The Predators won in Edmonton last night in a 3-2 shootout decision, and they visit Calgary tonight to take on the Flames for the second time this season. Last night's game was won in a strange style. The Predators used some unusual goal scorers to get it done, and goal tender Pekka Rinne was able to call upon a higher power to keep Edmonton at two goals during regulation. The Predators play again tonight after a short trip South to Calgary, and after the learning experience they got last night, I say they are ready once again.
Last night, Alexander Sulzer scored his first ever NHL goal to put the Predators up 1-0 in the first period, and Joel Ward scored his sixth goal of the season to break a 1-1 tie in the third period. Andrew Cogliano and Taylor Hall scored for Edmonton to put the game into overtime, and then a shootout. Pekka Rinne called on The Force last night when one save was made; only, he didn't save anything. Pekka had lost his stick, and could not find it. It happened to be on the goal line, and when Shawn Horcoff backhanded one towards the net, the unattended stick saved the day. Luck? Chance? Ancient religious powers created by George Lucas? Either way, the puck did not cross the line and the Predators were very fortunate. Dirk Hoag, of www.ontheforecheck.com, said last night that it was the perfect game. In an abbreviation, he said that the Predators came away with two points, and have a great deal of material to work on in the locker room. Cody Franson scored in the shootout to put the Predators up 3-2.
Tonight, the Predators take to the ice again against the Calgary Flames, and I suspect that Anders Lindback will be in goal. The Predators come into this game with 60 points with a record of 27-15-6. Calgary stands at 15th place in the Western Conference with 50 points and a record of 22-21-6. While Nashville is in 4th place in the West, and Calgary is in 15th, the Flames are not out of the running and look for their third straight win tonight. There is only five points between Calgary and San Jose, and if any team can get back in, the Flames are up to it.
For Nashville, I predict that Matt Halischuk will be back in the lineup tonight in place of Wade Belak and he will be ready to play. Also, Martin Erat will be on the ice tonight, and he has three points in his last four games. The Predators have showed that teamwork is the name of the game, and that aspect can beat the Flames tonight.
Calgary has a team that refuses to give up, and they work very hard. Jarome Ignla leads his team well, and has 20 goals for the season. The forward has marks on the score sheet in three of his last five games, get lots of ice time, and has known the drill in Calgary since 1996. Also Tim Jackman will be interesting tonight. He has three points in his last five games, but only gets between seven and twelve minutes of ice time each night. He is a hard hitter, a physical player, and is able to swing momentum at a moment's notice. This is the North Dakota native's first year with the Flames, and he is making his presence known.
Nashville has had a busy road schedule, and they did play last night. Calgary played on Saturday, but should be rested up for tonight's contest. The Scotiabank Saddledome is sure to be loud tonight. The arena is one of the oldest in the NHL, but it appears as if their fans seem to like it just fine. Last Monday, they packed 21,273 in the building; it is only listed to seat 19,289. One game at a time; tonight's contest starts at 8:30PM Central Time, and you can catch it on FS-TN.
No comments:
Post a Comment