After two games, the Nashville Predators and Dallas Stars are all tied up at one game a piece. We all knew this was going to be a close series and so far it’s lived up to the hype. Still though, you can’t help but wonder if Nashville should be up 2-0 at this point. The familiar issues that have plagued the Predators all season reared their ugly heads again in Game 1, a game in which the Predators dropped 3-2.
I’m not saying the Stars didn’t deserve Game 1. They absolutely took it to the Preds in the second and third periods. Dallas was faster, more aggressive, and just an overall better team for 2/3 of the game. Ben Bishop is showing why he should be considered for the Vezina trophy this year. He’s been fantastic so far this series. But you still can’t help but wonder what would have happened if the Preds hadn’t played 66% of the game like they were content to win it 1-0.
Now, to Nashville’s credit, they played playoff hockey in Game 2. They were a desperate team out there and it showed. That’s the kind of energy and style of play it will take to advance to the second round. It’s the same style of play that we saw in the Vancouver and Chicago games to close out the season. The will and determination to say we are not losing this game no matter what.
SMITH CALLS OUT THE TEAM
Craig Smith took it upon himself to let the team know the PP performance lately has been unacceptable. Frankly, I thought it was extremely refreshing to hear that from a player. All season long, we’ve heard the same tired answers about just having to execute and blah blah blah. Smith finally said what the fans have been screaming for what feels like forever now. They’ve been doing the same thing for two plus years now, with diminishing results. Teams have figured out how to defend the Predators’ PP.
We forget, but Smith is one of the longest tenured players in the locker room. He may not be a captain or alternate captain, but he’s still a leader in the locker room. I’m glad he stepped up finally said something. He did it in a tasteful way so not to single out one particular person, but he let everyone know that more is expected. Oh yeah, he then went out and scored the game winner in OT to tie the series up. If you’re going to speak up like that, you better put up as well, and that’s exactly what Smith did.
ROCCO GETS HIS FIRST
Fan favorite, Rocco Grimaldi, made his way back into the lineup for Game 2. Brian Boyle was held out due to illness, and Rocco got the call. Well, our boy made the most of his opportunity, scoring the game tying goal, just minutes after Dallas took the 1-0 lead. Rocco has battled through so much over his career and it’s great to see him finally cash in this season. He’s definitely a spark plug that can get the team going with his hustle and tenacity. Saturday night, he was in the right place at the right time and got his first career playoff goal. With the Wayne Simmonds injury looming, expect to see more of Grimaldi in the lineup.
THE WEEK AHEAD
The series now shifts to Dallas for a best of five. Game Three will be Monday night at 8:30 and Game 4 will be Wednesday night at 7PM. Saturday night, we are back in Nashville for Game 5. Time has not been announced for that game yet. These games are critical. Both goalies have been standing on their head. It’s going to take a phenomenal effort to get any W in this series. If the Preds can replicate their effort from Game 2, then I have a feeling Nashville fans will be pleased. If Game 1 happens again, it may be a long week.
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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