It felt like old times last night at Bridgestone Arena as the Nashville Predators posted a 1-0 overtime win over the Dallas Stars. The game featured the first TV Timeout standing O of the season, with only 33% capacity and a playoff atmosphere. It certainly sounded and felt like a full house. Another needed sign of an approaching sense of “normalcy,”
The desperation was palpable from both teams as the winner of this game would have a real leg up on the other for the race for the Central Division’s final playoff spot. Desperation led to flat out nastiness as these two teams showed a clear dislike for one another… say what you want about this season’s schedule of playing teams 127 times in a few months, the one thing it has done is drive a healthy dislike between divisional rivals.
Hard hitting physical play, behind the play shenanigans, glove dropping, turtling… and for the first time in quite awhile, Nashville answered the bell. And not only answered it, took the opportunity to send messages that this team will respond and respond in kind. I have heard Predators analyst Terry Crisp mention that every team needed at least one “miserable SOB” on it. There are several players on the Predators roster that fit that bill. There is some real grit in this team and it could pay off when the playoffs get going, should the Predators get the job done in the next few games.
Nashville does own its’ playoff fate. Win out and they are in. Dallas has a very difficult week ahead of them… Monday night in Florida to take on the Panthers, Wednesday and Friday in Tampa. If the Stars want to have their playoff chances survive into the final weekend of their regular season, they will have to beat two of the Central’s best to get there. The Preds path takes them to Columbus for games on Monday and Wednesday before they finish with two at home against Carolina, while the Stars finish with a back-to-back in Chicago.
Playoff hockey is here…
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Random Notes – Presented by
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Where We Stand - A daily playoff update. As play opens today the Predators own 4th place in the Central leading Dallas by 3 points. Dallas has a single game in hand over Nashville. The Predators have an 82.3% chance of making the playoffs according to moneypuck.com.
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Goalie Clinic - Full marks to both Juuse Saros and Anton Khudobin last night, brilliant play from both goaltenders.
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Return - Nice to see both Filip Forsberg and Brad Richardson back in the lineup last night.
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Playoff Schedule - Hearing rumors that the playoffs will begin before the North Division finishes the regular season.
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