Last night's third period performance by Pekka Rinne was one for the record books and should be copied to a DVD ans sent to each and every member of the PHWA that votes for the Hart Trophy.
While the award usually goes to a top forward, here is what the NHL says, "The Hart Memorial Trophy is an annual award given to the player judged to be the most valuable to his team."
Many folks from Montreal are pushing Carey Price for the Hart but the Habs have far more weapons in their arsenal and have scored and given up more goals while playing in a weaker conference.
The Predators getting a point last night was clearly Rinne's doings and it kept them within a point of the eighth slot in the standings as they play 12 of the next 14 at home before finishing up in St. Louis.
Hats off to Patric Marleau who has to head the list of Pred-Killers after scoring the game winning goal in overtime in back to back games between the Preds and Sharks. Marleau has always played well against the Predators with 16 goals and 24 assists in 45 career regular season games. His real claim to fame against the Preds has been his 10 goals and 3 assists in 10 playoff games where he led the Sharks to 4-1 series victories in 2006 and 2007.
There has been no further update on Kevin Klein's foot injury.
Finally, in summary, the Preds' final four game road trip that seemed to last forever and had more lows than highs (1-1-2) did produce enough points to keep the Preds in the playoff mix in the Western Conference.
I will steal a quote from Amanda DiPaolo who was at the game who spoke with Joel Ward who said, "It's ours for the taking." That totally sums it up for the team that I still believe will make the playoffs and go to the second round and maybe further.
Predators-Sharks Round-Up...
Here is our game story from late last night.
Josh Cooper had his game story, notes column, and postgame ponderings.
Special recognition ges to Amanda DiPaolo of Predlines who spent her own funds to go to San Jose to specifically cover the game. Check out her post.
From the blog world reports come from Dirk Hoag (with his advances stats), Jeremy Gover, Predatorial, and Hockey Night in Nashville.
Previews from California comes from The Mercury News, Inside Bay Area, SF Gate, Working the Corners, Fear the Fin, Battle of California, Blades of Teal, SharksPage, and Couch Tarts.
In Pred Nation...
Josh Cooper talked to Jon Blum yesterday about playing his first game in his home state and also had a post about Blum starting in roller hockey.
Dirk Hoag discusses the new children's book about Jordin Tootoo and also has the audio from his radio appearance on Monday.
John Cartwright is ready to Unleash the Fury as he takes a look at the Predators prospects for the playoffs.
The Milwaukee Admirals announced their clear day roster that included current Preds Jon Blum, Blake Geoffrion, and Matt Halischuk.
Chris Botta has the six Western Conference players to watch down the stretch. One is Pekka Rinne and another is ex-Pred Dan Ellis.
Section 303 has word that Wade Belak will continue to host the Wade Belak radio show for the time being as he has not yet reported to Milwaukee. Tonight's guest is Job Blum. Josh Cooper has an official statement on Belak staying in Nashville.
Eklund has Pekka Rinne in a group of goalies with potential for the Hart Trophy so it's not just local's recognizing Pekka's potential.
Around the NHL...
As if things couldn't get any worse for the Coyote's sale, the Teabaggers are now going to protest. With Gary Bettman and Bill Daly in town, it appears Matthew Hulsizer may put more money into the deal. If this had happened in Nashville during the Balsillie situation I would have cried.
Gary Bettman made several media appearances last night in conjunction with the Coyotes-Canucks game and repeatedly said that time was running out. On Coyotes TV during the first intermission he was clearly frustrated with the situation. Here is the video.
Here is the AZ Republic's take on Bettman bashing the Goldwater Institute.
David Shoalts is frothing at the mouth cheer-leading for Winnipeg to get a team.
Much of the talk this morning will revolve around Zdeno Chara's hit on Max Pacioretty during last night's game in Montreal that involved an awkward hit on the boards where the glass begins near the end of the bench. Some will say that it was a dirty hit while others will argue that it was the only place in the rink where it could happen.
RLD Hockey has the latest installment of The Stretch Run.
It's probably too late to matter but Jaroslav Halak is set to return for the Blues tonight.
Episode 94 of Kingscast is up as they cling to a playoff spot in LA.
There is nothing like vintage hockey calenders. Check out the Leaf's from 1965.
Odds and Ends...
The Space Shuttle Discovery is set for its final landing at Cape Canaveral at 11:57 local time.
These pictures of millions of dead fish in Redondo Beach, California are astounding.
So how is social media like high school?
More Later...
Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass
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