apsunick

"Nashville Predators"

Rinne Blanks Blackhawks 2 to 0

The Predators had a really good team game with Erat (scratched) and Arnott (injured) not playing. Solid goaltending by Rinne stopping all 22 shots he faced. He virtually gave zero rebounds. He was a human vacuum. The Preds defensively were very sound. Good job of back checking by the forwards and good job by the dman to shut down Kane. Especially Weber who laid the lumber on Kane and another Hawk. Not to mention he saved Suter's bacon a couple of time, including a two on one where swiped the puck from the Hawks player on his stomach.

Game Notables:

Rinne (A+) - Shutout and stopped all 22 shots. Really good game from Rinne.

Ward (A+) - Scored the game winning goal on a deflection on the powerplay. Played very good on the defensive end, including a huge blocked shot when the Preds where pinned in their own end on a penalty kill.

C. Wilson (C) - Invisible most of the night. Only played 11 minutes. Had a couple of chances but the puck either missed his stick or he shot it wide. Made one defensive gaff which almost led to a goal.

Hornqvist (B) - Solid game. Got in from of Huet all night long. Really showed his offensive potential. Downside was missing the net on a breakaway.

Smithson (A) - Another good game by Smitty. Scored in his second consecutive game (empty netter) and played well defensively. Let the team in shorthanded ice time with over 5 minutes.

The Preds will try to extend their two game winning streak when they face the Stars Saturday night in Nashville.