Am in Nashville to attend the USHHOF induction tonight and took in the Preds-Senators game last night. The Predators played a meh first period, but got out of it tied at 1-1, and then dominated most of the rest of the game despite some penalty issues.
Some observations:
* Rinne let in a bad goal in the opening minute of the game and then was outstanding thereafter. In particular, that skate save on Tkachuk on the PK in the 2nd period was absolute robbery.
* The puck pressure really picked up. I commented on Twitter that it seemed like the Preds must have taken Sens players off the puck 20+ times. Later checked the RTS: they were credited with 18 takeaways. Probably could have been credited with another 3-5.
* Anderson was fine for Ottawa, although the 3rd goal was kind of a funky one after his D was beaten to the outside.
* Until he rounds out his game, Tolvanen has the looks of a player who might drive coaches nuts when he isn't scoring. Doesn't always move his feet, below average without the puck. His hands are unquestioned but not on display last night.
- bmeltzer
I think Nashville hosting the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame induction ceremony is a cool thing for the city. The last few years we have seen an all-star game hosted here, the Stanley Cup Finals........both of which i didnt think would ever happen here.
Tolvanen wasnt really lighting it up in Milwaukee, but was called up because of injuries. Kind of reminds me of Fiala a few years back. Give him a year or two in Milwaukee and he will be fine.
