Nashville Predators: Insert Facepalm Emoji Here

The Nashville Predators were shutout by the Arizona Coyotes last night on home ice. It is something that should have never happened.

Frustrated: a feeling or expressing distress and annoyance, especially because of inability to change or achieve something. That is what Nashville Predators fans are right now. We are frustrated. The team with the most points in the Western Conference lost two games in a row at home. The first game was to a team they have beaten 15 of the last 17 times previously. The second to a team dwelling in the basement of their division.

Now, I will be honest. I am not upset about losing to the Colorado Avalanche. They have come a long way in a short amount of time, appearing to be true contenders for a division title. If it weren’t for special teams the Predators may have won that game.

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However, how do you lose – not just lose, get shutout – by a team playing their third or fourth string goalie who has only six saves in the NHL this season? Adin Hill looked more like Pekka Rinne last night than a kid relegated to AHL. At 5v5, the Predators outshot the Coyotes 25-22, which is a far less margin than expected. Still, Nashville had 30 scoring chances compared to the 19 for Arizona. Yet, they only gained 6 high-danger chances.

You have a new goalie in net and only gain 6 high-danger chances? So much for getting to the net, right Coach McCarthy?

It is more of the same each game for the Nashville Predators. Poor passing leads to having to dump and chase the puck into the offensive zone, only to lose it to their opponent. Clearing attempts in the defensive zone lead to turnovers, which leads to scrambling to covers someone before they can score.

And, they score.

The only players on the top two lines to gain a high-danger chance last night? Craig Smith Calle Jarnkrok. The other four chances came from Frederick Gaudreau, Calle Jarnkrok, Miikka Salomaki, and Rocco Grimaldi.  However, Calle Jarnkrok did not gain a shot on goal from his chance.

Here is the most interesting stat on the night for me. During 5v5 action, Smith, Jarnkron, and Ryan Hartman were the only forwards with more than 12 minutes on the ice. Ryan Johansen played only 9 minutes and 22 seconds. Only Salomaki had less.

I am scratching my head. Yes, there were some really bad penalties called or not called. And, true, three key players are missing due to injury. However, we are told all the time by people who know – or at least think they know – that the Nashville Predators have the best depth in the league. Well, now I am starting to believe they might be wrong.

Sorry, I needed to vent. Maybe you need to as well. So, drop a comment below. Or on Twitter or Facebook.