The Nashville Predators have ventured into the nation's capitol to face the Washington Capitals (6 p.m. FS-TN) in the Preds' annual fathers trip where the players reward their dads for all their efforts in their early careers that allowed the players to reach the NHL by bringing them along to a road destination.
The team has generally had success when the dads have tagged along and it is an especially nice touch this year for the Preds' players when the NHL schedule makers piled on a ton of games before and after the Christmas weekend with the team hosting Columbus on Thursday, traveling to Dallas on Friday, and then having Detroit in on Monday.
In a rare quirk of the schedule, this will be the fourth time that the Predators and Capitals have met this season, including a pair of preseason games. They first met on September 20 in the Baltimore Hockey Classic when the Preds won 2-0. They played a second exhibition game in Nashville on September 28 when the Predators won 4-1.
In the regular season, Nashville beat the Caps 3-1 at the Bridgestone Arena on November 15 in a thrilling game when all the scoring took place in the last five minutes of the contest.
Since the last meeting, the Caps had a major shake-up when they surprised the hockey world on November 28th with the firing of Coach Bruce Boudreau who had gone 12-9-1 for the season after a 7-0-0 start. The teams fortunes have not been much better under new coach Dale Hunter, going 4-5-0 since the change.
The Predators are riding a five game win streak that has been somewhat shaky as they have now reached a streak of ten one-goal games when they have gone 7-3-0.
It is expected that Pekka Rinne (15-9-4, 2.48, .924) will start once again for the Predators while the Capitals have indicated that they will start Michal Neuvirth (4-6-1, 3.27, .889) instead of ex-Pred Tomas Vokoun (12-8-0, 2.81, .906).
Update from Josh Coooper - Anders Lindback will get the start in DC.
On an individual basis, tonight's contest will the the 1000th game of Mike Knuble's NHL career so there will be plenty of accolades thrown in his direction.
The Predators will return home immediately after the game and practice at Centennial Sportsplex on Wednesday at 11 a.m.
For other Predator previews see Ryan Porth, Amanda DiPaolo, Robby Stanley, Predatorial, The Tennessean, and Predators.com. Ryan Porth also has an audio clip of Mike Fisher previewing tonight's game.
For previews from Washvington check out Caps.com, Washington Times, Washington Post, Japers Rink, On Frozen Blog, Rock the Red, Capitals Outsider, Russian Machine Never Breaks, Capitals Examiner, and Kings of Leonsis.
For the game notes from NHL Media Services go here.
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Buddy Oakes for PredsOntheGlass
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Monday, December 19, 2011
POTG Predators Seven Stories: Stock Up on 100 Watt Bulbs Edition
Earlier today we had stories on Barry Trotz talking parity, the Preds recalling Jon Blum and Blake Geoffrion and Pekka Rinne claiming the NHL Second Star of the Week honors. So now, here are seven other stories...
- Until David Poile gets Ryan Suter and Shea Weber's name on a new contract, stories like Elliotte Friedman's will continue to proliferate. The one quote is too good not to repeat, "opposing GMs drool over Suter and Weber like college freshman at their first spring break wet T-shirt contest." The post also has a discription from Cody Franson comparing the two D-men.
- Josh Cooper's round-up includes the fact that no one was pleased with the miscues that led to the Blues picking up a point on Saturday night.
- Paul McCann also has an uneasy feeling about the Predators five game win streak.
- David Boclair discusses the interesting revelation that we heard on Saturday night that Barry Trotz looks into the stands and lets the crowd tell him what happens in shootouts.
- Dirk Hoag looks to the week ahead for the Predators.
- J.R. Lind looks at Phil Bredesen's gambles fifteen years later.
- Admirals Roundtable has the wrap-up from Milwaukee's 2-1 weekend as they head into the week long Christmas break.
If you haven't started stocking up on 100 watt incandescent light bulbs, it may bee too late. They will be illegal to sell after 12/31/11.
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Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass
Pekka Rinne Named NHL Second Star of the Week
Pekka Rinne, goalie for the Nashville Predators was named the NHL Second star of the week on Monday.
From NHL.com, "Rinne has won five consecutive starts after going 3-0-0 with a .957 save percentage last week for Nashville. A finalist last season for the Vezina Trophy, the fourth-year starter led the Predators to three one-goal victories: 2-1 over the Flames, stopping 35 of 36 shots; 4-3 over the Central Division-rival Red Wings, making 37 saves on 40 shots; and 2-1 over the surging Blues to cap off his week, facing 40 shots again and turning aside 39 of them."
Ottawa Senators forward Jason Spezza was awared the first star and Pittsburgh Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin got the third star.
Make the jump for the full release from the NHL...
From NHL.com, "Rinne has won five consecutive starts after going 3-0-0 with a .957 save percentage last week for Nashville. A finalist last season for the Vezina Trophy, the fourth-year starter led the Predators to three one-goal victories: 2-1 over the Flames, stopping 35 of 36 shots; 4-3 over the Central Division-rival Red Wings, making 37 saves on 40 shots; and 2-1 over the surging Blues to cap off his week, facing 40 shots again and turning aside 39 of them."
Ottawa Senators forward Jason Spezza was awared the first star and Pittsburgh Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin got the third star.
Make the jump for the full release from the NHL...
Blum and Geoffrion Recalled from Milwaukee
As had been anticipated, Jon Blum and Blake Geoffrion were recalled from Milwaukee before the NHL no movement period went in force from December 19 to 27 to give the Predators a spare player on both offense and defense as they play four critical games during the nine day period.
The pair played in three games with the Admirals over the weekend while the Predators played Saturday's game against St. Louis with only twenty players.
In Milwaukee, Blum scored two goals on five shots and was a (-1) in the three contests. Geoffrion had an assist and added two shots and was even on the plus/minus.
Make the jump for the full release from the Predators...
The pair played in three games with the Admirals over the weekend while the Predators played Saturday's game against St. Louis with only twenty players.
In Milwaukee, Blum scored two goals on five shots and was a (-1) in the three contests. Geoffrion had an assist and added two shots and was even on the plus/minus.
Make the jump for the full release from the Predators...
Barry Trotz Discusses Parity in the NHL
What a difference eleven days makes. On Tuesday December 6, after the Predators had lost to Phoenix 3-2 at the Bridgestone Arena which dropped their home record to 4-5-3, Coach Barry Trotz was searching for answers.
The Predators had gotten no traction all year and had not pieced together more than two wins in a row at any point in the season which was headed toward the most extensive stretch of home games of this year's schedule.
Trotz was trying to make sense of the Predators inability to have consistent results and said, "I'm not looking for any big runs, like five or six games together. We've got the mentality that there is so much parity in the league that if you take two out of three from now to the end of the season then we'll be in good shape."
Since that night, the Predators had a miracle finish in Columbus, scoring two goals to tie on the goalie pull, and another to win in overtime, and then put together a streak of four wins at home, in stunning fashion, to give Trotz the five game win streak he thought was unobtainable just days before.
When asked about the streak after Saturdays's 2-1 shoot-out win over St. Louis, Trotz explained his prior thoughts. "You don't expect it (win streak) because of parity in the league. Every game is like a playoff game and you have to be focused and prepared. If you are not, that's how you get blown out."
"That's why I talked last week and you see some of those teams in the league where one night you are 3-2 against a team and then the next night you play them and it's 8-1. That's the National Hockey League right now which is great for the fans and it's great for the entertainment value but it's tough on the heart and the nerves every night."
Things will not get any easier for Barry Trotz's heart in the coming weeks as they will face seven tough opponents between Tuesday's clash with the Capitals in Washington and Calgary's New Year's Day match at the Bridgestone Arena.
The Predators are only off on Christmas Eve and Christmas and other than that will be playing seven games in the eleven days NHL games are scheduled.
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Buddy Oakes for PredsOntheGlass
The Predators had gotten no traction all year and had not pieced together more than two wins in a row at any point in the season which was headed toward the most extensive stretch of home games of this year's schedule.
Trotz was trying to make sense of the Predators inability to have consistent results and said, "I'm not looking for any big runs, like five or six games together. We've got the mentality that there is so much parity in the league that if you take two out of three from now to the end of the season then we'll be in good shape."
Since that night, the Predators had a miracle finish in Columbus, scoring two goals to tie on the goalie pull, and another to win in overtime, and then put together a streak of four wins at home, in stunning fashion, to give Trotz the five game win streak he thought was unobtainable just days before.
When asked about the streak after Saturdays's 2-1 shoot-out win over St. Louis, Trotz explained his prior thoughts. "You don't expect it (win streak) because of parity in the league. Every game is like a playoff game and you have to be focused and prepared. If you are not, that's how you get blown out."
"That's why I talked last week and you see some of those teams in the league where one night you are 3-2 against a team and then the next night you play them and it's 8-1. That's the National Hockey League right now which is great for the fans and it's great for the entertainment value but it's tough on the heart and the nerves every night."
Things will not get any easier for Barry Trotz's heart in the coming weeks as they will face seven tough opponents between Tuesday's clash with the Capitals in Washington and Calgary's New Year's Day match at the Bridgestone Arena.
The Predators are only off on Christmas Eve and Christmas and other than that will be playing seven games in the eleven days NHL games are scheduled.
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Buddy Oakes for PredsOntheGlass
Sunday, December 18, 2011
The Morning After Round-Up: Predators 2, Blues 1 (SO)
Last night's 2-1 shootout win by the Nashville Predators over the St. Louis Blues was an important win for the team. It capped a four game home stand sweep after they had won only four games at the Bridgestone in the entire season prior to last weekend.
The Predators' dominance on home ice has been a key to their success where they have averaged a 26-11-4 since the lockout in 2005. This year, they are now 8-5-3 in Nashville and appear to have righted the average play at home that has been predominant since the start of the second round of last year's playoffs.
In spite of the recent success, the next part of the schedule does not get any easier. The Preds will play in Washington on Tuesday against an up and down Caps team that is 10-5-1 on home ice. Then a back to back on Thursday and Friday with Columbus in Nashville and then a quick trip to Dallas have to be considered must win games.
The team will have little chance to celebrate Christmas as they play Detroit at home on Monday which will be followed by Minnesota on Wednesday and then they go to St. Louis on Friday. So basically, the team will play six games in nine league game days (excluding the two day holiday break).
This coming run of games should be a litmus test for the Predators to see if the five game winning streak was a fluke or something to expect going forward.
Here is our game story from last night and Barry Trotz's postgame presser. Make the jump for the full round-up of everything from the game...
The Predators' dominance on home ice has been a key to their success where they have averaged a 26-11-4 since the lockout in 2005. This year, they are now 8-5-3 in Nashville and appear to have righted the average play at home that has been predominant since the start of the second round of last year's playoffs.
In spite of the recent success, the next part of the schedule does not get any easier. The Preds will play in Washington on Tuesday against an up and down Caps team that is 10-5-1 on home ice. Then a back to back on Thursday and Friday with Columbus in Nashville and then a quick trip to Dallas have to be considered must win games.
The team will have little chance to celebrate Christmas as they play Detroit at home on Monday which will be followed by Minnesota on Wednesday and then they go to St. Louis on Friday. So basically, the team will play six games in nine league game days (excluding the two day holiday break).
This coming run of games should be a litmus test for the Predators to see if the five game winning streak was a fluke or something to expect going forward.
Here is our game story from last night and Barry Trotz's postgame presser. Make the jump for the full round-up of everything from the game...
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Predators Give Away Point in 2-1 Win over the Blues
The Nashville Predators picked up two points with a 2-1 shoot-out win over the St. Louis Blues on Saturday night but were somewhat frustrated that the Blues also captured a point.
After a scoreless first two periods, the Predators broke through on a finely executed Shea Weber to Marty Erat pass with 7:28 remaining in the contest.
Less than three minutes later, the Preds were called for too many men on the ice, giving the Blues a their fifth power play of the evening. During the man-advantage, a bad line change quickly led to a goal by T.J. Oshie with 3:52 left in the contest that forced overtime and gave the Blues a point.
The Predators were forced to kill another penalty (slashing) by David Legwand, starting at 18:31 in the third period and carrying over into overtime before holding on for the skills contest were Legwand was the only scorer to give the Predators the victory, and the second point.
Legwand was pleased with the victory but frustrated that it wasn't a regulation win. "It's tough, but it starts with the bad penalty with too many men on the ice. Then, we have to be sure with four minutes left that we make a good change and get guys on and off the ice correctly."
After a scoreless first two periods, the Predators broke through on a finely executed Shea Weber to Marty Erat pass with 7:28 remaining in the contest.
Less than three minutes later, the Preds were called for too many men on the ice, giving the Blues a their fifth power play of the evening. During the man-advantage, a bad line change quickly led to a goal by T.J. Oshie with 3:52 left in the contest that forced overtime and gave the Blues a point.
The Predators were forced to kill another penalty (slashing) by David Legwand, starting at 18:31 in the third period and carrying over into overtime before holding on for the skills contest were Legwand was the only scorer to give the Predators the victory, and the second point.
Legwand was pleased with the victory but frustrated that it wasn't a regulation win. "It's tough, but it starts with the bad penalty with too many men on the ice. Then, we have to be sure with four minutes left that we make a good change and get guys on and off the ice correctly."
Smashville On The Glass Radio Previews Today's Preds-Blues Game (Podcast)
This weeks edition of Smashville on the Glass Radio features St. Louis beat writer Jeremy Rutherford discussing tonight's game as well as plenty of other Preds discussion from Ryan and Buddy.
Give it a listen in the player or download at Blog Talk Radio or iTunes...
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Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass
Give it a listen in the player or download at Blog Talk Radio or iTunes...
Listen to internet radio with SmashvilleOnTheGlass on Blog Talk Radio
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Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass
Predators Hope To Chase Away The Blues in Smashville Tonight
For the second time in three days the Nashville Predators will have an opportunity to make up ground on a team that they are chasing in the Central Division standings when they take on the St. Louis Blues tonight at 7 p.m. at the Bridgestone Arena (FS-TN).
The Predators come into the game with a four game winning streak on the line after they beat the Detroit Red Wings 4-3 in a huge comeback win on Thursday night. The Predators currently sit in seventh place in the Western Conference with 36 points.
The Blues enter tonight's contest as one of the hottest teams in the NHL, having won four in a row and sporting a 12-2-3 record since Ken Hitchcock took over the coaching reigns from Davis Payne on November 8. The Blues are three points ahead of the Predators with 39 points and reside in fifth place in the West.
The Predators come into the game with a four game winning streak on the line after they beat the Detroit Red Wings 4-3 in a huge comeback win on Thursday night. The Predators currently sit in seventh place in the Western Conference with 36 points.
The Blues enter tonight's contest as one of the hottest teams in the NHL, having won four in a row and sporting a 12-2-3 record since Ken Hitchcock took over the coaching reigns from Davis Payne on November 8. The Blues are three points ahead of the Predators with 39 points and reside in fifth place in the West.
Friday, December 16, 2011
Predators Re-Assign Kyle Wilson to Milwaukee
The Nashville Predators announced that Kyle Wilson had been reassigned to Milwaukee.
The move is somewhat surprising as it leaves the Predators with only 20 active players on their roster with the holiday roster freeze starting on December 19 and running until December 27.
Make the jump for the full release from the Predators...
The Morning After Round-Up: Predators 4, Wings 3
To the average Middle Tennessean, it is a cold, rainy, miserable, Friday morning but the 17,113 residents of Smashville are walking on sunshine this morning in spite of the physical elements.
Last night, the Nashville Predators provided fans with excitement that had not been seen to that degree in a in a long time. During the team's comeback in the final period, Bridgestone Arena was a loud as can be recalled during regular season game.
Barry Trotz coined a new phrase to capture the spirit of the situation and label it the "miracle moment." It was a spontaneous response that Trotz had to describe the feeling in the building that will be used for years to come and will probably end up on gold colored T-shirts in the near future.
The Predators have now won four in a row and appear to have righted an inconsistent ship on home ice. They are clearly back in the playoff mix in a highly competitive Central Division and Western Conference.
It is the type of hockey that the Predators need to play for the rest of this season, and going forward into their new conference next season. If the new set-up were in place this season, six of the top seven teams in the Western Conference would be in the yet to be named Predators' grouping.
The Predators will practice today and then wind up the home stand against St. Louis on Saturday night where they hope to extend the win streak and make up ground on the also red-hot Blues.
Here is our game story from last night and Barry Trotz's postgame presser. Make the jump for the full round-up of everything from the game...
Last night, the Nashville Predators provided fans with excitement that had not been seen to that degree in a in a long time. During the team's comeback in the final period, Bridgestone Arena was a loud as can be recalled during regular season game.
Barry Trotz coined a new phrase to capture the spirit of the situation and label it the "miracle moment." It was a spontaneous response that Trotz had to describe the feeling in the building that will be used for years to come and will probably end up on gold colored T-shirts in the near future.
The Predators have now won four in a row and appear to have righted an inconsistent ship on home ice. They are clearly back in the playoff mix in a highly competitive Central Division and Western Conference.
It is the type of hockey that the Predators need to play for the rest of this season, and going forward into their new conference next season. If the new set-up were in place this season, six of the top seven teams in the Western Conference would be in the yet to be named Predators' grouping.
The Predators will practice today and then wind up the home stand against St. Louis on Saturday night where they hope to extend the win streak and make up ground on the also red-hot Blues.
Here is our game story from last night and Barry Trotz's postgame presser. Make the jump for the full round-up of everything from the game...
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Predators Beat Wings 4-3 in Character Comeback Win
The Nashville Predators won their fourth game in a row on Thursday night at the Bridgestone Arena in what may have been the biggest win of the season.
Not only did the Predators come back with three unanswered goals to defeat the Detroit Red Wings 4-3, they managed to do it in regulation time. When Shea Weber scored his second goal of the final period with 1:36 remaining in the contest, it sealed two points for the Preds and prevented the Wings from picking up a point since overtime was avoided.
The win pulled the Predators within three points of the Red Wings and allowed them to also stay within three points of St. Louis in a Central Division race that would have four teams in the playoffs if they were to begin today. Chicago was idle and has a three point lead on the Wings and Blues.
Not only did the Predators come back with three unanswered goals to defeat the Detroit Red Wings 4-3, they managed to do it in regulation time. When Shea Weber scored his second goal of the final period with 1:36 remaining in the contest, it sealed two points for the Preds and prevented the Wings from picking up a point since overtime was avoided.
The win pulled the Predators within three points of the Red Wings and allowed them to also stay within three points of St. Louis in a Central Division race that would have four teams in the playoffs if they were to begin today. Chicago was idle and has a three point lead on the Wings and Blues.
Barry Trotz Speaks After the Predators' 4-3 Win over Detroit
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Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass
Predators Extend Naming Rights with Bridgestone until 2019
The Nashville Predators and Bridgestone Americas, Inc have added another five years onto their initial five year naming rights agreement less than two years into the original agreement.
The agreement was announced at a cake-cutting ceremony at the Bridgestone Arena today celebrating the 15th anniversary of the arena being in operation.
This continues the recent trend of the Predators strengthening thier ties with the local business community in all forms of advertising and other participation.
Make the jump for the full release from the Predators and Bridgestone...
The agreement was announced at a cake-cutting ceremony at the Bridgestone Arena today celebrating the 15th anniversary of the arena being in operation.
This continues the recent trend of the Predators strengthening thier ties with the local business community in all forms of advertising and other participation.
Make the jump for the full release from the Predators and Bridgestone...
Hockey and Heels Event Slated for Saturday
The Nashville Predators are having a special Hockey and Heels (Hockey 101 for Women) event for the ladies this Saturday before the game with the St. Louis Blues.
If you are looking for a stocking stuffer for a special lady that you want to introduce to hockey or if you are a woman that just wants to hang out and talk hockey over a glass of wine with like minded ladies then this event may be for you.
It is from 5:00-6:00 p.m.and will feature Preds' TV guys Pete Weber and Terry Crisp along with their better halves, Claudia Weber (left above) and Sheila Crisp (right) talking hockey from the female perspective.
Topics covered will be the basic rules of the game of hockey, equipment used by the players, and the very interesting life as spouse of someone that works in the NHL.
The cost is $75 and includes a Lower Bowl End Zone ticket for the game with the Blues at 7 p.m. Additional game tickets can be purchased for $50 for non-attendees.
For more information or to sign up go here. It sounds like a good time will be had by all.
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Buddy Oakes for PredsOntheGlass
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Preds and Wings' Streaks Collide in Smashville Tonight
The Nashville Predators are taking their season high three-game winning streak up against traditional divisional rival Detroit who is also on a three-game streak and has won all of their games in prior streaks of five, four, and seven wins this season.
For 13 seasons, no team has spelled "rivalry" like the Detroit Red Wings for the Predators and their fans alike. For the team, the measuring stick for Nashville has been the Wings. The fans have negative chants about the Wings whether they are in town or not.
For eleven of twelve prior seasons, Detroit has blocked Nashville's shot at a Central Division title. Twice, the Preds have been stymied in the first round of the playoffs by the Wings.
For 13 seasons, no team has spelled "rivalry" like the Detroit Red Wings for the Predators and their fans alike. For the team, the measuring stick for Nashville has been the Wings. The fans have negative chants about the Wings whether they are in town or not.
For eleven of twelve prior seasons, Detroit has blocked Nashville's shot at a Central Division title. Twice, the Preds have been stymied in the first round of the playoffs by the Wings.
The Morning After Round-Up: Predators 2, Flames 1
With last night's 2-1 win over Calgary, the Nashville Predators now have their first three-game winning streak of the season and improved their home record to 6-5-3.
The victory also moved them back into the playoff picture in the Western Conference as they now sit in seventh place with a 15-11-4 record and have 34 points.
For Predator fans, probably the most surprising aspect of this year's team is the success that they have had on the man-advantage. The Preds have moved into a tie for third place in the NHL in power play success at 20.8%.
Colin Wilson's game-winning power play goal last night gave the Preds a six game streak with power plays which is a rarity in recent team history. The record for consecutive games with a power play goal is nine which was set in 2002. They last had an eight-game streak in 2009.
Brent Sutter blamed an odd face-off alignment that he claims led to Wilson's game-winning goal for the loss.
More highlights from the game with the Flames included the Preds most shots of the year at 45, the Predators winning at home against Calgary for the first time since January 25, 2008, and Nashville scoring the first goal for the first time in eight games.
The Predators continue their homestand with games against the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday and the St. Louis Blues on Saturday.
Here is our game story from last night and Barry Trotz's postgame presser. Make the jump for the full round-up of everything from the game...
The victory also moved them back into the playoff picture in the Western Conference as they now sit in seventh place with a 15-11-4 record and have 34 points.
For Predator fans, probably the most surprising aspect of this year's team is the success that they have had on the man-advantage. The Preds have moved into a tie for third place in the NHL in power play success at 20.8%.
Colin Wilson's game-winning power play goal last night gave the Preds a six game streak with power plays which is a rarity in recent team history. The record for consecutive games with a power play goal is nine which was set in 2002. They last had an eight-game streak in 2009.
Brent Sutter blamed an odd face-off alignment that he claims led to Wilson's game-winning goal for the loss.
More highlights from the game with the Flames included the Preds most shots of the year at 45, the Predators winning at home against Calgary for the first time since January 25, 2008, and Nashville scoring the first goal for the first time in eight games.
The Predators continue their homestand with games against the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday and the St. Louis Blues on Saturday.
Here is our game story from last night and Barry Trotz's postgame presser. Make the jump for the full round-up of everything from the game...
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Wilson's Maturity Shows in Predators 2-1 Win over Flames
Colin Wilson is playing in his third season with the Nashville Predators and he is starting to play with the consistency and confidence that the coaches have been expecting since he was drafted seventh overall in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.
On Tuesday night at the Bridgestone Arena, Wilson's power play goal, 3:31 in to the final period was the game winner in a game that produced 81 shots but only three goals.
Pekka Rinne out-dueled fellow Finn, Miikka Kiprusoff, stopping all but one of Calgary's 36 shots. Kiprusoff also had an excellent performance stopping 43 of 45 Preds's shots but came up on the short end of the 2-1 score.
Wilson played all 82 regular season games last season but lost the confidence of Barry Trotz in the post-season and did not play in the until injuries brought him back into the lineup.
Over the summer, Wilson worked diligently on his game and employed the aid of a "mental coach" in order to improve his focus and consistency. All of his off-season efforts are paying off.
Wilson explained, "I worked really hard during the summer and at the same time I'm starting to adjust to the game. It's starting to slow down a little bit. When I first came into the league it seemed so fast and now it has slowed down."
On Tuesday night at the Bridgestone Arena, Wilson's power play goal, 3:31 in to the final period was the game winner in a game that produced 81 shots but only three goals.
Pekka Rinne out-dueled fellow Finn, Miikka Kiprusoff, stopping all but one of Calgary's 36 shots. Kiprusoff also had an excellent performance stopping 43 of 45 Preds's shots but came up on the short end of the 2-1 score.
Wilson played all 82 regular season games last season but lost the confidence of Barry Trotz in the post-season and did not play in the until injuries brought him back into the lineup.
Over the summer, Wilson worked diligently on his game and employed the aid of a "mental coach" in order to improve his focus and consistency. All of his off-season efforts are paying off.
Wilson explained, "I worked really hard during the summer and at the same time I'm starting to adjust to the game. It's starting to slow down a little bit. When I first came into the league it seemed so fast and now it has slowed down."
Barry Trotz Speaks After Nashville's 2-1 Win Over Calgary
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Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass
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