Light work week for the Predators, with only two games but it was two games against some of the top teams in the Eastern Conference. Going 2-0 in those games and getting some much needed rest was about as good a week as you could have hoped for. Nashville now sits at 20 points, which puts them behind only the Blues who are on a tear right now with 27 points and the surprising Jets with 21 points in the Central Division. They do have two games in hand against the Blues, so that’s something to keep an eye on. The Preds have won four in a row and are really putting it together now.
A few roster moves to keep an eye on, though. Early Saturday afternoon, Frederick Gaudreau was assigned to Milwaukee along with Pontus Aberg who was sent down on a conditioning assignment. Some moves were expected with the acquisition of Kyle Turris and all signs pointing to Nick Bonino being very close to returning. I wouldn’t be surprised at all to see Bonino activated before the game on Tuesday against our old friend Barry Trotz and the Capitals. Scott Hartnell also left the game on Saturday night after getting his skate caught in a rut. The Preds provided no update, so that’s something to keep an eye on. On to the recaps.
Tuesday night, the Predators faced off with old division foe, the Columbus Blue Jackets. After a scoreless first period, Matt Irwin finally broke through for his second of the year. Irwin did this last year too, going on a scoring streak and then not scoring again the whole year. Could he be on the same pace this year? Anyways, the Jackets tied it up early in the third after a Subban turnover. Don’t see that much, but it happens occasionally. No problem, Calle Jarnkrok was there to pick the team up with his second of the year. Victor Arvidsson sealed the deal with an empty netter. Preds win 3-1 and get some much needed rest before a Stanley Cup rematch.
After a few days off, the Predators had a huge matchup with the Pittsburgh Penguins Saturday night on home ice in Nashville. The building was electric as the Preds looked to get some sort of revenge against the team that raised the Cup on their home ice just a few months ago. The Preds came out a little slow and it cost them in the first period. While on the PP, Colton Sissons had the puck skip over his stick and it was off to the races for Bryan Rust who beat Pekka short handed to put the Penguins up 1-0 after one.
Whatever Laviolette said to the team during the intermission must have worked. The Preds came out and dominated the 2nd period. Kyle Turris, making his Preds debut, scored to tie the game up off a great pass from Salomaki. A few minutes later, PK Subban blasted one on the Power Play to make it 2-1. Then it was Craig Smith who banged home a rebound to give the Preds a 3-1 lead just over five minutes into the 2nd. Pittsburgh would score again to make it 3-2 going into the third.
Things got weird in the third. PK Subban got his skate caught in the ice and slipped, allowing Guentzel, who still looks like a damn elf, to score on a breakaway to even it up. The Preds would answer immediately, with Jarnkrok scoring his second in as many games. The back and forth would continue as Pittsburgh would tie it up again and this game would go to overtime. After nothing doing in the extra period, it was on to the shootout. Goals from Kevin Fiala and Filip Forsberg and some huge saves by Pekka would give the Preds the victory. Huge win for the Preds in a great atmosphere at Bridgestone Arena.
NASHVILLE PREDATORS THREE STARS OF THE WEEK
First Star – Calle Jarnkrok – Jarnkrok will always be, unfairly, compared to Neal. He’s not the same player as Neal, but it is nice to see him score. He had the game winner in Columbus, and another huge goal against Pittsburgh.
Second Star – Kyle Turris – The newly acquired Turris had himself quite a debut. Getting a goal and an assist in his first game as a Predator.
Third Star – Craig Smith – Smith only had one goal this week, but he has been all over the place lately. He probably had his best game of the season against Pittsburgh. Him and Turris seem to be clicking on a line together. Hopefully, this is the reemergence of Smith into the player we all know he can be.
A lot of familiar faces in line for the Predators this week. Tuesday night, Barry Trotz and the Capitals come to Nashville. This is always an exciting matchup. Then it’s two straight divisional games with the team travleing to Minnesota Thursday night and back home Saturday for a game against the Avalanche. The Preds have won four in a row and are playing great right now. Poppa Bear and I are planning on doing some pre-gaming before the game Saturday night, so come on out for a few drinks. Should be a good time.
Herbie Brooks is the Lead Hockey Analyst for SoBros Network. He knows three things: beating Commies, winning Gold Medals, and having great hair. Follow him on Twitter: @SoBroHerbie_B
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