Archive for April 1, 2012
The morning after: Predators ride roller coaster, but fall short in comeback
11 year ago
by Amanda DiPaolo
in Analysis
By Seth Lake
While the Nashville Predators were up in Detroit on Friday night securing the 500th win in franchise history against the Red Wings, the Chicago Blackhawks were sitting in Nashville awaiting their arrival looking to avenge a 6-1 defeat last Sunday night on national television, clinch their spot in the playoffs, and keep their hopes of the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference alive.
Hornqvist routinely takes a beating for the opposition in front of the net
In spite of acknowledging all of that during their pregame remarks, the Predators came out flat on Saturday night and dug themselves a 4-0 hole less than halfway through the contest on the backs of two power play goals against, a breakaway, and an unlucky bounce before they flipped their switch and fought all the way back to tie the contest at 4-4 in less than a period. Just as quickly, however, Chicago recaptured all the momentum taking advantage of a break in the Predators defense to retake the lead and held on from there for the victory to clinch their spot in the playoffs and make it a three-team race for the fourth seed in the Western Conference and home-ice advantage that goes along with it.
- Too many penalties – Coming into the game, in the month of March the Predators had allowed their opponents an average of just 2 power-plays per game. However, last Sunday in Chicago they allowed the Blackhawks four power-play opportunities in their 6-1 win and the trend continued with Nashville giving up six power-play advantages to the struggling Blackhawks power play on Saturday night that was 3 for 36 (8.3%) in their last 10 games. The Blackhawks took advantage taking an early 1-0 lead in the first period when Patrick Sharp banked one in off of Hal Gill just 3:25 into the contest and seizing control of the second period right out of the gates converting on a power play carrying over from the first period when Marian Hossa hit Dave Bolland with a pass across the crease to give Chicago a two-goal lead. The Predators penalty-kill finished 4 for 6 on the night, ending a streak of 10 consecutive kills they had entering the game. (more…)
Legwand picks up 500th career NHL point in Predators 5-4 loss to Chicago
21 year ago
by Amanda DiPaolo
in News
After the Nashville Predators posted its 500th franchise win on Friday night, another milestone was reached Saturday in the Predators 5-4 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks. Center David Legwand picked up his 500th career NHL point.
The Predators first ever draft pick assisted on two goals to become the first player in franchise history to post 500 career points with 187 goals and 313 assists.
Legwand assisted on Nashville’s third and fourth goals on Saturday, both in the third period, to erase a four-goal deficit. With the game tied at 4-4, Brent Seabrook scored for the Blackhawks, giving Chicago the lead that they would not relinquish.
After the Predators 5-4 loss to the Blackhawks, Legwand downplayed the accomplishment when asked whether it was frustrating to get his 500th point while losing the contest. Legwand decided to focus on the upcoming schedule.
Erat blames undisciplined play for Predators 5-4 loss to Chicago
21 year ago
by Amanda DiPaolo
in Game Recap
After being down 4-0 in the second period, the Nashville Predators managed to score four goals of their own to tie the game but fell short losing 5-4 to the Chicago Blackhawks in front of a sold out Bridgestone Arena on Saturday night.
Undisciplined play led to six power play opportunities for the Blackhawks who managed two tallies with the man advantage.
Predators forward Martin Erat took a slashing penalty in the middle of the second period. Erat attributes the lack of discipline as a contributing factor to Nashville losing the game, despite the fact that the Predators also scored two goals on the power play.
“We can’t take that many penalties. I think that was one of the reasons that cost us the game. They shot a lot of pucks. They had two guys in front of the net. They capitalized. One was a lucky bounce and the second one was a nice play through the crease,” he said.
