Predators 6, Canucks 5: Not just another late-night snoozefest

Tonight may just have been the wildest Nashville Predators victory in recent memory. After jumping out to a 3-1 lead in the 1st period on the strength of two power play goals(!), the wheels appeared to come off the wagon as Vancouver ripped off four goals in the second period to take a 5-3 advantage, chasing Pekka Rinne off the ice.

From there on in, however, it was all sprinkled doughnuts and gummi bears, as Anders Lindback made 19 saves in relief, and the Preds came back with three straight goals of their own to take a 6-5 decision to close out their road trip with 4 points in 5 games, and a return to Bridgestone Arena coming up.

Video highlights and reaction after the jump...

First the video:

Not-so-random observations from this one:

• I can only imagine the level of craziness that will take over Vancouver sports radio in light of the combined goaltending performance tonight. Both Cory Schneider and Roberto Luongo gave up 3 goals, further clouding the issue of whether one can take command.
• What you hope the Preds take away from a game like this is a confidence and determination not to give up when they fall behind. Completing a comeback against overwhelming odds can certainly bind the group together.
• That said, this was, most of the time, a terrifying game to watch, given the extended possession that the Canucks maintained in the Predators' zone on many occasions. Vancouver definitely looks like a contender once again, after slogging through the opening weeks of the season.
• This was the first time since February 4, 2010 that the Preds scored 3 power play goals in one game. The fact that they did it on 3 PP opportunities, going 3-for-3, is unprecedented for Nashville.
• Give full marks to the Green Men, who really stepped up their game tonight. Naked Kesler, mustard, they had it working!