Well, here we are. A season that has seen the Nashville Predators look like the best team in hockey and a team of junior high kids skating for the first time, has finally come down to one must-win game. If Nashville pulls out Game 6, then they face another must-win game to advance to the second round. It’s a cliché, but the only consistent thing about the Predators this season has been their inconsistency. It’s incredibly frustrating to watch, and I’m sure it’s frustrating for the team as well. Nothing else matters right now though. The Preds have to focus in on Game 6 and take it from there.
There’s a lot we can say about what’s gone wrong with the Predators this season. I’m going to save that for when the team is eliminated. It could be tonight, it could be weeks from now. Let’s focus on the task at hand right now though. Win Game 6, then win Game 7.
O’ DEFENSE, WHERE ART THOU?
The Stars’ top line has completely dominated the Predators the last two games. Benn, Seguin, and Radulov are scoring at will right now. Nashville has to find a way to stop them if they have any hope of winning another game this season. The Preds desperately need their so-called “top defense” to step up and play up to the hype. Ekholm has been undisciplined. Ellis looks a step slow. Hamhuis has had turnover after turnover. I could go on, but we get the point. The Preds have to get more out of their defense to give Pekka a hand. By the way, Pekka needs to play a little better too. He’s been hung out to dry too often, but he’s not stealing any games lately like he did in Game 3.
JOFA – STILL MISSING
As good as the Stars’ top line has been, the JOFA line has been equally as bad. Only two goals between the three players through five games. A team that struggles to score, like the Preds, simply can’t survive with their top line MIA for most of the series. Give credit to Dallas, though. They are a great defensive team and have shut down the Preds for the most part. Still, you need your star players to make plays when it counts, and so far, JOFA hasn’t answered the call.
SPECIAL TEAMS
We all know the struggles with the Power Play. It’s been well documented for two years now. Eventually, someone is just going to have to say screw it and try something crazy to get a goal. Lately though, it seems the stink from the PP has moved over to the Penalty Kill. Games 1-3, the Predators did a great job killing penalties. Games 4 and 5…..not so much. It’s been a huge swing in this series once Dallas starting converting on the PP. The Predators have to find a way to stay out of the box. Plain and simple.
THE WEEK AHEAD
No more do overs. The Predators can’t afford another game where they just don’t show up. If they do, the next time they hit the ice will be in October. All the inconsistent and sloppy play has finally caught up to them. They face elimination now in Game 6. Puck drop is at 7:30 tonight. Do the Predators have what it takes to win a Game 6 and a Game 7? Absolutely, but do we trust them to get it done? It’s time for them to prove it to themselves and the fans. It’s time for the Predators to finally start playing Predators hockey again.
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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