Rough start to the week with the Nashville Predators losing to a terrible Ducks team. That’s a game that this team can’t afford to lose at this time of year, but Nashville did turn it around and closed out the week with back to back strong performances against the Kings and the Sharks. I think most everyone going into the week would have been fine with four out of six points, it just didn’t happen the way most of us thought it would.
The Preds now have nine games remaining, with five of those at home. Also, with the Wild OT loss on Sunday, the magic number for the Preds to clinch a playoff spot has dropped to nine points. It’s possible they could have a berth wrapped up by the end of the week if everything goes right. Nashville still sits at second in the Central, trailing Winnipeg by one point. The current playoff match-up would be the St. Louis Blues.
MILESTONES FOR JOFA
It was a pretty special night for the Preds’ top line against the San Jose Sharks. Viktor Arvidsson scored his 30th and 31st goals of the season, which ties his career high. He needs just three goals in the last nine games to set the franchise record for goals in a season. Pretty good for a guy who’s only had one good season.
The other two members of JOFA had a pretty unique play to set some personal milestones for themselves. Ryan Johansen won the draw in the offensive end back to Matt Irwin, who fired it on net. Filip Forsberg was able to pick up the rebound, wrap around the net and get the game winning goal. It was a great play all around, but for Forsberg, the goal was his 300th career point and for Johansen, the assist gave him his 400th career point. Pretty unbelievable for two players to reach those bench marks on the same play. Congrats to all three guys. They are playing some really good hockey lately and the Preds will need them if they are going to make a run.
TURNING IT AROUND?
After an ugly loss to start the week, the Preds finally put in some really solid work to earn a W in their next two games. While the Kings are far from what they used to be, it was nice to see the Predators play with some energy again and beat a team that they are supposed to beat. The real test came on Saturday though, against the red hot Sharks. San Jose has always been a tough place to play, but the Preds put in a really impressive performance for the two points. I saw them crashing the net, playing with speed, playing physical, and most importantly playing with focus again.
Now, we’ve seen this before, all for it to come crashing back down. We’re at the point in the season now though, where they can’t afford a let down game. Is this the turnaround we’ve been waiting on? Is this the team we’ll see for the rest of the season? We’ll see, but if they keep playing like they did against San Jose, they definitely have the opportunity to make a run.
GOALIE SPLITS
We’ve been seeing a more even split between Pekka Rinne and Juuse Saros over the last few weeks. This week, Pekka started against the Ducks and the Kings, while Saros got the nod against San Jose. I love this strategy. Saros has been playing really really well lately, and it’s no secret that Pekka has had some fatigue in the playoffs from overuse. Any break Rinne can get between now and the end of the season will only make the team stronger. It also keeps Saros sharp should the team need him come playoff time. The Preds are really lucky they have two high caliber goalies they can rely on.
THREE STARS OF THE WEEK
First Star – Filip Forsberg – Three goals and an assist this week for Scoresberg, along with his 300th career point. Fil’s heating up and just at the right time for the Preds. He can carry a team when he gets going like this.
Second Star – Viktor Arvidsson – Three goals for Arvi this week to tie a career high. He’s such a fun guy to root for. All of Smashville is pulling for him to set the franchise record for goals in a season.
Third Star – Colton Sissons – Two goals and an assist this week for Sissons, who has been promoted to the second line with Turris being scratched. Tough to see Turris out of the lineup but Sissons has been playing really well with Smith. Has Laviolette found the recipe to success?
THE WEEK AHEAD
Three HUGE games for the Preds this week. First up, it’s the Toronto Maple Leafs. They’ve been giving up goals in bunches lately, so it should be a fun one. It’s also 90’s night with Terry Crisp returning to the booth with Pete Weber for the TV call. Might have to DVR that game just to relive Crispy on the mic. Thursday night, the Penguins visit town. I shouldn’t have to say too much about this game. Bring you’re a game fans. Finally, on Saturday it’s up to Winnipeg for a big time divisional match-up. We’ll be out at Corner Pub in Mt. Juliet for the game, so stop on by for some good food and drinks with the SoBros and Talking Preds crew. We’d love to see you.
Be sure to check out the Talking Preds Podcast. New episodes almost weekly. Be sure to follow along on Twitter and Facebook for live tweeting during the games along with something new we’re trying out. For certain games, I’ll be jumping on live during intermissions, pre-game, or post-game with thoughts on the game. Love to have some good hockey discussion so follow along and let me know what you guys think.
Herbie Brooks is the Lead Nashville Predators 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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