The Nashville Predators managed to shut down the youthful Colorado Avalanche, netting their 3rd win against the Avs this season and drawing ever closer to Colorado in the Western Conference points race. With every game being immensely important at this point in the season, last night’s loss was devastating to the team.
Courtesy of NHL.com
Basically, Nashville wanted this game more and that was apparent. They fought for the pucks, cycled well down low, and created traffic in front of the net that frequently paid off, with Patric Hornqvist notching a tip in from the top of the crease – standing all alone. But failed defensive pressure wasn’t the only thing that killed the chances for the Burgundy and Blue.
Remember that outstanding penalty kill that I was raving about? You know, the one where the team hadn’t allowed a power play goal in 5 straight games, and also managed to score two shorthanded goals. Well the Predators killed and ate that superior special teams play, dancing on the ashes of the remnants. They scored 3 power play goals in 6 chances, or 50% for those of you who like symbols. Ouch.
The good news here is that the rookies continue to score, with Justin Mercier sinking his first NHL goal and Matt Duchene adding another point to his bid for the Calder trophy. Cody McLeod also got a goal and seems to be heating up lately. The problem that I see is the somewhat empty void of veteran dominance on this team. The guys making the big bucks, the ones with the most experience and arguable the most honed skill, tend to disappear into the shadows for stretches at a time.
Suddenly, the Burgundy Boys seem desperate to have Milan Hejduk and David Jones back in the lineup. They win 6, drop 3, gain 1, fall back 1. These points are too important for this streaky dance the Avs are flirting with. Time to buckle down and prepare for a stretch run. Edmonton is next up on Saturday night and this is one of those must win games. If the Avalanche can’t beat the down and out Oilers, don’t plan on buying those playoff tickets just yet.
What do you think about the Avs failing under pressure? Do you still think we will make the playoffs?
Related posts:
- Avs vs. Jackets Game Notes
- Avs Drop Coyotes 4-1
- Avalanche Sweep Blue Jackets
- Ankle Ailment Hinders Hendricks
- Third Period Retrospective
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