Oh Canada, We Got Two Points From Thee.....

Okay, sorry for the bad play on the anthem words. Two points from the 2 game trip to Toronto/Montreal not bad considering all the injuries team is dealing with now. Great effort in loss to a good Canadiens team last night. Were it not for 2 fluke goals by Canadiens, a 4 point trip(2 wins) was very possible. Here are the highlights as I see them:

* Welcome to NHL Alexander Sulzer- the prized defenseman had a solid debut and played well. Great pass to Santorelli late in the game set up a nice scoring chance.

* Great effort considering Preds were missing 2 of their top 5 players in Arnott and Weber. Like I said above, were it not for 2 bad bounces on Canadiens goals, Preds would have come away with 1 or 2 points from the game.

* Legwand/Erat continue to have bounce in their step and creating good offensive chances.

* Steve Sullivan having no major setbacks and with each passing game looks better and better.

* Would like to see Santorelli get a goal so he doesn't start to press and feel pressure of a trip back to Milwaukee if he doesn't.

* Beating the dead horse- I still think a trade involving Ellis and a defenseman can bring some offensive help.

Home and Home with Blackhawks

The 2 games in 2 days result in 2 points for each side with both winning on home ice. Several positive signs for the Preds though listed below:

1. Legwand/Erat contribute again with strong offensive efforts. The top line that includes Jason Arnott has provided results 2 games in a row counting Thursday's game with the Penguins.
2. Pecca Rinne solidified #1 goalie spot with another good effort in the win Saturday. Dan Ellis played well in loss today and still makes my suggestion he has the best trade value for David Poile look good.
3. Steve Sullivan returns and looks good all things considered. Sullivan gets time on 4th line and power play, created some good chances while on the ice.
4. With Arnott and Sullivan sitting out Sunday's game to be safe and fully heal, the Preds gave a good effort but came up short.

If Sullivan and Arnott return for Tuesday's game in Toronto as expected, it will tell if the progress/momentum from Thursday/Saturday is for real or just a temporary peak. Got my fingers crossed it is for real.