Well I hope you like 3-on-3 OT, because the Predators had their fair share of OT games this week. Yep – four games and four overtimes, including two shootouts. Nashville was able to secure six out of the eight possible points this week, although it probably wasn’t the way most fans were expecting. The play was a little ugly, but the good news is even with the Preds “slumping” right now, they are still picking up points and have taken over first place in the Central Division with 75 points in 54 games played. Winnipeg is right there with 73 points in 56 games, followed by St. Louis with 71 points in 58 games. Don’t look now, but Dallas is only one point behind the Blues. The Central Division is the toughest in hockey, so expect a battle until the very last game.
The Predators started off their week long road trip with a visit to Brooklyn to take on the New York Islanders. This game was back and forth all night long, with teams trading goals. Kevin Fiala continued his strong play with two goals in the first period. The Islanders were able to score a couple of their own and take a 4-3 lead into the third period.
After a sluggish start, the Preds were forced to pull Pekka Rinne for the extra attacker. The move paid off big time as Ryan Johansen tied the game up with under a minute to go. Overtime was no different with the two teams flying up and down the ice. Predators captain Roman Josi was able to net the game winner after a beautiful give and go with Nick Bonino. Comeback complete. Preds win 5-4.
It was then off to Toronto for a matchup with the talented Maple Leafs. Another slow start for the Preds as they fell behind 2-0 early in the 2nd period. The Predators were able to find a little life as Colton Sissons was able to make it a one goal game before heading to the third. The goal must have fired the team up as Viktor Arvidsson was able to tie the game just 25 seconds into the period. That was all the scoring in this game. Yet another overtime and shootout.
After several rounds of saves and misses, James van Riemsdyk beat Pekka Rinne to give the Leafs a 3-2 victory.
Quick turnaround with the second half of a back to back with Ottawa the very next night. Things started off great as P.K. Subban scored 34 seconds into the game. Unfortunately, those good feelings didn’t last long. After the teams traded more goals, the Preds found themselves down 3-2 going into the third. In the final minutes, Subban struck again to send this game to, you guessed it, another OT. Mike Hoffman was able to score on a breakaway to beat Juuse Saros and send the Preds off to Montreal with one point acquired.
It’s always a spectacle when Subban returns to Montreal and this was no different. This game was very tight defensively. Both teams were getting chances but couldn’t find a way to rack up the shots. Finally, 8:35 into the second, Brendan Gallagher opened the scoring on Pekka. Minutes later, Scott Hartnell returned the favor to tie the game after two periods. That was until Kevin Fiala took a great feed from Johansen from behind the net and was able to lift the puck over a diving Carey Price. That score would remain until Jonathan Drouin tied the game with just over a minute left. Everyone together now, this game would go to overtime and eventually a shootout. Pekka was perfect in the shootout and Ellis was able to beat Price to secure the two points for the Predators.
PREDS THREE STARS OF THE WEEK
First Star – Kevin Fiala – The kid has been scorching hot as of late. Three goals this week to give him 18 on the season, and also tied for the team lead in goals. I think Fiala has finally got things figured out. Now, let’s please stop calling him FiFi.
Second Star – Roman Josi – The captain picked up a goal and an assist this week, but his goal was a thing of beauty. After stealing the puck, he executed a perfect give and go for the game winner in OT against the Islanders.
Third Star – P.K. Subban – The man can do it all. Two goals and an assist this week, but more importantly, Subban leads the Predators in points and leads all NHL D-men in goals. He absolutely should be in the discussion for the Norris Trophy.
Three big games this week. First up a division rival, the St. Louis Blues come to town. The Blues have been struggling a bit lately, but you know they’ll be out for blood against the Preds. The Calgary Flames then visit Bridgestone Arena on Thursday night. Finally, old rival, the Detroit Red Wings come to town Saturday night. The push for the playoffs has begun and every point is critical now. Should be an exciting week.
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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