Nashville Predators

The GBU - Still Alive for 3rd
April 7, 2017, 9:17 AM ET [1 Comments]
Paul McCann
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I don’t think I have ever seen a hockey game where the team I pull for scores 5 goals in 22 minutes… and I find it painful. Last night’s 7-3 Predators demolition of the Dallas Stars was exactly that. It was hard to watch a team that had given up so thoroughly. The only thing that made it better was that they found a little fight and took advantage of Nashville taking their foot off the gas in the second as the Preds allowed three goals before restoring balance to the force with Roman Josi’s power play goal late in the second.

It was all over but the shouting after that… seven goals from four different Predators include two from Viktor Arvidsson and two from Craig Smith. Smith finally has some bounces going his way in this frustrating season for the forward… and just in time at that.

The win kept the Predators faint hopes for third in the Central alive as they continue to trail the St. Louis Blues by one point, but St. Louis has that crucial game in hand. The Blues won in Florida last night and finish with a back-to-back, Saturday at Carolina then home against the Avalanche.

So, given the Blues schedule, prepare to play either Anaheim or Chicago.

Let’s get to the GBU from last night…

The Good - Viktor Arvidsson, netting his 30th and 31st… Craig Smith potting two and Kevin Fiala’s hard work and excellent play of late is starting to show on the scoresheet. Also a shoutout to the defense activating on offense, Anthony Bitetto had two assists last night and Brad Hunt had his first point in gold.

The Bad - I know it’s hard to maintain a killer instinct with a five goal lead, but letting off the gas bit the Preds last night… the only saving grace is that they did not let it sustain and got the win.

The Ugly -What has become of the Dallas Stars? Injuries are one thing… lack of effort, or caring is another and both were on display last night, save for about 14 minutes in the second period.

The Predators head to Winnipeg to close out the season Saturday night.

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Random Notes

- Where We Stand – After yesterday’s play, the Nashville Predators have 94 points in 81 games played and remain in the 2nd Wild Card slot, they trail St. Louis for 3rd spot in the Central by one point, the Blues have a game in hand. The Preds are tied with Calgary for the first Wild Card slot, Calgary owns the tiebreaker.

- Impact Game(s) Tonight - None

- Preds Matchup Chances - Chicago – 63.3% (up 11 points), Anaheim – 32.7% (down 3.5 points), Minnesota – 2.8% (down 3.4 points) Edmonton – 4.7% (down 1.5 points), San Jose – 0%, as the Sharks are pout of contention for the Pacific title.

- If the Playoffs Started Today - As the 8 seed in the West, the Predators would play the Chicago Blackhawks in the first round.

- Teams that have clinched playoff spots - Welcome to the party, Ottawa Senators. 15 down, 1 to go… Washington, Chicago, Columbus, Pittsburgh, Minnesota, New York Rangers, Anaheim, San Jose, Edmonton, Montreal, Calgary, St. Louis, Nashville, Boston and Ottawa have punched their tickets.

- Playoff “Tragic Numbers” - In the East… Tampa Bay = 2, New York Islanders = 2. (Stick tap to Damian Echevarrieta for this data)

- The Playoff “Pucker”? - Toronto fans are getting really nervous as Tampa Bay won’t go away… big win for the Lightning last night… the Leafs finish at home against Pittsburgh and Columbus… The Lightning play Montreal tonight before finishin Sunday home against the Sabres. New York plays at New Jersey Saturday then finishes at home on Sunday against Ottawa.

- Nice to see James Neal back in the lineup last night… the injury list is getting much shorter… just in time.

- Last night was Viktor Arvidsson’s first four point night in his NHL career.

- Before Jason Spezza scored, the Predators had scored 10 consecutive goals against the Stars, five straight on 2/12 in the Preds 5-3 comeback win and the first five goals last night.

- Nashville finally hit double digit wins in Dallas, last night was their 10th win in franchise history in Dallas.

- One game in the NHL tonight, all times CST – 6:30pm – TBL @ MTL.