With the increased intensity in this year's Western Conference playoff race, is it possible for teams to lose focus against a lesser opponent and be stung by the proverbial "trap" game?
This season seems to be a little bit of a different beast. With so many teams in the conference playing at such a high level, it is difficult to believe that a team would not be focused on being point collectors in every game, regardless of the opponent or circumstance.
Predators coach Barry Trotz was asked if today's game against the New York Islanders (16-20-6, 14th place in the East) would be considered a "trap" game.
"We're going to talk about it. Is it a trap game? Maybe, maybe not, I don't really know. I think the guys recognize that we're going on the road and just need points. At the same time you have to always respect your opponent. I think we've learned that lesson a couple of times this year."
In the Western Conference, where all fifteen clubs are good teams (except for maybe Columbus), there really are no glaring traps lying in wait. In retrospect, the Predators' worst losses of the season may have been at home against Buffalo, the home overtime loss to the Jackets, and a pair of losses to Edmonton.
Trotz started the education process on the Islanders while studying film with the squad in preparation for Saturday's game with the Flyers. The Flyer's previous game was with the Islanders so they got to see both teams at the same time.
"I was telling the guys yesterday, that the Islanders, that they were watching because they had just played each other, probably deserved to win that game."
Trotz gave a quick preview of what he expects to see from the Islanders this afternoon.
"The Islanders are a young club. Offensively, they are very good up front. They have a good power play and can hurt you. They may be a little under the radar but we are going to have to play our game, plain and simple."
Today's game is a special MLK holiday matinee with a Noon CST puck drop at the Nassau County Veterans Coliseum. The game will be shown locally on FS-TN and can be heard on the Predator Radio Network.
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Buddy Oakes for PredsOntheGlass
Sunday, January 15, 2012
The Afternoon After Round-Up: Predators 4, Flyers 2
Saturday night's Predators 4-2 win over the Philadelphia Flyers was one of the more solid team efforts in a while and it came against a top team from the Eastern Conference.
The Predators did a great job of causing havoc for the Flyers in the neutral zone and never allowed them to play their game. On the offensive side, the Preds scored enough to win but wasted a ton of scoring chances by not being able to put the puck in the net.
Pekka Rinne had one of his better games of the year as he faced a team that has as many top scorers as any team in the NHL and turned away 36 of 38 Flyer shots.
While he did not make the scorecard, Ryan Ellis continued to impress and may make the move from the hotel to more long-term quarters in Smashville before too much longer.
The only negative of the night was that the race in the West never seems to let up. In spite of winning 13 of 17 and the last four in a row, the Preds are still in sixth place with 54 points and in fourth place in the division, four points behind St. Louis.
Here is our game story from last night and Barry Trotz's postgame presser. We also have video clips and explanations from Pekka Rinne and Ryan Ellis. Make the jump for the full round-up of everything from the game...
The Predators did a great job of causing havoc for the Flyers in the neutral zone and never allowed them to play their game. On the offensive side, the Preds scored enough to win but wasted a ton of scoring chances by not being able to put the puck in the net.
Pekka Rinne had one of his better games of the year as he faced a team that has as many top scorers as any team in the NHL and turned away 36 of 38 Flyer shots.
While he did not make the scorecard, Ryan Ellis continued to impress and may make the move from the hotel to more long-term quarters in Smashville before too much longer.
The only negative of the night was that the race in the West never seems to let up. In spite of winning 13 of 17 and the last four in a row, the Preds are still in sixth place with 54 points and in fourth place in the division, four points behind St. Louis.
Here is our game story from last night and Barry Trotz's postgame presser. We also have video clips and explanations from Pekka Rinne and Ryan Ellis. Make the jump for the full round-up of everything from the game...
Pekka Rinne's Describes his Save of the Game in 4-2 Preds Win over Flyers
Early in the third period with the Nashville Predators leading 2-1, Pekka Rinne made a double save on a two on one breakaway that could have been a turning point in the game had the Philadelphia Flyers been able to convert and tie the contest.
The play began when Shea Weber lost the puck in the neutral zone to Claude Giroux who took off on a breakaway with Max Talbot with Ryan Suter doing his best to stay with the pair.
Here is how Rinne described the action
"It was two on one, Giroux and Talbot. Talbot had first crack at it and Giroux had the rebound and I was able to make those saves that were key saves at the time. I got a little bit lucky there too because on the second save he happened to hit it up in the air and it hit by glove so I got a little lucky there."
The Predators left on Sunday for New York where they will play the Islanders on Monday (noon) and the Rangers Tuesday (6:30 p.m.).
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Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass
The play began when Shea Weber lost the puck in the neutral zone to Claude Giroux who took off on a breakaway with Max Talbot with Ryan Suter doing his best to stay with the pair.
Here is how Rinne described the action
"It was two on one, Giroux and Talbot. Talbot had first crack at it and Giroux had the rebound and I was able to make those saves that were key saves at the time. I got a little bit lucky there too because on the second save he happened to hit it up in the air and it hit by glove so I got a little lucky there."
The Predators left on Sunday for New York where they will play the Islanders on Monday (noon) and the Rangers Tuesday (6:30 p.m.).
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Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass
Ryan Ellis Describes His Hip Check on Wayne Simmonds
One of the highlights of Saturday night's 4-2 victory by the Nashville Predators over the Philadelphia Flyers came early in the second period when the Flyer's Wayne Simmonds tried to make a move past Predators rookie, Ryan Ellis and Ellis delivered one of the more dramatic hip checks ever seen in Bridgestone Arena.
After the game, Ellis described the play. "It was kind of spur of the moment. He made a nice move to cut in and I just couldn't let him off the hook so I had to get in his way. I didn't think I could run him over so I had to get under him and since he's a big guy, he went over the top."
When asked if he had thrown a hip check that big before, Ellis replied, "When I was younger, I probably threw some bigger ones but it was a decent hit and I was fortunate enough to get in his way."
On the next shift, Ellis and Simmonds appeared to exchange works but according to Ellis if was all good. "I played against him in the OHL so it was a friendly thing. He's a nice guy and a great player too."
The play will probably get the most highlight play on the sports networks since Craig Smith's missed empty netter earlier this season. Ellis laughed when asked if he would be watching SportsCenter after the game. "I don't know if I get that in the hotel. Maybe, maybe not, I don't think I'll be up that late."
Ellis has really started to fit in well at the NHL level and has two goals and two assists in his first eight games with the Predators. His confidence level is also on the rise. "I'm starting to jump in the play a little more which is my game and I'm trying to contribute offensively as well as defensively so it's jut game by game getting a little more experience and a little more comfortable."
The Predators will travel to New York on Sunday and face the Islanders on Monday (noon) and the Rangers on Tuesday (6:30 p.m.).
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Buddy Oakes for PredsOntheGlass
After the game, Ellis described the play. "It was kind of spur of the moment. He made a nice move to cut in and I just couldn't let him off the hook so I had to get in his way. I didn't think I could run him over so I had to get under him and since he's a big guy, he went over the top."
When asked if he had thrown a hip check that big before, Ellis replied, "When I was younger, I probably threw some bigger ones but it was a decent hit and I was fortunate enough to get in his way."
On the next shift, Ellis and Simmonds appeared to exchange works but according to Ellis if was all good. "I played against him in the OHL so it was a friendly thing. He's a nice guy and a great player too."
The play will probably get the most highlight play on the sports networks since Craig Smith's missed empty netter earlier this season. Ellis laughed when asked if he would be watching SportsCenter after the game. "I don't know if I get that in the hotel. Maybe, maybe not, I don't think I'll be up that late."
Ellis has really started to fit in well at the NHL level and has two goals and two assists in his first eight games with the Predators. His confidence level is also on the rise. "I'm starting to jump in the play a little more which is my game and I'm trying to contribute offensively as well as defensively so it's jut game by game getting a little more experience and a little more comfortable."
The Predators will travel to New York on Sunday and face the Islanders on Monday (noon) and the Rangers on Tuesday (6:30 p.m.).
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Buddy Oakes for PredsOntheGlass
Predators Beat Flyers 4-2 as Spaling Extends Streak
The Nashville Predators showed up ready to play from the start of the game against the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday night at Bridgestone Arena and came away with a solid 4-2 win over one of the stronger teams in the Eastern Conference.
Games between teams that don't see each other but once or twice a year are tough for both squads as there is little in person knowledge. Nick Spaling discussed the preparation, "It's a lot of video and the coaches do the scouting and give us an in depth look at what they are about. We knew they were a skilled team with a lot of guys that can burn you one on one and four lines that can play."
The game started at a fast and furious pace, with both teams putting six shots on net in the first 4:15 in plenty of back and fourth action. Spaling confirmed that the team was ready to go hard at the start. "I think we came out ready to go today, and the game plan was to throw a lot of pucks on net. We were focused on a quick transition and just tried to play deep in their end."
Games between teams that don't see each other but once or twice a year are tough for both squads as there is little in person knowledge. Nick Spaling discussed the preparation, "It's a lot of video and the coaches do the scouting and give us an in depth look at what they are about. We knew they were a skilled team with a lot of guys that can burn you one on one and four lines that can play."
The game started at a fast and furious pace, with both teams putting six shots on net in the first 4:15 in plenty of back and fourth action. Spaling confirmed that the team was ready to go hard at the start. "I think we came out ready to go today, and the game plan was to throw a lot of pucks on net. We were focused on a quick transition and just tried to play deep in their end."
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Barry Trotz Speaks after Nashville's 4-2 Win over Philadelphia
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Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass
Chris Mueller Recalled by Preds for Game with Flyers
Chis Mueller was a late recall for the Nashville Predators as they prepare to take on the Philadelphia Flyers Saturday night at Bridgestone Arena.
The move was made necessary by an illness to Rookie Craig Smith. Jerred Smithson was placed on injured reserve to make room for Mueller.
Makes the jump for the full release from the Predators...
The move was made necessary by an illness to Rookie Craig Smith. Jerred Smithson was placed on injured reserve to make room for Mueller.
Makes the jump for the full release from the Predators...
Philadelphia Flyers at Nashville Predators: Pre-Game Primer
TV-Radio...
7:00 CST - TV: Fox Sports TN, TCN Philadelphia. Preds Radio Network (102.5-FM The Game)
Stage Setter...
After surviving an ongoing dog fight in the Western Conference and winning 12 of their last 16 games, the Predators beginning a three game set in four days against Eastern teams starting with tonight's contest with the Flyers.
Make the jump for everything else...
Predators Ready To Play Eastern Teams for Next Three Games
After being in a constant dog fight with rivals, trying to keep pace in the tightly bunched Western Conference race, the Nashville Predators will take on teams for the East for the next three games starting with tonight's game with the Philadelphia Flyers at Bridgestone Arena.
The Preds will then travel to New York for games with the Islanders on Monday (noon) and with the Rangers on Tuesday (6:30 p.m.). This will be the second time this year that they have played three Eastern opponents in a row after Montreal, Washington, and Toronto visited in November with the Preds picking up five of six points.
The Preds are 4-2-2 against the East this year including 4-1-1 at home. The Preds and Flyers will play again in Philadelphia on February 2. Nashville is 5-6-(3)-0 all time against the Flyers and 2-2-2 on home ice.
The Preds will then travel to New York for games with the Islanders on Monday (noon) and with the Rangers on Tuesday (6:30 p.m.). This will be the second time this year that they have played three Eastern opponents in a row after Montreal, Washington, and Toronto visited in November with the Preds picking up five of six points.
The Preds are 4-2-2 against the East this year including 4-1-1 at home. The Preds and Flyers will play again in Philadelphia on February 2. Nashville is 5-6-(3)-0 all time against the Flyers and 2-2-2 on home ice.
Friday, January 13, 2012
Sarah Baicker Guests on This Week's Smashville on the Glass (Podcast)
Sarah Baicker from CSN Philly joined Ryan and Buddy on this weeks Smashville on the Glass radio show to preview Saturday's game between the Predators and the Flyers. She also gave plenty on inside insight to all things Winter Classic, HBO's 24/7, as well as looking in to the psyche of Flyers goalie, Ilya Bryzgalov.
The show also includes a discussion of the Predators recent success, all-star nominations, and a look at the upcoming trade deadline with chat could happen with Ryan Suter.
Listen to the show in the player below or go to BlogTalkRadio or iTunes to download...
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Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass
The show also includes a discussion of the Predators recent success, all-star nominations, and a look at the upcoming trade deadline with chat could happen with Ryan Suter.
Listen to the show in the player below or go to BlogTalkRadio or iTunes to download...
Listen to internet radio with SmashvilleOnTheGlass on Blog Talk Radio
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Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass
The Afternoon After Round-Up:Predators 3, Avalanche 2 (OT)
Thursday night's game against Colorado was a huge win for the Predators on several levels:
So now the team looks east with three straight games against Eastern Conference opponents with Philadelphia at Bridgestone on Saturday and games in New York at the Islanders on Monday (noon) and Rangers on Tuesday (6:30). It will be interesting to see what they do with strange opponents. I smell a sweep.
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...
- Predators stayed in sixth place and within five points of the Central Division lead in spite of being in fourth place.
- Preds have reclaimed home ice, going 9-2-0 after starting the year 4-7-3.
- After losing back to back with Dallas, they won back to back from another team on the playoff cusp
- The team never rattled when they were down 2-0 early and continued their trend of Thursday comebacks
- David Legwand stepped up huge with his two goals.
- Sergei Kostitsyn continued to shoot (and talk to the media).
- In spite of breaking their eight game sell out streak, they were within a couple of hundred of a sell out on a night when schools had already closed for the week.
So now the team looks east with three straight games against Eastern Conference opponents with Philadelphia at Bridgestone on Saturday and games in New York at the Islanders on Monday (noon) and Rangers on Tuesday (6:30). It will be interesting to see what they do with strange opponents. I smell a sweep.
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...
Halischuk's Persistence Sparks Predator Turnaround in 3-2 OT Win
The Nashville Predators met the Colorado Avalanche for the second time in three night and the first periods of the two games were almost exact opposites. On Tuesday, in Denver, the Predators jumped out to a 3-0 lead and held on the remainder of the game and brought home a 4-1 victory.
On Thursday night, at the Bridgestone Arena, the Avalanche jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first 12 minutes of the contest on a pair of goals that Pekka Rinne would have loved to have had back. It appeared to be a case of deja vu with a 180 degree turn in results from the prior game.
The Predators never gave up and made a complete turnaround in the second period. After being outshot 15-7 in the first period, they poured on the pressure for the remainder of the contest with 28 shots compared to Colorado's 14.
On Thursday night, at the Bridgestone Arena, the Avalanche jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first 12 minutes of the contest on a pair of goals that Pekka Rinne would have loved to have had back. It appeared to be a case of deja vu with a 180 degree turn in results from the prior game.
The Predators never gave up and made a complete turnaround in the second period. After being outshot 15-7 in the first period, they poured on the pressure for the remainder of the contest with 28 shots compared to Colorado's 14.
Barry Trotz Speaks After Nashville's 3-2 OT Win over Colorado
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Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass
Thursday, January 12, 2012
NHL All-Stars Include Shea Weber, Ryan Suter and Craig Smith
Nashville Predators team officials announced that three Preds will participate in the Tim Horton's All-Star Weekend activities in Ottawa from January 26-29 with the centerpiece being the game itself on Sunday Jan 29 at 3 p.m. CST (NBC Sports Network).
Shea Weber and Ryan Suter were named to the primary Roster while Craig Smith was placed on the Rookie roster, primarily to participate in the NHL Skills Competition on January 28 at 6 p.m.
Weber was a hands down favorite to be named to the squad and is a leading contender for the Norris Trophy. After a bit of a slow start he has come on strong and has 9 goals and 21 assists in 38 games. He is a +13 and is fourth in the league in ice time (26.19).
Weber participated in the last two All-Star games that have been held in 2009 (Montreal) and 2011 (Carolina) and has done well in the hardest shot skills completion finishing second (104.8) to Zdeno Chara last year. In last year's game he chipped in with four assists. Weber also went as a rookie in 2007 (Dallas).
Suter caries credentials similar to Weber but has often been overlooked by folks outside of Smashville and is well deserving of the bid. He is second in the NHL in ice time (27:00) and eight in defensemen points (5 goals, 20 assists) in 42 games. He solidified the Preds' defense, leading them to a 3-1 record when Weber was out earlier this month.
Craig Smith was easily one of the top 12 rookies to be chosen as he is third in points (9 goals, 17 assists) among first year players and is second in shots (114). He has cooled somewhat on the scoring front after a fast start but has not slowed in his contributions in other areas.
Pekka Rinne may be somewhat disappointed that he was not included on the roster but will probably appreciate the five day break to gear up for the stretch run. Rinne (21-11-4, 2.57, .919) is second only to Jimmy Howard (24) in wins and and has three shutouts. He leads the NHL in saves (1,042), shots faced (1,134), and appearances (38). Rinne participated in the 2009 All-Star game as a rookie competitor.
Ryan Porth has audio from the three All-Stars as well as Barry Trotz.
Here is the full release from the NHL...
Shea Weber and Ryan Suter were named to the primary Roster while Craig Smith was placed on the Rookie roster, primarily to participate in the NHL Skills Competition on January 28 at 6 p.m.
Weber was a hands down favorite to be named to the squad and is a leading contender for the Norris Trophy. After a bit of a slow start he has come on strong and has 9 goals and 21 assists in 38 games. He is a +13 and is fourth in the league in ice time (26.19).
Weber participated in the last two All-Star games that have been held in 2009 (Montreal) and 2011 (Carolina) and has done well in the hardest shot skills completion finishing second (104.8) to Zdeno Chara last year. In last year's game he chipped in with four assists. Weber also went as a rookie in 2007 (Dallas).
Suter caries credentials similar to Weber but has often been overlooked by folks outside of Smashville and is well deserving of the bid. He is second in the NHL in ice time (27:00) and eight in defensemen points (5 goals, 20 assists) in 42 games. He solidified the Preds' defense, leading them to a 3-1 record when Weber was out earlier this month.
Craig Smith was easily one of the top 12 rookies to be chosen as he is third in points (9 goals, 17 assists) among first year players and is second in shots (114). He has cooled somewhat on the scoring front after a fast start but has not slowed in his contributions in other areas.
Pekka Rinne may be somewhat disappointed that he was not included on the roster but will probably appreciate the five day break to gear up for the stretch run. Rinne (21-11-4, 2.57, .919) is second only to Jimmy Howard (24) in wins and and has three shutouts. He leads the NHL in saves (1,042), shots faced (1,134), and appearances (38). Rinne participated in the 2009 All-Star game as a rookie competitor.
Ryan Porth has audio from the three All-Stars as well as Barry Trotz.
Here is the full release from the NHL...
Colorado Avalanche at Nashville Predators: Pre-Game Primer
TV-Radio...
7:00 CST - TV: No Local TV. Altitude Sports on NHL Center Ice and NHL Gamecenter. Preds Radio Network (102.5-FM The Game)
Stage Setter...
After a convincing 4-1 win over the Avalanche on Tuesday night in Denver, the Predators hope to duplicate the same effort and result at the Bridgestone Arena tonight in what should be another sell-out crowd on an always rowdy College Night.
Make the jump for everything else...
7:00 CST - TV: No Local TV. Altitude Sports on NHL Center Ice and NHL Gamecenter. Preds Radio Network (102.5-FM The Game)
Stage Setter...
After a convincing 4-1 win over the Avalanche on Tuesday night in Denver, the Predators hope to duplicate the same effort and result at the Bridgestone Arena tonight in what should be another sell-out crowd on an always rowdy College Night.
Make the jump for everything else...
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Predators to Host Benefit Public Skate on MLK Day
The Nashville Predators announced a public skate on MLK Day (Monday, January 16) from 1-2:30 p.m. at the Bridgestone Arena ice surface. Free skate rentals will be provided if needed.
The event will take place during the Nashville Predators game at the New York Islanders which begins at noon. The game will be shown on the Megatron.
GNASH, the Preds Ice Girls, and Youth Hockey Staff will be on site for autographs and information.
Registration ($30/skater) includes one Goal Zone ticket for a future game. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. Visit nashvillepredators.com/publicskate for more details and to register. Space is limited, so sign up today!
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Buddy Oakes for PredsOntheGlass
The event will take place during the Nashville Predators game at the New York Islanders which begins at noon. The game will be shown on the Megatron.
GNASH, the Preds Ice Girls, and Youth Hockey Staff will be on site for autographs and information.
Registration ($30/skater) includes one Goal Zone ticket for a future game. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. Visit nashvillepredators.com/publicskate for more details and to register. Space is limited, so sign up today!
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Buddy Oakes for PredsOntheGlass
The Morning After Round-Up: Predators 4, Avalanche 1
Going into last night's game in Denver, you had to wonder how the Predators would react, hitting the road for the first time in the new year against a team that was one of the hottest in the league at this juncture.
Two goals in the first 7:41 of the contest and another before the end of the opening period quickly provided a cushion that they were able to ride for the remainder of the contest.
With Pekka Rinne looking in top form for the second game in a row, there were signs that he could be headed for a strong second half of the season which has become his signature.
Ryan Ellis had his second power play goal and another primary assist in making a strong bid to stick with the team in the second half. Not that it would be likely, but if he continues his strong play and stays with the team for the rest of the season, it is not completely out of the question that he could find his way to the top three in the Calder voting.
The Predators ended the evening in sixth place in the tightly bunched Western Conference with 50 points. In spite of picking up 10 points in the last six games, they can't seem to pull away from the pack or make much headway moving up as the teams around them are also hanging tough.
The Preds moved their practice to the Bridgestone Arena today at 1 p.m. in preparation for tomorrow's rematch with Colorado. It will be interesting to see if they can hit the ice with the same jump as on Tuesday night in Denver in order to add another two points to the spread between them and the Avs..
Here is our game story from last night with comments from the couch. Make the jump for the full round-up of everything from the game...
Two goals in the first 7:41 of the contest and another before the end of the opening period quickly provided a cushion that they were able to ride for the remainder of the contest.
With Pekka Rinne looking in top form for the second game in a row, there were signs that he could be headed for a strong second half of the season which has become his signature.
Ryan Ellis had his second power play goal and another primary assist in making a strong bid to stick with the team in the second half. Not that it would be likely, but if he continues his strong play and stays with the team for the rest of the season, it is not completely out of the question that he could find his way to the top three in the Calder voting.
The Predators ended the evening in sixth place in the tightly bunched Western Conference with 50 points. In spite of picking up 10 points in the last six games, they can't seem to pull away from the pack or make much headway moving up as the teams around them are also hanging tough.
The Preds moved their practice to the Bridgestone Arena today at 1 p.m. in preparation for tomorrow's rematch with Colorado. It will be interesting to see if they can hit the ice with the same jump as on Tuesday night in Denver in order to add another two points to the spread between them and the Avs..
Here is our game story from last night with comments from the couch. Make the jump for the full round-up of everything from the game...
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Predators Jump to Early Lead to Sink Avalanche 4-1 in Denver
The Nashville Predators took a rare recent road trip to Colorado, after playing 12 of their last 16 games in the friendly confines of Bridgestone Arena and blew the doors off the previously hot Colorado Avalanche with a 4-1 win.
It was the Predators sixth win in a row over the Avs in a game where they jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the opening period and never looked back.
The Predators' first period goals from Nick Spaling, Ryan Ellis, and Marty Erat were all that was needed to clinch the win for Nashville. Patric Hornqvist added the icing on the cake in the third.
Pekka Rinne withstood a barrage of Avalanche shots, stopping 32 of 33 shots to secure the victory. Semyon Varlamov had less work in taking the loss as he stopped 22 of 26 Nashville shots.
The win left the Preds in sixth place in the Western Conference with 50 points. The team left immediately after the game and will practice at Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday at 1 p.m.
Make the jump for a few stats and the comments from the couch...
It was the Predators sixth win in a row over the Avs in a game where they jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the opening period and never looked back.
The Predators' first period goals from Nick Spaling, Ryan Ellis, and Marty Erat were all that was needed to clinch the win for Nashville. Patric Hornqvist added the icing on the cake in the third.
Pekka Rinne withstood a barrage of Avalanche shots, stopping 32 of 33 shots to secure the victory. Semyon Varlamov had less work in taking the loss as he stopped 22 of 26 Nashville shots.
The win left the Preds in sixth place in the Western Conference with 50 points. The team left immediately after the game and will practice at Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday at 1 p.m.
Make the jump for a few stats and the comments from the couch...
Nashville Predators at Colorado Avalanche: Pre-Game Primer
TV-Radio...
8:00 CST - TV: Fox Sports Tennessee Preds Radio Network (102.5-FM The Game)
Stage Setter...
The Predators play Colorado in back to back games starting tonight in Denver and finishing on Thursday at the Bridgestone Arena. These are classic "four-point games" as each game can provide a huge swing in the tightly bunched Western Conference standings.
Make the jump for everything else...
8:00 CST - TV: Fox Sports Tennessee Preds Radio Network (102.5-FM The Game)
Stage Setter...
The Predators play Colorado in back to back games starting tonight in Denver and finishing on Thursday at the Bridgestone Arena. These are classic "four-point games" as each game can provide a huge swing in the tightly bunched Western Conference standings.
Make the jump for everything else...
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Patric Hornqvist Discusses Missing Elusive Goo-Goo Goal Against Carolina on Saturday Night
For the uninitiated, a new promotion was started this year where if the Nashville Predators score a goal in the last minute of play in the second period every fan in attendance will receive a delicious, made in Nashville, Goo-Goo Cluster.
Goo-Goo Clusters have been a product of the Standard Candy Company since 1912 and are described as being made with "real milk chocolate, caramel, peanuts and marshmallow nougat." Over the years, Goo-Goo has been a regional treat that is probably most associated with their sponsorship of "The Grand Ole Opry."
Some of us on "Bloggers Row" have been dreaming of the day when every fan in Bridgestone Arena will learn to chant "Goo-Goo, Goo-Goo, Goo-Goo, Goo-Goo, etc." for a full minute at every game, similar to the way the crowd chants "Ru-dy, Ru-dy, Ru-dy, Ru-dy, etc." at the end of the 1994 classic movie "Rudy."
On Saturday, against the Carolina Hurricanes, the best shot of the year at a Goo-Goo goal came with 34 seconds left in the middle period when Patric Hornqvist fired a wrister from six feet that Carolina goalie Justin Peters amazingly kept out of the net.
After the game, Hornqvist was asked about the near Goo-Goo goal and we were crushed with his response. "Oh, I don't know what that is."
After an explanation Hornqvist said, "Oh, OK, I didn't know. They (the fans) want everything. I was there in front and we tried to score but I didn't know they got some extra stuff if we score in the last minute. They got Frosties, at least! It was a good night for them (the fans) too."
For the record, in 22 games, the Predators have mustered 12 shots and picked up six penalties during the Goo-Goo minute but have yest to reward the fans with the desired delicacy.
Fans have made out better on the "Frosty Score for Four" promotion, where in addition to Saturday's game, they have picked up the frozen desert from Wendy's on five other occasions.
Another promotion from Dunkin Donuts, where everyone gets a free donut when the Predators get a shutout, got good play from Barry Trotz in the postgame on October 29 when after Pekka Rinne shut out Anaheim 3-0 he said, "“Tomorrow morning I’m going to enjoy my Dunkin Donuts coffee and donut with all the 17,113 people that are going to be there tomorrow!”
So as we await the next home game on Thursday against Colorado, those of us on Blogger's Row that are fixated on the Goo-Goo goal await hopefully for the day when the fans are rewarded with the charming Southern delicacy.
While there are firm rules and traditions about "no cheering in the press box," don't be surprised if things get a little noisy when (and if) the Goo-Goo Goal finally finds the opponent net as we have become overly obsessed with wanting to celebrate our favorite promotion.
Finally, the following chart outlines the results through 22 home games for the Goo-Goo Goal, Frosties four goals, as well as the Dunkin Donut freebies.
| Game - Date | Opponent | Goo-Goo Shots/Shooters | Frosty/Donut ? |
| 1. 10-13-11 | Phoenix | 1 Smith (PP) | No (2-5) No |
| 2. 10-15-11 | New Jersey | 1 Weber | No (2-3) No |
| 3. 10-25-11 | San Jose | 0 | No (1-3) No |
| 4. 10-27-11 | Tampa Bay | 0 | Yes (5-3) No |
| 5. 10-29-11 | Anaheim | 0 | No (3-0) Yes |
| 6. 11-12-11 | Montreal | 0 | No (1-2) No |
| 7. 11-15-11 | Washington | 0 | No (3-1) No |
| 8. 11-17-11 | Toronto | 0 | Yes (4-1) No |
| 9. 11-19-11 | Columbus | 1 Legwand | No (3-4) No |
| 10. 11-22-11 | Edmonton | 3 Fisher (2) Tootoo | No (2-6) No |
| 11. 12-3-11 | Buffalo | 3 Suter (2) Blum | No (2-3) No |
| 12. 12-6-11 | Phoenix | 0 | No (2-3) No |
| 13. 12-10-11 | Anaheim | 0 | No (3-2) No |
| 14. 12-13-11 | Calgary | 0 | No (2-1) No |
| 15. 12-15-11 | Detroit | 0 | Yes (4-3) No |
| 16. 12-17-11 | St. Louis | 0 | No (2-1) No |
| 17. 12-22-11 | Columbus | 0 | Yes (6-5) No |
| 18. 12-26-11 | Detroit | 0 | No (1-4) No |
| 19. 12-28-11 | Minnesota | 1 Josi | No (2-1) No |
| 20. 1-1-12 | Calgary | 0 | Yes (5-3) No |
| 21. 1-5-12 | Dallas | 0 | No (1-4) No |
| 22. 1-7-12 | Carolina | 2 Erat, Hornqvist | Yes (5-2) No |
Goo-Goo Penalties
Game 2 - Hornqvist High Sticking (:37) and Weber Cross-Checking (:14)
Game 3 - Suter Slashing (:47)
Game 6 - Tootoo Cross-checking (:00)
Game 14 - Josi Holding (:57)
Game 21 - Fisher Tripping (:57)
More Later...
Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass
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