Last night the Predators fan base came through by selling out the Bridgestone Arena, but the Preds fell flat and their series returns to Chicago tied 2-2. While fans may be feeling sour this morning, the great consolation is that if the Nashville Predators have proved anything over the last several years, it’s that they know how to bounce back from games like this.
So think back to the start of the game, and the energy that 17,000 towel-waving crazies brings to a Preds game, and get ready to do it all again when the next home game comes up on Monday. In the meantime, let’s see what informed commentary our sports columnists over at the Tennessean had to say about what was a pivotal game in Nashville’s hockey history last night:
David Climer: Oh, the Titans made a nice draft pick.
Joe Biddle: Wow, they might make another one later on. Insightful stuff, there.
Sigh…
After the jump, we’ve got reaction from the people who do actually give a hoot, and more importantly, know something about hockey. There’s lots of Preds-Hawks talk, word that a Nashville assistant is being considered for an NHL head coaching job, and a whole lot more as the #7 seed in the East has eliminated the #2…
Last Night in the Playoffs
Philadelphia 3, New Jersey 0: #7 knocks off #2 in the East… and boy does that Ilya Kovalchuk trade look better for Atlanta, doesn’t it?
Ottawa 4, Pittsburgh 3 (3OT): The Senators just refuse to give up, getting a goal from Matt Carkner to push this series back to Ottawa for Game 6.
San Jose 5, Colorado 0: That’s more like we’ve been expecting… the Sharks take a 3-2 lead.
Predators News
Freakin’ Friday: Feast or Famine Preds Go Hungry in Game 4 ” Pull My (Fang)Finger
This series has certainly been one of extremes – the Preds either score 4, or none…
The View from 111: Chicago Claws Their Way Back Into The Series With A 3-0 Win
Among others, Mark calls out Jason Arnott, who has no points through 4 games now.
Preds On The Glass: Game Recap: Hawks Tie Series with 3-0 Win over Preds
Buddy’s got your post-game audio from last night.
See Puck City: Give And Take A Whoopin’ Part 4: Preds Take A Whoopin’ 3-0
SPC’s frustrated, as I’m sure many folks are after last night. It’s a good thing the players are better at “turning the page” than we are!
Chicago Cashes In On Their Chances, Nashville Doesn’t, Hawks Win 3-0 – Brandon Felder
Brandon says, “I honestly thought that Nashville played well enough in this game to win.” I guess they don’t have drug testing at HB!
Postgame ponderings | Predators Insider
John Glennon wonders “Is it time to give defenseman Denis Grebeshkov a shot?” YES, YES, A THOUSAND TIMES, YES.
Jordin Tootoo hit in face by puck – The Tennessean
Toots should be OK after taking a nasty shot to the face in the 3rd period.
Predators’ Prospect Blum Proving Himself in AHL – The Grinder
Jonathan Blum is having a fine playoff for Milwaukee, and it will be interesting to see how much of a step forward he takes this fall.
Payroll size still a factor in cap era, but a few teams thrive on a budget – USATODAY.com
Breaking news… the Preds are really good at competing on a limited budget.
Wade Belak: The Life of an NHL Enforcer – Nashville Predators
Well, I’m guessing part of this “life” involves lots of time to do interviews these days.
Around the NHL
Scouting And Searching – Puck-Rakers
Is Brent Peterson on the short list to take the head-coaching job in Columbus? It would certainly be a great opportunity for him, and make it a little harder to hate the Blue Jackets.
Filatov: I’m Coming Back (Puck-Rakers Blog)
It looks like Nikita Filatov will return to Columbus this fall. Along with word that Jiri Hudler is likely to return to Detroit, does this make the Alexander Radulov situation look even worse for David Poile?
Jason Chimera: Playing the Role of Role Player Perfectly – Japers’ Rink
The former Blue Jacket is fitting in well with the Washington Capitals.
Samuelsson shows game-changing skills – The Globe and Mail
Has the reunion of an all-Swedish line revived the Canucks?
Buyer beware on Kovalchuk – The Globe and Mail
After turning down over $100 million from Atlanta, will Ilya Kovalchuk do better this summer as a free agent? I doubt it.
Free-agent goaltending market always in a state of flux – USATODAY.com
Kevin Allen profiles what should be a busy goalie market this summer.
Brodeur is a Fraud: Synergy
Despite the name of the blog, blame isn’t being placed on New Jersey’s goaltender.
Gary Bettman Translation Machine, Fully Operational – Lighthouse Hockey
Dominik attempts to cut through the obfuscation and spin that the Commish is known for.
Team USA on a roll entering Under-18 gold-medal game vs. Sweden – NHL.com
The kids are alright…