Tag: Western Conference

Home Ice Advantage & 4th Position Rewarded to Nashville

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Celebrate good times, COME ON!

For once, we thank you, Chicago Blackhawks. Thanks to Chicago’s 3-2 win over Detroit just a few moments ago, the Predators have now clinched the 4th position in the playoffs AND (AND!!) home ice advantage! Phew!

Not that the Predators couldn’t have made it far starting out away, but home ice can make or break a team’s outlook on a playoff series. So yes, home ice is very nice… and for the fans, of course! Now who will the Predators take on first? Well, it’s going to be the Detroit Red Wings. No need to panic, the Predators could knock out any team in the Western Conference if they can focus and keep their minds on the game. This is actually the first time in franchise history the Predators have come out with more points at the end of the season than the Detroit Red Wings. The potiential that the Predators have is outstanding… now if only they can grasp their talent and find confidence in it.

The NHL Playoff Schedule will be released tomorrow at 12PM CT and when it becomes available, you will see it here.Again, rarely will we EVER thank another Central Division team for winning, but Chicago did Nashville a huge favor by knocking off Detroit.So what does that mean for the fans? Please, please, PLEASE go out and buy your playoff tickets! #KeeptheRedOut is trending throughout the Twitter world, as we do not want the Red Wings fans taking over the Bridgestone, similar to what happened when Chicago came to town a few Saturdays ago…

Until then,
GO PREDS

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

L.A. Kings take advantage in 3rd, Predators fall 4-2

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Kevin Klein returns to the lineup on Saturday to take on the L.A. Kings

The Predators left San Jose with a shootout loss against the Sharks and came into Los Angeles, hoping to knock out the Kings, who are currently sitting in fourth place in the Pacific Division. Unfortunately for the Predators, like the Sharks, the Kings are desperate and hungry for a playoff spot. With Colorado, San Jose, and L.A. all bouncing around the last playoff spot, the Predators would have to come out strong and physical against the Kings to knock them down a notch. However, the Kings weren’t backing down. Here are the highlights from Saturday night’s game in Los Angeles:

KEY POINTS:

  • As expected, Kevin Klein returned to the lineup after sitting on the scratched list for a few weeks due to an upper body injury. Colin Wilson, Roman Josi, Brian McGrattan, Jack Maclellan, and (unfortunately) Paul Gaustad rounded out the scratched list.
  • The Kings took a bite out the Predators at 7:53 in the first with a snap shot past Pekka Rinne from Anze Kopitar (his 23rd goal of the season). Kopitar’s goal would be the only goal during the 1st Period, with L.A. cranking out 10 shots on goal and Nashville only taking 5.
  • The Predators would tie it at one with a power play goal from Martin Erat at 13:43 in the 2nd for his 18th goal of the season. Marty’s slap shot past Jonathan Bernier was assisted by Ryan Suter (35th assist) and Shea Weber (28th assist).
  • The Kings came out on fire during the 3rd Period, pressuring Pekka and the net with three goals at 8:04, 13:02, and 16:19. L.A.’s first goal was a tip-in by Dustin Penner for his 6th goal of the season. The second goal was snared by Dwight King, his 4th goal of the season. The third goal was sealed by Kyle Clifford for his 5th goal of the season.
  • Mike Fisher would attempt to regain composure for the Predators at 17:18 with a backhanded goal for his 22nd goal of the season, but it just wasn’t enough to derail the Kings’ momentum. Fisher’s goal was assisted by Kevin Klein (12th assist) and Martin Erat (37th assist).
  • Pekka Rinne took a beating Saturday night, although he did block 23 of 27 shots taken at him and the net. It was cracks in the Predators defense that the Kings took advantage of, knocking the Nashville team on their butts during the third period. The Predators were able to snag a power play goal and managed to stay away from the penalty box, minus three times. Here are the three culprits:
  1. Jordin Tootoo – 15:01 2nd Period – Interference
  2. Jack Hillen – 2:02 3rd Period – Hi-Sticking
  3. Brandon Yip – 18:21 3rd Period – Holding

It was clear the Predators did not expect the L.A. Kings to come tearing onto the ice as maniacally as they did during the third period, thus resulting in the 4-2 loss in regulation. The Predators have no time to sulk in misery, though; They will cross the street (basically) into Anaheim to face the Ducks on Sunday. The Predators have muscled-over the Ducks all season, so a final win would boost the team as they return to Nashville on Tuesday. After a nasty loss like tonight, the Predators will have to put forth an effort that, although the Ducks aren’t contenders, they can’t be overlooked.

The puck drops in Anaheim at 7PM.

Until then,
GO PREDS.

(Photo credit of: Noah Graham/NHLI via Getty Images)

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.

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

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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.