Another week gone by and I still don’t know what to say about this team. One period they can look absolutely dominant and the next they look lost out there. I honestly don’t know what’s going on with this team. They are still second in the division by four points, but St. Louis is right there with two games in hand over the Preds. There are only 12 games left in the regular season. Now would be a great time for the Preds to figure things out.
PROVE IT
I mentioned above that we’re at the end of the regular season and we still don’t know who the Preds are. They’ve been inconsistent all season and just when you think they’ve turned the corner, they put up another string of duds. Maybe that’s who they are? I always try to be realistic with my expectations for the team. I really do. I will always be a fan of the Predators and support them (unless they sign a murderer or something like that), but right now I just don’t see the “IT” factor on this team. Until they prove it to me on the ice, I will be skeptical of their playoff chances. Prove it to me that this team is a legit contender. Close out the season on a winning streak. Do something that makes the fan base believe again.
I will be there every night either in my seats in Section 325 or watching on TV. That will not change, but something has to start clicking with this team or it will be an early playoff exit. People want to point to two years ago and the run the Preds went on. While that certainly can happen again, it’s no guarantee. That team has nothing to do with this year’s team. If the Preds are wanting to repeat that performance, they are going to have to dig deep and take their game to a whole different level.
THREE STARS OF THE WEEK
First Star – Brian Boyle – How great has Boyle been for the Preds? Two more goals this week for the big man. He’s been everything the Preds have needed since coming over.
Second Star – Ryan Johansen – Only one assist this week, but he did score the shootout winner for the second game in the row against the Wild. I love the disconnected controller move. It fits Johansen perfectly.
Third Star – Craig Smith – Two goals this week. Could he be heating up? Nashville certainly hopes so.
THE WEEK AHEAD
Grab the coffee or energy drinks or whatever it is you need to stay awake. The Preds are heading out west and that means late starts the entire week. First up, the Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday night. Then a quick trip across town for a game against the Kings on Thursday. The Predators will close the week out on Saturday with the San Jose Sharks. Great opportunity for the Preds to show they’ve figured it all out. It’s time for the final push. It’s time for the Preds to PROVE IT.
Be sure to check out the Talking Preds Podcast. New episodes almost weekly. Be sure to follow along on Twitter and Facebook for live tweeting during the games along with something new we’re trying out. For certain games, I’ll be jumping on live during intermissions, pre-game, or post-game with thoughts on the game. Love to have some good hockey discussion so follow along and let me know what you guys think.
Herbie Brooks is the Lead Nashville Predators 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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