Predators Game Day Preview: Nashville @ Anaheim

by Dirk Hoag on Nov 7, 2010 9:09 AM EST in Nashville Predators Game Previews

There's no time to stew over last night's disappointing effort in L.A., as the Nashville Predators get right back to business against the Anaheim Ducks. Can they reverse a four-game slide against a team they pasted 4-1 to open the season? It's a 7:00 p.m. Central start, and thankfully, will be on FS-TN this evening.

Follow after the jump for a look at tonight's contest, and take a stroll over at Anaheim Calling, SB Nation's Ducks blog, to find out more!

Key Matchup

vs.

In the long run, probably the most important thing the Preds can get out of this game is for Pekka Rinne to build some confidence. Whether it's a fine effort in goal, or a an exceptionally witty 3rd period interview with Pete & Terry from the bench, Peks needs to get moving in the right direction.

Nashville

As Josh Cooper wrote yesterday, this is truly Shea Weber's first big test as team captain, to see if he can keep the team's collective head in the right place as they struggle through some adversity. More than that, however, they need to pick up some wins.

Given the lack of healthy bodies, the only lineup options available to Barry Trotz are whether to dress Wade Belak (who, against Anaheim, might actually have something to do) and choose a goaltender. I expect that Trotz will put Rinne back in the net to try and get him going, rather than play the "you've got to earn it" game that he did previously with Dan Ellis. Two games in a row now Peks has delivered a poor effort, and Trotz has deflected the blame.

Given that lack of flexibility, the question must be asked whether the internal competition that Trotz and David Poile like to emphasize has been undermined. Outside of dispensing power play time, is there much of a carrot that can be dangled in front of the guys to motivate them? I'm not saying the Preds aren't working hard out there, but having that external motivator might help make a difference.

Anaheim

Since getting stomped in Nashville's home opener, the Ducks have actually played roughly .500 hockey, going 6-5-1. The trio of Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry and Bobby Ryan are leading the charge, along with the ageless wonder, Teemu Selanne. Still, the Ducks have a real weakness on the blueline, and have the 5th-worst Goals Against figure in the league, at 3.21. Is that just what the doctor ordered for an anemic Preds attack right now?

One area that remains consistent with the Ducks is their propensity to take stupid penalties, and they rank once again among the league leaders in the number of times they have to play shorthanded. That presents, perhaps, the Preds' best hope for today's game - remain focused, work hard, and try to generate power play opportunities.

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Comments

After a game where they looked terrible, I would hope they bounce back, because we need all the points we can get in what is shaping into a very, very competitive division. I’d hate to use the term “must win” because I feel all games are must win situations really, but it’s getting close to that point. You need big road wins, especially against teams like the Ducks, (not a knock on the Ducks, but they’re not exactly cup favorites) in order to have success this season. I don’t think there’s a pushover in the Central, so you have to win games against equal or lesser teams on the west coast.

by BradPerala on Nov 7, 2010 12:35 PM EST reply actions

Yes, let’s win now AND later. Have to hit the ice with the team you have, not the team you want. Overcome our early adversity and win this one for the gnasher! Buckle up and buckle down! 110%! Find a way to put the puck in the net. When you put the puck on the net, good things are going to happen. Be the hardest working team in hockey. Don’t get beat to the puck. Don’t give up soft goals. Buzz around the net. Pepper the goaltender. WIN!

by cisar on Nov 7, 2010 2:37 PM EST reply actions

Actually the Ducks have played very well at home, going 4-1-1. It’s on the road where they have encountered most of their problems, so their overall stats are somewhat skewed. As opposed to the season opener, the Preds appear to be very much the lesser team tonight.

By my count, the Preds are now 2 for their last 33 on the pp. These days being on the pp only means the other team is not as likely to threaten for the duration of the penalty.

As for Rinne, he needs to sit. He is +4 gaa for the past 4 games. Last night he should have been removed after the 2nd goal. Lindback has shown he is capable. Trotz cannot continue to jeopardize the team’s chance to win because a player is a head case.

by shoot the puck on Nov 7, 2010 3:47 PM EST reply actions

I know it doesn't count

but I’m pretty sure they scored twice this past week SECONDS after the power plays had expired (where the guy coming out of the box made no impact on the goal scored). I know it doesn’t technically count as a power play goal, but if you’re paying attention, that counts in my book. Just sayin’…

by BradPerala on Nov 7, 2010 5:05 PM EST up reply actions