Nashville Predators: 5 takeaways from the Predators loss to Vancouver
What a way to end an amazing month. It was a great game. But, the Nashville Predators end the month with a 5-2 loss to the Vancouver Canucks.
Man! What a match that was! Constant action as the Nashville Predators had a plethora of chances at the net. It was clear the Vancouver Canucks, who were facing adversity, were motived to put on a great show. And the resulting win for the Canucks proved it. It certainly was a great game to watch.
Here are five things to take away from tonight’s loss.
#5 – New Day, same team.
It is a common story for the Predators this season. The opening period is rather quiet in terms of scoring. Even though they outshot the Canucks 11-8 in the first period, no goals were allowed by either team. On the season, the Predators have only 17 goals in the game’s opening 20-minutes. They had 34 goals in the second period so far this season.
Make that 37 now. Two of which were at even strength.
Vancouver scored just 12 seconds after the Predators’ first goal. And, the Preds allowed another team to come back and take a lead late in the final period. It cost them the victory. And Anders Nilsson was fantastic.
#4 – Defense is in need of Ellis
Sure, there are some good things to say about the defense of the Nashville Predators. They are winning games, and that is all that matters. But, the Predators are often getting outshot, and allowing too much action at the net. It is clear the defense is having issues handling the puck. They also allow too much space for the Canucks to work tonight. Without pressure on the puck when in the defensive zone – or even in the neutral zone – you allow teams room to set up scoring chances. It hurt the Predators tonight.
They need Ryan Ellis back.
#3 – Rinne is great
Another game in which Pekka Rinne made save after save. One goal allowed was an unlucky rebound. Then the Predators turned the puck over in the neutral zone letting the Canucks a clean breakaway. With the team’s back against the wall, Rinne stoned the Canucks flurry at the net.
#2 – Third line improved
During the game versus the Chicago Blackhawks, the line of Calle Jarnkrok, Nick Bonino and Colton Sisson struggled. That changed tonight. Bonino and Jarnkrok both earned CorsiFor ratings over 60% at even strength. They also worked hard in front of the net to scratch and dig out points. A poke at the puck netted Bonino’s fourth goal of the year.
#1 – JoFA is ready to explode
Viktor Arvidsson, Filip Forsberg and Ryan Johansen were all over the ice. They challenged the puck well and pressured the net. Forsberg at four high danger chances, earning his 13th goal on the season. Add in three more high danger opportunities for Johansen and you have a line that is starting to work well together. Had it not been for some great saves by the Canucks, the line would easily have three goals.
Next: Hope springs in Preds fans as Ellis skates
The Nashville Predators end November with a 10-3-1. Their next game comes on Saturday as they face the Anaheim Ducks.