The NHL took some time off from the regular season this weekend as hockey fans all over the world turned their attention to Tampa Bay for the NHL All-Star Game. The Predators had three representatives in attendance for the Central Division, with P.K. Subban and Pekka Rinne being selected as All-Stars and Peter Laviolette tabbed as the coach of the Central Division. We’ll jump into how they fared in the game in a second, but first the Preds had some business to take care of before hitting the beach in Tampa.
At the All-Star break, the Predators are sitting pretty well in the standings. Winnipeg still leads the Central Division with 66 points in 50 games played. The Preds are right on their heels though with 65 points in just 47 games played. St. Louis is still hanging around in third place with 63 points in 51 games played. These games in hand are going to pay off big time down the stretch. The Preds have the third most points in the Western Conference with the least amount of games played. They are setting themselves up great for the second half as long as they keep rolling along like they have been.
Tuesday night, the Preds had a huge game against the top team in the Eastern Conference, the Tampa Bay Lightning. If this was a preview of the Stanley Cup Finals, we are in for one hell of a show. This game lived up to the hype in every way possible. The teams went back and forth all game. The Preds got goals from Ryan Ellis, Viktor Arvidsson, and P.K. Subban. Unfortunately, Steven Stamkos would tie this game up with just over two minutes left in the game. After the teams traded chances, the Lightning would finally tally to win the game in OT. Tough loss, but the Lightning are a really good team and the Preds gave them everything they could handle.
It was then off to New Jersey for one last game before the break. This game was all Predators from the start. It really seemed like the Devils and their fans were just wanting to get this game over with and get to the All-Star Game. Subban and Arvidsson would both score for the second straight game and Mattias Ekholm would add a goal to round out the scoring. Pekka Rinne would stop all 27 shots he faced for his 4th shutout of the season.
Saturday night, All-Star Weekend kicked off with the Skills Competition. P.K. Subban and Pekka Rinne would both finish second in their respective events. Subban would come up just short in the Hardest Shot, with Alex Ovechkin winning the event. Pekka Rinne was spectacular in the Save Streak Challenge, stopping 13 straight chances. Marc-Andre Fleury would just edge him out with 14 straight saves however.
Nashville’s two All-Stars would shine in the actual game on Sunday afternoon. Pekka Rinne pitched a shutout in his period that he played, including a highlight reel save on Connor McDavid. Pekka definitely showed why he’s still considered one of the best in the world with his performance. Not to be outdone, Subban would score a goal on a breakaway and Lambeau Leaped into the bench as he celebrated with his teammates. I’ve said it before, but no one has more fun playing hockey than P.K. Subban.
PREDS THREE STARS OF THE WEEK
First Star – P.K. Subban – When Subban gets on a hot streak, he can take over a game. He’s on one of those streaks now with two goals and one assist this week. With Forsberg out, Subban has now taken over the scoring lead for the Predators with 37 points.
Second Star – Viktor Arvidsson – Arvidsson had himself a pretty good week after returning from injury. He also pitched in 2 goals and 1 assist in the two games this week. Really nice return for Arvi, as the Preds will need to rely on him for more offense in the second half.
Third Star – Mattias Ekholm – Ekholm had 1 goal and 2 assist this week. He sometimes gets forgotten on a team with Josi, Ellis, and Subban, but Ekholm is one of the most underrated players in the league.
The Predators return from the All-Star break with three home games this week. First up, division rival, the Chicago Blackhawks come to town. They’ve been struggling a bit lately, but you know they would love to play spoiler to the Preds. Next up, the Los Angeles Kings on Thursday night in what is always a tight game when they face off against Nashville. To finish out the week, the Rangers make their only visit to the Music City on Saturday night. Some big games on the schedule this week.
The Predators will need to take care of business to keep pace in the tight Central Division.
Herbie Brooks is the Lead Hockey 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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