
  • The first fifteen minutes were scoreless, with both teams putting decent pressure on both goals. Philly was able get the ball rolling first at 15:41 with a snap shot passed Lindback from Wayne Simmonds, his 14th goal of the season.
  • The Predators looked like they may have tied it a 1-1 with a shot from Weber, but due to his shot being deflected off of Craig Smith’s high stick, the goal was waved off.
  • Philly’s Matt Read would send the Flyers up 2-0 at 14:32 in the 2nd with a snap shot, his 16th goal of the season.
  • The Predators finally were able to slip one passed Ilya Bryzgalov with a wrist shot. A beautiful pass from Halischuk to Smith and finally to Suter sealed the goal. This was Ryan Suter’s 6th goal of the season.
  • The Flyers would silence the Predators at 15:19 with a another goal from Wayne Simmonds and then seal the game at 18:55 with an empty-netter from Claude Giroux, his 19th goal of the season.
  • Pekka Rinne took the night off to watch the game from the bench while backup goalie, Anders Lindback took the reins, blocking 24 of 27 shots on goal from the Flyers. Anders, although the losing goalie, made some key saves tonight, blocking the Flyers from accurately scoring more goals during tonight’s game.
  • The Predators and the Flyers both faced their share of penalties, with the Predators facing five and the Flyers facing six. Unforunately for the Predators, the Flyers were able to capitalize on two of the six, whereas the Preds were unsuccessful on all five. Here are the five offenders of the box:
  1.  Gabriel Bourque – 9:56 2nd Period – Too many men/ice
  2. Ryan Suter – 10:22 2nd Period – Delaying Game/Puck over Glass
  3. Francis Bouillon – 12:18 2nd Period – Roughing
  4. David Legwand – 12:18 2nd Period – Roughing
  5. Jerred Smithson – 14:44 3rd Period – Interference

The Predators didn’t exactly take this game too seriously and, even though the Flyers may be in the Eastern Conference and might not be a huge threat to the Preds at this particular moment, the playoffs will be a totally different matter. We, as fans, would not want this Preds team to show up against the Flyers in say, the Stanley Cup playoffs, now would we? Just a precautionary tale…

The Predators make their way back to Nashville to face the always pleasant St. Louis Blues Saturday night at 7PM. Don’t forget! The Nashville Predators Fangtastic 5K Run/Walk is going on that day and you can run/walk/jog, too! It’s $40 until Saturday, then $45. However, you get a ticket to Saturday’s game and a t-shirt (everyone loves t-shirts, right?)! You can get more information by visiting our EVENTS page!

Until then,
GO PREDS.

Bitter Beginning ends in Unbelievable Comeback for Preds, Win 5-4 over Wild

Leave a comment

Matt Halischuk has become a leader amongst the Preds this season.

What a bittersweet way to return from the All-Star Game week-long hiatus! If you missed tonight’s game (or changed the channel during the second period), you missed a win that was definitely in true Predators fashion. The first two periods were sluggish and disappointing for the Predators, but the third period truly heated up for the lazy Preds and hung a nice embarrassment over the heads of the Minnesota Wild, who clearly should have won this game. Here are the highlights from tonight’s game:

KEY POINTS:

  • Francis Bouillon and Jerred Smithson were both scratched tonight, still suffering from their upper-body injuries. Brian McGrattan was, of course, the healthy scratch for the night.
  • Both the Predators and the Wild started the game out sluggishly, but unfortunately for the Predators, the Wild woke up at 8:04, with a snap shot from Dany Heatley passed Pekka Rinne.
  • Minnesota would continue to outplay the sleepy Preds with another goal at 12:36, Heatley’s second goal of the night and 17th for the season.
  • The second period had many Preds fans turning the channel, as Cal Clutterbuck nailed a wrist shot passed Peks at 1:29, putting the Wild up 3-0.
  • Matt Halischuk was the first Predator to wake up, realizing their was a hockey game going on at 9:33 with a tip-in, his 12th goal of the season. Halischuk has become a silent, but deadly key player amongst the Predators this season and we expect even more to come as the season continues. Halischuk was assisted by Kevin Klein and Brandon Yip.
  • When Predators fans began to think their team might have a chance, Kyle Brodziak all but wiped that hope from many with a wrist shot just 16 seconds into the third period.
  • When all seemed lost for the Predators, the entire team woke up at 9:22 when the new kid, Brandon Yip sent a wrist shot passed Josh Harding. The goal was put under review for Toronto to check out. Thankfully, the big wigs played in the favor of the Preds and gave Yip his first goal as a Nashville Predator. Yip was assisted by Matt Halischuk and Craig Smith.
  • Patric Hornqvist gave fans hope at 16:39 with a wrist shot, his 15th goal of the season. He was assisted by Sergei Kostitsyn and Shea Weber.
  • Before the Wild announcers could even announce Hornqvist’s goal, Mike Fisher tied the game at 4-4 at 17:00, his 13th goal of the season. Fisher was assisted by Colin Wilson and Martin Erat.
  • Mike Fisher sealed the game (and sending almost ever Predators fan into a frenzy) at a lone wrist shot, his 14th goal of the season.
  • The Predators out-shot the Minnesota Wild 30 to 25, with 12 of their shots taken in the third alone. Although Peks was a little off during the first and second periods, he was able to 21 of 25 shots on goal (not bad from being away for a week).
  • The Predators and the Wild also faced two penalties a piece, but the Wild was the only team able to capitalize on the penalty. Here are the two Preds who sat out in the box:
  1. Shea Weber – 12:15 1st Period – Holding
  2.  Jordin Tootoo – 6:02 2nd Period – Roughing (with Cal Clutterbuck)

Again, terrible first two periods, but outstanding third by the Nashville Predators. But hey, we expect the pesky Preds to make these out-of-nowhere turnarounds every now and then, don’t we? The Predators lucked out against the Wild, who obviously thought they had the win in the bag when they were up 5-2 in the third period. However, the Philadelphia Flyers probably won’t be as oblivious to the Predators comebacks (the Wild really shouldn’t be surprised, either) and hopefully this was the wake-up call the Preds needed before getting back on a winning schedule.

The Predators head to Philadelphia on Thursday and take on the Flyers at 6:00PM.

Until then,
GO PREDS.

2012 All-Star Fantasy Draft Roster

2 Comments

2012 All-Star Game in Ottawa

The 2012 All-Star Game roster has been announced and, in case you missed where Suter, Weber, and Smith ended up, here are where your favorite Predators and favorite other hockey players ended up for the game on Sunday!

TEAM CHARA:
Forwards:
Joffrey Lupul – Toronto Maple Leafs
Pavel Datsyuk – Detroit Red Wings
Evgeni Malkin – Pittsburgh Penguins
Marian Hossa – Chicago Blackhawks
Corey Perry – Anaheim Ducks
Phil Kessel – Toronto Maple Leafs
Patrick Kane – Chicago Blackhawks
Jarome Iginla – Calgary Flames
Marian Gaborik – New York Rangers
Jordan Eberle – Edmonton Oilers
Jamie Benn – Dallas Stars

Defensemen:
Zdeno Chara (of course he’s on his own team) – Boston Bruins
Kimmo Timonen – Philadelphia Flyers
Ryan Suter – Nashville Predators
Brian Campbell – Florida Panthers
Dion Phaneuf – Toronto Maple Leafs
Dennis Wideman – Washington Capitals

Goalies:
Tim Thomas – Boston Bruins
Carey Price – Montreal Canadiens
Jimmy Howard – Detroit Red Wings

Rookies:
Luke Adam – Buffalo Sabres
Raphael Diaz – Montreal Canadiens
Colin Greening – Ottawa Senators
Cody Hodgson – Vancouver Canucks
Ryan Johansen  – Columbus Blue Jackets
Gabriel Landeskog – Colorado Avalanche

TEAM ALFREDSSON:
Forwards:
Daniel Alfredsson (could possibly be his team) – Ottawa Senators
Jason Spezza – Ottawa Senators
Claude Giroux – Philadelphia Flyers
Steven Stamkos – Tampa Bay Lightning
Daniel Sedin – Vancouver Canucks
Milan Michalek – Ottawa Senators
Henrik Sedin – Vancouver Canucks
James Neal – Pittsburgh Penguins
John Tavares – New York Islanders
Scott Hartnell – Philadelphia Flyers
Jason Pominville – Buffalo Sabres
Logan Couture – San Jose Sharks

Defensemen:
Erik Karlsson – Ottawa Senators
Kris Letang – Pittsburgh Penguins
Shea Weber – Nashville Predators
Dan Girardi – New York Rangers
Keith Yandle – Pheonix Coyotes
Alexander Edler – Vancouver Canucks

Goalies:
Henrik Lundqvist – New York Rangers
Jonathan Quick – L.A. Kings
Brian Elliot – St. Louis Blues

Rookies:
Sean Couturier – Philadelphia Flyers
Justin Faulk – Carolina Hurricanes
Carl Hagelin – New York Rangers
Matt Read – Philadelphia Flyers
Craig Smith – Nashville Predators
Nick Johnson – Minnesota Wild

Phew! That took a while to write! Anyway, as you can see, Shea Weber and Craig Smith are together, whereas Ryan Suter is on his own this year with Team Chara. Now that the draft is officially over, the two teams will prepare for the Skills Competition on Saturday at 6PM CT. Sunday is the big day, when the two teams battle for number one at 3PM CT. We will keep you updated on the Skills Competition and the All-Star Game as the events happen!

What do you think about Shea Weber/Craig Smith vs. Ryan Suter?

Predators overthrow Blackhawks 3-1, Preds now Third in Central Division

Leave a comment

Mike Fisher continues his dominance against the Central Division.

The Predators may have just destroyed the Columbus Blue Jackets last night, but that didn’t seem to effect them much when game time rolled around tonight in Chicago as the Predators smashed the Blackhawks 3-1 in regulation. With this win, the Predators are  now third in the Central Division, knocking Chicago down to fourth. Here are the highlights from tonight’s extraordinary win in the Windy City:

KEY POINTS:

  • Brian McGrattan was scratched yet again tonight, along with Francis Bouillon, who did make the trip to Chicago. His travel to Chicago with the team gave hope as to if he would play tonight, but it was nothing but false. A surprise scratch was Jerred Smithson, who is still feeling the effects of his recent upper-body injury. Hopefully, it’s just a precautionary scratch.
  • Craig Smith took Chicago by storm at 11:49 in the first, sending the wrist-shot passed goalie Corey Crawford. Smith’s 11th goal of the season was assisted by Matt Halischuk.
  • Mike Fisher wasted no time after Craig’s goal to seal his own against the Blackhawks at 17:34 with a wrist-shot. Patric Hornqvist was Fisher’s only assistant on his 12th goal of the season.
  • The second period was relatively quiet compared to the first, with neither team scoring, despite five power play opportunities between both teams. However, new kid Brandon Yip has proven himself physically as he took on Steve Montador during this period. At first, it looks as if the two are just hugging, but Yip throws some damaging punches, clearly the victor in this fight. Here’s the video:
  • Chicago would finally get the ball rolling at 7:20 of the 3rd period, Dave Bolland with a slap shot that narrowly slipped passed Pekka Rinne on the power play.
  • Colin Wilson would capitalize on the empty net at 19:47, his 10th goal of the season. He was assisted by David Legwand and Ryan Suter.
  • Not many shots were taken throughout this game, with only 26 from the Predators and 25 from the Blackhawks. Despite this, Pekka Rinne had his share of action tonight, with most of the play in the Predators zone. Pekka was remarkable as ever, enough for him to take the lead in this NHL 2012 Vezina Trophy poll:

Yes, it's in Finnish, but that doesn't mean anything!

  •  The Predators started showing some fatigue after the first period, a sure sign that they played the night before. However, although Chicago did put pressure on the Predators, it just wasn’t enough to sidetrack them from wanting the third position in the Central Division. The Predators gave up several penalty kills to Chicago, 5 to be exact, and the Blackhawks were able to use one to their advantage. Luckily for the Predators, Pekka and the defense avoided more than just one power play goal. Here are the four penalty offenders:
  1. Mike Fisher – 1:17 2nd Period – Tripping
  2. Brandon Yip – 13:12 2nd Period – Fighting
  3. Mike Fisher – 6:53 3rd Period – Delaying Game – Puck over Glass
  4. Martin Erat – 8:41 3rd Period – Hi-Sticking
  5. Shea Weber – 15:17 3rd Period – Too many men/ice
The Predators will take on the Minnesota Wild next Tuesday in Minnesota, but before then, Shea, Craig, and Ryan will participate in the All-Star Game this weekend, with events starting this Thursday night.
Until then,
GO PREDS.

(Photo Credit: Christian Petersen/Getty Images North America)

Goo Goo Gone: Fisher seals the Elusive Goal, Predators win 4-1

Leave a comment

Mike Fisher was ready to end the season with the Blue Jackets with a win for the home team.

The infamous Goo Goo Goal of this season has finally been captured, and it was all due to handiwork from Alternate Captain, Mike Fisher on his second goal of the night. It’s been so elusive, in fact, that we here at Lady Preds may just get ours framed! If you did get yours, however, and the exact way to claim your Goo Goo seems a bit confusing, well you can redeem your coupon at any MapCo (no need to mail in the coupon).

Now that we’ve gotten that bit of exciting information out of the way, let’s get onto the game at hand. The Predators have dominated the Columbus Blue Jackets this entire season, winning five out of six games (the Blue Jackets slipped away with an OT goal on November 19th, making the final record 5-0-1). Although the second period Blue Jackets came out in full-force, the Predators withstood the determined underdogs, shutting them down 4-1 in regulation. Here are the highlights from last night’s game:

KEY POINTS

  • Ryan Suter returned after a questionable upper-body injury that sidelined him after the Philadelphia Flyers game. It seemed Coach Trotz was right in the fact that Suter’s injury wasn’t as worrisome as the fans had thought. Brian McGrattan and Brandon Yip were scratched for the night and Francis Bouillon is still out with an upper-body injury.
  • Mike Fisher got the ball rolling at 8:07 in the first period, with a brilliant wrist-shot from the slot. Martin Erat the only assist on Fisher’s goal, stealing the puck in the Columbus zone and shifting it to Fisher for the goal.
  • As stated somewhere up above, the second period was a bit lethargic for the Predators (we assume they just got a little big-headed for a moment). Rick Nash was able to capitalize on the sluggish behavior of the home team, tying the game at one at 6:14. It seemed, after that wake-up call, the Predators kicked back into gear.
  • Mike Fisher sent the Predators up 2-1 at 19:31, giving the fans everything their little hearts desired with the Goo Goo Goal (the first of the season and possibly last). Captain Shea Weber and fellow Alternate Captain Ryan Suter assisted on Fisher’s second goal (11th of the season) of the night on the power play.
  • The third period showed an entire different home team than from the second, with a wrist-shot from Matt Halischuk at 7:37, his 11th goal of the season. Halischuk’s goal could be a signal to the coaching staff that he does not want to be scratched anymore. Rookies Craig Smith and Ryan Ellis assisted on Hali’s goal.
  • Patric Hornqvist sealed another “sweet” goal at 16:51, the fourth goal of the night (that signals the Frosty goal) and his 14th of the season. Ryan Suter and Martin Erat assisted on the power play goal.
  • Pekka Rinne had yet another outstanding game, blocking 25 of 26 goals on net, with 16 alone during the second period. The Predators had five power play opportunities and took advantage of two of them. The Blue Jackets only had two, and luckily, were not able to capitalize on either one. Here are the two players who spent some time in the box:
  1. Martin Erat – 8:58 2nd Period – Holding
  2. Patric Hornqvist – 16:20 2nd Period – Too many men/ice

Although a great victory in the Central Division, the Predators have no time to rest. The Chicago Blackhawks are waiting tonight (Tuesday) for a rematch from Saturday’s game in Nashville, where the Predators smashed the Hawks 5-2. After tonight’s game, the Predators (minus Suter, Weber, and Smith) will have a nice break during the All-Star Game this weekend. The Preds will return to action on Tuesday, January 31st against the Minnesota Wild.

Until then, enjoy your Goo Goo and,
GO PREDS.

Predators blast the Blackhawks 5-2

Leave a comment

The Predators with their first win over the Blackhawks this season.

The Predators welcomed Central Division rival (for the first time this season) the Chicago Blackhawks into Smashville tonight before a sold-out crowd, the 15th for the Predators. Although the crowd was about 55% Preds fans, 45% Blackhawks fans, the Predators didn’t seemed too phased by the large amount of red throughout the arena. With Chicago being 4th in the league (3rd in the division) and the Predators being 8th (4th in the division), a win over Chicago would be a huge boost for the Predators. And, in true Predators form, Nashville whipped the Blackhawks 5-2 in regulation. Here are the highlights from tonight’s game:

KEY POINTS:

  • A surprising scratch tonight was Matt Halischuk, who was given the night off for new kid Brandon Yip to hit the ice for the first time as a Predator. Brian McGrattan was also scratched for the night and, as expected, Ryan Suter is still out due to an upper-body injury.
  • Marián Hossa gained the first goal of the night, putting Chicago up over the Predators at 15:05 with a nice backhand shot. However, the Predators fans didn’t have to wait long for the home team to respond…
  • At 17:19, Craig Smith chipped a nice wrist shot passed Corey Crawford on the power play, his 10th goal of the season. He was assisted by both Ryan Ellis and Sergei Kostitsyn. There’s a good reason why Nashville is 2nd in the league on the power play.
  • Kevin Klein wasted hardly any time during the second period, sending the Predators up 2-1 with a wrist shot. He was assisted by both David Legwand and Gabriel Bourque and this is his 3rd goal of the season.
  • The Predators continued to dominate in the second period, with a wrist shot goal from Colin Wilson at 11:14, his 9th goal of the season. He was assisted by David Legwand and Patric Hornqvist.
  • Sergei Kostitsyn, who was denied a goal earlier in the game, finished up the second period with a wrist shot at 16:03. This was SK74’s 12th goal of the season and has a 27.3% shooting percentage. Also, a side fun fact, Sergei is the only player this season to score two Frosty goals. He was assisted by Mike Fisher and Martin Erat.
  • Marián Hossa scored his second goal of the game (20th for the season) at just 48 seconds into the 3rd period, making Preds fans wonder if the Blackhawks would try to redeem themselves in the third.
  • However, Patric Hornqvist renewed faith with a nice slap shot at 3:08, his 13th goal of the season. It looked like at first Kevin Klein had sealed the goal, which would have made for his first multi-goal in a game. However, after it was rewarded to Klein, it was soon given to Hornqvist. Maybe next time, Klein!
  • The Predators out-shot the Blackhawks by only one shot, 23 to 22 and Pekka Rinne was able to block all but two. After allowing four goals, Corey Crawford was pulled and replaced by Ray Emery (Yea, he played for Anaheim last season…). Emery blocked four of five shots during the third, but it just wasn’t enough to save the Blackhawks in Smashville.
  • There weren’t many penalties during this game, with the Predators only giving the Blackhawks one power play chance. The Blackhawks, however, gave the Predators two chances, one of which the Predators capitalized on. Here is our one Predator who faced the penalty box:
  1. Jack Hillen – 14:08 3rd Period – Roughing
  • Francis Bouillon was injured during the first period and left the ice for the remainder of the game. According to Head Coach Barry Trotz, Bouillon’s injury does not look serious, but there’s no way of truly telling. We are hoping this upper-body injury does not involve a concussion again. There is a good chance someone will be called up from Milwaukee due to Bouillon’s injury, and it could possibly be Jonathon Blum. Time will tell.

With this win over the Chicago Blackhawks, the Predators are now 9-2-2 against the Central Division and are now 28-16-4 on the season. The Predators have Sunday off, but welcome the Columbus Blue Jackets into Nashville on Monday night. The Predators will then take on Chicago once again on Tuesday night in Chicago.

Thanks for coming down, Chicago! We’ll see you Tuesday!

Until then,
GO PREDS.

Predators Shutout Columbus Blue Jackets 3-0

Leave a comment

Pekka Rinne continues to dominate against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

The Predators finished up their short, three-game road trip last night against division rivals the Columbus Blue Jackets. Okay, using the word “rivals” is being overly nice, considering the Predators have won four games against them and only lost one 4-3 in overtime. Needless to say, both the Predators and the fans were expecting a nice recovery win after being shutout 3-0 against the New York Rangers on Tuesday night. Pekka Rinne and the Predators answered that loss with a shutout of their own, denying the Columbus Blue Jackets any goal 3-0. Interestingly enough, although the Blue Jackets are last in the league, Columbus was the only team left that had yet to have a shutout all season. Welp, that ending last night. Here are the highlights from last night’s game in O-HI-O:

KEY POINTS:

  • Ryan Suter was missing from action once again last night due to his upper-body injury. Although still unnamed, coach Barry Trotz did say it was not his head, so no concussions for number 20. Good news for Jerred Smithson, as he was released off the IR last night just in time to play against the Blue Jackets. Brian McGrattan was scratched along with the new kid from Denver, Brandon Yip.
  • With the news of Smithson’s release off the IR, news of a new Right Wing that was picked up off waivers from the Colorado Avalanche began to circulate. Brandon Yip was drafted 8th in the 2004 Draft by the Avalanche and has recently recovered from groin and arm injuries he sustained during the season, keeping him from major ice time. Most would say this could put the Predators in a sticky situation, but then again, same was said when the Predators picked up SK74 also…
  • Neither team was able to collect any goals during the first period, but Martin Erat was finally able in the second to give the Predators the advantage at 11:08. He and Sergei Kostitsyn completed a nice 2-on-1 to collect the goal. This was Marty’s 11th goal for the season.
  • Mike Fisher wasted no time grabbing his 9th goal of the season at 13:11 with assistance from Martin Erat and Roman Josi on the power play.
  • Shea Weber and his sniper shot from 160 feet away to the empty net sealed the game in the Predators favor at 19:28. Jerred Smithson and Kevin Klein helped set up the impressive shot. This was Weber’s 10th goal of the season.
  • Pekka Rinne was the much deserving 1st Star of the Night last night with his incredible 38 saves, including quite a few inhuman moves to block the net. After resting against the Rangers, Peks definitely proved he was rested up against the ever-competitive Central Division. This win over the Blue Jackets was Pekka’s 120th win of his career.
  • The Predators may have won 3-0, but they were out-shot 38 to 25. The Predators also gave the Columbus Blue Jackets more power play chances, but the Blue Jackets were unable to capitalize from any of them. Here are the three guys who took the penalties:
  1. Nick Spaling – 7:34 2nd Period – Tripping
  2. Francis Bouillon – 3:53 3rd Period – Hooking
  3. Sergei Kostitsyn – 18:43 3rd Period – Slashing

The Predators are still 4th in the Central Division, but are now 27-16-4 on the season and are 9th overall in the league. The Predators welcome the Chicago Blackhawks to Nashville tomorrow night, who are currently in 3rd in the division. As you might assume, the Predators are clawing their way to the top to topple the Detroit Red Wings, who are currently on a five-game winning streak.

The Predators and the Blackhawks drop the puck at 7PM tomorrow night. Don’t forget: If you normally purchase the $10 tickets at the box office on Saturday mornings, they have changed the way you can get tickets now. To sway the sell of tickets to scalpers, the Predators are now “raffling” the 100 $10 to fans who get to the box office 30 minutes before tickets go on sale. Hopefully this will work out well in the favor of the fans.

Until then,
GO PREDS.

Predators Isolate the Islanders 3-1

Leave a comment

Kevin Klein tries to stop John Tavares from accessing the puck.

The Predators took New York by storm today, blowing passed the New York Islanders in their wake 3-1 (their 5th consecutive win).  The Islanders aren’t a terrible team, as they did dismantle the Detroit Red Wings on the 10th 5-1, but the Predators came out in Long Island on fire, prepared to sweep the East Coast (hopefully). Here are they highlights of today’s afternoon win on Long Island:

KEY POINTS:

  • Jerred Smithson is still tied down in the IR, but both Brian McGrattan and, despite feeling “100% better”, Craig Smith found themselves scratched from the game.
  • Sergei Kostitsyn was first to draw blood during this game, scoring his 11th goal of the season at 2:17 in the first period. His only assistance came from Ryan Ellis. This is also Sergei’s sixth goal in eight shots this month.
  • Matt Halischuk was quick to put the Predators up 2-0 at 5:34, with no assistance from his fellow teammates.
  • David Legwand also responded quickly, sending the Predators up 3-0 at 11:37 in the first period. He was assisted by Martin Erat and Colin Wilson.
  • At 7:04 in the first, Ryan Suter, who was rumored to have suffered an upper-body injury during the Flyers, as pulled from the game. He is expected to miss tomorrow’s game against the New York Rangers. The second period was relatively quite, with no goals from either team.
  • John Tavares would score the only goal for the Islanders during the game at 16:02 in the 3rd period.
  • Pekka Rinne was on his A-game, blocking 36 of 37 shots on goal. In the second period alone, Pekka blocked 19 shots. Only Tavares’s goal in the third slipped past the Finnish phenom.
  • The Predators were only given one power play opportunity, but the Preds gave the Islanders three chances to advance on the power play, including a 5-3. Here are the guys who took the penalties:
  1. Colin Wilson – 17:59 1st Period – Elbowing
  2. Gabriel Bourque – 8:33 2nd Period – Hooking
  3. Mike Fisher – 9:23 2nd Period – Hi-Sticking

Tomorrow, the Predators take on the other New York team, the Rangers, at 6:30PM CST. This will be on NBC-Sports, which is just Versus, but with a new name.

Until then,
GO PREDS.

(Photo credit: Bruce Bennett/Getty Images North America)

Predators Dishevel the Flyers 4-2

Leave a comment

Sergei Kostitsyn continues to shine (and shoot) during recent games.

The Nashville Predators welcomed an Eastern Conference adversary to the Bridgestone Arena Saturday night, one that hasn’t visited Nashville since March 16, 2010 (the Predators won 4-3 in OT). Of course, you know we are talking about the Philadelphia Flyers, who, in all seriousness, have had a pretty decent season thus far. Even though they fell to the New York Rangers in Philly for the Winter Classic and lost 4-2 against the Predators last night, the Flyers are still 26-13-4 and are 2nd in the Atlantic Division. However, Winter Classic team and 2nd in their division didn’t scare the Predators too much last night and it sure didn’t scare the sold-out crowd in Smashville, either.

KEY POINTS:

  • Jack Hillen was scratched once again last night, starting the rumor mill. We aren’t getting into any speculations with that one as of right now. Jerred Smithson is still on the IR and Craig Smith was scratched due to being “under the weather”. Hopefully, he will be back to par when they face the New York Islanders tomorrow.
  • Both the Flyers and the Predators came out strong, with the Predators taking what looked to be the lead with a goal from Nick Spaling. However, the goal was revoked due to a kicking motion from Gabriel Bourque, leaving an even playing field for both teams once again.
  • Martin Erat would land a goal at 19:02 on the power play, with assistance from Captain Shea Weber and Alternate Captain Mike Fisher. Patric Hornqvist screened the play well, making it easy for Erat to slip it passed goalkeeper Ilya Bryzgalov.
  • The Predators continued to up the score 2-0 with a powerful shot from Sergei Kostitsyn at 10:36 in the 2nd period. This was SK74’s 10th goal of the season, and it seems after his Hat Trick, shooting is becoming second nature to the Belorussian. He was assisted only by rookie Gabriel Bourque.
  • The Flyers did not waste any time gaining points on the board, slipping one passed Pekka Rinne just two minutes after Sergei’s intense shot.
  • Nick Spaling would put the Predators up 3-1 early in the 3rd at 4:30 with assistance from Jordin Tootoo and Kevin Klein. As you are all aware, when Spaling scores, the Predators haven’t lost in regulation as of this season…
  • Wayne Simmonds would give the Flyers their final goal of the night at 9:55 in the 3rd period. Ryan Ellis helped Simmonds live up to his “Flyers” name after hip checking him into the air. The small stature rookie isn’t afraid to take on the bulkiest of opponents, and here’s the video in case you haven’t seen it:
  • Mike Fisher would let the final Predators goal slide into the empty net at 19:20, with assistance from Sergei Kostitsyn and Martin Erat, sealing the game (and Frosties) for the Predators.
  • The Flyers out-shot the Predators 38 to 25, with Pekka stopping 36, proving to the Eastern Conference the Predators are stiff competition. The Predators also were given more power play time, but only used one of three to their advantage. The Flyers were given two power plays, but the Predators’ defense prevented them from capitalizing on both. Here are your two Preds who held up in the box:
  1. Martin Erat – 15:07 2nd Period – Holding
  2. Colin Wilson – 11:35 3rd Period – Tripping

Although the Philadelphia Flyers are not regulars on the Predators schedule, it is always a boost to the ego to demolish a well-known, beloved team like Philadelphia. Not only does it look good for the Predators, it makes the Eastern Conference (and Western, of course) give the Predators a second glance, which is all that is needed.

The Predators are off to New York tomorrow to take on the New York Islanders at a rare noon start game. After that game, the Predators skip over to the Rangers at 6:30 on Tuesday night. Both games will be televised and, of course, on 102.5 THE GAME!

Until then,
GO PREDS.

Double Dose for Avalanche: Predators Sweep Back-to-Back Games

Leave a comment

Pekka Rinne makes an unbelievable save against Colorado’s Milan Hejduk.

 

On Tuesday night, the Nashville Predators and the Colorado Avalanche began a two-game back-t0-back schedule, starting out in Denver, then moving the action to Nashville on Thursday. The Predators and the Avalanche only meet three times during this season, and with the first two being back-t0-back, both teams were looking to dominate the two-game series. Since we’re writing this with the Philadelphia game tonight in Nashville, we’ll shorten both games with the highlights of both games. That, and you probably already know who dominated the two-game series…!

 

Tuesday in Denver :

  •  Jerred Smithson and Jack Hillen found themselves scratched for the night in Denver. Although Jack Hillen’s scratch was a healthy one, Smithson’s was a little more complicated. Due to an undetermined lower-body injury, Smithson’s condition could render him out for a few games.
  • The Predators came out in Denver with hunger in their eyes, completely dominating the first period. The Predators in the first period alone had thirteen shots compared to the Avalanche’s six, if that tells you anything.
  • Nick Spaling drew blood first at 4:31 in the first period, with assistance from Jordin Tootoo and rookie Gabriel Bourque.
  • Thanks to a tripping penalty from Colorado’s T.J. Galiardi, Ryan Ellis was able to notch his second NHL career goal at 7:41 on the power play. He was assisted by Martin Erat and fellow rookie Roman Josi.
  • From his assist on Ellis’s goal, Martin Erat was quick to make a goal of his own at 15:05 with assistance from Mike Fisher and Ryan Suter.
  • Ryan O’Reilly would put the Avalanche on the board at 19:24 of the second period on a power play due to a hooking call on Francis Bouillon, but it wasn’t enough for the Avalanche to stop the Predators.
  • Patric Hornqvist would finish up the game with a goal at 15:34 in the 3rd period with assistance from Ryan Ellis.
  • As this season has proven, anytime Nick Spaling scores, the Predators haven’t lost in regulation. Nick Spaling should score more often.
  • Pekka was also on his game Tuesday night, blocking 32 of 33 shots on goal. Although the Avalanche were able to score their one and only goal on the PP, both the Predators and the Avalanche had the same amount of penalty chances. Here are the three Predators who sat in the box:
  1.  Matt Halischuk – 2:53 2nd Period – Interference on Goalkeeper
  2. Francis Bouillon – 18:25 2nd Period – Hooking
  3. Patric Hornqvist – 0:15 3rd Period – Interference
  • It was clear the Avalanche were not prepared for complete domination from the Predators Tuesday night, but were they more prepared for Nashville on Thursday night…?

 

Thursday in Nashville:

  • Both Jack Hillen and Jerred Smithson were scratched again against Colorado, with Smithson’s injury still tying him down.
  • Although the Predators dominated the Avalanche in Colorado, the Avalanche were more prepared when they arrived in Nashville, with Ryan O’Reilly scored unassisted at 6:09, putting Colorado on the board first.
  • At 12:17, Gabriel Landeskog put the Avalanche up 2-0, sending the Predators into panic mode.
  • In the 2nd period, David Legwand gave the Predators their first goal of the game at 11:02 with assistance from Matt Halischuk and Francis Bouillion.
  • Sergei Kostitsyn tied the game for the Predators at 8:48 in the 3rd period, with assistance from Mike Fisher and Roman Josi. Neither team was able to score again, thus throwing the game into overtime.
  • Thirty-four seconds into over time, David Legwand was able to slip one passed Colorado’s goalie, Jean-Sebastien Giguere to seal the game in the Predators favor.
  • Although they dominated the game in Denver, the Predators did not out-shoot the Avalanche, where as they did during this game 35 to 29. Even though Pekka let a few more get passed him than during the first game, he was still able to block 27 of 29.
  • The Predators also had six chances to score on the power play, but did not capitalize on any of them. The Avalanche were only given two chances, yet nor did they use them to their advantage (and they were given a double minor). Here are the two Preds that spent some unwanted time in the penalty box:
  1. David Legwand – 6:49 1st Period – Cross Checking
  2. Craig Smith – 16:17 1st Period – Hi-Sticking (double minor)
  •  Due to the snowy weather outside, the Predators were only 200 tickets short of another sellout, but Saturday’s game against the Philadelphia Flyers is sure to fix that issue.

 

For a team to collect all four available points on a back-t0-back series is pretty outstanding, even if one of them went into over time. The next time the Predators will see the Avalanche will be Thursday, March 8th. Hopefully, by that time, Shane O’Brien will be off the Injured Reserve (he was placed on it just days before the first meeting on Tuesday).

The Predators welcome the Philadelphia Flyers tonight at 7PM, then are off to New York to face the Islanders and the Rangers next week. The Predators will return to Nashville on Saturday, January 21st to face the Chicago Blackhawks.

Until tonight,
GO PREDS.

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