The general mood around Bridgestone Arena as the doors opened last night was one of concern. First, information came out that Shea Weber wasn’t add day of game skate… then a release that defenseman Taylor Aronson was called up from the Admirals. Yup… full blown concern, borderline panic swept Pred Nation until the Predators captain took the ice for pre-game skate, true relief really set in after scratches were announced… and Weber’s name wasn’t on the list. Why go through all that? Because Weber was the big story of the game last night in Nashville’s 3-1 win over Winnipeg.
Just another day at the office… a goal, two assists and a couple of lasers that did some real damage, on the scoreboard and on the ice. Weber got the scoring going with a cannon from the point just 4:47 into the game for his 13th of the season. The Predator’s power play is really starting to click after a rough start to the season, and this was the first of two power play goals in the game. This goal was also the first of two goals that were a direct results of injuries on ice. Winnipeg goaltender Ondrej Pavelec did something to his left leg early in the game, he was favoring it, flexing it and obviously not moving well for about a seven – eight minute period in the first period. Weber’s goal took advantage of that and I expected Pavelic to be lifted, but he seemed to move better as the period progressed.
The lead did not last long as Michael Frolik tipped in a Dustin Byfuglien bomb just seven minutes later to tie the game… not exactly an unexpected turn as every game between these two teams have been tight, taught, tough affairs. This one was no different.
The Predators took advantage of an Anthony Peluso hooking penalty early in the second period as Weber and Roman Josi put on a puck moving clinic, setting up Filip Forsberg… who picked his corner and snapped it past a helpless Pavelic, putting the Preds up 2-1, which is where the second period ended. That goal gave Forsberg the rookie scoring record for the franchise, breaking “he who shall not be named’s” rookie goal scoring mark. In 55 games. Forsberg is solidifying his status as Calder favorite with each passing game.
Winnipeg came out flying in the third period and their efforts put them in a solid position to tie the game as nine minutes into the period Nashville had two in the box, Weber and Bartley. The Jets 5-on-3 was effectively killed by some incredible goaltending from Pekka Rinne and outstanding defense from Seth Jones, who was on the ice for the entire 5-on-3 kill. As usually happens in a tight game like this, the momentum swung back to the Preds favor after the PK.
Five minutes later… it was the captain again… The Predators were on the power play again when Weber uncorked a wicked slap shot that recently acquired Tyler Myers was unfortunate enough to get in the way of… it looked to have caught him on the knee and the big blueliner dropped like a sack of potatoes. Welcome to the Central Division Tyler… Play continued as Myers tried to get to his feet and get back into the play, but he couldn’t put much weight on the leg, severely limiting his ability to stop James Neal, who scored on a wrap around as the penalty expired. Neal’s 19th of the year effectively salted the game away, giving the Preds their 4th straight win and 12th of its last 13 at home. The Predators are the first team in the NHL to hit 80 points.
Here are the highlights, courtesy of nhl.com…
-----------------------------------
SlapShot Radio has announced the “SlapShot Radio Cook Off” that will take place on Monday March 23rd from 6 – 8pm at The Chef and I in Lenox Village. It’s a little bit Chopped, a little bit Iron Chef, a little bit Cutthroat Kitchen and should be a whole lotta fun as Nystrom and I go head to head in a cooking competition. There will be celebrity judges, a great meal and a great time to be had. More details including how to get your tickets will be released in the next few days. Circle March 23rd on your calendar and be there! The event will benefit the Nashville Predators Foundation.
-----------------------------------
Random Notes
- Standings update after play on 2/12 – No substantive changes in the race for the President’s Trophy, the Predators continue to lead the Ducks by three points and St. Louis by four. The Preds have a four point lead in the division over the Blues and a nine point lead over the Blackhawks. The Predators also have a game in hand over Anaheim.
- The Western Wild Card still has Winnipeg (Games played – 57) in the first Wild Card and now has Calgary (55) in the second. San Jose (56) is second in the Pacific with a one point lead over Vancouver (53). Minnesota (54) now trails the final playoff spot by two points. Los Angeles (54) trails the final playoff spot by three points and Dallas (54) trails by five.
-
- Interesting takes on last night’s matchup… the Winnipeg press clearly believe that the Jets were the better team last night. Some of the stats may point there but the simple truth is Nashville capitalized on their chances… the Jets did not. You can’t expect to win road games when you give up a couple of power play goals (and one “almost.”)
- Last night’s win ups Pekka Rinne’s record to 7-0-0 against the Jets.
- The New Jersey Devils are next up for the Predators, tomorrow night at 7pm central. The Devils are in Chicago to play the Blackhawks tonight.
- There’s a good chance Corey Schneider may go back-to-back for New Jersey, he is starting tonight.
- Just when you think the Kings may be falling out of it… they won their third consecutive game last night and are closing in on the last playoff spot.
- LOVED the old school Kings jersey’s last night.
- So… a green light has been given to blow up the Leafs… I hope it’s is a complete one, the team needs it.
- Speaking of Toronto… Phil Kessel sure sounds like he’s gone…
- Five games in the NHL tonight – Flyers @ Blue Jackets, Devils @ Blackhawks, Panthers @ Stars, Sharks @ Coyotes, Bruins @ Canucks.
--------------------------------------
You are invited to follow me on Twitter. Search for @PredPAPaul… Not only will I be updating when I get news or updates, but we are having a bit of fun by getting your input on Gnash introductions, weigh in on Twitter and who knows, we may use your introduction for the best mascot in the NHL at the next Preds game! You can also keep up with all the goings on with SlapShot Radio by following the show on Twitter @SlapShotRadio1
Also... make sure to "like" SlapShot Radio on Facebook... here's the
link.
-------------------------------------
SlapShot Radio will be back Wednesday night at 7pm on 102.5 the Game and the SlapShot Radio Network… Our premier, day one sponsor is
Dr. Jane Bacon at Hermitage Family and Cosmetic Dentistry … make your appointment at 615-872-7762. Also The Wine Shoppe at Green Hills and Burger Republic!
We’ve got room for your business to be part of the SlapShot Radio family with effective and affordable advertising packages for every budget. Be part of the excitement of Nashville hockey… Advertisers… reach out to me to access our activated listener base via email at paul(@)slapshotradio(dot)com
Radio station owners/programmers, join the SlapShot Radio Network… contact me using the email above to carry SlapShot Radio on your station, we are satellite delivered every week via SkyView on the SlapShot Radio Network. Each show contains two full breaks for your usage.
Our podcasts are posted… Click
here to download or listen to any of this season’s podcasts.
-------------------------------------
KINDLE USERS: Please subscribe to Predators Buzz, a one-stop feed for all things Predators-related on HockeyBuzz. Your subscription includes a free 14-day trial and is just 99 cents per month thereafter. For more information,
click here.
Nashville Predators Blogger •Predators Radio Network • 
Join the Discussion:
»