Preds roast Ducks 4-1, Pekka Rinne injured

by Dirk Hoag on Oct 10, 2010 12:34 AM EDT in Nashville Predators Game Recaps

NASHVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 09: Shea Weber #6, Ryan Suter #20, and Cal O'Reilly #16, congratulate Steve Sullivan, center, on scoring a goal against the Anaheim Ducks on October 9, 2010 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)

The Nashville Predators got the season rolling in good fashion, notching a convincing 4-1 win over the Anaheim Ducks, who at times looked as lost and frustrated as they did losing in Detroit 4-0 Friday night.

For the Preds, they hit almost all the right notes over the course of the game: a power play goal, a perfect penalty kill (included some 5-on-3 action), and 49 shots on goal in total. However, a lower body injury to Pekka Rinne early in the 3rd period brought Anders Lindback into the game in reserve, and it sounds like we can expect a call to Mark Dekanich in Milwaukee for some short-term assistance at least.

Follow after the jump for the video highlights, advanced stats, and some reaction to tonight's big win in front of a sellout crowd at Bridgestone Arena...

The St. Louis Blues make their first visit to Nashville on Thursday, and the Flying Ovechkins (err... the Washington Capitals) come in next Saturday. Use this special offer for OtF readers to save money on Nashville Predators tickets for these, or any other home games this season.

Quick Thoughts

It was a stellar night for the combos of Patric Hornqvist and Steve Sullivan up front, and Shea Weber and Ryan Suter on the back end (no surprise there). Just check the advanced stats below.
I'll admit to being a little underwhelmed with Cal O'Reilly's play early on, but he impressed with his
While the Preds did score on the power play (once in 11:14 of PP time), they did struggle for long stretches to gain possession of the zone, and reverted to the stagnant style of previous years.
Hornqvist picked right up where he left off, scoring a nice goal batting a rebound out of the air. He also set a great screen on Sully's power play goal.
Watch that collision with Rinne (starting at the 3:40 mark in the video below), and see how Kevin Klein got beat badly down the wing, allowing Troy Bodie to drive the net.
The Ducks looked frustrated often, with their new captain Ryan Getzlaf chirping at players after the whistle several times, and losing his focus on the game.
Right after Anders Lindback came into the game, Anaheim forward Corey Perry ran him. No surprise there, as Perry led the league in Goaltender Interference two seasons ago.
There's perhaps a silver lining to seeing Lindback get some action, so he can overcome those "welcome to the NHL nerves". He seemed to fumble the puck a couple times after saves, and almost got caught coming out of his net early, when a dump-in was stopped at the blueline.
The newest Predator, Shane O'Brien, looked pretty good in his Nashville debut, with the exception of one soft pass up the middle that got intercepted and led to an offensive chance for Anaheim.

Your video highlights...

As for the advanced even-strength stats...

Even Strength		Individual Totals					Team Totals While Player Is On Ice
Player	Pos	EV TOI	Shots	Shts Blkd	Missed Shts	Blocks	SOG For	SOG Ag	SOG +/-	Tot SF	Tot SA	Corsi
Martin Erat	R	13:09	0	0	0	0	8	9	-1	10	18	-8
Matthew Lombardi	C	12:41	4	0	1	0	7	8	-1	12	15	-3
David Legwand	C	11:56	3	1	0	1	9	7	+2	14	9	+5
Jerred Smithson	R	11:27	1	1	1	0	5	7	-2	10	12	-2
Colin Wilson	C	11:10	3	0	0	1	8	5	+3	12	11	+1
Joel Ward	R	10:14	0	1	0	0	6	4	+2	10	6	+4
Cal O'Reilly	C	10:10	0	0	0	0	11	5	+6	12	6	+6
J-P Dumont	R	9:54	1	1	0	0	7	9	-2	12	10	+2
Patric Hornqvist	R	9:41	3	1	0	0	11	4	+7	15	5	+10
Steve Sullivan	L	9:36	3	0	1	0	11	5	+6	15	5	+10
Jordin Tootoo	R	9:18	2	0	1	0	8	8	0	14	13	+1
Marcel Goc	C	8:43	2	0	1	0	6	6	0	12	11	+1
Ryan Suter	D	17:25	3	3	0	1	15	6	+9	25	12	+13
Shea Weber	D	16:16	3	0	0	2	13	6	+7	20	12	+8
Kevin Klein	D	15:20	1	0	1	3	8	11	-3	11	17	-6
Shane O'Brien	D	13:05	1	0	1	0	12	9	+3	18	12	+6
Francis Bouillon	D	12:55	1	0	0	0	6	9	-3	7	15	-8
Cody Franson	D	12:30	2	0	2	1	12	11	+1	19	14	+5

Make sure you "Like" our site on Facebook (now at www.facebook.com/OnTheForecheck).To keep up with all of our coverage of the Nashville Predators, you can follow us on Twitter (@Forechecker, @predatweeter, @SLakePreds & @Short_Shifts) or you can also email me at the.forechecker@gmail.com.

Poll

Who is your Predator of the Game?

Steve Sullivan, 1 goal, 1 assist, 6 SOG

109 votes

Ryan Suter, 1 assist, 5 SOG, 27:17 TOI

64 votes

Shea Weber, 2 assists, 8 SOG

37 votes

210 votes | Poll has closed

Tweet Comment 19 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

we were

at the game tonight, and it was fantastic! had a two hour drive back home but had a smile on my face the whole time!! the boy’s looked great!

by bluegrassbaby on Oct 10, 2010 1:52 AM EDT reply actions

Klein

I honestly thought this might be a redemption year for Klein, but he has already drawn my wrath. Not only did he get beat, but he led the pile-on that left Pekka sitting awkwardly for at least a minute. If Peks is seriously hurt, then that win means nothing. I would have rather lost the home opener than lose one of the league’s elite goal-tenders.

Having watched Anaheim for two nights in a row, they are a disgrace. They need to drop out of the NHL and join the UFC. They must have broken a record for the most penalty minutes in the first two games of the season.

"Get to the Choppa!"

by PredHead on Oct 10, 2010 8:21 AM EDT reply actions

Klein did a lot of good things last night, and it was Bouillon, not Klein, that was involved in the play where Pekka was injured. Klein did get beaten at times, but so did every other defender on the team. Try not to focus so much on Klein’s shortcomings and recognize that he makes some really good plays at times. He’s good more often than he’s bad.

by Predaceous on Oct 10, 2010 10:13 AM EDT up reply actions

Clarification

I meant that Bouillon made the hit on Bodie that began the pile up on Rinne, not that Klein had nothing to do with it. I still think that it’s ludicrous to point the finger solely at Klein for what happened.

by Predaceous on Oct 10, 2010 10:20 AM EDT up reply actions

It’s because Klein got beaten so badly by Bodie that Bouillon had to turn and make that hit as Bodie cut to the net. I’m hopeful that Klein can have a good season, but that play was horrible.

On the Forecheck is SB Nation's blog covering the Nashville Predators. Catch me on Twitter at @Forechecker.

by Dirk Hoag on Oct 10, 2010 2:22 PM EDT up reply actions

And ain't it the one or two horrible plays he's good for per game that the opposition ends up scoring?

I’d love to give Klein the benefit of the doubt, but its becoming more and more difficult. Remind me Dirk, why is he worth $1.35 million and guys like Franson are only worth $800k?

And, SOB played fine. His toughness is gonna wind up being needed. Did anyone notice HornQ getting his face washed last night? Me neither. Coincidence? Maybe, but I don’t think so.

And Legwand played well last night…glad to see he’s off the schnide (for one game at least). I can complement him as well as I can throw him under the bus :)

And I didn’t really notice Lombardi or O’Reilly. But I wasn’t looking for them either, with HornQ, Weber, Sully and Frankie to watch. We looked great last night against a fairly bad team. Seeing Lindback play will be interesting…I hope he can tow the line til Pekka gets back.

Go Preds!

by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Oct 10, 2010 11:06 PM EDT up reply actions

Klein played pretty well most of the game. Everybody made mistakes, even Suter and Weber. It WAS the first game. SOB needs to look before he passes the puck. Smithson does not need to be on the Leggy-Ward line. Leggy showed great patience on his goal. Weber was in howitzer-mode the whole game. PP was great after the first man-advantage. PK did an awesome job. It was nice seeing the shots total. Was it Suter that skated the puck down after the game to give it to Lindback? A great gesture and it highlighted the fun and friendship that this team displays.

by cisar on Oct 10, 2010 4:05 PM EDT up reply actions

First Period Message: Don't Fuss with Frankie

by Hockey Hillbilly on Oct 10, 2010 11:22 AM EDT reply actions

O'rielly

could you explain your bulletin a little better. O’reily is the one player i am trying to watch the closest to see what might happen with him in a few weeks. I am a bit surprised he didn’t get a point considering how successful sully and hornqvist were.

"It's gonna be fun on the bun."

by flyalder on Oct 10, 2010 12:17 PM EDT reply actions

Trotz's lines

You know I’m not the biggest Legwand fan but I will say this as long as Smithson is on that line Ward and Legwand will have bad years scoring. O"Reilly looks lost as usual. Why is on that line. Goc will score more goals than O’Reilly. Why was Dumont on the 4th line? All Dumont has done is be one of the top point producers on the team and he is regulated to the 4th line. There was a lot of chemistry issues with the lines but that’s the norm for the 1st game being rusty. The Preds could have won this game 10-1 if they converted on their chances because the Ducks have no D and they are slow and we are fast. Lombardi is fast.

by roseyc on Oct 10, 2010 12:18 PM EDT reply actions

Dirk! I didn't jinx him I promise!

OK… I drafted Peks in the OtF fantasy league… kinda made a big deal out of it; saying stuff like “THAT JUST HAPPENED!” and “WHAT A GREAT PICK! DO YOU REALIZE HOW MANY STARTS THIS GUY WILL GET?!” You know, just talkin’ stuff! And then someone said don’t jinx him. So I knocked on wood. And this happens. I just want you all to know this was not my fault. lol

by preds4ever on Oct 10, 2010 1:04 PM EDT reply actions

Loved the way they looked last night.

O’ Brien looked great, PK was outstanding, PP was better but still needs work. The pace was there, the passing was light-years ahead of where it was last year, just a little off on some passes but that just takes time. I had to vote Suter above for his great D play and that highlight-worthy save of his.

Damn people and talking about Peks getting injured tho…;) Sounds like he’s walking around fine, Trotzy made the right call by keeping him out though. Lindback, while not really heavily tested, did corral the one rebound ok so it made me rest a little easier.

by DonBorvio on Oct 10, 2010 1:16 PM EDT reply actions

Props for the Preds

The club made opening night memorable with the team’s red carpet entrances with season ticket holders, the best first game tee-shirt in years, and a great first intermission with John Elefante, whose set rivaled those of Vince Gill, Lee Greenwood and Wynonna in the past. Blowing out the Anaheim thugs made it damned near perfect.

by Hockey Hillbilly on Oct 10, 2010 1:31 PM EDT reply actions

Player of the Game...

I had to vote for Suter just because of the play where there was a Duck staring down our open net and somehow Suter came out of nowhere and got a stick on the puck saving a goal. It was amazing defense. Rinne owes him dinner for that one…
On a seperate note, I thought Cal O’Reilly was actually impressive toward the end of the game, and especially on the power play. Our power play still overall looks… bleak?… but I actually had hope when the puck was on O’Reilly’s stick. He made me take notice in a good way, so that makes me happy.
Great start to the season… although John Elefante’s version of the Star Spangled Banner probably should have been called the Star Mangled Banner. Yikes. That guy probably single handedly keeps Just For Men a profitable company! lol Kansas…..

by Predanooga on Oct 10, 2010 2:02 PM EDT reply actions

Suter's save.

That was exactly why I also picked him as player of the game. Glad you already wrote about it so I didn’t have to!

EASports' NHL 11 doesn't suck; in fact, it's really damn good! Wait, what!?
Go Predators!!!

by Poiju on Oct 10, 2010 8:19 PM EDT up reply actions

ward-leggy-smithson/dumont

would it be possible to have dumont and smithson switch when the puck goes into the defensive or offensive zone? each player is great in one zone and almost useless in the other. so when the puck goes from the Dzone to the Ozone smithson gets on the bench and dumont hits the ice, and vice versa.

yeah, i know this could never actually work. but it would be great if it could.

"It's gonna be fun on the bun."

by flyalder on Oct 10, 2010 4:16 PM EDT reply actions

Actually, teams do stuff like that a lot off of faceoffs. Last year, for example, they’d put Goc out there with Arnott and Erat for a defensive zone draw, and once the Preds skated up-ice, Goc would head to the bench and Sully would join the play.

That kind of substitution (Dumont for Smithson) makes a good deal of sense in a similar situation.

On the Forecheck is SB Nation's blog covering the Nashville Predators. Catch me on Twitter at @Forechecker.

by Dirk Hoag on Oct 10, 2010 7:15 PM EDT up reply actions

Smithson

I like him as a penalty killer, but with as long as he’s been around on the team, I’m starting to wonder why we need him?!?!?! Don’t get me wrong, he’s a good hustler and PK specialist, but as a guy who takes regular shifts, I don’t see much value in him.

by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Oct 10, 2010 11:11 PM EDT up reply actions

Great game

This team has a different feel to it, and in a good way. No more guaranteed dump and chase. They varied up their offensive zone entries with dumps, passes at the blue line and straight up speed rushes. From the Preds?!!

Suter’s save was awesome!!

Erat was invisible. Back issue bothering him?

by BradHerman on Oct 11, 2010 8:16 AM EDT reply actions