The Nashville Predators completed a home and home sweep of the defending Stanley Cup champs with a pulse pounding 2-1 victory yesterday a Bridgestone Arena, giving the Predators their first three game win streak in over 18 weeks... yes, their last three game win streak was in October... and two of those wins came at home.
So now... the question on everyone in Pred Nation's mind this morning... is it time to believe in this team? Over the last four days, this team has dominated, gave up leads and made come backs, been solid defensively and has featured some outstanding goaltending. All hallmarks of a team ready to make a run. Oh... and by the way, it does appear that Smashville is back as well... amazing what a couple of catfish and a standing O will do.
So... is it time?
To this observer's mind... it is... after a few weeks of fits and starts, head coach John Hynes system seems to be taking hold. There is more read and react versus thinking through, the breakouts continue to improve and the details of the game have dramatically improved... and last night's win over St. Louis was proof of all of it.
The Predators played well, but so did the Blues. Last night’s win wasn’t the domination of Saturday’s game. It was a much more evenly matched game across 60 minutes. St. Louis got great goaltending and didn't make many mistakes, neither did the Preds. Nashville was sharp in the faceoff circle, made clean passes and kept St. Louis' big guns out of high danger areas... and they found a way to score the timely goal at the right spot. It is what this team has to continue to do to be successful.
So, with Nashville a single point out of a playoff spot and the Bridgestone magic seemingly recaptured, it may be time to believe again... however... belief is a fickle thing.
It's a tough week coming up. Carolina Tuesday and a back-to-back at Chicago and home against Columbus on Friday / Saturday. Strap in Smashville, this ride is just beginning.
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Where They Stand – a daily look at where the Predators are in the playoff race.
As play opens on 2/17/2020, the Nashville Predators are in the 4 spot in the Central and the 9 spot in the Western Conference, one point behind Arizona and Calgary. They have two games in hand over the Flames and three games in hand over the Coyotes. The Preds trail Colorado by seven points for third in the Central, St. Louis and Dallas by nine for the division lead.
Impact games tonight – ANA @ CGY, NYI @ ARI, TBL @ COL.
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Random Notes – Presented by
- SlapShot Radio is on tonight at 7pm, our guests include Sportsnet's Jeff Marek and Carolina Hurricanes, PA man H. Wade Minter.
- Interesting how a different voice in the room can unleash a player… or two. Kyle Turris and Mikael Granlund have been different players since John Hynes took the reins.
- I can’t say I agree with sending Yakov Trenin down to Milwaukee. That man has earned a spot in Nashville and I do expect him to make an impact come April.
- Pekka Rinne was outstanding yesterday. Vintage Rinne.
- Under-reported yesterday was Filip Forsberg’s assist on Turris’ game winner… incredible play.
- Plenty of President’s Day matinees today… Today’s games – 3pm – ANA @ CGY, NYI @ ARI, FLA @ SJS. 5pm – WSH @ VGK. 8Pm TBL @ COL.
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SlapShot Radio is back for our 12th season as Zack, Brent and I are on Monday night’s this season. The best hour of hockey talk on the longest running hockey show in the southeast … Join us tonight at 7pm on 102.5 the Game.
Our sponsor list continues to grow. Not only are we welcoming back
Drs. Jane Bacon and Aileen Kruger at Hermitage Family and Cosmetic Dentistry … make your appointment at (615) 872-7762 and our good friend Carter Church, Your Murfreesboro real estate expert with Weichert – The Andrews Group. And our newest sponsors…
Cool Springs Wines and Spirits! The largest spirit store in all of middle Tennessee! And La-Z-Boy Nashville! Three locations, locally owned and operated, check out La-Z-Boy in Murfreesboro, Hendersonville and Cool Springs!
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