Feels good getting back in the win column, huh? The Predators returned to form this week and played like we all knew they could. Nashville went 4-0 this week, picking up eight out of eight points to regain their lead in the Central Division. This is the team we’ve grown accustomed to seeing on the ice in Smashville. They won’t always have a perfect week, but it’s pretty damn nice to see them dominate like they just did.
As I just mentioned, the Predators are once again atop the Central Division. They now have 85 points in 61 games played. The Jets are still right on the Preds’ heels, with 83 points in 62 games played. Minnesota has catapulted themselves into a playoff spot with 75 points in 61 games played. Unless something changes, it appears it will be the Predators and Jets battling it out for the remainder of the season for the division crown. It would be the first Central Division championship for either team. That’s kind of hard to believe for the Preds since they’ve been so successful for so long, but they have never captured a division championship. Let’s change that this season.
I mentioned last week that the Predators’ struggles had come from not playing a full 60 minutes, some poor execution, and not being as crisp as they need to be. Well, they came out and answered the doubters this week. The Preds must have done some soul searching and found the answers, because they flat out dominated the competition this week.
The first team in their way was the Ottawa Senators. The Predators jumped out to a 2-0 lead and never looked back. Goals by Roman Josi, Viktor Arvidsson (twice), Ryan Ellis, and Craig Smith gave Pekka Rinne all the support he needed as he slammed the door shut. Arvidsson came SO close to a hat trick about 578 times, but he just couldn’t get the third goal. Preds would win this one 5-2.
Next stop in their redemption week was a quick trip to Detroit and their first game in the newly built Little Caesars Arena. It looked like more of the same as the Preds got up 2-0 very early in this one with goals from Scott Hartnell and Kyle Turris, but give Detroit some credit as they battled back to make this a game. The Red Wings would get within one goal twice, but Juuse Saros stood tall (or as tall as he can) and held the lead. Arvidsson would get himself another goal and the Preds would win this one 3-2.
You could tell momentum was building for the Predators as they closed out the week, and the last two games proved it. Thursday night, it was the San Jose Sharks who felt the full wrath of what the Predators can do when they are clicking. This game was never in question, as the Predators won 7-1. Seven different Preds scored in this one, but the important stat was Pekka Rinne winning his 300th career game. What an outstanding achievement for the Nashville netminder. Pekka has been the backbone of this franchise since he arrived on the scene and has meant so much to the city of Nashville. I’m calling it now, Pekka Rinne will be the first Predator to have his number retired by the franchise and he deserves every bit of it.
Back to business for the Predators, with the St. Louis Blues rolling into town for a matchup that was aired on NBC as their national game of the week. The Preds must have felt like the 7-1 victory a few nights earlier wasn’t enough, so they decided to completely dismantle the Blues on national TV. This felt like the Preds putting the rest of the NHL on notice that they will be a force to be reckoned with in the playoffs. Dominant from whistle to whistle, the Preds would win 4-0 behind goals from Sissons, Fiala, Hartnell, and Watson and a shutout performance from Pekka Rinne. Outstanding way to close out the week.
PREDS THREE STARS OF THE WEEK
First Star – Pekka Rinne – C’mon, it couldn’t be anyone else here. Pekka went 3-0 this week and earned his 300th career victory (all in a Nasvhille sweater by the way). Just the 34th goalie in NHL history to reach that mark, and only the THIRD Finnish goalie to accomplish the feat. Oh yeah, he also threw in a shutout to close out the week.
Second Star – The JOFA line – Yes, the entire line. They put on a show this week. Five goals and seven assists for the Predators first line. They’re a big reason for the recent strong play.
Third Star – Scott Hartnell – The Walking Dad Joke had a strong week with three goals. All three came from driving to the net, which is what the Preds need out of him. Hartnell has made a career out of getting these dirty goals.
The Predators will hit the road for a 4-game road trip starting Tuesday in Winnipeg in a battle for first place in the division. They then head out west for a back to back with Edmonton and Vancouver on Thursday and Friday night. Then a Sunday afternoon tilt with the Colorado Avalanche to close out the week.
Before we go, we have a couple HUGE announcements for the SoBros. First up, a reminder about our away game viewing party at Riverfront Tavern in Mt. Juliet on Tuesday night. Come on out and enjoy some food, drinks, and of course Preds hockey with the SoBros crew.
Second, we have launched our brand new Predators podcast, Talking Preds. Make sure to give it a listen and tell us what you think! Also follow along on Twitter @TalkingPreds for updates on new episodes.
Lastly, your’s truly will be on the radio Thursday afternoon at 2:15! I’ll be joining Off The Bench on WCDT FM 106.9/AM 1340 to talk some Preds hockey and the new podcast, Talking Preds. You can listen in at wcdtradio.com.
Big things are happening here at the SoBros Network. Thanks again for all the support and feedback. It’s been a blast covering the Preds this year and we’re just getting started.
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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