Much better week for the Predators, this week with three really big wins against playoff teams. Of course, there was that stinker on Saturday night against the Sabres, but as Chris Mason said on the post-game, let’s never talk about that game again. So while the Preds were able to get back into the win column, there’s still a couple things they can clean up in their game.
The Predators were able to pick up six out of eigh points this week. They keep inching closer and closer to clinching the Central Division, Western Conference, and President’s Trophy but they haven’t quite gotten there yet. They currently need only two points to clinch both the Central and the West. Any Winnipeg regulation loss or Predators win of any kind will do the trick. The magic number for the President’s Trophy is down to six over the Boston Bruins. It’ll be a race to the finish for home ice throughout the playoffs.
So what did the Predators do to get back to playing winning hockey? I think they simply got back to basics. The Minnesota game may have been ugly, but you could tell the intensity was back for the Predators. They were playing with passion and fire again, and that helped propel them to a shootout victory. In the game against San Jose, you could tell the Preds were getting back in the groove. Passes were better, defensively they were better, and you could tell the team was mentally in the game.
Now on to the Buffalo game. Everything went wro…..wait, Chris Mason said we were to never talk about that game again. And we listen to Chris Mason on this site, dammit.
The Predators also listened to C-Mace, as they put the Sabres debacle behind them and put on a dominant performance against the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Preds skated away with a 4-1 victory in a game where they were without Viktor Arvidsson, Scott Hartnell, and Pekka Rinne. It’s very encouraging to see the Preds rebound after such a demoralizing loss the night before.
Now, the Predators have looked a lot better this week, but there’s still some things to work on. Power plays and staying out of the box.
While they have scored a PPG in the past two games, they are still struggling to set up and get consistent pressure. The forwards are still content to let the defense take one-timers from the point. This has to change going into the playoffs. They will need a big PPG at some point. Nashville has also been taking a lot of penalties lately. The Preds really need to clean up their game in these last few games. Spending this much time in the box is no recipe for sustained success.
PREDS THREE STARS OF THE WEEK
First Star – Juuse Saros – Saros got two starts this week against the Sharks and the Lightning and came away with two big wins. A big reason for the Predators success this year is the ability of Juuse to come in and win games when Pekka needs a rest.
Second Star – Filip Forsberg – Two goals and four assists this week for Scoresberg. He’s been incredible lately and heating up just in time for the playoffs.
Third Star – Kyle Turris – Two goals and an assist for Turris. He’s also been playing well lately. The Preds will rely heavily on him in the playoffs as teams will try and shut down the JOFA line.
Only three games left in the regular season! Tuesday night the Preds will take on the Florida Panthers who have been playing well as of late but with nothing left to play for. Then it’s on to Washington Thursday night and then the home finale and last game of the regular season against the Blue Jackets. A lot can happen this week. The Preds can clinch the Central, the West, and the President’s Trophy and find out who they will play in the playoffs! Let’s Go Preds!
Have you heard about the newest SoBros Network podcast, Talking Preds? You can follow us on Twitter @TalkingPreds and iTunes. Give us a listen and tell us what you think. New episodes come out about once a week, sometimes more, sometimes less. Oh yeah, we’re also giving away TWO PLAYOFF TICKETS in an upcoming episode, so make sure to listen every chance you can so you don’t miss out on how to enter!
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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