Editorials

Nashville Predators: Monday Morning “Over”Reaction

by Doug Praskach Follow @DougPaz13

The Nashville Predators lost their first game by more than one goal last night against the Anaheim Ducks. The Anaheim club jumped out to a first period lead of 3-0 before the Preds settled down and outplayed them most of the night. It was actually a very frustrating first period for the Predators as they couldn’t solve Frederick Anderson and the Ducks were able to beat Carter Hutton on fewer shots.

Here is a representation of the Preds frustrations:

Carter Hutton took the brunt of comments from Twitter followers, blaming him for the early deficit.  He actually didn’t play badly making some nice saves but had a couple of tough goals against him.  He was severely screened on one goal and faced an uncovered Chris Stewart on another.  It’s important to remember that he is not Pekka Rinne and neither are the vast majority of goaltenders in the world.

 

There were actually some nice things that happened during the game. Calle Jarnkrok had a beautiful goal and Cody Hodgson got his long-awaited first point as a Predator.  Jarnkrok moved back to center on the third line and went six for nine on faceoffs. More scoring from this line is a good thing going forward.

The Preds had 17 shots in each of the first two periods and outshot the Ducks in the third 8-3 when Anaheim seemingly surrounded the net with all six players on the ice.  The Predators outshot them for the game 42-28.

Even with an excellent 7-2-2 record, the Predators dropped down to a tie with Minnesota for third in the Central Division.  You can’t slip much if you want to stay near the top of this division. They have one more game on this road trip against the Wild on Thursday before returning home for a string of five straight, against some teams they should beat.

The sky is not falling after this loss and including the OT loss to the Kings, two in a row.  It’s a long season and the games that the Predators have lost have been some of their best games.  Sometimes the puck just doesn’t go your way.

 

Time to move on to the next game and start a new winning streak.  The Predators are still in good shape and looking like a Stanley Cup contender.  Pekka Rinne will be back in the nets and all will be well with the Predators world.