That's right. You are reading that correctly. WE BEAT DETROIT EIGHT TO ZERO. While I am still in disbelief that I had to miss the game against Phoenix on Thursday due to being under the weather, I am so glad that I saved up my reserve energy for tonight. THIS GAME WAS OUT OF CONTROL...IN A GOOD WAY.*
Observations:
There were so many DET fans in attendance tonight. I swear they multiply every time.
Little hockey baby Cal O'Reilly played his first NHL game tonight. During warm-ups, he looked just as scared as Mike Santorelli did during his debut. However, those nerves must have quickly subsided because he was able to connect with Shea Weber to get an assist on the first of many goals of the night. I'm sure he'll be headed back to the Admirals as soon as my favorite puck hog, Martin Erat, is ready to play again but way to go, Cal! It's always good to see a rookie get a point on their first time out.
Major props to the Predators Front Office for the "rival" video intro at the beginning of the game. What a way to hype up this crowd before a game like this.
To my surprise and subsequent elation, Jerred Smithson was playing left wing on the second line tonight. Someone got a (probably short-lived) promotion!!!
OMG......the 25-11-29 line was on fire to score the 2nd goal. Smithson was not letting up on that one. Neither was Ward.
Who is this team and what have they done to my Predators?! Also, what the heck happened to the Red Wings?!
I HAVE ABSOLUTELY NO WORDS TO DESCRIBE TO YOU WHAT IT WAS LIKE TO WATCH GOAL AFTER GOAL BEING SCORED NOT EVEN 10 MINUTES INTO THE FIRST PERIOD. Out of control......
Also, scoring so many goals so early kind of tires a person and a crowd out. It got kind of quiet in the arena with about 5 minutes left in the first. I think everyone was spent.
For as well as we played tonight, we still managed to somehow pass to the refs instead of one of our guys. That's not smart...especially when we did it like five times.
Pekka Rinne made amazing save after amazing save after amazing save. I honestly did not expect the Red Wings to put up with the barrage of scoring against them and figured they would find a way to put the puck past Pekka.
Andreas Lilja deserved every last punch that Shea Weber threw at him. That face grab was uncompletely uncalled for. Seriously, what WAS that? Also, Shea Weber is a beast and his upper cut looked to be almost as lethal as his shots from the point.
The power play goal in the second was exactly what we needed to get some energy back in the overworked crowd. That's almost a little sad that I had to hope for that but seriously, it was hard to stay all hyped up after the intensity of the first period.
Loved the pressure from the 25-11-29 line late in the second. They might not have scored but at least they knew how to keep it in and stay with it. Jerred Smithson was doing an amazing job of keeping it down low for Ward and Legwand in front of the net.
Detroit finally got a power play opportunity about halfway through the third period. Some people got nervous but I called it a redemption penalty kill to make up for what happened the last time we faced their power play.
I kept saying that what would make this game perfect would be for Arnott to get a hat trick....and I'm so glad I wasn't disappointed. FINALLY!!! Way to go, Jason!!
This game marked a lot of firsts for the franchise. The last three goals of the first period, scored in 1:24 minutes, became the fastest three goals scored on home ice. Pekka's shut out marked his sixth of the season, tying Dan Ellis's record for a franchise-best. The shut out also marked the first time the Predators blanked the Detroit Red Wings, EVER. The five goals scored in the first period was a first for the franchise. This was the first shut out Detroit faced since February 2, 2008 against the Calgary Flames. Eight goals against sets a new margin of victory record for the franchise; the previous margin was seven goals against. I mean, I could probably go on and on and on but I'll stop.
This game was surreal, in a good way. The offensive power we have been struggling to find all season long has come barreling full steam ahead here in the last few games. There is bound to be a lot of discussion as to whether or not the team will pull a typical "Red Wing hangover" performance on Tuesday night against the Edmonton Oilers. With only 19 games left in the regular season and Edmonton at our heels in the race for the playoffs, we can not afford to have any kind of "hangover" game. So, keep it up, boys and continue to make me proud to call you my team.
*I apologize for going all Kanye West with the ALL CAPS throughout this post. But sometimes there's just no other way to express myself because WE FREAKING BEAT THE RED WINGS EIGHT TO ZERO.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
Fashion Smashin' Part Deux
For the record, I'll be buying Ryan Jones a "murse" and some Chucks for his birthday.
And seriously, Jonesy?! You don't like Chucks?! I'm saddened by this.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Okay, so...
I never got around to posting my recap of Tuesday night's game against Chicago. I had everything pretty much ready to go too but I didn't even turn on my laptop yesterday after I got home from work. So, I apologize to any of my (five) readers who were anxiously awaiting what I had to say about our performance. Unfortunately, you'll never know unless of course, you know me in real life and then you can just ask me yourself the next time you see me.
Tonight we face off at home against the Phoenix Coyotes, a team that is struggling every bit as much as we are and then some this season. For the first time in well over a year, I will not be heading down to the Sommet to catch the action for myself. Whatever made me feel bad on Tuesday has intensified itself ten fold over the past day and a half and I really don't want to pass whatever I have along to those that I normally come in contact with at the games.
Since the game is radio-only (104.5 The Zone to be exact), I will be relying on whichever internet feed I can find to catch the game from the comfort of my couch and the coziness of my pajamas. By taking this unprecedented break from my usual routine, I'm hoping to be back to somewhat normal by Saturday's game against Detroit. There's no way I'm staying home for that one.
Good luck tonight, boys.
Tonight we face off at home against the Phoenix Coyotes, a team that is struggling every bit as much as we are and then some this season. For the first time in well over a year, I will not be heading down to the Sommet to catch the action for myself. Whatever made me feel bad on Tuesday has intensified itself ten fold over the past day and a half and I really don't want to pass whatever I have along to those that I normally come in contact with at the games.
Since the game is radio-only (104.5 The Zone to be exact), I will be relying on whichever internet feed I can find to catch the game from the comfort of my couch and the coziness of my pajamas. By taking this unprecedented break from my usual routine, I'm hoping to be back to somewhat normal by Saturday's game against Detroit. There's no way I'm staying home for that one.
Good luck tonight, boys.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
What a night
I will have my thoughts about the game up at some point tomorrow but let's just say that I never would have thought the game would have ended up the way it did after the second period (even if we did play well in the first).
I leave you to ponder in awe over the thrill and wonderment of us scoring four goals in one period (Lil' Jon say WHAT?!) and also the awesomeness that is Joel Ward and Shea Weber.
But for now, this girl needs some rest because I'm feeling quite under the weather and might have, at some point this evening, coughed up an organ I didn't even know was in my body to begin with.
I leave you to ponder in awe over the thrill and wonderment of us scoring four goals in one period (Lil' Jon say WHAT?!) and also the awesomeness that is Joel Ward and Shea Weber.
But for now, this girl needs some rest because I'm feeling quite under the weather and might have, at some point this evening, coughed up an organ I didn't even know was in my body to begin with.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Fashion Smashin...
Apparently the Predators have a new intern and apparently "Cathlin the Intern" would like to know who the other guys think is the team's best and worst dressed. Here's Part One of a three-part series:
Oh, Vernon Fiddler, I love you. You're far more funny than people give you credit for.
Oh, Vernon Fiddler, I love you. You're far more funny than people give you credit for.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
2/21/09 - Nashville at St. Louis: W 1-0 Final OT
ROAD TRIP! This was the first time that I have been at an away game and had the pleasure of feeling like there was strength in numbers, so to speak. It was good to see so many fellow Predators fans come out to support the team on the road. Finding other fans of the same team in the same town creates an instant connection. No one is a stranger and I love that feeling.
Observations:
Our starting line and then the lines that went out following were kind of all over the place. Seriously, Coach Trotz, will you please, pretty please make up your mind?!
I love that the Blues let different local teams be the "ice kids" during TV timeouts. That's a good call, St. Louis. After talking to another Predators fan on the way back to our hotel, this is apparently something that we should be doing too. To my surprise, even single guys don't particularly care for the Liquid Ice girls.
It was sad to discover that Radek Bonk was out for the rest of the game due to an "upper body injury". Knowing that he's been having issues with his wrist, that does not bode well for us and our faceoff performance going forward.
The Antti Pihlstrom hit late in the third was kind of amazing. I had just finished up a conversation in the second period about how Pihlstrom didn't really do anything to contribute to our team and then he goes and throws a hit like that. I can't be mad at him for throwing his body around like he's 6'5" instead of 5'3".
I really wasn't surprised that the game went to OT tied at 0-0. We both were playing to defend ourselves against the other. It was a surprising goal by Shea Weber that let us walk away with two points, even though the puck really just managed to slip right in behind Chris Mason. We played much better hockey tonight in all three periods than we have in the last few games, which was nice to see. I hope this put another spark under us to get on the ball and get going again.
St. Louis (the city) has been good to me. Now the Predators need to go back home and let the Sommet be good to me again.
Observations:
Our starting line and then the lines that went out following were kind of all over the place. Seriously, Coach Trotz, will you please, pretty please make up your mind?!
I love that the Blues let different local teams be the "ice kids" during TV timeouts. That's a good call, St. Louis. After talking to another Predators fan on the way back to our hotel, this is apparently something that we should be doing too. To my surprise, even single guys don't particularly care for the Liquid Ice girls.
It was sad to discover that Radek Bonk was out for the rest of the game due to an "upper body injury". Knowing that he's been having issues with his wrist, that does not bode well for us and our faceoff performance going forward.
The Antti Pihlstrom hit late in the third was kind of amazing. I had just finished up a conversation in the second period about how Pihlstrom didn't really do anything to contribute to our team and then he goes and throws a hit like that. I can't be mad at him for throwing his body around like he's 6'5" instead of 5'3".
I really wasn't surprised that the game went to OT tied at 0-0. We both were playing to defend ourselves against the other. It was a surprising goal by Shea Weber that let us walk away with two points, even though the puck really just managed to slip right in behind Chris Mason. We played much better hockey tonight in all three periods than we have in the last few games, which was nice to see. I hope this put another spark under us to get on the ball and get going again.
St. Louis (the city) has been good to me. Now the Predators need to go back home and let the Sommet be good to me again.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
2/19/08 - St. Louis at Nashville: L 2-1 Final OT
Observations:
What are these lines?! Trotz, can you make up your mind please? PLEASE!
Steve Sullivan is on fire! My theory on his goal is that Chris Mason forgot how to defend him because it's been too long.
Nice to see Kevin Klein coming back in to play after a scary fall on the first. I don't think Ville Koistinen would do that.
Vernon Fiddler seemed to be having a good night tonight. I think I remember him having a good track record with Legwand and Erat.
So it's hard for a girl to stay focused when she notices that her favorite player is absent from the bench at the start of the third period.
Pekka Rinne had some great saves in the third. He was looking really strong for us out there.
Jerred Smithson came back in about 8:00 into the third. I was much better after that.
btw, casual Predators fans: we really don't DO the wave in this arena.
That was a ridiculously close call there in the OT period. Pekka and Hamhuis did an amazing job of keeping it out of the net. Too bad it didn't last when Zanon and Hammer got caught out on the shift change and St. Louis put it away for the win.
Also, Blues fans are almost worse than Red Wings fans. I mean, sure everyone's allowed to go and see their team in another team's barn. BUT there's a level of decorum and class that comes with representing your team to the opposition's home crowd. Based on the gross display of obnoxiousness I saw tonight, let's just say I'm not looking forward to being in St. Louis on Saturday if all the Blues fans are just as bad.
Honestly, I don't even know what to say anymore. For all the games that we played with heart, we have seemingly lost it again. On the post-game wrap up show on 104.5 The Zone, Tom Callahan verbalized this same thing. He said most teams have that "it" and that "it" is what turns an ordinary locker into a winning locker room.
For whatever reason, the Predators have lost "it". I'm pretty worried we won't be able to find it again this season.
What are these lines?! Trotz, can you make up your mind please? PLEASE!
Steve Sullivan is on fire! My theory on his goal is that Chris Mason forgot how to defend him because it's been too long.
Nice to see Kevin Klein coming back in to play after a scary fall on the first. I don't think Ville Koistinen would do that.
Vernon Fiddler seemed to be having a good night tonight. I think I remember him having a good track record with Legwand and Erat.
So it's hard for a girl to stay focused when she notices that her favorite player is absent from the bench at the start of the third period.
Pekka Rinne had some great saves in the third. He was looking really strong for us out there.
Jerred Smithson came back in about 8:00 into the third. I was much better after that.
btw, casual Predators fans: we really don't DO the wave in this arena.
That was a ridiculously close call there in the OT period. Pekka and Hamhuis did an amazing job of keeping it out of the net. Too bad it didn't last when Zanon and Hammer got caught out on the shift change and St. Louis put it away for the win.
Also, Blues fans are almost worse than Red Wings fans. I mean, sure everyone's allowed to go and see their team in another team's barn. BUT there's a level of decorum and class that comes with representing your team to the opposition's home crowd. Based on the gross display of obnoxiousness I saw tonight, let's just say I'm not looking forward to being in St. Louis on Saturday if all the Blues fans are just as bad.
Honestly, I don't even know what to say anymore. For all the games that we played with heart, we have seemingly lost it again. On the post-game wrap up show on 104.5 The Zone, Tom Callahan verbalized this same thing. He said most teams have that "it" and that "it" is what turns an ordinary locker into a winning locker room.
For whatever reason, the Predators have lost "it". I'm pretty worried we won't be able to find it again this season.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
2/18/09 - Nashville at Detroit: L 2-6 Final
Observations:
Jordin Tootoo plays right wing to the Erat-Legwand line. Apparently, Coach Trotz has had enough of Ryan Jones playing with them already.
Radek Bonk came back into the lineup tonight. I was glad to see he wasn't injured too badly because he really does make a difference in the faceoff circle for us.
Way to take the first penalty, Ville Koistinen. You're not going to help us out doing that all night.
Man, can we just be half as good on the power play as Detroit is?
Zanon was the defense guy out of position on both Detroit power play goals in the first. I shouldn't be surprised by that, should I?
Wow, I spoke too soon about Tootoo. With about nine minutes left in the first, Trotz puts him out with Fiddler and Pihlstrom, freeing up a spot on the Erat-Legwand line for Ryan Jones again. Jones is the right fit for that line, Coach. Can we please keep it that way?
It's not good that we didn't generate any real pressure on net until there was about six minutes left in the first. That is not the definition of the "good start" we needed.
Nice sneaky little goal right at the end of the first. I can't believe we scored from a blast at the point. Steve Sullivan finally notched his first official goal of the season.
I didn't realize until the end of the first period that we were wearing our home jerseys, with the Red Wings wearing their travelling whites. I think that I have just been so used to seeing the boys at home here lately that I didn't even realize I was watching an away game.
Okay, now Pihlstrom is on the Erat-Legwand line?! Those two are getting the short end of the stick here. Martin Erat needs consistency. Changing linemates every other shift is not going to cut it.
Wow! Steve Sullivan is all over this game tonight. Those were GREAT passes by Arnott and Dumont. Love it, love it, love it!
Who's fault was goal number four for Detroit?! Yeah, that would be Zanon, AGAIN.
For as good as our penalty kill is, the Detroit power play still makes it look undisciplined.
During the second intermission, Pete and Terry talked a lot about taking short passes. While I completely agree that short, tape-to-tape passes produce goals more often than long ice passes, our problem doesn't always lie in not taking short passes. The bigger issue is that we hesistate to take the passes in the first place.
UUUUUGGGGHHHHH!
Poor Dan Ellis. Like Erat, the man needs consistency in order to stick with his game. With the sporadic starts he's had in the past month or so, consistency is not on his side.
SHUT. YOUR. MOUTH. Ryan Suter fought and took the guy down?! Ryan Suter? RYAN. SUTER.
We can not afford to lose JP. Not that he's been playing extremely well as of late but there is a definite difference in the way we play as a team when he's out of the lineup.
We didn't score on the 5-on-3. How did we not score on the 5-on-3 when Detroit's penalty kill is one of the lowest ranked in the league?
We always take a ton of penalties when we play Detroit. You would think we would have learned how to be better disciplined by now. That's the coach's fault, right?
David Poile would never be as brazen as to fire Trotz at this point in the season, would he?
Jordin Tootoo plays right wing to the Erat-Legwand line. Apparently, Coach Trotz has had enough of Ryan Jones playing with them already.
Radek Bonk came back into the lineup tonight. I was glad to see he wasn't injured too badly because he really does make a difference in the faceoff circle for us.
Way to take the first penalty, Ville Koistinen. You're not going to help us out doing that all night.
Man, can we just be half as good on the power play as Detroit is?
Zanon was the defense guy out of position on both Detroit power play goals in the first. I shouldn't be surprised by that, should I?
Wow, I spoke too soon about Tootoo. With about nine minutes left in the first, Trotz puts him out with Fiddler and Pihlstrom, freeing up a spot on the Erat-Legwand line for Ryan Jones again. Jones is the right fit for that line, Coach. Can we please keep it that way?
It's not good that we didn't generate any real pressure on net until there was about six minutes left in the first. That is not the definition of the "good start" we needed.
Nice sneaky little goal right at the end of the first. I can't believe we scored from a blast at the point. Steve Sullivan finally notched his first official goal of the season.
I didn't realize until the end of the first period that we were wearing our home jerseys, with the Red Wings wearing their travelling whites. I think that I have just been so used to seeing the boys at home here lately that I didn't even realize I was watching an away game.
Okay, now Pihlstrom is on the Erat-Legwand line?! Those two are getting the short end of the stick here. Martin Erat needs consistency. Changing linemates every other shift is not going to cut it.
Wow! Steve Sullivan is all over this game tonight. Those were GREAT passes by Arnott and Dumont. Love it, love it, love it!
Who's fault was goal number four for Detroit?! Yeah, that would be Zanon, AGAIN.
For as good as our penalty kill is, the Detroit power play still makes it look undisciplined.
During the second intermission, Pete and Terry talked a lot about taking short passes. While I completely agree that short, tape-to-tape passes produce goals more often than long ice passes, our problem doesn't always lie in not taking short passes. The bigger issue is that we hesistate to take the passes in the first place.
UUUUUGGGGHHHHH!
Poor Dan Ellis. Like Erat, the man needs consistency in order to stick with his game. With the sporadic starts he's had in the past month or so, consistency is not on his side.
SHUT. YOUR. MOUTH. Ryan Suter fought and took the guy down?! Ryan Suter? RYAN. SUTER.
We can not afford to lose JP. Not that he's been playing extremely well as of late but there is a definite difference in the way we play as a team when he's out of the lineup.
We didn't score on the 5-on-3. How did we not score on the 5-on-3 when Detroit's penalty kill is one of the lowest ranked in the league?
We always take a ton of penalties when we play Detroit. You would think we would have learned how to be better disciplined by now. That's the coach's fault, right?
David Poile would never be as brazen as to fire Trotz at this point in the season, would he?
Monday, February 16, 2009
2/16/09 - Ottawa at Nashville: L 2-0 Final
Things we did wrong tonight:
1. We made way too many sloppy passes. I can't even point out just one or two players that did this either because every one did it at some point or another during their time on the ice.
2. When we made good passes, they were stupidly fancy passes. Dumont had a breakaway chance in the second period (the only period we even really tried at all) and instead of just coming in and taking the shot, he passed it back towards Arnott or Klein and guess who got it? That's right; Ottawa did.
3. We didn't take any shots/enough shots on the power play chances we had. We set up shop in the zone but seem content to just play "pass the puck" for two minutes.
4. Also, we allowed the puck to be turned over during our power plays far too often. I should not have to cheer on Pekka Rinne for stopping a shot on net during our man-advantage. If we played as aggressively during the power play as we did during our penalty kill, we could maybe, just maybe, increase our power play ranking.
5. We let the Senators skate all over us in the first period and we never really mentally recovered from the way we played (or more precisely DIDN'T play) during the first twenty minutes. If it wasn't for Rinne, things could have been a whole lot worse (i.e. the Atlanta game).
6. Coach Trotz calls a time out with six minutes left in the first period to allow us to "re-group". Did it help? From what I saw the rest of the game, not likely. He seemed to start pulling names out of a hat with the lines for the remainder of the game as well. No one was safe from a mis-matched pairing, it seemed. Yeah, throwing us off our game is definitely the way to get us back on track during a game...good one, Trotz.
7. Shea Weber seems to have let another life form take over his body for the past few games. Where has he been here lately? His game is way off. I've yelled at him more times in the past few games than I have at Ryan Suter all year. That's not right.
Quite obviously, we did not try hard enough tonight. We might have had a couple of bad starts the last few times out, but we managed to pull our heads out of our butts and find a way to score. From about halfway through the first period on, I never felt that kind of energy from us on the ice. We weren't really communicating with each other. There's wasn't a lot of jump from any of the lines. We seemed to content to lose. This is not okay. We can not afford to revert back to the way we were playing before the All-Star Break. If I had seen even a little effort, a little emotion from anyone, I wouldn't be worried. But there was nothing. This can not continue. Someone needs to step up and be a leader again, reminding the boys why they play and who they play for. I don't want us to go back to being consistently inconsistent.
I leave you with one tiny light-hearted observation: Pekka Rinne totally sang along to the Hidey-Hidey-Hidey-Ho song during one of the tv timeouts in the third period.
Let's put this behind us and focus on Detroit.
1. We made way too many sloppy passes. I can't even point out just one or two players that did this either because every one did it at some point or another during their time on the ice.
2. When we made good passes, they were stupidly fancy passes. Dumont had a breakaway chance in the second period (the only period we even really tried at all) and instead of just coming in and taking the shot, he passed it back towards Arnott or Klein and guess who got it? That's right; Ottawa did.
3. We didn't take any shots/enough shots on the power play chances we had. We set up shop in the zone but seem content to just play "pass the puck" for two minutes.
4. Also, we allowed the puck to be turned over during our power plays far too often. I should not have to cheer on Pekka Rinne for stopping a shot on net during our man-advantage. If we played as aggressively during the power play as we did during our penalty kill, we could maybe, just maybe, increase our power play ranking.
5. We let the Senators skate all over us in the first period and we never really mentally recovered from the way we played (or more precisely DIDN'T play) during the first twenty minutes. If it wasn't for Rinne, things could have been a whole lot worse (i.e. the Atlanta game).
6. Coach Trotz calls a time out with six minutes left in the first period to allow us to "re-group". Did it help? From what I saw the rest of the game, not likely. He seemed to start pulling names out of a hat with the lines for the remainder of the game as well. No one was safe from a mis-matched pairing, it seemed. Yeah, throwing us off our game is definitely the way to get us back on track during a game...good one, Trotz.
7. Shea Weber seems to have let another life form take over his body for the past few games. Where has he been here lately? His game is way off. I've yelled at him more times in the past few games than I have at Ryan Suter all year. That's not right.
Quite obviously, we did not try hard enough tonight. We might have had a couple of bad starts the last few times out, but we managed to pull our heads out of our butts and find a way to score. From about halfway through the first period on, I never felt that kind of energy from us on the ice. We weren't really communicating with each other. There's wasn't a lot of jump from any of the lines. We seemed to content to lose. This is not okay. We can not afford to revert back to the way we were playing before the All-Star Break. If I had seen even a little effort, a little emotion from anyone, I wouldn't be worried. But there was nothing. This can not continue. Someone needs to step up and be a leader again, reminding the boys why they play and who they play for. I don't want us to go back to being consistently inconsistent.
I leave you with one tiny light-hearted observation: Pekka Rinne totally sang along to the Hidey-Hidey-Hidey-Ho song during one of the tv timeouts in the third period.
Let's put this behind us and focus on Detroit.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
2/14/09 - Boston at Nashville: W 2-3 Final SO
For the second game in a row, my boys took it to overtime and then a shoot out. I hate shoot outs. Even when they go our way, I hate shoot outs. However, Pekka Rinne is looking more and more solid between the pipes now and well, as much as I don't want to admit it, he deserves to continue to be the man in the net for us.
Jordin Tootoo made quite the statement with his goal in the first period. I also loved that he was a little bit delayed in his celebration, almost as if he didn't quite believe that he was able to get a shot on net. While David Legwand ended up with a tip-in credit for this goal, Jordin Tootoo's slap shot was very Shea Weber-esque and actually quite impressive.
Speaking of David Legwand, what's happened to him? What made him wake up all of sudden? I obviously don't know the answer to these questions and I'm not sure if I want to know the answers. All I know is: Leggy, KEEP PLAYING THE WAY YOU PLAYED TONIGHT.
With Tootoo back in the lineup, Patric Hornqvist was sent back to Milwaukee. Really, Front Office? Really?! Is Antti Pihlstrom invisible?
The heart and soul of the Predators is alive and well again. This was the best Valentine's Day ever. EVER.
Let's go, Preds!
Jordin Tootoo made quite the statement with his goal in the first period. I also loved that he was a little bit delayed in his celebration, almost as if he didn't quite believe that he was able to get a shot on net. While David Legwand ended up with a tip-in credit for this goal, Jordin Tootoo's slap shot was very Shea Weber-esque and actually quite impressive.
Speaking of David Legwand, what's happened to him? What made him wake up all of sudden? I obviously don't know the answer to these questions and I'm not sure if I want to know the answers. All I know is: Leggy, KEEP PLAYING THE WAY YOU PLAYED TONIGHT.
With Tootoo back in the lineup, Patric Hornqvist was sent back to Milwaukee. Really, Front Office? Really?! Is Antti Pihlstrom invisible?
The heart and soul of the Predators is alive and well again. This was the best Valentine's Day ever. EVER.
Let's go, Preds!
Thursday, February 12, 2009
2/12/09 - St. Louis at Nashville: W 3-4 Final SO
Here's a few reason why tonight's win was A-MAZ-ING:
1. We started the third period down 1-3 and I really thought we weren't going to be able to even muster one goal, let alone two to tie things up. We played well but Chris Mason has our number in our building. The fact that we fought back and managed to even the score with THREE SECONDS LEFT tells me that this team has found their heart once again.
2. Kevin Klein played as (I think) a forward on the line that led to the second Predators goal. That boy has talent far beyond what most people assume and it's about freaking time that Barry Trotz took notice. I called for him to play all season long and I am glad to see him finally producing.
3. I had "beginner's luck" on my side tonight as I had the pleasure of sharing my love of hockey with a former co-worker of mine and her two young boys. No matter what the outcome would have been, they had a fantastic time but for their sake (and my sanity) I am thankful we won.
4. We managed alright without Radek Bonk. I realized he went MIA sometime during the first period because Trotz was rolling with just three lines and there was definitely something awry. Never in a million years would I think that the loss of Bonk during a game would affect things as much as they seemed to but the line of he, Smithson and Ward has been strong here as of late. Bonk can fill the role of our clutch man sometimes but tonight was Captain Arnott's time to shine. Boy, I couldn't be happier he did.
5. We went to overtime. Seriously, when is the last time we went to overtime and found ourselves on the winning side of things? By now, you should know that I hate shoot outs more than I hate the burn of a thousand paper cuts. There was just something about tonight's game that had "comeback" and "finding our way again" written all over it. This is the Predators hockey I've come to know and love over the past few seasons and it's this type of hockey that I need to see time and time again for the rest of this season.
6. Steve Sullivan scored in the shoot out. After an extended absence from the league, Steve Sullivan fought his way into our line up, even to my surprise. While he didn't get credit for an actual goal scored, he became a hockey hero in Nashville once again tonight.
Tonight left me more excited about Saturday's game against the Boston Bruins than I have been about hockey for pretty much the entire season. There is something about the way we are playing that is igniting my own spark and passion for this game all over again.
Saturday's game is typically one of my favorite games of the year anyway because honestly, who wouldn't want to spend their Valentine's night with an entire hockey team instead of just one guy?! See you Saturday, my friends. I can't wait.
1. We started the third period down 1-3 and I really thought we weren't going to be able to even muster one goal, let alone two to tie things up. We played well but Chris Mason has our number in our building. The fact that we fought back and managed to even the score with THREE SECONDS LEFT tells me that this team has found their heart once again.
2. Kevin Klein played as (I think) a forward on the line that led to the second Predators goal. That boy has talent far beyond what most people assume and it's about freaking time that Barry Trotz took notice. I called for him to play all season long and I am glad to see him finally producing.
3. I had "beginner's luck" on my side tonight as I had the pleasure of sharing my love of hockey with a former co-worker of mine and her two young boys. No matter what the outcome would have been, they had a fantastic time but for their sake (and my sanity) I am thankful we won.
4. We managed alright without Radek Bonk. I realized he went MIA sometime during the first period because Trotz was rolling with just three lines and there was definitely something awry. Never in a million years would I think that the loss of Bonk during a game would affect things as much as they seemed to but the line of he, Smithson and Ward has been strong here as of late. Bonk can fill the role of our clutch man sometimes but tonight was Captain Arnott's time to shine. Boy, I couldn't be happier he did.
5. We went to overtime. Seriously, when is the last time we went to overtime and found ourselves on the winning side of things? By now, you should know that I hate shoot outs more than I hate the burn of a thousand paper cuts. There was just something about tonight's game that had "comeback" and "finding our way again" written all over it. This is the Predators hockey I've come to know and love over the past few seasons and it's this type of hockey that I need to see time and time again for the rest of this season.
6. Steve Sullivan scored in the shoot out. After an extended absence from the league, Steve Sullivan fought his way into our line up, even to my surprise. While he didn't get credit for an actual goal scored, he became a hockey hero in Nashville once again tonight.
Tonight left me more excited about Saturday's game against the Boston Bruins than I have been about hockey for pretty much the entire season. There is something about the way we are playing that is igniting my own spark and passion for this game all over again.
Saturday's game is typically one of my favorite games of the year anyway because honestly, who wouldn't want to spend their Valentine's night with an entire hockey team instead of just one guy?! See you Saturday, my friends. I can't wait.
Well, crap
Teemu Laasko to have surgery
This isn't exactly the news I was hoping for when I spotted my favorite Apolo Anton Ohno look-a-like at the game on Tuesday night. Sorry, Teemu.
I hope things heal nicely. You were one of my favorites during training camp this year.
This isn't exactly the news I was hoping for when I spotted my favorite Apolo Anton Ohno look-a-like at the game on Tuesday night. Sorry, Teemu.
I hope things heal nicely. You were one of my favorites during training camp this year.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
2/10/09 - Detroit at Nashville: L 5-3 Final
Observations:
We had quite a few scary moments in the first PK....and Pekka had a couple lucky breaks.
I counted three rebounds from that first Red Wings goal. But that first save was A-MAZING.
Martin Erat with a short-handed try on the second PK; it was worth a shot. Jerred Smithson had an amazing save right before then too. And I said that as if he was the goalie, and for that moment, he kind of was.
Speaking of Jerred Smithson...he's gotta watch his mouth during games like these. We don't need one of our best PK'ers in the box while we're killing off his penalty.
If no one else, Hammer was playing physical during the first period.
Pekka was getting WORKED OVER. SOG at the end of the first.....NSH 8, DET 27.
The Smithson-Bonk-Ward line was showing some fight with just a minute left in the first. Thank goodness someone was.
Ummm, we did exactly what I said we didn't need to do tonight. We took lots of bad penalties. And our PK is losing its magic tonight because of that...unfortunately.
In the second, Pekka and Weber were getting PISSED. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE seeing that. Seriously, Pekka Rinne being pissed is like. the best thing since Erat getting pissy. That woke us up too!!!! Thank, God.
Radek Bonk on the PP actually worked?!? Who knew? AND Trotz put two defensemen back on the PP. Thank you, Coach.
JOEL WARD!!! That line was great.
Okay, I think Conklin got a little too comfortable with our lackluster performance in the first. We managed 2 goals on just 6 SOG in the second period.
We were way better defensively in the 2nd too.
So I'm pretty sure I spotted Teemu Laasko in the player's box tonight. Ummm, I'm not one for trade rumors before their time BUT....I'm waiting around for that Koistinen trade announcement anytime now.
That fourth goal hurt to watch...first seeing Shea miss the block and then watching it go in so easily over Pekka's shoulder.
Well, scratch what I said earlier; Trotz went back to one D on the PP in the third.
For a while, I think that fourth goal took the wind out of our sails.
However, Joel Ward was AMAZING tonight. That goal was ridiculous. He actually followed it all the way through unlike some other players.
Final SOG....NSH 21, DET 51....Pekka worked for his dinner tonight.
We didn't come out strong enough to win this one. Sure, we picked up play in the second and third periods but we need a full 60 minute game to win against the Red Wings. With that said, I'm okay with a loss tonight because past Predators history dictates that we generally suck it up hardcore after a win against Detroit. So if we can just get back on track come Thursday, Saturday, Monday; we'll be okay.
Thursday night, we face off against St. Louis for the first time since their 1-0 shoot out victory against us in November. That game was unbelievably frustrating to watch. I think we've managed to solve the majority of our scoring problems since then so I don't expect a similar outcome this time around. I have to wonder if we'll see another match up of Mason vs. Ellis or if Trotz will ride Rinne until he drops.
Puck drops at 7:00pm CST.
We had quite a few scary moments in the first PK....and Pekka had a couple lucky breaks.
I counted three rebounds from that first Red Wings goal. But that first save was A-MAZING.
Martin Erat with a short-handed try on the second PK; it was worth a shot. Jerred Smithson had an amazing save right before then too. And I said that as if he was the goalie, and for that moment, he kind of was.
Speaking of Jerred Smithson...he's gotta watch his mouth during games like these. We don't need one of our best PK'ers in the box while we're killing off his penalty.
If no one else, Hammer was playing physical during the first period.
Pekka was getting WORKED OVER. SOG at the end of the first.....NSH 8, DET 27.
The Smithson-Bonk-Ward line was showing some fight with just a minute left in the first. Thank goodness someone was.
Ummm, we did exactly what I said we didn't need to do tonight. We took lots of bad penalties. And our PK is losing its magic tonight because of that...unfortunately.
In the second, Pekka and Weber were getting PISSED. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE seeing that. Seriously, Pekka Rinne being pissed is like. the best thing since Erat getting pissy. That woke us up too!!!! Thank, God.
Radek Bonk on the PP actually worked?!? Who knew? AND Trotz put two defensemen back on the PP. Thank you, Coach.
JOEL WARD!!! That line was great.
Okay, I think Conklin got a little too comfortable with our lackluster performance in the first. We managed 2 goals on just 6 SOG in the second period.
We were way better defensively in the 2nd too.
So I'm pretty sure I spotted Teemu Laasko in the player's box tonight. Ummm, I'm not one for trade rumors before their time BUT....I'm waiting around for that Koistinen trade announcement anytime now.
That fourth goal hurt to watch...first seeing Shea miss the block and then watching it go in so easily over Pekka's shoulder.
Well, scratch what I said earlier; Trotz went back to one D on the PP in the third.
For a while, I think that fourth goal took the wind out of our sails.
However, Joel Ward was AMAZING tonight. That goal was ridiculous. He actually followed it all the way through unlike some other players.
Final SOG....NSH 21, DET 51....Pekka worked for his dinner tonight.
We didn't come out strong enough to win this one. Sure, we picked up play in the second and third periods but we need a full 60 minute game to win against the Red Wings. With that said, I'm okay with a loss tonight because past Predators history dictates that we generally suck it up hardcore after a win against Detroit. So if we can just get back on track come Thursday, Saturday, Monday; we'll be okay.
Thursday night, we face off against St. Louis for the first time since their 1-0 shoot out victory against us in November. That game was unbelievably frustrating to watch. I think we've managed to solve the majority of our scoring problems since then so I don't expect a similar outcome this time around. I have to wonder if we'll see another match up of Mason vs. Ellis or if Trotz will ride Rinne until he drops.
Puck drops at 7:00pm CST.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
2/8/09 - Nashville at Dallas: L 1-4 Final
The "All Good Things Must Come to an End" edition
Observations:
Ouch, Steve Sullivan....too bad we were without you on the 4:00 power play. Also, your lip looks gross.
Come on, boys! Dallas was all over us during that PP. Seriously, they were working us over. UGH, Brian Sutherby....not the guy I wanted to score on us.
It was only the second short-handed goal of the year for Dallas?! I think it's safe to say that our PP line isn't the best at defense right now. I think that has something to do with Trotz only putting one defense guy out there with four forwards. I'm also saying that the short-handed goal directly led to how we played (mentally) for the rest of the game.
Oh, Elly.....that second goal off the rebound had to hurt. I could tell you really thought you had the puck under control. However, the defense out there should have made sure the puck was cleared out too.
We should have played more physical. Dallas worked us over in the first period. I mean, we looked almost amateurish out there compared to them.
I want us to play Beastie Boys during a game!!
I want to see a Shea Weber fight. He looked irritated enough to start one.
What are we doing? Or actually, what are we letting Dallas do to us?! We dump and chase long enough to let them gain possession again.
Patric Hornqvist was having a good game. I just wish he would put one behing Turco instead of just coming ridiculously close.
Marty Turco makes me wants to throw up. So many good saves.....UGH
Arnott AGAIN?! Amazing....
Ryan Jones was getting shuffled around a lot tonight. That's kind of weird...I'm trying to figure out if it's punishment or promotion.
The second PP looked much better than the first. But what is up with Radek Bonk?! Joel Ward out with Legwand and Erat? Trotz is switching things up again.
Definitely fought a little harder in the second. Poor Sullivan was getting worked over today too. Starting the 3rd with a double minor agianst against him was total crap. That was a horrible call. Maybe two minutes but definitely not four.
ARGH....Dan Ellis had no way of seeing that third goal. Steve Ott did a perfect screening job on that one.
Why couldn't we seem to keep possession in the third?
Hi, third power play of the night...you suck.
Okay, all of sudden we had a surge right after the third PP and it came from the 28-38-27 line. Who knew? The second Sully, Arnott and Dumont got out there, we lost our momentum.
I hate empty nets about as much as I hate shootouts, especially considering both hardly ever work out in our favor.
Okay, we didn't play horrible but it definitely wasn't our night. We were playing the hottest team in the league when it comes to winning at home so we were going in to the game with a statistical disadvantage. However, I do believe our effort is still there so I'm not calling this a horrible loss. We can just take our frustration over tonight's loss and channel it into a win against Detroit on Tuesday.
This next week starts an extended homestand for the Predators with Detroit coming in on Tuesday, St. Louis on Thursday and a rare visit from the Boston Bruins on Saturday night. Tickets are still available for all three games. For discounted tickets, click here (keyword: predators).
Let's go, boys!!! You better bring it on Tuesday night like you did the last time we played Detroit.
Observations:
Ouch, Steve Sullivan....too bad we were without you on the 4:00 power play. Also, your lip looks gross.
Come on, boys! Dallas was all over us during that PP. Seriously, they were working us over. UGH, Brian Sutherby....not the guy I wanted to score on us.
It was only the second short-handed goal of the year for Dallas?! I think it's safe to say that our PP line isn't the best at defense right now. I think that has something to do with Trotz only putting one defense guy out there with four forwards. I'm also saying that the short-handed goal directly led to how we played (mentally) for the rest of the game.
Oh, Elly.....that second goal off the rebound had to hurt. I could tell you really thought you had the puck under control. However, the defense out there should have made sure the puck was cleared out too.
We should have played more physical. Dallas worked us over in the first period. I mean, we looked almost amateurish out there compared to them.
I want us to play Beastie Boys during a game!!
I want to see a Shea Weber fight. He looked irritated enough to start one.
What are we doing? Or actually, what are we letting Dallas do to us?! We dump and chase long enough to let them gain possession again.
Patric Hornqvist was having a good game. I just wish he would put one behing Turco instead of just coming ridiculously close.
Marty Turco makes me wants to throw up. So many good saves.....UGH
Arnott AGAIN?! Amazing....
Ryan Jones was getting shuffled around a lot tonight. That's kind of weird...I'm trying to figure out if it's punishment or promotion.
The second PP looked much better than the first. But what is up with Radek Bonk?! Joel Ward out with Legwand and Erat? Trotz is switching things up again.
Definitely fought a little harder in the second. Poor Sullivan was getting worked over today too. Starting the 3rd with a double minor agianst against him was total crap. That was a horrible call. Maybe two minutes but definitely not four.
ARGH....Dan Ellis had no way of seeing that third goal. Steve Ott did a perfect screening job on that one.
Why couldn't we seem to keep possession in the third?
Hi, third power play of the night...you suck.
Okay, all of sudden we had a surge right after the third PP and it came from the 28-38-27 line. Who knew? The second Sully, Arnott and Dumont got out there, we lost our momentum.
I hate empty nets about as much as I hate shootouts, especially considering both hardly ever work out in our favor.
Okay, we didn't play horrible but it definitely wasn't our night. We were playing the hottest team in the league when it comes to winning at home so we were going in to the game with a statistical disadvantage. However, I do believe our effort is still there so I'm not calling this a horrible loss. We can just take our frustration over tonight's loss and channel it into a win against Detroit on Tuesday.
This next week starts an extended homestand for the Predators with Detroit coming in on Tuesday, St. Louis on Thursday and a rare visit from the Boston Bruins on Saturday night. Tickets are still available for all three games. For discounted tickets, click here (keyword: predators).
Let's go, boys!!! You better bring it on Tuesday night like you did the last time we played Detroit.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Predators Annual Father's Trip 2009
Okay, seriously?! How can you not tear up just a little seeing how proud these dads are of their sons? Dan Ellis, Vernon Fiddler and Scott Nichol looked especially touched by their dad's words.
I hope one day I can be proud of a son who makes it to the "big show" too.
2/6/09 - Nashville at Minnesota: W 2-0 Final
Of course I go and miss my favorite dehydrated goalie recording a shutout...
Like the Goonies, Dan Ellis never says die.
Also....I'd just like to say....FOUR IN A ROW....and I heart Jason Arnott.
Like the Goonies, Dan Ellis never says die.
Also....I'd just like to say....FOUR IN A ROW....and I heart Jason Arnott.
Friday, February 6, 2009
A Night Off
There will be no recap tonight because I have decided that sometimes a night spent with a good friend outweighs a night spent in front of the television with my boys.
I might have some post-game thoughts depending on the score and depending on who scores...
I might have some post-game thoughts depending on the score and depending on who scores...
Thursday, February 5, 2009
2/5/09 - Anaheim at Nashville: W 2-4 Final
Observations:
Back to the old intro...thanks Front Office. That other one was just not cutting it.
I love the silence when there are no Tootoo whistles. Makes my heart happy.
So David Legwand is sporting the 'A' this month....quelle surprise! It seems as though maybe he has finally reached a leader status in the locker room and amoung the players.
RYAN JONES!!!! deVries should NOT have received the initial call on that one and we all knew it. Don't know why it took them until the third period to decide what the rest of us already knew.
I have to laugh when Radek Bonk is featured in the night's HotSpot Stat of the Game. There's just something a little bit off about putting those two things together.
I'm mad I missed the second goal by Arnott. Stupid long lines...
What a pass by .... I can't believe I'm saying this ... Antti Pihlstrom. Martin Erat's goal was pretty.
Kevin Klein with a fight and a good one at that!! Heck yes!!
I have a hard time sitting behind the bench...I need to see my boys, not their backs.
I still love our PK!!!
With an intermission band name like 7eventh Man Down, it had to be Fellowship Night.
We had some good passing tonight. Erat, Sullivan....
Fiddler was having a good night. He's been skating to really make a difference here lately.
I've got to hand it to Ryan Suter because he has been consistently good this year. I mean, I haven't yelled at him hardly at all this season. Solid play this time around.
Lots of chances in the third but we were having trouble putting it away... so annoying!
Greg Zanon is totally back to his rookie year form. Love him right now.
Passy Passersons on the PP again. It's very reminscent of a couple of seasons ago with Kimmo and Kariya on the PP.
Nice pass, Jerred!!!! Way to go, Fids!!! Empty netter for the win.
Okay, we are looking pretty good right now. Something is finally clicking. The boys have found themselves and they are playing with their hearts and not just their brains anymore. It's nice to walk away from the arena with some hope in my heart again.
The Predators travel to Minnesota tonight to take on the Wild tomorrow night at 7:00pm CST. And guess what? DAN ELLIS WILL BE IN NET! Sorry to go all Kanye on you just then, but I'm excited to see Elly on the ice again. The game will be televised on FS Tennessee so if your Friday night is free, book yourself in front of the TV for some hockey action.
Let's go, Predators!
Back to the old intro...thanks Front Office. That other one was just not cutting it.
I love the silence when there are no Tootoo whistles. Makes my heart happy.
So David Legwand is sporting the 'A' this month....quelle surprise! It seems as though maybe he has finally reached a leader status in the locker room and amoung the players.
RYAN JONES!!!! deVries should NOT have received the initial call on that one and we all knew it. Don't know why it took them until the third period to decide what the rest of us already knew.
I have to laugh when Radek Bonk is featured in the night's HotSpot Stat of the Game. There's just something a little bit off about putting those two things together.
I'm mad I missed the second goal by Arnott. Stupid long lines...
What a pass by .... I can't believe I'm saying this ... Antti Pihlstrom. Martin Erat's goal was pretty.
Kevin Klein with a fight and a good one at that!! Heck yes!!
I have a hard time sitting behind the bench...I need to see my boys, not their backs.
I still love our PK!!!
With an intermission band name like 7eventh Man Down, it had to be Fellowship Night.
We had some good passing tonight. Erat, Sullivan....
Fiddler was having a good night. He's been skating to really make a difference here lately.
I've got to hand it to Ryan Suter because he has been consistently good this year. I mean, I haven't yelled at him hardly at all this season. Solid play this time around.
Lots of chances in the third but we were having trouble putting it away... so annoying!
Greg Zanon is totally back to his rookie year form. Love him right now.
Passy Passersons on the PP again. It's very reminscent of a couple of seasons ago with Kimmo and Kariya on the PP.
Nice pass, Jerred!!!! Way to go, Fids!!! Empty netter for the win.
Okay, we are looking pretty good right now. Something is finally clicking. The boys have found themselves and they are playing with their hearts and not just their brains anymore. It's nice to walk away from the arena with some hope in my heart again.
The Predators travel to Minnesota tonight to take on the Wild tomorrow night at 7:00pm CST. And guess what? DAN ELLIS WILL BE IN NET! Sorry to go all Kanye on you just then, but I'm excited to see Elly on the ice again. The game will be televised on FS Tennessee so if your Friday night is free, book yourself in front of the TV for some hockey action.
Let's go, Predators!
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
2/3/09 - Phoenix at Nashville: W 1-2 Final
Observations:
The first goal happened so fast I wasn't even paying attention. Seriously, when's the last time we scored that early in the game? I'd like to see the stats on that because I'm pretty sure it's been forever.
I kind of felt bad for Fiddler having to share a line with Pihlstrom and Hornqvist. Patric I'm okay with but Pihlstrom....GO BACK TO MILWAUKEE ALREADY!!!
YAY for Patric Hornqvist's call up by the way. I've been waiting to say that for a long time.
Top line still performing well. I like it!
I LOVE OUR PK...
BOOOONNNKKKK!!!! He had a great night tonight. Is he becoming the clutch player again?
Zanon didn't drop gloves in that fight...he just dropped....and he didn't deserve 4:00 minutes at all. Two yes, but four...not even.
Horrible use of the extended PP....why am I not suprised?
In game Liquid Ice Girls 'lowdown' = Ehhh, I could do without that
We have huge hesitation issues...both Arnott and Smithson had quality shots they could have taken on net but waited too long to take them and we missed the opportunity to put away goals twice.
Something was in the air tonight...the Czech's were particularly chippy.
Darn you, Pekka Rinne!! Why do you have to continue to be good? I can't hate you but it's killing me to see Dan Ellis get the shaft like this. He's such a good guy.
As Brooke pointed out tonight, Sullivan needs to pop up a little sooner from the hits he's been taking here lately. It doesn't look good to see him taking so long to recover.
Apparently, we're creating bad blood with every team in the Western Conference this season.
And for some reason, the third period ended up becoming 20 minutes of both teams just trading penalties.
Speaking of penalties, the officiating was way off tonight, on both sides.
So we're boasting a 3-1 record after the All Star break. Not too bad but we've got to keep it up because there are way too many teams sitting right around the same place we are. We need to play balls to the wall for the rest of the season. With the way the lines have been clicking since Trotz repositioned things after the break, I am beginning to think we might still have a shot.
The Anaheim Ducks will be in town Thursday night for our second match up of the season. There are about fourteen different things going on that night in conjunction with the Predators game so I'm sure there will be something for everyone. The game will not be televised locally so Thursday would be a great night to come down to the Sommet for some hockey action. Puck drops at 7:00pm CST.
Belated birthday wishes to Jordin Tootoo who celebrated his 26th yesterday and a Happy One Day Early Birthday to Jerred Smithson who turns the big 3-0 tomorrow. I'm sure they're both wishing for continued success on the ice. If it were my birthday, I'd be wishing the same thing. Happy Birthday, boys!
The first goal happened so fast I wasn't even paying attention. Seriously, when's the last time we scored that early in the game? I'd like to see the stats on that because I'm pretty sure it's been forever.
I kind of felt bad for Fiddler having to share a line with Pihlstrom and Hornqvist. Patric I'm okay with but Pihlstrom....GO BACK TO MILWAUKEE ALREADY!!!
YAY for Patric Hornqvist's call up by the way. I've been waiting to say that for a long time.
Top line still performing well. I like it!
I LOVE OUR PK...
BOOOONNNKKKK!!!! He had a great night tonight. Is he becoming the clutch player again?
Zanon didn't drop gloves in that fight...he just dropped....and he didn't deserve 4:00 minutes at all. Two yes, but four...not even.
Horrible use of the extended PP....why am I not suprised?
In game Liquid Ice Girls 'lowdown' = Ehhh, I could do without that
We have huge hesitation issues...both Arnott and Smithson had quality shots they could have taken on net but waited too long to take them and we missed the opportunity to put away goals twice.
Something was in the air tonight...the Czech's were particularly chippy.
Darn you, Pekka Rinne!! Why do you have to continue to be good? I can't hate you but it's killing me to see Dan Ellis get the shaft like this. He's such a good guy.
As Brooke pointed out tonight, Sullivan needs to pop up a little sooner from the hits he's been taking here lately. It doesn't look good to see him taking so long to recover.
Apparently, we're creating bad blood with every team in the Western Conference this season.
And for some reason, the third period ended up becoming 20 minutes of both teams just trading penalties.
Speaking of penalties, the officiating was way off tonight, on both sides.
So we're boasting a 3-1 record after the All Star break. Not too bad but we've got to keep it up because there are way too many teams sitting right around the same place we are. We need to play balls to the wall for the rest of the season. With the way the lines have been clicking since Trotz repositioned things after the break, I am beginning to think we might still have a shot.
The Anaheim Ducks will be in town Thursday night for our second match up of the season. There are about fourteen different things going on that night in conjunction with the Predators game so I'm sure there will be something for everyone. The game will not be televised locally so Thursday would be a great night to come down to the Sommet for some hockey action. Puck drops at 7:00pm CST.
Belated birthday wishes to Jordin Tootoo who celebrated his 26th yesterday and a Happy One Day Early Birthday to Jerred Smithson who turns the big 3-0 tomorrow. I'm sure they're both wishing for continued success on the ice. If it were my birthday, I'd be wishing the same thing. Happy Birthday, boys!
Sunday, February 1, 2009
True Predators
I don't generally go to ESPN for my hockey news, game recaps, etc. but the post-game article following this afternoon's match up against Edmonton left me with a tear or two in my eye:
Predators vs. Oilers - Recap - February 01, 2009
From Edmonton coach Craig MacTavish: "We didn't have enough jam from our role players," he said. "It was a case of the [Joel] Ward's and [Jerred] Smithson's outplaying four or five of our guys that we are counting on to do the same thing."
From Coach Trotz: "Our team is full of guys that haven't been drafted and worked their way up and I call them True Predators," he said. "They've got a lot of fiber to their game. They might not have the stats but they have the intangibles. Our third and fourth lines always have a lot of that."
These are the kinds of quotes I have been waiting to hear all season long. The "True Predators" as Trotz calls them are exactly what make this team a "team". I'm estatic to see the unsung heroes of our team finally getting a little more credit for playing their roles and playing them well.
Predators vs. Oilers - Recap - February 01, 2009
From Edmonton coach Craig MacTavish: "We didn't have enough jam from our role players," he said. "It was a case of the [Joel] Ward's and [Jerred] Smithson's outplaying four or five of our guys that we are counting on to do the same thing."
From Coach Trotz: "Our team is full of guys that haven't been drafted and worked their way up and I call them True Predators," he said. "They've got a lot of fiber to their game. They might not have the stats but they have the intangibles. Our third and fourth lines always have a lot of that."
These are the kinds of quotes I have been waiting to hear all season long. The "True Predators" as Trotz calls them are exactly what make this team a "team". I'm estatic to see the unsung heroes of our team finally getting a little more credit for playing their roles and playing them well.
2/1/09 - Nashville at Edmonton: W 2-1 Final
Observations:
I am beginning to wonder if I'll ever see Elly in net for the Preds again. I certainly hope so.
I like the vantage point that EDM cameramen had. They did a lot of bench shots for both sides and it's a good change of pace to see things from that perspective every once in a while.
The Edmonton announcers had an interesting stat about the Preds being a perfect 11-0 when leading after one...I did not know that. At least we have one good stat going for us this season.
I also find it funny that the EDM announcers kept calling Hammer 'Danny Hamhuis'. It totally plays into his boyish looks.
Halfway through the game, it really looked like a battle of the goalies as both teams seem to be trading chances during the first 30 minutes.
Joel Ward is having a resurgance of confidence in his game here lately. He's a good example of that hard working player I've been looking for on our team.
Wow...our first goal was a fluky one but fine by me!! The Frenchman scores his third in as many games! JP is starting a hot streak again.
NICE pressure from 10-11-28. Glad to see they could follow up with a goal after that near miss by Jones just seconds before.
I thought we had good discipline today; definitely not nearly as many penalties as Friday night. Ummm, whoops...no sooner had I typed this than Pekka Rinne gets called for roughing on a supposed high stick to Andrew Cogliano. Even still, our PK'ers are consistently amazing.
So the game was low-scoring but that didn't matter as much to me today because we were playing well. We didn't have any horrible mistakes and I think the lines are finally clicking. Took us long enough to figure out the right combinations though. I'm very thankful that we came away with the much-needed two points. We've got to start pulling in more wins; especially considering our extended time at home during the month of February.
Speaking of being at home, the first home game since January 19th will be Tuesday, February 3rd as the Predators take on the Phoenix Coyotes. Tuesday is also '80's Night so if you're one of those people who likes dressing up in costume, this is the game for you. The game will be televised locally on FS Tennessee. Puck drops at 7:00pm CST.
My heart is already bursting at the seams knowing I'll get to see hockey live and in person so much over the next month.
Let's go, Preds! Now, more than ever, you've got to keep it together.
I am beginning to wonder if I'll ever see Elly in net for the Preds again. I certainly hope so.
I like the vantage point that EDM cameramen had. They did a lot of bench shots for both sides and it's a good change of pace to see things from that perspective every once in a while.
The Edmonton announcers had an interesting stat about the Preds being a perfect 11-0 when leading after one...I did not know that. At least we have one good stat going for us this season.
I also find it funny that the EDM announcers kept calling Hammer 'Danny Hamhuis'. It totally plays into his boyish looks.
Halfway through the game, it really looked like a battle of the goalies as both teams seem to be trading chances during the first 30 minutes.
Joel Ward is having a resurgance of confidence in his game here lately. He's a good example of that hard working player I've been looking for on our team.
Wow...our first goal was a fluky one but fine by me!! The Frenchman scores his third in as many games! JP is starting a hot streak again.
NICE pressure from 10-11-28. Glad to see they could follow up with a goal after that near miss by Jones just seconds before.
I thought we had good discipline today; definitely not nearly as many penalties as Friday night. Ummm, whoops...no sooner had I typed this than Pekka Rinne gets called for roughing on a supposed high stick to Andrew Cogliano. Even still, our PK'ers are consistently amazing.
So the game was low-scoring but that didn't matter as much to me today because we were playing well. We didn't have any horrible mistakes and I think the lines are finally clicking. Took us long enough to figure out the right combinations though. I'm very thankful that we came away with the much-needed two points. We've got to start pulling in more wins; especially considering our extended time at home during the month of February.
Speaking of being at home, the first home game since January 19th will be Tuesday, February 3rd as the Predators take on the Phoenix Coyotes. Tuesday is also '80's Night so if you're one of those people who likes dressing up in costume, this is the game for you. The game will be televised locally on FS Tennessee. Puck drops at 7:00pm CST.
My heart is already bursting at the seams knowing I'll get to see hockey live and in person so much over the next month.
Let's go, Preds! Now, more than ever, you've got to keep it together.
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