A few articles back I spoke of the importance of the Preds next 10 or so games as they embarked on their long stretch of home games. I noted that this would be a turning point for the season or else the fanbase would call for and ownership should bring serious changes.

Well, the team has answered this call to action capturing 15 of a possible 16 points in their last 9 games with a record of 7-1-1 (with two postponements linked in the middle).

The games were not always pretty, but results are what I have argued of late that ultimately matter. The players that were absent during the slump over the last few months are now pulling their weight, along with other newer names continuing to earn their spot in the nightly lineup.

Tonight against Tampa will be a great rematch from the previous OT loss a few weeks ago. The comeback against the Devils and gritty win against the Isles (despite trying all they can to give it away) demonstrates that the players are showing up when their names are called. Joey, Duchene, and Saros are back to their expected form, while Lankinen is stepping up whenever called upon (NYI game was an incredible performance that frankly the team should not have won).

But the future games will not come without their hardships as McDonough has been placed on IR with Jordan Gross coming up from Milwaukee. The defense will continue to face tough tests, but they have been stepping up to grind out victories. Tonight on the road will be the ultimate test to keep this points streak alive.

Let's see what may come!

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