Predators Begin Critical Phase in Schedule
By Buddy Oakes
The Nashville Predators finished the first month of the young NHL season, where most would have predicted at the start of the season. No one could have foreseen the roller-coaster ride that got them to where they stand today.
After starting the season on a high note with a road win over Dallas and then a win over this year’s surprise team, the Colorado Avalanche, things began to unravel quickly.
Anemic offensive production, and a defence that was prone to periodic meltdowns, led quickly to six losses in a row. This left the Predators in a 2-5-1 hole that many feel have doomed them for the season.
After averaging 1.4 goals a game and having a streak of 30 power play attempts with nothing to show for it, a very unexpected thing happened.
One night in Ottawa, the Predators scored six goals en route to an overtime victory over the Senators - and even picked up two power play goals in the contest.
The next game, two days later, appeared to be a return to mediocrity as they lost to the Chicago Blackhawks 2-0, despite signs of improvement by the defence.
The following week, the Predators had a complete turnaround, winning three games in a row, and appeared to have righted many of the wrongs that haunted them during the earlier losses. Goalkeeper Pekka Rinne won all three contests and was awarded the NHL second star of the week.
Rinne said, "The last week or so, I've been feeling a little better... Every time you don't let in goals, it's going to build up your confidence. That's what I needed now. It's been a tough start for me, and for now things look a little better for me and the team."
Heading into November with a 6-6-1 record, the Predators are poised to make progress in the Western Conference standings, during the month of November. Jason Arnott, Martin Erat and Jordin Tootoo, who have all missed considerable time due to injuries, are expected to return this week.
As they return, Shea Weber (lower body) and rookie Colin Wilson (groin) will be sidelined for a few games.
The Predators are headed west for the annual early November road trip, made necessary by the CMA awards taking over the Sommet Center. The Predators play Anaheim on Thursday, Los Angeles on Saturday and San Jose and St. Louis next week before returning home.
Their next game at the Sommet Center is November 14, and will begin a run where they play 12 of the next 15 games at home. The upcoming road trip and the next home-heavy portion of the schedule will play a large part in deciding if the Predators can make a run for the playoffs in the second half of the season.
