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Trip to OTT Postponed; Preds' Streak Continues |
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Trip to OTT Postponed Due to COVID Outbreak
The Preds set out for Eastern Canada today for what was originally a 3-game slate against Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal to finalize this long stretch of road games in November. However, the NHL announced today that Ottawa’s games would be postponed, at minimum, through November 20 due to a recent COVID outbreak with the team resulting in 10 players entering the COVID protocol. The Preds game, scheduled for November 18, falls within this window so will be re-scheduled to a later date. The NHL has announced that 99% of the players had been vaccinated and this unfortunately raises major concerns as to whether or not similar postponements may result in the future for other organizations despite the high vaccination rate throughout the league. Putting politics aside, this is something that will be interesting to follow as the season progresses. This becomes even more interesting from an NHL perspective with the February Olympic break resulting in dozens of NHL players set to compete in China.
Preds' Streak Continues
The Preds have won their last 3, gone 8-1-1 in their last 10, claimed 9 of 12 points on their extended road trip out west, and are currently 4-1-1 against division rivals having lost to Winnipeg in regulation and Chicago in OT. This places the Preds’ record for the season at 9-5-1 for a total of 19 points and second in the Central Division behind Minnesota and right above Winnipeg, both who are also on win streaks during their last 10.
As for the Preds’ recent play, there really is not much to say that has not been discussed already in previous articles. Frankly, the team is simply finding ways to win and the bounces are coming for them. The players that need to step up are doing so: Duchene, Johansen, Granlund, Josi, Saros. The players that are being given a chance on this roster are also proving their worth and fighting every night: Jeannot, Trenin, Tomasino, Novak, etc. It’s not always the glory of multi-point nights like Duchene, Granlund, and Josi are racking up, but the chemistry and enjoyment of the game is becoming evident with this team. As I previously wrote, the togetherness that comes from a long road trip appears to be just what the doctor ordered following the dreadful start of the season at 1-4.
The big question is how long can this continue? We are 15 games into the NHL season with an Olympic break and 67 games to go. There are lots of ups and downs in such a long season and it’s easy to be motivated and confident when everything appears to be going right. But how will this team react and respond when things inevitably start to go in the opposite direction? These are professionals and a very tight group, which makes me believe they can battle through the hard times. Just as they did when the season started rough. Easier said than done though.
I know I will likely take heat for this comment, but I strongly believe that coaching deserves a lot of credit. The mixing of the forward lines and defensive pairings have really turned out to be great decisions. Giving the veterans some extra energy with young guys in order to break the complacency. Trial by fire is what we have been saying all off-season and throughout this early season. It’s paying dividends. Granted, injuries forced the coaching staff’s hand a bit in this regard, but it still takes an entire group to come together, coaching staff and players alike. As for me, I’m quite optimistic of what this team can do. They could have easily given up at the start, but they kept grinding. We are finally getting back to old school Preds hockey. For better or for worse, time will tell. But the days of being pushed around by stronger teams as the past playoff series against teams like the Sharks, Jets, and Stars appear to be over. You take a cheap shot on Tomasino or Tolvanen, you’ve got Jeannot, Borowiecki, among others to deal with. What makes this team different from the old school Preds teams is that the skill is also there. There is no trade off anymore for size or skill. The Preds are looking for size and skill. An interesting strategy that sounds good in theory. Let’s hope for continued results.
Quick Notes
Rocco Grimaldi cleared waivers last week and remains a Pred. He will be playing in Milwaukee for the time being.
Preds take on Toronto tomorrow night and then Montreal on November 20 before returning home for their next 4 out of 5 to close out November.
Nashville Predators Blogger • 
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