Predators 4, Ducks 1: Fisher & Rinne lead the way
by Dirk Hoag on Apr 14, 2011 1:45 AM EDT
in Nashville Predators Game Recaps
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PrintWell, that couldn't have gone much better, could it? An early power play goal for Shea Weber, a strong second period to extend the lead, 2 goals and an assist from Mike Fisher, and a bit of rough stuff late that gets the playoff blood boiling. Combine all that with Pekka Rinne's dominating performance (27 saves), and it all adds up to a 4-1 victory which effectively tips the home-ice advantage to Nashville during this Western Conference Quarterfinal series.
Follow after the jump for your highlights, reaction, and of course, the advanced even-strength stats...
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Let's begin with the video highlights and Predators vs Ducks boxscore:
A few thoughts on tonight's game:
- The pre-game buzz got going once we received word that Colin Wilson was joining J.P. Dumont in the press box in favor of Steve Sullivan and Martin Erat. Willy is one of just 3 Preds (along with Shea Weber and Jerred Smithson) to play all 82 games this season, and while he's probably deserved a few scratches ever since the All-Star break, it was surprising to see it finally happen tonight. The question is, how will he respond in the days ahead?
- Talk about a mixture of emotions - just as Sergei Kostitsyn went down in the corner after an odd stumble down to the ice, Shea Weber put the Preds on the board with a patented blast from the blueline. Patric Hornqvist, of course, was fulfilling his duty by screening Dan Ellis in the Anaheim goal.
- Pekka Rinne made his "I'm ready for the playoffs" with a jaw-dropping kick save on Teemu Selanne, who stood just off the crease and appeared to have a wide open net available. Just as teams can try to physically intimidate opponents and get them off their game, huge saves like that can get goal-scorers shaking their heads in frustration.
- After a frenetic (but fairly even) first period, the Preds slowed down the tempo in the second, outshooting Anaheim 8-4 through the first 10 minutes. While they had to kill off a second Shane O'Brien penalty, they were able to get right back on the attack.
- Speaking of that attack, how sweet was it to see Steve Sullivan convert on a breakaway? Or Mike Fisher pull up and fire that wrister to extend the lead to 3-0?
- One thing I've really enjoyed about Fisher's play is his wrist shot, which is deceptively hard. His goal early in the 3rd was a great example of working with what the Anaheim defense offered - he had no path to the net, so just pulled up and shot through the screen, ending Dan Ellis' night.
- You just knew that the penalty box would fill up over the final 15 minutes, that was classic "send a message" stuff from both sides. I'm not too concerned over the fact that Anaheim got a 5-on-3 chance and finally scored.
- I mentioned before the game how bad a faceoff man Ryan Getzlaf is, and sure enough, he went just 3 for 13. As dangerous as his line is offensively, it's huge for the Preds to keep winning draws against him.
- The kids were pretty impressive tonight. Jon Blum had a few nervous moments, but earned an assist in his first NHL playoff game, as did Blake Geoffrion.
- Looking ahead to Game 2? I expect we'll see Ray Emery in goal, and at this point, it's hard to see Colin Wilson getting back into the Nashville lineup. Barry Trotz isn't one to change things up while the team is winning. Shane O'Brien will need a warning to stay out of the penalty box, but other than that, the Preds played quite well.
As for those 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 |
| David Legwand | C | 15:27 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 9 | 6 | +3 | 18 | 12 | +6 |
| Joel Ward | R | 13:45 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 5 | +3 | 15 | 11 | +4 |
| Martin Erat | R | 13:20 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 3 | +5 | 16 | 6 | +10 |
| Jerred Smithson | R | 12:15 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 8 | -5 | 6 | 17 | -11 |
| Nick Spaling | C | 12:10 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 7 | -4 | 8 | 14 | -6 |
| Sergei Kostitsyn | L | 11:15 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 6 | 0 | 9 | 18 | -9 |
| Mike Fisher | C | 10:40 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 4 | +1 | 8 | 14 | -6 |
| Jordin Tootoo | R | 10:36 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 7 | -2 | 9 | 12 | -3 |
| Patric Hornqvist | R | 10:04 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 6 | 7 | -1 | 8 | 14 | -6 |
| Matt Halischuk | R | 7:11 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 2 | +4 | 10 | 5 | +5 |
| Blake Geoffrion | C | 5:36 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 2 | +3 | 7 | 4 | +3 |
| Steve Sullivan | L | 5:27 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 3 | +1 | 7 | 5 | +2 |
| Kevin Klein | D | 18:21 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 10 | 10 | 0 | 20 | 23 | -3 |
| Ryan Suter | D | 14:58 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 11 | 7 | +4 | 18 | 18 | 0 |
| Jonathon Blum | D | 14:39 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 9 | 6 | +3 | 18 | 14 | +4 |
| Shea Weber | D | 13:46 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 9 | 7 | +2 | 14 | 15 | -1 |
| Shane O`Brien | D | 13:40 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 7 | -3 | 5 | 11 | -6 |
| Cody Franson | D | 9:37 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 3 | +1 | 6 | 7 | -1 |
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Comments
Unless Emery physically can’t play a whole game, no way do we see Ellis again in this series.
by Grizzledbear on Apr 14, 2011 2:08 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
With how suspect their goalies are i think we have a shot if we play like we did tonight. We need to do a better job of not taking penalties and avoiding the stuff they were trying to drag us into.
Back to the thoughts of their goalie problem which has become more then just #danellisproblems because we have played all of their goalies well all season and with the current offensive form the team has shown it will we fun to watch.
Before tonight, I don’t think we faced Emery.
by Grizzledbear on Apr 14, 2011 2:30 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
We haven't
but even if he is healthy (questionable) and plays better than Ellis (not hard, and Emery was good in the playoffs a looooong time ago),
he’s not the kind of goalie that steals games (2.44, .905% in his playoff career). I think the Preds can get 2-3 goals on him per game. That means the Ducks have to score 3 a night to win.
Can’t see that happening 4 times in the next six games.
by DontfeedtheBelak on Apr 14, 2011 8:31 AM EDT up reply actions
Watching Ellis last night, how much does he miss having Mitch Korn working with him on his flaws?! A lot it would appear. I’m no Terry Sawchuk, but you don’t so down and slide backwards at the same time like Ellis did on Fisher’s 1st goal. Emery could realistically have stopped a couple of those goals, making it a nailbiter at the end. But at least we got Ellis for one game! :)
by Grizzledbear on Apr 14, 2011 7:29 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I hope the Ducks don’t have a choice and we chase Emery next game. When will they put Hiller in as the backup?
So, my tactic with conservation of apex predators is to get people excited and take them to where they live.
~Steve Irwin
There is no tenderness or humanity in fanaticism.
~Joe Strummer
Who knows. I thought for sure they’d keep Ellis in the whole night regardless of what happened. Maybe Carlyle wanted to see how Emery did against the Preds.
excellent game
Missed the last 10 minutes of the 3rd but, did we just play 60 minutes of Predator Hockey! I have not seen us play that way over the last few weeks. We are normally talking about how we took the second off and let the other team back in the game, or get a 3 goal lead and get out shot 1 million to 1 in the 3rd. I was totally shocked and please to see a complete game for the first time in a long time.
How sweet it would be to come back to the Bridge on Sunday and have a 2-0 lead in the series……..
ALL YOU MISSED
was typical ducks goon hockey when they are beaten soundly.
by predswilrule on Apr 14, 2011 8:21 AM EDT up reply actions
That rocked...
completely, utterly, and totally freakin rocked! If we win Friday, The Bridge is going to be a madhouse like never before. Do it to it Preds!!
by TitanPredBearFan on Apr 14, 2011 2:05 AM EDT reply actions
Dirty Team
Was it just me or did Anaheim continue to throw cheap shots throughout the game? That no call for the cross-check on Tootoo after the first holding call ticked me off but for the Refs to call a double-minor on Klein later in the third for his hit on Perry was terrible. 45 seconds left in the game and Parros and Ruutu both get Game Misconducts and then as the game ends Sheldon Brookbank gets another Misconduct for coming after Klein. The Ducks are just a dirty team.
Great game by the Preds. I couldn’t believe that was Fishers first 2 goal game in 76 playoff games.
It was not just you. I’m a Klein fan, but I think he was warned to stop by the ref in that scrum before he nailed Perry in the face with a nice right, earning himself the extra two minutes.
So, my tactic with conservation of apex predators is to get people excited and take them to where they live.
~Steve Irwin
There is no tenderness or humanity in fanaticism.
~Joe Strummer
That’s the way the Ducks generally play in the playoffs. They try to intimidate their opponent. It’s over the edge at times, but it has worked for them in the past. Didn’t work to well for them tonight, however…..
by Grizzledbear on Apr 14, 2011 2:32 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
It’s not just you. That’s the Ducks.
"Nothing." - Tuukka Rask, after being asked what he saw on Shea Weber's game winner in overtime.
by Chris Burton on Apr 14, 2011 7:49 AM EDT up reply actions
Ask Fisher about 07 when Pronger elbowed McAmmond in the back of the head in passing.
A Goal Horn Haiku
Hoooonk hoooonk honk honk hooooonk
That's the sound the train horn makes
Suck it, Toronto
It has worked though
They pushed around Spezza and Heatley, Redden and Meszaros,
all series long.
Pronger’s elbow was dirty,
but all of their ‘hockey play’ rough-housing made certain Senators ineffective.
Fisher was one of the ones that played through.
by DontfeedtheBelak on Apr 14, 2011 2:54 PM EDT up reply actions
Way to go Preds!!!
Proud of you guys!
Keep the momentum going and the penalties down!
So, my tactic with conservation of apex predators is to get people excited and take them to where they live.
~Steve Irwin
There is no tenderness or humanity in fanaticism.
~Joe Strummer
I was really impressed
by the way so many of the D guys all stood up to the gooning against Rinne. I think they needed to do more of that in the regular season, but right now it’s crucial.
by Only Fan In J.C. ? on Apr 14, 2011 2:25 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Wow is all I can say!
You couln’t have scripted this game much better than this. Maybe the thing I liked best was that we kept trying to score goals even when up by a few goals. Not sure if that’s the gameplan for this series or not, but if it is I like it!
Maybe Fisher hunts Ducks in the off-season, not sure, but what a difference he makes for this team. One of Poile’s best trades. The pass he made to set up Weber’s canon PPG was such a good heads up play. Great vision to wait that extra split second and spot Webs coming up across the blueline. And Fish apparently knows where to shoot on Ellis: up high over the shoulders!
As good as our gameplan was, I have no idea what the Ducks plan was. I expected them to attack us more offensively, but they seemed more interested in taking stupid penalties. I know the Ducks like to rough up their opponents, but they played right into our hands in this game. I’d expect a better and different approach from them Friday night, but this could be a short series if they play like that again.
And finally, the Ducks better hope Emery is ready to go for the rest of the series, because we clearly have Ellis’ number. As for Rinne, he was brilliant as usual. What made that kick save on Selanne so great is that he timed that kickout despite having to move frantically to get over to the far side of the net. It wasn’t just a desperation type save, he timed it just when he anticipated the shot. Save of the playoffs so far! Ducks could have gained some life off a goal there.
by Grizzledbear on Apr 14, 2011 2:26 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
Also.....
I wasn’t happy at all when I saw Wilson being scratched in favor of Sully, but it obviously paid off. Maybe Trotz knows what he’s doing afterall! :D
by Grizzledbear on Apr 14, 2011 2:38 AM EDT via mobile reply actions 1 recs
I don't think it was a good idea....
….sorry but Sully’s not gonna keep doing that. In fact, that’s the first breakaway of many he’s scored all year. Wilson’s is our future and he’s better than both Sully and Geoffrion and he should be playing. It’s an insult to play him 82 games and then bench him for the playoffs.
But I’m not gonna harp….we won the first game on the road and I couldn’t be happier or more confident. And the rough stuff? THAT’S why we got SOB. We need him to fly the flag against big, dickheaded teams.
And I hate Perry. Can’t believe he gave Rinne “a jingle” as Crispy put it. Klein or SOB or Toots needs to take him out.
Like I said, we gonna whoop dey asses!!!!!!!!!
by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Apr 14, 2011 12:24 PM EDT up reply actions
I agree with your take on not using Wilson now after he played all season long. They’re killing this kids confidence when they should be building him up to be a go to guy. If they need to put Sully in, which worked out well last night, we have other guys on the 4th line who can sit.
by Grizzledbear on Apr 14, 2011 7:13 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
So does everyone hate the Ducks yet?
Just watching the highlights and the last ten minutes or so was enough to make me want our guys to absolutely pulverize this team. What does it say about your team when your best player is a total shithead? First, they go after Sergei behind the play, then Perry tries to tackle Fisher after losing his stick in the crease, then they were after Pekka which turned into multiple scrums. Then of course the final ten minutes or so that was just nothing but cheap shots, trying to start fights, etc etc. Also, priceless when O’Brien pointed at the scoreboard… he’s gotta stay out of the box though.
Anyway, great game and it feels awesome to be a Preds fan. Think this was a “legitimate” enough victory for the Ducks fans? They were talking trash about our other 4-1 wins from the regular season, but I guess that just means they want us to score four without empty netters… works for me.
"It's not so much that this show is bad, as it's hurting America...."
I didn't used to have anything against them...
but I’m already sick and tired of their crap, and we’ve only played one game against them.
Screw ‘em – let’s end this series EARLY.
And my happiest from this game...
was the extra time to our 3rd and 4 th lines. I actually put money down for in 5. Shold I do in 4?
I agree….The on ice minutes were well distributed. It was good to see us roll 4 lines as the ducks wear out a few players.
by Predator Don on Apr 14, 2011 7:44 AM EDT up reply actions
I'll bet Mike Underwood and Carrie Fisher are having a good time now!
This is what happens when the Preds click perfectly.
great game
Nice first game. Great effort by our Preds. Exactly how we need to play to be successful.
Glad to see us clear our crease of ducks.
Ugly duckling of the game: You could make a case for ruutu…or parros…even brookbank. These three have no real disernable skill other than they are goons for hire. No, the award goes to none other than cory perry, who took his “playing with an edge” to new heights (?) by spearing Pekka Rinne in the groin. Nice. Is perry married? I noticed he has a groin fetish.
Too bad the ducks feel the need to play dirty hockey. perry should have gotten a misconduct for the spear. Contrats to Klein as he made him pay for his dirty play.
Great game, obviously, but not one that the Preds should let go to their heads. I’m not surprised in the least they won, we know what they’re capable of. There were still problems, though, mainly a few too many penalties and some rough patches defensively.
That said, I think we now all know why Poile got Mike Fisher. What a player.
I obviously can’t stand the way every player on the Anaheim roster goes into dirtbag-mode when the game gets out of hand, or even when it doesn’t, but if they want to play like that, fine with me – leaves Nashville to just play hockey.
And win.
"Nothing." - Tuukka Rask, after being asked what he saw on Shea Weber's game winner in overtime.
You picked the Ducks to win in 6
So you can’t say shit like:
I’m not surprised in the least they won, we know what they’re capable of.
You just can’t.
by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Apr 14, 2011 12:27 PM EDT up reply actions
Dude. I did not. I picked the Preds in 6. Go back and read.
"Nothing." - Tuukka Rask, after being asked what he saw on Shea Weber's game winner in overtime.
by Chris Burton on Apr 14, 2011 12:36 PM EDT up reply actions
Burton's right, he picked the Preds in 6.
Marc and Ryan are the traitors. Who is Ryan?
by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Apr 14, 2011 12:43 PM EDT up reply actions
Our man in Milwaukee! AdmiralsShortShifts.
"Nothing." - Tuukka Rask, after being asked what he saw on Shea Weber's game winner in overtime.
by Chris Burton on Apr 14, 2011 1:10 PM EDT up reply actions
But you did say a few days ago that you didn’t want to play the Ducks……….not playing to the home crowd, are you? :p
by Grizzledbear on Apr 14, 2011 7:17 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Where's flyalder?
Ain’t heard from him in awhile. He must’ve gotten his probation revoked for going too near an elementary school. Hello Fish, goodbye Leggy….hello Leggy, goodbye Fish…vice versa. Don’t care as long as one of them is going good!
by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Apr 14, 2011 5:24 PM EDT up reply actions
I officially hate Corey Perry again...
… thought he had cleaned up his act. Here’s hoping for a Shea Weber slapshot to his groin.
Corey Perry
Is a duche. Could NOT believe he tried to whack
Pekka between the legs with his stick late in the 2nd
by XVIII on Apr 14, 2011 11:23 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
a few more notes:
- Shea Weber and Ryan Suter combined for 1g, 1a, +1. The RPG line? 1 assist, -5.
- Kevin Klein actually saw the most time against the Ducks’ big line for whatever reason, while it was Fisher who drew that matchup, not Legwand. That may be a product of Trotz not having the final change, but the fact that Fish was able to dominate offensively like he did AND play so well on D/the faceoff dot is incredible.
- Shane O’Brien aaaaaaaaalllllllmost redeemed himself for the stupid penalties by pointing to the scoreboard after that late scrum. That was awesome.
- Corey Perry is probably the most despicable skill player in the NHL, it’s a shame he feels like he has to resort to bush-league stuff.
- Batman and Robin were below their season averages for TOI, which is probably a product of the score considering Klein played 22m; Blum 20, but the more Trotz can keep their TOI down, the better for later on.
"Nothing." - Tuukka Rask, after being asked what he saw on Shea Weber's game winner in overtime.
by Chris Burton on Apr 14, 2011 8:16 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
I think the Randy Carlyle was purposefully throwing RPG out there when Weber and Suter were not on the ice. A nice calculation to try since he had the last change.
I wonder if they put the Fish line with Klein and Blum and then the Legwand line out with Suter and Weber
Since the Ducks have last change, then maybe we are putting the A list Dmen with the B list checking line? That way we have somebody who can stop them.
SOB is important to the Preds. Without him, they walk all over us down in the crease. I don’t like the inopportune penalties either, but he plays with an edge and that’s of value. He’ll reel it in for the rest of the series…just like he did for the latter 50 minutes or so.
by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Apr 14, 2011 12:36 PM EDT up reply actions
Go Fish!
Nice little ballplayer.
He shines in the playoffs. He does everything that needs doing.
Pekka is none too shabby himself.
The Ducks have to be worried. As many chances as they can generate, they can’t be confident in putting up goals.
The TSN.ca highlight package included a quip about our announce team, as being the crew ‘so many of you enjoyed’, with a laugh. I imagine that TSN picked up the Preds local feed, but did Terry or Pete do anything egregious or humorous last night?
Perry is Perry. Jabbing Pekka after whistles is par for the course. It happens. The extra penalty to Klein was well worth it. A nice shot to the face on a 50 goal scorer, when you are up well into the third? SOB looked like he was ready to do the same to Selanne, but held back. Good for him.
I am firmly in the anti-Sullivan camp. That goal last night did nothing to change that. I can’t imagine him being productive in a bottom six role. However, I have been thinking of starting a First Church of Sully and maybe he’ll continue to light the lamp. Worked for Legwand a while ago and Fisher recently (6 G, 5 A, +8, 12 hits, 8 blocks, and 22 shots in 8 games since).
by DontfeedtheBelak on Apr 14, 2011 8:17 AM EDT reply actions
Crispy said that Toni Lydman was “in Hornqvist’s underwear”. That’s a direct quote.
"Nothing." - Tuukka Rask, after being asked what he saw on Shea Weber's game winner in overtime.
by Chris Burton on Apr 14, 2011 8:17 AM EDT up reply actions
also
someone might want to write this down, but I agree with everything you just said. :)
"Nothing." - Tuukka Rask, after being asked what he saw on Shea Weber's game winner in overtime.
by Chris Burton on Apr 14, 2011 8:18 AM EDT up reply actions
Wow
I do think that’s the second time!
Next thing, you’ll be agreeing with SWFP regarding Halischuk’s 80 pt potential giving his pts/60 min production….
by DontfeedtheBelak on Apr 14, 2011 8:20 AM EDT up reply actions
+1
Known by George Plaster since 4/13/2011
Your favorite member of the mainstream media
The Velvet Hammer
by JRTheByLineGrinder on Apr 14, 2011 6:58 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Shane O'Brien
Would like to make sure that everyone is aware of the score…
Section303.com
by Patten on Apr 14, 2011 8:21 AM EDT reply actions 13 recs
That’s a rec’n. Thanks Patten.
"Nothing." - Tuukka Rask, after being asked what he saw on Shea Weber's game winner in overtime.
by Chris Burton on Apr 14, 2011 8:23 AM EDT up reply actions
Nice Screencap
Maybe next time SOB after a goal can respond to a Duck like the Michigan kid did the other day
http://cdn3.sbnation.com/imported_assets/693156/northdakotabird.gif
by DontfeedtheBelak on Apr 14, 2011 8:25 AM EDT up reply actions
OR
"Nothing." - Tuukka Rask, after being asked what he saw on Shea Weber's game winner in overtime.
by Chris Burton on Apr 14, 2011 8:40 AM EDT up reply actions 5 recs
awesome. another great obrien moment was him poking and pushing sbisa with his stretched out stick in one of the scrums near the end of the game. sbisa was livid. classic
Sbisa deserved it after he boarded Geoffrion late in the game.
What goes around comes around.
by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Apr 14, 2011 5:17 PM EDT up reply actions
I was just looking for that video, haha!
+1
EASports' NHL 11 doesn't suck; in fact, it's really damn good! Wait, what!?
Go Predators!!!
Love the TOI
Klein played five more evenhanded minutes than Weber and Suter. How incredible is it that we got a playoff win and got to give a little rest to two of our most important players!?!
SOB
He did take a couple of penalties last night but he also played with an edge that the Preds need against the Ducks.
Thank for coming out, Ducks!
by Day1 Preds ticket holder on Apr 14, 2011 9:21 AM EDT reply actions
It was that kind of night.
"Nothing." - Tuukka Rask, after being asked what he saw on Shea Weber's game winner in overtime.
by Chris Burton on Apr 14, 2011 9:44 AM EDT up reply actions
I have to say that the way we totally dominated that game, got in their heads, made them sent out the enforcer line at the end…that was the best playoff game we’ve played in franchise history. Hands down.
Or should I say…hands up.
Section303.com
I don’t think there’s any doubt about that. They’re going to goon it up Friday, too, gotta stay disciplined.
"Nothing." - Tuukka Rask, after being asked what he saw on Shea Weber's game winner in overtime.
by Chris Burton on Apr 14, 2011 9:49 AM EDT up reply actions
What a great game
How amazingly awesome would it be up 2-0 and be going back home? Even if they don’t win Friday, last night’s win on the road for us is a big deal.
Fisher played great, Sutes and Weber played great, Peks played great, the kids played great. Heck, if Barry had a neck it woulda played great too that’s how much everything was clicking.
Can’t wait till Friday.
I live in the OC.
The one in OH.
by MattBen on Apr 14, 2011 10:23 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
The Ducks play the way they’ve been taught to play. Obviously the coach is the kind of person who thinks roughing up the opposition is going to make them think twice; wrong thinking when it comes to the Preds. We can scrum it up with the best of them if we have to. But isn’t it nice to see the refs have your back when you are trying to intimidate, eh? But that’s ok, cause we are preparing Duck Soup!
"I am you, you are me, and we are all together" Beatles
What a way to get the 2nd road win in Preds Playoff history!!!
A power play goal, 2 Fisher wristers, and Sullivan’s breakaway…not to mention Klein’s ridiculous even strength ice time. Awesome win, and didn’t even need any caffeine…Just the Playoffs…Go PREDS!!!
Nice to see Klein’s positives outweigh his early-game jitters.
Kudos to Trotz, who, obviously, had some words with his players about the goonery. The team remained calm, cool, and collected as the Ducks tried to get us to respond. I, also, applaud his personnel decisions late in the game to keep the at-risk guys off the ice.
Finally, Geoffrion just keeps continuing to impress me with, mostly, smart play. He is deceptively fast, defensively responsible and not afraid to stand up for himself. I never got to see the replay of the poke that gave him that penalty, but, whatever, the guy deserved it.
So, my tactic with conservation of apex predators is to get people excited and take them to where they live.
~Steve Irwin
There is no tenderness or humanity in fanaticism.
~Joe Strummer
and he showed he's a leader
by starting a trend toward Preds in the Box…. wait, that’s not such a good thing is it.
by Only Fan In J.C. ? on Apr 14, 2011 1:30 PM EDT up reply actions
Geoffrion
I saw him whack the guy – and yes, that ducker absolutely deserved it. And yes, good for Blake for standing up for himself!! I’m really impressed with him. I wasn’t sure about him at first. I liked what I had heard, and he seemed to be putting up good numbers, but when I first SAW him skating (TV), I thought he just kind of moseyed around on the ice. However, it took me just one live game to realize that he is much, much faster than he appears on TV. He’s got great vision, too. He might not always be able to get the puck where he wants it yet, but he do always know exactly where to put it.
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