Preds Fall Again

Posted 10:09 AM ET | Comments 5

<a href='http://predjoe.wordpress.com/files/2007/10/spray.jpg' title='spray.jpg'><img src='http://predjoe.wordpress.com/files/2007/10/spray.jpg' alt='spray.jpg' /></a>
I’ve said it before and I'll say it again. I hate writing after a Preds loss and the way this season is going I may have to a ton of this writing. The Preds lost their fourth straight against the defending Stanley Cup Champion Ducks last night in a 3-1 game.

I know I am going to sound like a homer here but this game could have easily gone the other way. The Preds owned that first period. It was one of those times where the ice seemed to be tilted the other way. Their puck possession was incredible and they were buzzing around the puck. Trotz lit a fire under these guys and they responded. Unfortunately they did not respond with a win. If the NHL gave points for effort the Preds would have been in line to get some because they, despite the loss, played a terrific game. In fact the first period might have been their best period all year.

I firmly believe that a team is only as good as their leader. If that is the case the Preds are in great shape because Jason Arnott is playing like a man possessed. He not only put five shots on goal but he was a forechecking animal, creating havoc in the Ducks end.

I love the fact that Ryan Suter got his first goal of the year. He still appeared sloppy at times with the puck and one turnover in particular resulted in a scoring chance. I am willing to be patient with his growing pains but he has to be better on the puck.

Not real happy with the play of Mason last night. He seemed a step behind and was giving up some huge rebounds.

And finally...Crotch Bang to anyone who doesn’t think that Alexander Radulov is one of the most exciting young players in the NHL to watch. When this kid finally finds his stride in this league he is going to be special. His pass to Suter last night was a beauty and he played a high energy game all night.

Filed Under: predators ducks radulov crotch bang arnott suter

DucksFan07

October 18, 2007 11:15 AM ET | Delete
No homerism there - just truth. The Predsdominated the first period and they were buzzing. The one thing that really realy impressed me was how the Preds D-men stay involved so much in the offensive zone. They don't pull out like a lot of teams and it creates so much pressure. Giggy was great in net and that was the difference.

OneTimer

October 18, 2007 11:33 AM ET | Delete
Rads did have a nice game.

predjoe

October 18, 2007 2:12 PM ET | Delete
Thanks DucksFan - right on with our D-Men last night. It was wild to see Suter, Zanon and Zidlicky down below the circle at times last night. Giggy was great

duxcup07

October 18, 2007 8:06 PM ET | Delete
Great Blog! Your D-men were all over the place and it creates a lot of pressure in the offensive zone, but it also puts a TON of pressure on the goalie. The Ducks won the game on two odd-man rushes in the third when your D was pinching. If they keep playing this style, the Preds will be the most exciting team in the NHL to watch. I just don't how many wins it will correlate to.

blueline

October 18, 2007 8:43 PM ET | Delete
Keep posting PredJoe! We'll win our share when the team plays the way we know they can. I know I've mentioned this several times but don't forget that TV broadcasts (some, anyway) are in Hi Def on Comcast Ch 247 here in Mid TN (not 206 as advertised.) You'll probably see nothing at this time on 247 except color bars until the puck drops. Game looked great last night. Sharks game Sat night should be on Ch 247 in Hi Def.

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