Predators 3, Avalanche 2 (OT): Legwand lifts Preds to third straight win
by Marc Torrence on Jan 12, 2012 11:01 PM EST
in Nashville Predators Game Recaps
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David Legwand has a reputation for being the king of the empty-netter, but tonight Legwand scored in overtime, his second of the night, to lift the Predators to a 3-2 overtime win over the Colorado Avalanche.
With the win, the Predators completed the "sweep" of the Avalanche and have won three in a row, as well as six of their last seven games.
The Predators got off to a slow start, giving up two goals that they'd like to have back. But Nashville was able to chip away at the lead and force overtime where it eventually sealed the win.
Follow after the jump for instant reaction and video highlights:
Video highlights (may have to wait until 30 or 45 minutes to show up)
- Man, what a stinker of a first period. It was almost the exact opposite of two nights ago, as Colorado was the team that came out with a little bit of an extra spring in its step and outshot Nashville 15-7.
- I'm sure Rinne would love to have both of those goals back. The first was just a play where he didn't see the defender and made a blind pass into the slot from the side of the net. He had the angle on the second goal, but just let it slip through the five hole.
- ...but just like two nights ago, the trailing team came out firing in the second period. The Predators put a lot of pressure on the net, and Legwand eventually scored his first of the night by going to the net after Halischuk's wrap around try.
- Paging Sergei Kostitsyn: shoot more. What a laser from Kostitsyn, ripping the shot through the defender's legs and beating Giguere over his shoulder.
- The game-winner was all Legwand, and it was a classic Legwand goal if there ever was one, as he was able to bang home his own rebound. He really seems to step up his game when it matters most, and certainly did tonight.
- Despite the win, the Predators powerplay laid a big stinker tonight, going 0-6.
- The sellout streak did come to an end tonight, but only by about 200 tickets. I'm sure a new one will be started when the Philadelphia Flyers come to town on Saturday in a game that will really be a measuring stick as to how the Predators matchup with one of the league's top teams.
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I’d say the weather was probably the biggest factor in not reaching a sellout. Not that there was a lot of snow, but the whole after-dark concern on days like this.
Like it's spittin snow and cold so DON"T go to a hockey game?????
WTF are those people thinking that didn’t come out? Gotta say when that wind whipped up while I was on my 1st int. smoke break I ran inside too.
It was cold, especially for the kids, walking to the Arena.
Once we had snow I kind of figured that it wouldn’t sell out. It was pretty close though.
Beer... Now there's a temporary solution.-Homer Simpson
Leggy is streaky
probably a sign of things to come.
Sens wins, Preds win, Canadiens make a dumb trade.
And the beat goes on……
"If you aren't diving, you aren't trying"-Jordin Tootoo
PekKarlsson: The genetic mutant solution to all of Nashville and Ottawa's problems. Shea and Alfie approve.
Sens not only win, they shutout the Rangers! :o
The kids (and Anderson) are doing alright so far.
Defense keeps you in games........offense wins them!
by Grizzledbear on Jan 13, 2012 12:40 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Sens and Preds
both playing some good hockey now.
Two of the best comeback teams in hockey. It’ll be something (for me at least) to watch that game in a few weeks.
"If you aren't diving, you aren't trying"-Jordin Tootoo
PekKarlsson: The genetic mutant solution to all of Nashville and Ottawa's problems. Shea and Alfie approve.
Are you who I think you are?
Don’t answer that, there is only one of you.
I know who you are.
Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is where the Stanley Cup can be found.
by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Jan 13, 2012 2:51 PM EST up reply actions
Hey, who's this Legwand guy?!
Half kidding, as Leggy does do other things that help the team when he’s on one of his scoring slumps, but what a help it is when he gets some offense going.
The good part of the game is that it’s another 2pts in the standings and another game where a team competing with us for a playoff spot didn’t get 2pts. We all have our issues with some things Trotz does, but his ability to get this team to win these types of games is why we get into the playoffs as often as we do. The less than good part of a game like this is that we had to go to OT against a team with a bunch of key injuries and us having no one out of the lineup. We still need help up front.
And speaking of help, wow, the Flames pulled the trigger on getting Cammi out of Montreal. Had to give up Bourque to get him, but you have to like that if your a Flames fan. GMDP, your up next!
Saw the Coyotes picked Brule off waivers from the Oilers. If he stays healthy it could help them, but that hasn’t happened much in that kids career. Gotta give the ‘Yotes credit for making a few moves recently, they’re playing better of late.
On that note, IMO, it looks like there’s only 10 teams left in the West that look like they have a shot at a playoff spot, maybe only 9. The Avs and Wild just don’t seem to have enough to get there, the Flames possibly can make a push, especially if they can clean up on everyone but the Canucks in their division. The current top 5 in the West all look pretty solid, which leaves us, the Stars, Kings and Coyotes (and maybe the Flames) fighting it out for the other spots. So all in all, we’re in a pretty good spot right now, probably 70/30 to make it as long as the injury bug doesn’t bite.
Defense keeps you in games........offense wins them!
by Grizzledbear on Jan 12, 2012 11:35 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Totally agree
I would say there are 9 teams who are going to end up fighting for the 8 playoff spots…..The Preds may only be the 3rd or 4th best team in their division, which means they probably won’t get a top 4 seed…..but I easily see lower playoff seed happening. Same old, same old.
Calgary is a bit of a wild card. Still, looks they are committing to trying to a make a run. Maybe Cammalleri catches fire with Iginla.
"If you aren't diving, you aren't trying"-Jordin Tootoo
PekKarlsson: The genetic mutant solution to all of Nashville and Ottawa's problems. Shea and Alfie approve.
Wouldn’t be nice for us to pick up a goal scorer like Cammalleri once in a while? Exactly Suter’s point! We do nothing and risk losing the best defensive pair in the NHL.
do you like what he brings for the price?
by Only Fan In J.C. ? on Jan 12, 2012 11:44 PM EST up reply actions
this year to date?
clearly no.
Based on his track record? And his track record in the playoffs?
16 goals and 13 assists in 26 playoff games the last two years. Lots of big goals in the Boston series, and the Halak playoff run year.
He seemed to thrive in those intense games (3 7 game series in those runs). He gives the Preds another Craig Smith type of shoot first player to balance the scoring lines, address a deficit in that type of player.
I think it would have been a good pickup. You are buying low on a legit goal scorer.
Anyway, I can’t see Calgary making up ground on most of the teams ahead.
Your move, GMDP. If they announce a press conference to to say that J.P. is there big playoff push pickup, I wouldn’t be too surprised….kidding…sorta.
"If you aren't diving, you aren't trying"-Jordin Tootoo
PekKarlsson: The genetic mutant solution to all of Nashville and Ottawa's problems. Shea and Alfie approve.
by PekKarlsson on Jan 13, 2012 12:04 AM EST up reply actions
I did see him at the airport tonight
60% of the time it works every time
by Creeping Death on Jan 13, 2012 12:06 AM EST up reply actions
I wonder what
Jan Hlavac is doing these days…….can he return to be the Big Deadline Acquisition, one more time????
"If you aren't diving, you aren't trying"-Jordin Tootoo
PekKarlsson: The genetic mutant solution to all of Nashville and Ottawa's problems. Shea and Alfie approve.
It’s down to Jan or J.P……….a gut wrenching decision for GMDP. :D
Defense keeps you in games........offense wins them!
by Grizzledbear on Jan 13, 2012 6:53 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Preds are a cap floor team
Are they only willing to make bargain basement purchases? They saved elsewhere with the young guys (Spaling et al.); GMDP apparently has money to burn to make a premium purchase because of that. They supposedly are budgeting to be a midpoint cap floor/ceiling team.
A 30 goal scorer a cap hit of 6 M would have put us there. That’s ballpark similar value to the Legwand, Erat, and Fisher contracts, AND gets the fans excited, AND may convince Suter and Weber to stay. How do you put a price on that?
"If you aren't diving, you aren't trying"-Jordin Tootoo
PekKarlsson: The genetic mutant solution to all of Nashville and Ottawa's problems. Shea and Alfie approve.
by PekKarlsson on Jan 12, 2012 11:55 PM EST up reply actions
That would be about thirty million for four players. Peks, Suter, Weber and your six million dollar man. How does that compare to other teams? Add Leg and Erat for forty million for six guys.
World Wide Weber.
There is no tenderness or humanity in fanaticism.
~Joe Strummer
by cisar on Jan 13, 2012 12:26 AM EST via Android app up reply actions
That's the funny thing about good established players
They cost money.
30 M for 4 players sounds expensive….
22-23 players=lowest payroll in the League, though, sounds awfully cheap……
If the goal was to be a mid-cap team (and since the season is half done, half the salary of a premium pickup will be accounted for), picking up a premium player gets there.
And as a bonus, maybe win a division, make a run, convince star players to stay? It took alot of patience to win a playoff round, with youth and bargain basement players. 12 seasons/13 years is an awfully long time to wait for another win.
Same goes with developing two star D. Ellis and Josi someday may be adequate fillins, but by that time, if DP fills out the roster with Svatos Jr., Bergfors cousin, and Zachary Stortini the 2nd, they will probably want to leave too.
"If you aren't diving, you aren't trying"-Jordin Tootoo
PekKarlsson: The genetic mutant solution to all of Nashville and Ottawa's problems. Shea and Alfie approve.
Since the Cap post-lockout
I don’t think a Cap floor team has made the Eastern or Western Finals.
2006: small market clubs Carolina and Edmonton made moves at the deadline to add to their above-basement salaries
2007: only small market club was Ottawa; near the roof than the floor the whole season
2008: Pitt, Phi, Det, Dal all not close to the floor
2009: Det, Chi, Pitt, and Carolina, a small market team that I believe may have been closer to the floor at some point, but jokinen, cole trades put them at 51 M at year’s end..
2010: Chicago, Philly, Montreal, SJ all near ceiling
2011: Boston, Vancouver, TB, and SJ all spent money, too
Spending money doesn’t guarantee a winner….but the Preds can’t take the next step unless they spend money. Wait, I wonder if this is relevant to the Suter and Weber staying issue….
"If you aren't diving, you aren't trying"-Jordin Tootoo
PekKarlsson: The genetic mutant solution to all of Nashville and Ottawa's problems. Shea and Alfie approve.
I think it is wrong to include the ‘09 Carolina team, for even if you added the salaries of Jokinen and Cole at the deadline, that doesn’t REALLY mean that they spent that 51M that year. At most, it was a third of their salaries, right? I think that is something more along the lines of what DP wants to do, if someone is available.
That first year we made the playoffs, Preds’ salary was like 28M and we met Detroit, whose salary was 85M or some nonsense like that. I thought that was hilarious. What a disparity.
World Wide Weber.
There is no tenderness or humanity in fanaticism.
~Joe Strummer
the cap
prevents Yankees Royals, true.
Carolina was a mid-cap team in 2006 (after the trades ended up 36 M, cap ceiling was 39)
and higher end in 2009 (but artifically inflated by the trades; they were likely midpointish for the year).
Point is, you can’t be at the floor year long, and
second point, even if you are the midpoint, you should still invest in getting better players as the year gos on. If you want to win versus settle for making the playoffs.
the Preds would rather use ticket money to pay off debt, or any other expense, before improving the on ice product by adding player salary…or at least that’s the perception generated by GMDP’s….fiscal conservativeness.
then there is the whole being conservative about picks/prospects….IMHO the big gamble for Forsberg was worth taking, and in the end, wasn’t that bad…unless you are pro-Ryan Parent as an NHL cornerstone (and likely blood-related).
"If you aren't diving, you aren't trying"-Jordin Tootoo
PekKarlsson: The genetic mutant solution to all of Nashville and Ottawa's problems. Shea and Alfie approve.
I didn’t mind the Forsberg trade. Could have been a different story if he had stayed healthy. I thought quite a few of our players learned a few things from him, too.
I have to admit, in the beginning, Parent looked like he could be good.
If the current fiscal conservativeness means better long-term franchise health, I’m all for it.
Time will tell.
World Wide Weber.
There is no tenderness or humanity in fanaticism.
~Joe Strummer
Hopefully this trade will get the ball rolling on more trades throughout the league (the Eklund “domino” theory, LOL!).
I’m still of the opinion that as long as the team keeps slogging out wins like they did tonight, GMDP will only, at most, tweak the roster. The only thing he’s done in the past 5 years of any significance is the Fisher deal, and that was to replace Lombardi who was clearly not coming back last season, so a replacement type deal, not an addition.
We’ll wait and hope for a surprise.
Defense keeps you in games........offense wins them!
by Grizzledbear on Jan 13, 2012 12:53 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Couldn't agree more
Poile and/or ownership have done nothing to improve the team since the fire sale. There have been plenty of productive forwards hit free agency during that time that would not have cost what the Preds pay for Erat and Legwand. Sure would hate to think that it takes a losing streak to get the front office to look for some outside help, but it wouldn’t surprise me based on past history.
The truth is neither libelous nor slanderous.
Reason and logic instead of hope and faith.
Pro athletes--it's not what they say, it's what they do.
General managers--it's not what they say, it's what they do.
by shoot the puck on Jan 13, 2012 1:35 AM EST up reply actions
What Fire Sale?
We might miss SOB and Franson but that is getting better with Josi and Ellis. But what else did we sell? Arnott, Sullivan, Lombardi, Ward?
Couple years too late, Catwoman. 2007.
Scott Hartnell, Kimmo Timmonen. Paul Kariya left because the owner wouldn’t spend any money.
Didn’t resign Vokoun, traded him to Florida.
Probably biggest loss that year was Sheldon Brookbank, who was on fire with his 3 games played, getting an assist and 12 penalty minutes.
World Wide Weber.
There is no tenderness or humanity in fanaticism.
~Joe Strummer
by cisar on Jan 13, 2012 2:05 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Sorry to be THAT guy...
but didn’t we resign Vokoun to a pretty big contract and then trade him to Florida a couple of weeks before his no trade clause kicked into gear? I just remember him getting the news that he had been traded while he was on vacation with his family.
"I have come here to chew bubblegum and kick ass............and I'm all out of bubblegum."
by Dumont'sShorts on Jan 13, 2012 5:44 AM EST up reply actions
Don't forget Dan Hamhuis....
Left Nashville and had a career year with Vancouver.
History check: Hartnell and Timmonen didn’t leave, we traded them to Philadelphia because the original owner wanted the roster reduced as low as possible. Kariya also didn’t resign due to the concerns that the Predators might not have been in Nashville much longer. They’re not even comparable to what’s going on with Suter and Weber.
I was going to make sure that Leopold fire sale to sell the team is not being assessed to the current owners. So far the current owners have done everything to make sure that they can long term afford to compete. The arena itself is making a good profit (doesnt just sit there waiting for hockey season). They are cooperating with city and are looking forward to the new convention center. ( I seem to remember that when it was proposed we got a verbal commitment from Bettman that we would host the All Star weekend) I think that without morgaging the long term future the ownership group will figure out a way to get the job done and whatever the sticking points are they will make a herculean effort to break the log jam.
There are reports that a getzlaf for T. Myers. That would make someone like Derek Roy expendable. We have a ton of d prospects that have the potential to replace Myers. Why not see if we can get in that deal and make it a three teamer?
by wrandsw on Jan 13, 2012 8:43 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Need an edit button
Trying to say reports that a Getzlaf for T Myers trade is possible.
by wrandsw on Jan 13, 2012 9:27 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Considering Roy’s meager numbers this year, Buffalo would probably like very much for someone to take him off their hands. Hope we can do better than that.
Defense keeps you in games........offense wins them!
by Grizzledbear on Jan 13, 2012 6:55 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
If DP didn’t have to give up anything more than blum or ellis and a pick to get Roy then
27-11-33
74-12-10
22-9-15
doesn’t look like a bad top 9. Honestly I other than Ryan, jvr, doan, or selanne what is better out there that is actually available. And out of those guys Roy and Doan are the two guys that play Trotz hockey.
by wrandsw on Jan 13, 2012 7:38 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Ward scored goals in the playoffs too
It got him a great contract but is that what you want to spend money on? Not that it’s an apple to apple comparison but….
That’s not even a fruit to fruit comparison. :D
Defense keeps you in games........offense wins them!
by Grizzledbear on Jan 13, 2012 2:39 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
That was a fun game...
It was looking pretty bad in the first, down 2-0 and then what looked like would be a 4:00 PK, but they weathered the storm and came out strong in the 2nd. Hate to give a Western Conference team a point, but I will take the win. Too bad Detroit and Chicago won and St. Louis got a point.
Had a great time with the wife and kids. Keep the wins coming.
Beer... Now there's a temporary solution.-Homer Simpson
But did you expect us to come back and even tie?
Honestly, I didn’t think they were going to do it. So many missed opportunities and the Avs had more jump than we did for most of the game. It was a surprising win.
Honestly, at that point I thought we were in for a stinker...
but I also know to never count the Preds out.
Beer... Now there's a temporary solution.-Homer Simpson
They're all fun games!!!!
Even at 0-2 after the 1st, I wasn’t doubting the Preds coming back and winning. If you’ll notice the Preds are winning in OT this season instead of SO like last year. That’s gonna make a BIG diff in the PO standings later. How can this team continue to win year after year and be at the bottom of the CAP. Preds HAVE to be the best run sports organization in the WORLD!
Giguere had some amazing saves to get it to OT.
Wilson got robbed a few times. Preds had a lot of chances.
I know Pekka wants that 1st goal back, that was ALL him.
Beer... Now there's a temporary solution.-Homer Simpson
Awesome comeback
There were a lot of chances that Giguere stopped. The Preds were working it. Would love to see more of that from Leggy – nice move in front of the net to get the shot and again for the rebound. I was ready to scream at Sk74 for a couple of plays and then he comes up with that gorgeous shot!
Hey Dirk...
SK74 has a 4 goals on 6 shots for a 66% shooting percentage in 2012.
"We want to keep beating them...to break their pride and break their season...is a huge thing for us." - David Legwand
So, that was the look....
When he was in front of a wide open net with the puck in front of his stick….oh, if I try, it will blow my percentage. The shot he did take was perfect…we just need more of them.
Another item on the list of things I didn't know about hockey
Roger Crozier Saving Grace Award
Given annually to the goaltender who finished the regular season with the best save percentage in the National Hockey League.
Dan Ellis won in 2007-08 with his .924 save percentage.
World Wide Weber.
There is no tenderness or humanity in fanaticism.
~Joe Strummer
Nice to see that Rinne’s average is going up. Would like to see the GAA come down some, but I think that will happen soon. He has been pretty good lately with the Dallas game being the exception.
Beer... Now there's a temporary solution.-Homer Simpson
Dallas just seems to be an enigma for us they play similar styles to us and always play us tough but it just seems like they always win. Im more worried when we play them then any other team honestly
Great win for the boys tonight lets hope they keep it going saturday. Ill be working but if we can keep a good pace and string 4 or 5 wins together with a loss and try to be an 8-2 team over the last 10 on a consistant basis then we will be able to puck up a few points. Though det and chicago meeting in the 1st round would be nice so they can take one or the other out
by Shadow23 on Jan 13, 2012 4:49 AM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
3pt day
What a freaking 3pt-match day this was in the west. Only one match that didn’t go into OT… Take that as a testimony how tight this conference is. The more I tip my hat to our guys, for staying in the PO spots so far. And as much all of us’d love to have a bonafide scorer… I really like how every night some other forward comes up big to score the needed goals… if one gets into a slump, there’s plenty of others to step up.
Still need a scorer...
but goal scoring is very evenly distributed.
Beer... Now there's a temporary solution.-Homer Simpson
How many teams
have 12 goals for the leading goal scorer?
Colorado has two 12 goal scorers leading (just like the Preds)
CBJ has a 14 goal scorer
LAK has 2 scorers with 13
The Wild have a 13 and a 12
The Blues have a 14, two 13’s, and a 12
Every other team has at least 1 player with more than 15 goals.
Of course the TBL has a player with 29 goals, and the team only has 38 points in the standings. So yes, we need a scorer, but someone who fits here. I don’t know who that is either. I only pay a little attention to the teams in the league that are not named the Nashville Predators.
by Only Fan In J.C. ? on Jan 13, 2012 10:47 AM EST up reply actions
Legwand's OT winner
is on NHL.com’s “Thursday’s Best” with slow-mo and different camera angles. It was a very nice goal.
by Only Fan In J.C. ? on Jan 13, 2012 3:08 PM EST reply actions
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