Note: There will not be a POTG episode this week.
The Nashville Predators appeared to be headed for another lackadaisical effort last night in the first period after falling behind quickly 37seconds into the game. Pekka Rinne made several key saves to keep the Preds close as the period wound down. Things were going so poorly that Barry Trotz had to use his time out with 37 seconds left in the period.
Based on the quotes from Colin Wilson and Pekka Rinne that Josh Cooper got last night, it sounds as if Trotz pealed as much paint off the walls as he ever has and it was highly effective, this time.
The fact that Trotz does this once in a blue moon does is the reason that it yielded good results. You hear about other coaches "losing the room" and that is probably a result of going to the well with the same tactics too many times.
I feel sure Trotz's outburst last night was a built up over time due to being frustrated at seeing partial effort and off periods. Fans feel the same way but don't have the opportunity to express their frustration.
Nashville has a tough month ahead of them with only two more home games scheduled. The Predators have had success in the past few years on West coast road trips and hopefully will do so again this time. The comeback win over Columbus could be a good springboard for a successful trip.
With the win last night, the Preds jumped over the Jackets in the standings and finished the evening in ninth place in the Western Conference with 44 points. The Preds next opponent, Anaheim, jumped from eight to fifth last night with a 2-1 win over Chicago last night and are within reach at 46 points.
Predators - Blue Jackets Round-Up...
Here is our game story from last night with post game video..
Bryan Mullen had his game story and notes column.
David Boclair has his story at The City Paper.
From the blog world reports come from Ryan Porth, Amanda DiPaolo, Mark Willoughby, Dirk Hoag (with his advances stats), Patten Fuqua, Fang Finger Fever, and Hockey Night in Nashville.
Audio clips provided by the Predators include Shea Weber, Patric Hornqvist, and Nick Spaling. Columbus clips include Rick Nash, Kris Russel, Jan Heida, and Coach Scott Arniel.
To read the Blue Jacket's side of the game story, check out the Columbus Dispatch, The Dark Blue Jacket, and The Cannon.
In Pred Nation...
Hockey's Future takes a look at the Pred prospects in Milwaukee.
Mike MacDonald takes a look at the Predators' tough January schedule.
Milwaukee was able to hold off San Antonio 3-1 at the Bradley Center on Sunday night. Jeremy Smith was the winner in goal.
World Junior Championship...
Ryan Ellis led Canada to a 4-1 quarterfinal win over Switzerland last night. Canada will face Team USA tonight with a 6:38 p.m. puck drop on NHL Network.
Sweden and Russia face off this afternoon and Sweden is a clear favorite.
Scores
Canada 4, Switzerland 1
Russia 4, Finland 3 (OT)
Today's Simi-Finals
Canada vs USA 6:30 p.m.
Russia vs Sweden 2:30 p.m.
Around the NHL...
James O'Brien at PHT takes a mid-year look at the Central division.
Ryan Porth wonders how the Winter Classic could improve on this year's event.
Adrian Dater doesn't like the odds of Denver hosting the next Winter Classic.
Early ratings numbers for the Winter Classic showed the move to a night game to have been a hughe success. Steve Lapore has the story.
Bill Metzer feels the Winter Classic is worth keeping around in spite of this year's rain.
More Later...
Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass
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