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"My Take On The Preds"
TN • United States • 40 Years Old • Male

Oh Danny Boy!

Posted 9:42 AM ET | Comments 3
That’s the song that Pred Nation is singing this morning (that is if they are awake after the 10p central start last night!). Once again Dan Ellis is called upon and for the third time in a row he answers with a win and his second shutout in three starts. To say that he might be a hot goalie right now might be an understatement.

The Preds had a solid game plan last night and unlike other nights they actually seemed to stick to it and execute it. They eliminated the odd man rushes last night. I honestly cannot remember a single odd man rush last night (Mason must have been sitting there wondering what the heck was going on. When he’s in net it’s, as Terry Crisp says, "Katie bar the door" but last night the door was locked tight) given up by the Preds. Ellis was challenged and he answered every time. He seeded to have great position, was confident and challenged the shooter.

As Terry Crisp broke down during last nights game the Preds did a great job of keeping all five guys deep in the defensive zone. This allowed them to put pressure on the Canucks, force turnovers and most importantly not allow any odd man rushes. It was a disciplined game for the Preds alst night and welcomed breath of fresh air.

While I would have been thrilled to get out of Vancouver with a 2-0 win I think the fact that the Preds were able to add that third goal (with less than 10 seconds remaining) will really help boost them. The powerplay seemed to be working well and that third powerplay goal was a beaut! Hopefully it will give Arnott, Leggy and Erat some confidence as they head into Edmonton tonight.

Tonight's game has the Preds in Edmonton to face the Oilers (5-8, 3-3 at home) and another soild backstop in Dewayne Roloson. The question is who goes in goal tonight for the Preds. My guess is, despite Ellis's shut out, that Chris Mason will be back between the pipes. The Red Deer Alberta native sounded like he will have a ton of friends and family at the game tonight so don't be surprised if he starts. Perhaps this will be the game to get him out of his funk. Wouldn't it be nice to have to goalies going strong?
November 2, 2007 11:10 AM ET | Delete
Trotz's reasoning for starting Ellis vs. Florida was that they had a policy that any time a goalie has a shutout, he starts the next game. Unless they change their policy, looks like Ellis tonight.
November 2, 2007 12:29 PM ET | Delete
I'm aware of that but I wonder about it being back to back...his shut out against Atlanta did not happen the night before the Florida game. There was a day off. It will be interesting to see what happens tonight for sure!
November 2, 2007 4:38 PM ET | Delete
I know that Trotz conveyed that policy, but nevertheless, my guess is a start for Mason tonight which might work out OK.
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