Preds get a much needed win in St. Louis last night to stop a 3 game losing streak. Inside that losing streak was 2 losses to the Chicago Blackhawks. Had the Preds won those 2 games they would have been near the top of the western conference standings, but Chicago showed why they are tops in the western conference with 2 strong performances in defeating the Preds. Preds are in Columbus on New Year's Eve and then home for 4 straight before another western Canada 3 game trip. You can sense the importance of every game as the Preds try to hang onto 5th place in the conference playoff standings.
Other quick notes:
* Injuries are starting to be a concern after a good run of not too many significant injuries at once. Now Martin Erat and Kevin Klein were both hurt in last nights game. They join Tootoo and Smithson. When you are talking 4 of your top 20 players injured, that is a tough mountain to climb. Let's hope Erat and Klein are not out long.
* Missing in Action- Steve Sullivan and Jason Arnott. Two-thirds of the top line have disappeared as of late regarding offensive production. They have to get going.
* Patrick Hornqvist!!!!!!! You know my posting history. Didn't understand why he had dropped to the 4th line. You could argue he is MVP to this point in the season for the Preds. Glad to see him getting the ice team because he produces and provides traffic.
All for now. Happy New Year everyone. Let's go Preds.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Preds on a Roll, face Vancouver tonight
Preds roll into Vancouver with 2 wins in 2 games so far on the 3 game road trip. Preds are 6-0-1 over their last 7 and holding onto 4th place in the western conference standings. The word HOT is a good description of the team lately as we are 5 games from the halfway point of the season. With 4 of next 5 games on the road and 2 of those matchups with the western conference leader Chicago Blackhawks, the Preds have their work cut out for them and no let up in sight as far as the schedule goes heading into the new year.
Other thoughts as the way I see it:
* The law of averages say the Preds are due for a slight cool off with the winning, but if they were to beat Chicago twice and get points in 2 of the 3 other contests, the Preds could be in first place in the western conference heading into 2010.
* I told you so #1- You can go back and look at the posts where I told you Patrick Hornqvist did not belong on the 4th line based on his production. Last week he exploded for 4 goals and 3 assists leading to being named the NHL 3rd star for the week. He belongs on one of our top 2 lines.
* I told you so #2- Before the season I said if the Preds are to have a good season and finish in the top half of the conference it is Legwand/Erat who need to lead the way and get close to 30 goals each. Erat has now scored 12 goals after a terrible start and is on pace for 30 goals. Legwand has chipped in 8 goals but is playing the best 2 way hockey of his career. If they keep this up the Preds will be in good shape.
Get a quick nap in this evening for the 9:30 start tonight at Vancouver.
Other thoughts as the way I see it:
* The law of averages say the Preds are due for a slight cool off with the winning, but if they were to beat Chicago twice and get points in 2 of the 3 other contests, the Preds could be in first place in the western conference heading into 2010.
* I told you so #1- You can go back and look at the posts where I told you Patrick Hornqvist did not belong on the 4th line based on his production. Last week he exploded for 4 goals and 3 assists leading to being named the NHL 3rd star for the week. He belongs on one of our top 2 lines.
* I told you so #2- Before the season I said if the Preds are to have a good season and finish in the top half of the conference it is Legwand/Erat who need to lead the way and get close to 30 goals each. Erat has now scored 12 goals after a terrible start and is on pace for 30 goals. Legwand has chipped in 8 goals but is playing the best 2 way hockey of his career. If they keep this up the Preds will be in good shape.
Get a quick nap in this evening for the 9:30 start tonight at Vancouver.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Big Game vs. Red Wings tonight
I'm Back- Laptop repaired and ready to give you the best Preds insight on the web. Preds 6-3-1 across the last 10 games and currently in 7th place in the western conference standings. If you take into consideration the Red Wings are in 9th place, 3 points behind the Preds, a win tonight by the Preds would give them a 5 point cushion on being out of the playoffs.
Other thoughts as Preds are just 10 games away from the halfway point of the season:
* Martin Erat has awakened! 5 goals across his last 3 games. As I blogged before the season, the Preds are a solid team when Erat/Legwand score and play well. When they don't the Preds struggle. Erat is now 3rd on team in points overcoming a terrible start to the season.
* Steve Sullivan has suddenly hit the skids and only has 6 goals thru 31 games. The Preds need him to score to keep their momentum going. Kudos to Sullivan for playing in every game when you consider the back injuries he has overcome.
* I have been blogging this for a while but why is Patrick Hornqvist still burried on the 4th line? Guess who still leads the team in shots on goal(93) and game winning goals(3). He produced when given the opportunity but somehow has dropped to the 4th line. He needs more ice time because he will go to the net.
All for now.
Other thoughts as Preds are just 10 games away from the halfway point of the season:
* Martin Erat has awakened! 5 goals across his last 3 games. As I blogged before the season, the Preds are a solid team when Erat/Legwand score and play well. When they don't the Preds struggle. Erat is now 3rd on team in points overcoming a terrible start to the season.
* Steve Sullivan has suddenly hit the skids and only has 6 goals thru 31 games. The Preds need him to score to keep their momentum going. Kudos to Sullivan for playing in every game when you consider the back injuries he has overcome.
* I have been blogging this for a while but why is Patrick Hornqvist still burried on the 4th line? Guess who still leads the team in shots on goal(93) and game winning goals(3). He produced when given the opportunity but somehow has dropped to the 4th line. He needs more ice time because he will go to the net.
All for now.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Seven Game Win Streak Ends
The curse of the 3rd jersey is alive! Just kidding, but the Preds do drop their first game wearing the new 3rd jersey. The 7 game win streak started by winning in St. Louis on November 12th and ends with a loss in Nashville on November 27th to the Blues. No time to rest because the Florida Panthers arrive in town tomorrow night followed by the Calgary Flames on Monday night. Chris Mason was solid in net for the Blues and the Preds couldn't catch a break the entire game. I chalk tonight up to the law of averages catching up. As much as we want them to the Preds are not going to win 11 out of every 13 games.
Other Thoughts Regarding the Preds:
* I don't like coach Trotz moving Patrick Hornqvist back to what is now the 4th line. Despite diminishing ice time, he is still tied for 7th in scoring (ahead of Erat, Smithson, Goc, Santorelli) and the top forward in regards to +/- ratio. There is no reason he shouldn't be on the 2nd line with Legwand and Ward.
* Thank you Pekka Rinne for the recent winning streak. He was spectacular as needed and solid every game of the winning streak. He made some great saves tonight against the Blues to keep the game close. I look for Dan Ellis to get a turn in net against Florida and allow Rinne some rest.
* Preds are in 6th place in the playoff race and seemed to have overcome the early poor start.
* Preds are 14th out of 15 teams in western conference in goals scored. Not good.
* Preds are 2nd out of 15 teams in western conference in goals allowed. Very good.
Other Thoughts Regarding the Preds:
* I don't like coach Trotz moving Patrick Hornqvist back to what is now the 4th line. Despite diminishing ice time, he is still tied for 7th in scoring (ahead of Erat, Smithson, Goc, Santorelli) and the top forward in regards to +/- ratio. There is no reason he shouldn't be on the 2nd line with Legwand and Ward.
* Thank you Pekka Rinne for the recent winning streak. He was spectacular as needed and solid every game of the winning streak. He made some great saves tonight against the Blues to keep the game close. I look for Dan Ellis to get a turn in net against Florida and allow Rinne some rest.
* Preds are in 6th place in the playoff race and seemed to have overcome the early poor start.
* Preds are 14th out of 15 teams in western conference in goals scored. Not good.
* Preds are 2nd out of 15 teams in western conference in goals allowed. Very good.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Preds Play Solid in 3-2 Shootout win over Devils
The Preds continue the recent strong run(8-2 record) over their last 10 games with a 3-2 shootout win against New Jersey last night. The Preds scratched out a win versus the best the eastern conference has to offer. The Preds now face 2 division foes (Columbus and Detroit) Saturday/Monday, but also 2 teams ahead of them in the western conference playoff race. Two wins should put the Preds in the top 8 in regards to the playoff standings.
Other Thoughts:
* Preds hung tough with a very solid and playoff bound New Jersey team. Preds fans should be encouraged that the team can play excellent hockey when on their game.
* Preds are 6-3 at home and have won 12 of a possible 18 points so far this year. Preds are Scrooge-like at home only allowing an average of 1.77 goals per game.
* Kudos to Cody Franson. Saw him in person last night and the game has obviously slowed down for him. I posted previously that he looked overwhelmed at times. He now has confidence as he stood up Devil attackers at the blue line and looks much better. Dan Hamhuis' solid play has to play a part in his resurgence as well.
* Considering Martin Erat and David Legwand have a combined total of 3 goals, you have to like where the Preds stand. They are also a combined -14 on the plus/minus. OUCH!!!!
* Knock wood that the Preds injuries have slowed down and the recent strong play is a direct result. I posted as the season started the Preds would be okay if the injuries don't pile up. Outside of Colin Wilson the Preds have everybody healthy at the moment.
* Jordan Tootoo took the Devils off their game last night, especially during an 8 minute stretch in the 2nd period. The Devils wanted him to fight and the bench along with those on the ice spent much of the time concerned with Tootoo than with the game. Tootoo performed his job very well and drew 1 penalty.
Two big divisional battles(Columbus and Detroit) on the way. I will be at the Detroit game Monday and post again then. Lets go Preds!!!!
Other Thoughts:
* Preds hung tough with a very solid and playoff bound New Jersey team. Preds fans should be encouraged that the team can play excellent hockey when on their game.
* Preds are 6-3 at home and have won 12 of a possible 18 points so far this year. Preds are Scrooge-like at home only allowing an average of 1.77 goals per game.
* Kudos to Cody Franson. Saw him in person last night and the game has obviously slowed down for him. I posted previously that he looked overwhelmed at times. He now has confidence as he stood up Devil attackers at the blue line and looks much better. Dan Hamhuis' solid play has to play a part in his resurgence as well.
* Considering Martin Erat and David Legwand have a combined total of 3 goals, you have to like where the Preds stand. They are also a combined -14 on the plus/minus. OUCH!!!!
* Knock wood that the Preds injuries have slowed down and the recent strong play is a direct result. I posted as the season started the Preds would be okay if the injuries don't pile up. Outside of Colin Wilson the Preds have everybody healthy at the moment.
* Jordan Tootoo took the Devils off their game last night, especially during an 8 minute stretch in the 2nd period. The Devils wanted him to fight and the bench along with those on the ice spent much of the time concerned with Tootoo than with the game. Tootoo performed his job very well and drew 1 penalty.
Two big divisional battles(Columbus and Detroit) on the way. I will be at the Detroit game Monday and post again then. Lets go Preds!!!!
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Game Night vs. San Jose Sharks
One of the hottest teams in NHL visits tonight in a true test for a resurgent Preds team that followed up a good 4 game road trip with a strong win against Montreal Saturday night.
Good news/bad news- The good news is the Preds put 55 shots on goal against the Canadiens Saturday night. The bad news is only 2 shots found the net. It is good to see the Preds playing most of the game in the other team's zone though. Maybe that is a good sign of things to come.
Pekka Rinne is the Man- It was a light night against Montreal but he came up big when needed. Pekka makes the spectacular look easy when he is on his game.
Sharks tonight and Devils on Thursday. Top teams in their respective conferences should be a good gauge on where the Preds are right now.
Good news/bad news- The good news is the Preds put 55 shots on goal against the Canadiens Saturday night. The bad news is only 2 shots found the net. It is good to see the Preds playing most of the game in the other team's zone though. Maybe that is a good sign of things to come.
Pekka Rinne is the Man- It was a light night against Montreal but he came up big when needed. Pekka makes the spectacular look easy when he is on his game.
Sharks tonight and Devils on Thursday. Top teams in their respective conferences should be a good gauge on where the Preds are right now.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
What We Learned from 4 Game Road Trip West
The Preds have to feel pretty good about the west coast trip. Battling injuries and uncertainty as to the #1 netminder, they produce a solid effort with only a bad 3rd period against Anaheim in the trip's first game. Four points(2 wins & 2 losses) and Pekka Rinne entrenched as #1 goalie later, the Preds are ready to make a run up the western conference standings with 8 of the next 9 games at home. Quick thoughts on the trip:
* I really like the 2nd line of Legwand, Hornqvist and Ward. Ward and Hornqvist bring hard work, energy and toughness around Legwand. I think it will take Legwand's production even higher. Legwand has turned in some solid performances over the last few weeks. The kind of production needed for the Preds to be playoff contenders.
* Pekka Rinne had some spectacular saves against St. Louis to keep the Preds up 2-1 before Legwand added the empty netter. You see the skills that make him a #1 netminder. Let's hope Trotz gives him the reigns to take this team on his back the remainder of the season. One bad performance should not be an automatic switch to Dan Ellis.
* Welcome back Jordan Tootoo. The game winner vs. the Blues and toughness to the team. His willingness to get hit as he shot the game winner should be motivation to Erat, Legwand and the other youngsters on the team.
The Preds only leave Nashville 1 time the remainder of November. Let's hope they take advantage of being home. They have survived the heavy road trips on the first part of the schedule.
* I really like the 2nd line of Legwand, Hornqvist and Ward. Ward and Hornqvist bring hard work, energy and toughness around Legwand. I think it will take Legwand's production even higher. Legwand has turned in some solid performances over the last few weeks. The kind of production needed for the Preds to be playoff contenders.
* Pekka Rinne had some spectacular saves against St. Louis to keep the Preds up 2-1 before Legwand added the empty netter. You see the skills that make him a #1 netminder. Let's hope Trotz gives him the reigns to take this team on his back the remainder of the season. One bad performance should not be an automatic switch to Dan Ellis.
* Welcome back Jordan Tootoo. The game winner vs. the Blues and toughness to the team. His willingness to get hit as he shot the game winner should be motivation to Erat, Legwand and the other youngsters on the team.
The Preds only leave Nashville 1 time the remainder of November. Let's hope they take advantage of being home. They have survived the heavy road trips on the first part of the schedule.
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