Preds playing for fourth now, but at least they didn't overpay for Gill
Pavel Datsyuk's game-winner essentially made the Central Division a two-team race Friday night, sending the Preds 10 points behind Western Conference-leading Detroit. Had Nashville found a way to snap the record streak of home wins by the Red Wings (in regulation, of course), the Predators would be right in the thick of the race, being six points back with two head-to-head meetings left and a game in hand on Detroit.
Instead, the gap is 10 and the Preds are firmly entrenched as the No. 5 seed, five points behind fourth-place St. Louis, who has played one fewer game as of this writing.Ten points is just too much to overcome, as it doesn't look like the Red Wings are going to slow down. The goal now should be to take fourth away from the Blues and secure home-ice advantage in the first round.
Now that the particulars are set, let's get to the bigger news, the deal to acquire hulking defenseman Hal Gill from Montreal.
First of all, for anyone who believes the Preds "overpaid" to get one of the league's best penalty killers, take a deep breath. Remember we are still more than a week away from the trade deadline. By dealing for Gill, Nashville accomplished a number of objectives that outweigh a 2nd round draft pick, Blake Geoffrion (sorry, Boomer) and Robert Slaney.
Penalty Killing: Gill is regarded as one of the best on the PK and a big reason (no pun intended) that the Habs were the league's top-ranked shorthanded unit. It helps to have a big reach to slow down opposing power plays, and his big frame will help to neutralize campers in front of Rinne. It lessens the PK burden for Weber and Suter when Gill and his new partner can provide a second solid pair for man-down play.
The Weber/Suter effect: Not only will Gill ease the PK pressure on the top pair, it will also allow for a little extra rest for 6 and 20 when Gill can eat up minutes. Having another veteran in the locker room with Stanley Cup playoff experience can help the team down the stretch. Think of it as another coach on the ice for Ellis, Josi and Klein. Gill also provides extra physicality on the back end, which will come in handy in the postseason.
Poile's preemptive strike: Like dealing for Mike Fisher in advance of last year's deadline, Gill's acquisition keeps him away from other teams fighting with Nashville. It also means the first-round pick is still in play for another move, hopefully to grab a top-six forward.
Again, with apologies to Boomer, the Preds added without really subtracting, as Geoffrion was in Milwaukee and Slaney was with Cincinnati of the ECHL. Hate to see Geoffrion go, but the asking price for Gill could have been higher and likely would have been if David Poile had waited any longer to pull the trigger. For a team that wants to convince Weber and Suter they are going to have a chance at a Cup in Nashville, a move like this simply had to be made. Right now, a 2nd rounder and Geoffrion for Gill doesn't sound so bad when you consider that half the league was probably hoping to grab him.
Now, the next step is to get help up front...
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I still think the goal should be for the division.
Detroit has a lot of road games coming up. This one hurts though.
Beer... Now there's a temporary solution.-Homer Simpson
Yeah, the Wings can keep their streak for all I care...
Just as long as they begin a new one for road losses.
- History will be made. Our time is MEOW. -
by Smashville HockeyCat on Feb 20, 2012 8:38 AM EST up reply actions
Wings have 22 Games left
12 at home and 10 on the road. They have the California swing after playing us here on March 10th. Back to Back with LA and Anaheim, then San Jose. Thier only back to back for the rest of the season. The rest of the road games have day off between a home game. I agree with this post. Right now fourth place might be the best we can do.
The future belongs to those who prepare for it today.
Detroit is a .500 team on the road. With 10 road games remaining, let’s estimate 5 wins. Also, the Wings are on pace for 10 more wins at home this season. That’s a total of 15 wins combined. I’m estimating near 114 points at the end of this season for the Wings. I simply cannot say the Preds will reach high levels like that. We’re on pace for around 105 points, nowhere near 114. It’s going to have to be a miracle if we’re going to win this division. I haven’t even mentioned the distance between us and STL and the Hawks chasing our tails.
Preds fan from Hamilton, Ontario!
Every projection I use (Pythagorean expectation, Pts/G projection and Home/Away projection) has the Preds projected as the #5 seed vs #4 seed St Louis.
Detroit, Vancouver, San Jose, Chicago, Phoenix unanimous at #1, 2, 3, 6, 7 respectively.
Only wavering is Calgary at #8 for H/A & sharing pts/g with LA… LA taking #8 with Pyth.
Hello. My name is Bob and I do not know the Beatles.
I agree...
No teams left on the schedule that the Preds should clearly beat… Every night from here on out the Preds are gonna have to beat a good team that is in the top 8 or is just outside the top 8. Right now it so pitiful in the Eastern conference Carolina is 15th but only 7 points out of the 8th spot. Preds play them on next Tuesday.
The future belongs to those who prepare for it today.
Well written, and excellent points.
Go get ’em, GMDP!
Hands go uuppp..... AND THEY STAY THERE!
-nashvillepredators-
by davisca on Feb 18, 2012 2:29 AM EST via Android app reply actions
Nice post.
This season the Preds don’t have a bunch of home games back loaded as in previous seasons. The arena is booked for the SEC Women’s tourney and the first and second round of the Mens NCAA! In March 15 games with 9 on the road and 6 at home. The California swing with back to back LA/Anaheim. And another road/home back to back with Wings and Hawks at the end of the month. We need a losing streak similiar to the Hawks 9 game slide to happen to Detroit if the Preds are gonna catch them.
The future belongs to those who prepare for it today.

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