In the ultimate definition of much-needed-win, the Preds pull off a nice comeback and defeat the Blues 3-2 in a shootout last night in St. Louis. With Suter, Erat and Lombardi still out any points are good at this point. The 5 game losing streak was snapped and the Preds have 1 home game before hitting the road for 4 games. That will close the brutal 15 game stretch where 12 were road games. Considering the injuries and the difficult schedule recently, the Preds' drop in the standings was predictable.
Other points to ponder:
* I have said it before and I will say it again. The Preds are best when Jordan Tootoo is causing havoc and drawing penalties. Even with the injuries he should be on the 3rd or 4th line. Keep drawing the 2 penalties per game from the opposing team and pitch in 10 goals here and there. His offensive potential doesn't outweigh the power play time he draws.
* Kudos to Patrick Hornqvist. He stuck his nose into everything last night and took many cross-checks, elbows and slashes that went overlooked by the refs. He really bothered the Blues and gave the Preds a big time lift.
* Coach Trotz knows his stuff and so much more than I will ever know hockey, but I don't understand the line selection philosophy. At the first of the season, all 4 lines were clicking, had great chemistry, and knew their roles very well. The rash of injuries required adjustments and that is understandable. But instead of juggling 3 of the 4 lines, why not keep 3 in tact and juggle the 4th line. Maybe I should call Charlie from Farm Bureau Insurance, he has all the answers.
All for now. The Blackhawks arrive tomorrow night. Hope we go to 2-0 versus them this year.
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