Burned Again

An eye-opening statistic from the Calgary announcers during the first period: Nashville's two goals scored during the opening 20 minutes matched the total goals scored against Calgary during the two teams' last three meetings. I did not realize the Predators had been shut out by the Flames twice this season. Ouch. Unfortunately, those two goals were yet again, no match for Calgary.

Nashville showed up to play during the first period and headed into the first intermission with a 2-1 lead, thanks to goals from Martin Erat and Ryan Suter. After Jarome Iginla's penalty shot early in the second period, the momentum shifted to the Flames and never really swung back in favor of the Preds. And not that the team played horribly during the last 40 minutes of the game. It's just...I don't know...lacking. Almost isn't did.

The one shining moment of the game, where it seemed like every Predator on the ice was on it came during the second power play of the first period. It was an absolute thing of beauty. My only issue was watching Martin Erat, whom I usually refer to as a puck hog, electing to pass the puck when he had a WIDE OPEN net right in front of him. Tsk, tsk Marty. You could have had a two goal period if you had just taken the shot.

Next up: A rather late night tilt against the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday. A 9:30pm start is bound to leave a few struggling to stay awake. If the Predators can play a full 60 minutes that mirrors the first period of tonight's game, I think I'll be able to keep my eyes open until the the last buzzer sounds.

Here's hoping I'm happily tired on Wednesday morning.