The Preds simply could not afford to lay an egg this weekend. (Sorry, couldn’t resist the Easter reference.) While fans expected to see Pekka Rinne, instead Dan Ellis started and showed what he is capable of.
Felder’s FANTASTIC Five:
1. Dan Ellis – What a great way to respond to all the criticisms from fans, media, and the coaching staff. You would have to think that calling up Rinne was a bit of a slap in the face to both Ellis and Mason. Dan did his job and did it quite well stopping 37 of 38 Chicago stops. To top it off Elly also stopped 2 of 3 Chicago shooters in the shootout to secure the Preds win. I can’t say it enough, what a great way to respond by Dan Ellis.
2. Jason Arnott – The Captain has really picked up his play as of late in my opinion. Not only have we seen his emotion, but lately he has produced on the scoresheet as well. Your Preds Captain finished the night with the long Preds goal, a +1 rating, 9 shots on goal and 1 takeaway.
3. Alexander Radulov – Rudy really redeemed himself in this game. He was baited by Bolland to go around the net on Chicago’s goal that directly led to the slot being open for Ladd. Although he didn’t feel great about it, he was called upon for the shootout and finally tallied in a shootout. Not only did he tally, but it was the shootout winner as well.
4. Disciplined Play – While you may be surprised to see that the Preds did not get called for a single penalty in this game. You may also be surprised to find that I did not give the refs an A+ in the Ref Review. Regardless, it was key to keep the very young and talented Blackhawks off the powerplay.
5. Streak snapper – Not only did the victory snap a home losing streak, but it also snapped a 4 game losing streak to the Blackhawks. Nothing feels better than winning eh?
Other Notes:
• Rinne did make it to Nashville around 12:05 (I guess my plane pick wasn’t so far off…) however due to the late arrival he did not get on the ice for pre-game warm ups. We can speculate all we want about whether or not he would have started, but as it was Dan Ellis got the call.
• Let’s not forget that this isn’t even last year’s Blackhawks. The Preds are not only trying to stop a home losing streak, but Chicago has won the last 4 contests vs Nashville including 2 at Chicago and 2 here at the Sommet Center. So if they guys get it done it will be snapping 2 losing streaks in one, which I wouldn’t mind at all.
• Jan Hlavac moves up to the first line tonight. That guy can hold onto a puck. The move by Trotz pays dividends early on as that line gets a good 2 minutes of pressure and then J.P. Dumont finds Weber streaking into the slot. Shea Web lets off a shot that rebound off of Khabibulin and the captain buries the rebound chance giving the Preds the early 1-0 lead.
• A pass from behind the net into the slot leads to Dan Ellis being victimized by Andrew Ladd. Rudy was in front of the net trying to guard Bolland and bit on his move that left the slot open. Tied at 1 now.
• That was probably the most boring and uninspired 2nd period of hockey I have ever seen from two clubs. It just felt like no one was going for the kill. Too many missed opportunities on the PP is the story thus far.
• Chicago just can’t get the puck in the net. They have hit 3 posts thus far. Also, they can’t get a call their way since they have yet to be on the PP with 14 minutes remaining in the game. Does that mean the Preds were playing with out penalties? No, because I saw Scott Nichol get away with a high stick and Toots got real lucky he didn’t get called for diving towards the end of the 3rd.
• A much better effort in terms of intensity and energy thus far in the 3rd for the Preds. The desperation is showing thankfully.
• The Preds get at least one point as this game goes into OT. Some real passion at the end of regulation but the 1st period goals still stand as the only ones. Preds have 32 shots on goal compared to Chicago’s 31 at the end of regulation.
• Dan Ellis makes his glove save of the year in OT. 2:30 to go and Ladd is streaking into the zone untouched with no one in front. He lets off a wicked wrister that Ellis somehow gloves down and brings the crowd to their feet.
• Some quality chances for Chicago in OT and maybe one for Nashville but neither team finds the goal needed so to the shootout we go. I cringe at the thought of the Preds and shootout in the same sentence.
• Shootout Summary: 1st shooter, Chicago, Patrick Kane – Fakes high stick side, waits Ellis out, then roofs it for the easy tally. 2nd shooter, Nashville, Rich Peverley – Skates in, fakes high glove, then goes high glove for the tally. 3rd shooter, Jonathan Toews – Goes high glove and Ellis catches it down. 4th shooter, Alexander Radulov – Rudy finally tallies in the shootout by faking high glove, getting Khabibulin to move and taking him 5-hole. 5th shooter, Patrick Sharp – Fakes left side, goes right, Ellis follows, makes the save and the PREDS WIN! The guys prove me wrong and find a way to win a shootout.
My Three Stars:
As voted on with 5 minutes remaining in regulation.
1. Arnott
2. Ellis
3. Khabibulin
Goalie Grade:
A – The starting goaltender tonight was Dan Ellis. There was plenty of speculation concerning Pekka Rinne but he arrived too late from Milwaukee. Dan didn’t let the Pekka pandemonium get to him and played lights out in regulation. The one goal he did give up he couldn’t see sine the pass came from behind him. With Dan’s strong effort tonight it makes you wonder what will happen with Pekka…
Ref Review:
A- – The crew tonight was Mike Hasenfratz, Justin St. Pierre, Tony Sericolo, and Jay Sharrers. This crew was letting them play for most of the game. Only 4 total penalties called and all on Chicago. I won’t be making many friends here, but the crew gets the A- for missing some calls against Nashville. Nichol and Toots each got away with at least one. Just being honest people but I’m sure someone will disagree with me.
Quotes:
Rich Peverley on Trotz choosing him to be the first shooter in the shootout - "It's great. Anytime you can help the team it is a great feeling."
Alexander Radulov on the shootout - "I'll be honest with you, I didn't want to go when they said my name because I didn't have any confidence. But J.P. gave me the power for it and he told me don't be nervous, go out there, do your job, it's your time right now."
Dan Ellis on finally getting a home win - "It's big for us. You look at all the teams though, like Dallas, they are struggling right now and they were one of the best teams in the league for awhile, but now they lost 6 or 7 in a row. It happens to every single teams, the high payroll teams and the low payroll teams. Tonight we got that big win and it changes our home momentum and our whole team momentum and pushes us in the right direction."
Dan Ellis when I asked him if he is playing with a chip on his shoulder now - "Yeah, a little bit. When your job is in jeporady your not happy about it. Your not happy about people doubting you and pointing fingers at you. We are all doing are best to help the team out and when fingers are pointed at you when you are doing your best it is frustrating. You want to turn things around and change the opinion of the people. Whether that happens tonight or the next game or the next one it doesn't really matter because you want to turn thigns around to help your team."
Final Thoughts:
The Predators did what was necessary to capture the desperately needed 2 points in the contest. The Colorado Avalanche lost to Edmonton in regulation today (thanks Oilers…) so this puts the Preds just 2 points back of the Avs and 8th.
The Preds next game will be the final game of the 4 game home stand. After that there will be just one home game remaining. The Preds faceoff against the Columbus Blue Jackets, a team in which success has been common recently. The Preds will do battle at 7 PM CST here at the Sommet Center. This game has not sold out yet so if you still want one last chance to see the Preds you can do so. If unable to attend the game will be broadcast on FSN South with my good friends Pete and Terry.
Till then, have a great Easter weekend and take care.
Questions, comments, and criticisms can be directed to [email protected] if you wish to contact me personally.
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