|
The fireworks got going early in the game as Cody Eakin and Ryan Johansen dropped the gloves just :24 seconds into the game. Then, just :21 seconds later, another fight as Vern Fiddler and Radek Faksa danced and the wily vet won a solid bout over his former teammate. The play resulted in a full 2 minute 5-on-3 for the Stars as PK Subban and Austin Watson were whistled for roughing and cross checking respectively. The Predators did a nice job killing off the penalties and things settled down a bit… that wouldn’t last as the parade to the penalty box continued at the halfway point of the first period. Calle Jarnkrok fought Curtis McKenzie with McKenzie getting an extra two. James Neal effectively killed the opportunity with an ill-advised interference call :49 seconds later.
The resulting power play led to Dallas’ first goal… a couple more penalties, one to Ryan Ellis and one to Matt Irwin gave the Stars another 5-on-3 and this time they converted, giving Dallas a two goal lead… fourteen penalties for 46 minutes in the first period. But the odd thing was… the Predators were basically playing well… a little over-aggressive, but well.
The teams settled down a bit in the second, actually skating for over eight minutes without drawing a penalty, until Vern Fiddler put Dallas back on the power play with a tripping call, then Ryan Johansen got whistled for a hold on Patrick Eaves… :12 seconds later it was 3-0 and you started to get the feeling it wasn’t going to go the Preds way... again.
But 3 minutes later, Roma Josi potted his 8th of the year, 8 seconds later, Craig Smith draws a hold on a breakaway and is awarded a penalty shot… while he didn’t convert, the team fired off the opportunities and began to take the play to Dallas… and frankly, the Stars had that look… that look of “oh crap… here it comes.”
A late penalty in the second period put the Predators on the power play as the third began and Roman Josi got his second goal of the night just :45 seconds in to cut the lead to 3-2. The Predators continued to press their edge in momentum and Calle Jarnkrok converted on another sustained series in the offensive zone, tying the game and sending the sold out Bridgestone Arena crowd into a frenzy.
The game turned for good on what could’ve been a killer… a penalty on Viktor Arvidsson just :14 seconds after tying the game, putting Dallas back on the power play, where they already had three goals in the game. The Stars couldn’t get anything going due to Nashville’s relentless forecheck, and that aggressive play led to Filip Forsberg picking off a Dallas pass at the Nashville blueline and he was off to the races on an uncontested breakaway unleashing a nasty wrister from the high slot, beating Kari Lehtonen to put the Preds up 4-3.
And there was much rejoicing.
I think Pred Nation took its next breath with about 1:12 left in the game when Mike Fisher salted the game away with an empty netter, completing a five goal comeback win to send Pred Nation home with Big Macs and Frostys for the second straight game and sending the Predators off on their break with a win.
Let’s get to the good, the bad and the ugly from last night.
The Good - The resilience shown by this team and their ability to press the momentum will continue to be a key. When they are able to do it, they are lethal. Another Good, the full return of Roman Josi. The defense just seems to be finally gelling as the entire blueline has gotten healthy, Josi’s two goals and PK Subban’s two assists gave the defensive corps four points on the night.
The Bad - Inconsistency. It’s the only thing consistent about this team right now.
The Ugly - Holy cow… 20 penalties for 60 total penalty minutes. I like that Nashville didn’t take any of the crap that was being dished out, but they need to control it a little bit better… it was the message from Peter Laviolette in his postgame presser, but he was obviously pleased with the team’s effort and didn’t seem too upset about the penalties.
The weekend was a microcosm of the team’s play, it continues the up-and-down theme for February, play well in one, not so well in another, win one, lose one… it isn’t the recipe for long term success and the pattern has caused the team to surrender their 3rd place standing in the division, but they still remain in playoff position as the first wild card. The team is 3-3-0 so far in February with seven games remaining in the month, four of them at home.
Nashville is off until Friday, when they will reassemble and practice before flying to the Twin Cities to take on the Wild on Saturday before travelling to Columbus for a Sunday matchup with the Blue Jackets.
-------------------------------------
Random Notes
- Where We Stand – After yesterday’s play, the Nashville Predators have 62 points in 56 games played and are 4th in the Central Division. Nashville trails the division leading Minnesota Wild by 18 points (-1 GIH), 2nd place Chicago by 13 points with a game in hand and 3rd place St. Louis by a single point. Nashville has moved into the first wild card slot, Los Angeles has the second. Per sportsclubstats.com, the Predators playoff chances are at 76.1%.
- By the time the team gets back on the ice on Saturday, after their “bye week” the games in hand situation inside the division The Preds will hold a game in hand on Minnesota and Chicago, they will hold two games in hand over St. Louis. In the Wild Card race, they will have two games in hand over Calgary and Vancouver. Los Angeles (who is also on their bye week) will have a game in hand over Nashville.
- Looking at the standings, Barring a meltdown of epic proportions, the Minnesota Wild and Chicago Blackhawks have the top two spots in the division on lock. The battle for third will be a pitched one between Nashville and St. Louis. It may be a tad too early to count out Dallas and Winnipeg, but their issue may be that both the Preds and Blues have games in hand over both teams, the Jets and Stars both trail Nashville by eight points and St. Louis by nine.
- Roman Josi’s two goals yesterday gives him four goals in his last three games… Calle Jarnkrok has 4 goals and five assists in his last nine games
- Cody McLeod was placed on IR yesterday and Harry Zolnierczyk was activated and drew in to last night’s lineup.
- PK Subban’s second assist last night was his 300th career NHL point.
- It was great to see Predators alumni like Tomas Vokoun and Greg Johnson at the Centennial exhibits this weekend.
- Yesterday’s Minnesota / Detroit game took a nasty turn when Red Wings forward Gustav Nyquist high-sticked Wild blueliner Jared Spurtgeon. Nyquist got a double minor for the play, and an invitation to an in-person hearing with the DOPS, putting an extensive suspension on the table as a result.
- A special moment at Canadian Tire Center in Ottawa on Saturday as Craig Anderson returned to the team after a two month leave and promptly posted a shutout. The fans showered their goaltender with love and support as he returned from personal leave to be with his wife as she battles throat cancer.
- Two games in the NHL tonight, all times CST – 6:30pm – NYR @ CBJ. 8pm – ARI @ CGY.
Today at 2:18 pm by Rocky
» utube MM&C 4/26/24 Iraqi Dinar - US Treasury Exchange Rates- Focus - Banking Partnerships - Rate C
Today at 2:17 pm by Rocky
» Parliamentary efforts to transform Iraq into a global market for transferring Internet capacities
Today at 2:07 pm by Rocky
» A parliamentary committee that enriches the political forces: Stop plundering Iraq’s wealth and work
Today at 1:56 pm by Rocky
» Politician: Salem Al-Issawi is the most likely to assume the presidency of Parliament
Today at 1:55 pm by Rocky
» The price of the dollar is close to 145 thousand dinars؛ how much is $100 worth of transactions؟
Today at 11:57 am by wciappetta
» Al-Sudani: The world today is witnessing crises whose impact has been reflected in the global econo
Today at 9:50 am by Rocky
» The Federal Court responds to an inquiry by Al-Sudani regarding the powers of the provincial council
Today at 9:40 am by Rocky
» Among them are the Iraqis... a list of the most sought-after immigrants to America
Today at 9:38 am by Rocky
» An expert talks about the "biggest barrier" and the positives of merging Iraqi and Arab banks
Today at 9:29 am by Rocky
» The House of Representatives adjourns its session
Today at 9:24 am by Rocky
» Parliamentary demands to expedite the legislation of the Eid al-Ghadir holiday law (documents)
Today at 9:23 am by Rocky
» Parliament adds the paragraph “Electing the Speaker of the House of Representatives” to its agenda
Today at 9:21 am by Rocky
» Alsumaria publishes the text of the law against prostitution and homosexuality
Today at 9:20 am by Rocky
» A parliamentarian reveals the reason for the failure of the Speaker of Parliament to pass during tod
Today at 9:19 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani: The government has launched many strategies and initiatives that will improve the reality
Today at 8:42 am by Rocky
» International Business: Iraq has made progress in supporting businesses through investment and priva
Today at 8:33 am by Rocky
» Association of Banks: Iraq is witnessing great development in the transition to electronic governmen
Today at 8:25 am by Rocky
» The House of Representatives votes to add an item to its agenda (election of the Speaker of the Hous
Today at 8:22 am by Rocky
» Parliamentary integrity: Combating corruption requires parliamentary legislation
Today at 8:15 am by Rocky
» Al-Karaawi: America is trying to restrict Iraq
Today at 8:13 am by Rocky
» The State of Law coalition moves to form the local government in Diyala
Today at 8:12 am by Rocky
» The Sudanese and his battle against corruption.. Where is the fault with the government or with the
Today at 8:11 am by Rocky
» Prime Minister's Advisor: We will see the dollar fall on the black market soon
Today at 8:09 am by Rocky
» The Sunni blocs are resolute. The presidency of the Council is ours, away from Al-Halbousi
Today at 8:08 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani discusses with a workers’ organization his government’s steps in this field
Today at 7:58 am by Rocky
» Parliament holds its session in the presence of 170 deputies
Today at 7:57 am by Rocky
» In the presence of Nechirvan Barzani and Al-Sudani... the State Administration Coalition holds an “i
Today at 7:55 am by Rocky
» The UAE company ADNOC resorts to Iraqi oil. Find out the reasons
Today at 7:53 am by Rocky
» The Iraqi Parliament votes to add an item to elect a president to its agenda
Today at 7:52 am by Rocky
» The Federal Court responds to an inquiry by Al-Sudani regarding the powers of the provincial council
Today at 7:51 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani: It is necessary to attract women to work as a productive energy that cannot be disrupted
Today at 7:47 am by Rocky
» Zebari regarding targeting the Kormor field: a systematic attack on the economy of Kurdistan
Today at 7:46 am by Rocky
» Saudi Arabia tops, and this is Iraq's rank... a list of major suppliers of crude oil to South Korea
Today at 7:45 am by Rocky
» With a value of 125 million dollars.. Iraq is at the forefront of countries importing Iranian textil
Today at 7:44 am by Rocky
» More than a billion dollars in sales from the Iraqi Central Bank within a week
Today at 7:43 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani stresses the need for the expertise of the International Labor Organization to legislate a
Today at 7:29 am by Rocky
» Including the return of 21 wanted persons.. The Iraq Money Recovery Fund counts its achievements in
Today at 7:27 am by Rocky
» The path to development is the criterion between true patriotism and political clowning.
Today at 7:25 am by Rocky
» The file of the Presidency of Parliament is on the state administration table... this evening
Today at 7:22 am by Rocky
» Director General of the International Labor Organization: Many challenges in the world of work and t
Today at 7:20 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani: The world is witnessing crises that reflect negatively on the Arab and international peop
Today at 7:11 am by Rocky
» Prime Minister: Our government has provided great support for the success of the activities, program
Today at 7:08 am by Rocky
» Al-Asadi: Iraq places the social protection file among its priorities
Today at 7:07 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani: Iraq is one of the first countries in the region to join the International Labor Organiza
Today at 7:05 am by Rocky
» In the presence of Al-Sudani and Barzani, the State Administration Coalition holds an “important” me
Today at 7:03 am by Rocky
» Appreciating the presence of Al-Sudani... Director General of the Arab Labor Organization: Here from
Today at 5:29 am by Rocky
» Prime Minister: Our government has provided great support for the success of the activities, program
Today at 5:28 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani: The world is witnessing crises that reflect negatively on the Arab and international peop
Today at 5:24 am by Rocky
» The Parliamentary Development Institute organizes a workshop on the political role of the representa
Today at 5:22 am by Rocky
» With Arab and international participation. Tomorrow will be the start of the Fourth Baghdad Internat
Today at 5:21 am by Rocky
» OPEC Secretary General: The end of oil is not on the horizon
Today at 5:19 am by Rocky
» Closing a number of unlicensed offices and companies south of Baghdad
Today at 5:16 am by Rocky
» Repercussions of the bombing...intensive government movements to resume work in the “Kormor” field
Today at 5:15 am by Rocky
» In the presence of Al-Sudani...the opening of the Arab Labor Conference in its 50th session in Baghd
Today at 5:14 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani: We are working on drawing future visions regarding the “green and digital” economic secto
Today at 5:13 am by Rocky
» Barzani after the Kormor attack: We are ready to coordinate with Baghdad to put an end to these atta
Today at 5:10 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani directs the formation of an investigative committee into the circumstances of the Kormo fi
Today at 5:08 am by Rocky
» Bismayah is confused about the new electronic portal.. What about the landlord and the subcontracts?
Today at 5:07 am by Rocky
» Kurdistan Government: Loss of 2,500 megawatts of electricity due to targeting the Kormor field
Today at 5:06 am by Rocky
» Crisis in Kurdistan: 12-hour daily power outage and complaints of “confusion”
Today at 5:05 am by Rocky
» The Supreme Anti-Corruption Commission demands Nineveh for the contracts concluded by “Najm Al-Jubou
Today at 5:04 am by Rocky
» Al-Khanjar, Al-Samarrai, and Abu Mazen are hosted by Shaalan Al-Karim to discuss accelerating the se
Today at 5:03 am by Rocky
» Iraq asks the countries of the world to respond to its requests to extradite wanted persons: We have
Today at 5:02 am by Rocky
» “It is coming soon.” The Sudanese advisor sets the date for the referral of the Baghdad metro and th
Today at 5:01 am by Rocky
» Al-Mubarqa: Iraq reserves its full right to respond to the Australian behavior
Today at 5:00 am by Rocky
» Dollar exchange rates on Iraqi stock exchanges... recorded a decline, and this is the list
Today at 4:58 am by Rocky
» Mr. Al-Sadr supports the position of American university students
Today at 4:56 am by Rocky
» Iraqis are ranked 7th in the Arab world on the list of those most seeking immigration to America. He
Today at 4:55 am by Rocky
» Soon.. 3 new hospitals will open in Baghdad
Today at 4:52 am by Rocky
» Sponsored by Al-Sudani...the opening of the Arab Labor Conference in its fiftieth session in Baghdad
Today at 4:51 am by Rocky
» Al-Shammari chairs a meeting at the controlling headquarters to review the results of the security o
Today at 4:49 am by Rocky
» Arab Labor Organization: We commend Iraq's interest in the Arab Labor Conference
Today at 4:48 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani: The development road project will provide many job opportunities
Today at 4:47 am by Rocky
» Sudanese advisor criticizes Kuwaiti analyzes regarding the development road project
Yesterday at 2:21 pm by Rocky
» Al-Mandalawi stresses the need to strengthen economic and trade cooperation between Iraq and Poland
Yesterday at 2:04 pm by Rocky
» Power maneuvers: America provides defensive weapons to Kurdistan in exchange for withholding from Ba
Yesterday at 10:26 am by Rocky
» Kuwait is drilling an oil well near Umm Qasr, towards Iraqi territory
Yesterday at 10:24 am by Rocky
» In the document... the first Iraqi ministry identifies the obstacles to changing the new official wo
Yesterday at 10:22 am by Rocky
» Italian Institute: Iraq is stuck in its own crises, including Baghdad’s efforts to undermine the “au
Yesterday at 10:21 am by Rocky
» The head of the Integrity Commission announces the holding of an international Interpol conference i
Yesterday at 10:18 am by Rocky
» Planning: Iraqi companies are not efficient in conducting the population census
Yesterday at 10:14 am by Rocky
» MM&C 4/25/24 National Bank of Iraq goes live with Temenos core banking and payments
Yesterday at 8:06 am by Rocky
» A banking official indicates a "danger" to Iraq by depriving more than half of its banks of dollars
Yesterday at 7:55 am by Rocky
» With the participation of the Association of Private Banks, investment opportunities are on the tabl
Yesterday at 7:45 am by Rocky
» Within a month... an Iranian border crossing recorded a noticeable increase in exports of goods to I
Yesterday at 7:44 am by Rocky
» The Association of Private Banks appreciates the efforts of the government and the Central Bank to c
Yesterday at 7:43 am by Rocky
» Al-Maliki's coalition presents a third candidate for the position of governor of Diyala
Yesterday at 6:57 am by Rocky
» Arab gathering: The Kirkuk problem is getting complicated and the Sudanese must intervene
Yesterday at 6:56 am by Rocky
» Next week.. a Kurdish delegation will visit Baghdad to meet with the Minister of Finance
Yesterday at 6:54 am by Rocky
» Under the pretext of salaries... Al-Party refrains from handing over port revenues to Baghdad
Yesterday at 6:53 am by Rocky
» Association of Banks: For the first time, we are witnessing a clear targeting of depriving half of t
Yesterday at 6:51 am by Rocky
» Parliament does not know the reason for the delay in sending the 2024 budget schedules: Voting takes
Yesterday at 6:49 am by Rocky
» Applicants for the 2024 Hajj are demanding that the Central Bank secure the dollar for them through
Yesterday at 5:09 am by Rocky
» Governmental and private banks will showcase their services tomorrow during Financial Inclusion Week
Yesterday at 5:08 am by Rocky
» Iraq's oil exports rise despite OPEC+ cuts
Yesterday at 5:06 am by Rocky
» A study explodes a "surprise"... Iraq is among the countries that export oil to "Israel": How is the
Yesterday at 5:04 am by Rocky
» Al-Araji emphasizes working to strengthen national identity
Yesterday at 5:02 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani visits Saudi Arabia to participate in the World Economic Forum in Riyadh
Yesterday at 5:01 am by Rocky