The Predators lost their second straight game tonight, losing 3-1 to the Maple Leafs. Despite a late comeback by the Preds, the Maple Leafs held on for a crucial win thanks in large part to 29 saves by Frederik Andersen.
Much like the Bruins game on Tuesday, the Predators did not start well. In fact, the first 15 minutes were pretty weak from both teams. But the Leafs capitalized first when James Van Riemsdyk scored a power play goal with just over a minute left in the period.
The Preds looked slow and frustrated in the first 20 minutes. Some significant line changes probably played a role in that (see observations for more details). It could also be due to playing an unfamiliar, Eastern Conference opponent. Either way, they looked very much like the same team that lost in Boston on Tuesday.
The 2nd period saw more frustration. While the Maple Leafs were able to get a second power play goal to make it a 2-0, the Preds were busy frittering away power play chances of their own. At the end of 40 minutes, the Preds were down two goals having wasted four power play chances.
The good news? The forward lines returned to normal somewhat. At even strength, the Preds were able to generate some decent chances, but it was special teams that killed them in the middle frame.
In the 3rd period, the Predators were able to get back in the game when Filip Forsberg scored his 30th goal of the season. With just over 10 minutes left in the game, there was new life in the building.
That ended when the Leafs scored an empty netter in the final minutes.
It wasnt a great performance tonight, thats for sure. But, like I said the other night, you can get away with these in the regular season. If you play like this in the playoffs, it’s an early summer.
Random Observations
- Changes to the forward lines: Parenteau with Johansen and Forsberg, Fisher on the 4th line with McLeod and Watson, and with Craig Smith out with an injury, Fiala is on the 2nd line with Sissons and Wilson.
- Parenteau playing on the top line with Joey and Fil? Not sure what this is about. I doubt it lasts.
- Meanwhile, Arvy is playing with the Jarnkrok-Neal line. No matter where he goes, he makes other players better.
- This first period is a snoozer. Ain’t nothin’ goin’ on.
- Preds had a power play. Wilson had a chance in front, but other than that, nada.
- Leafs score first on a power play goal by James Van Riemsdyk. The Preds were baited into a fight when Ekholm got decked (cleanly) and the Leafs take advantage.
- Don’t let yourself get outsmarted by a bunch of 19-20 year olds.
- Annnnnd Arvidsson is back on the top line. Good.
- Preds are wasting power play after power play. Only a matter of time before the Leafs offense gets on the board again. Have to capitalize.
- Auston Matthews, who will probably steal the Calder away from its rightful owner Patrik Laine, scores to make it 2-0.
- There’s more life in this 3rd period, but honestly I don’t know if it’s enough life. The Leafs are dug in hard in their zone. Nothing is easy.
- James Neal leaves the game after taking a stick to the face. Looked pretty bad…
- THERE YOU GO. Forsberg scores to make it 2-1. That’s his 30th goal of the season. He is now the only player to ever with multiple 30 goal seasons for the Preds.
- Another wasted power play. At least there were some good chances on that one. /
OTF’s Super Duper Stars of the Game
- Filip Forsberg: Scored his 30th of the season. He now has 90 career goals. He’s 22 years old.
- Pekka Rinne: The save percentage looks bad, but the Leafs got both goals on the power play and then sat back all night. Rinne made some key saves and kept the Preds in it even when they didn’t play well.
Tweets of the Night
Preds fans: go to the game. Get there a bit early, let the line come through while the game is going on. Beat the Leafs.
— NashSevereWx (@NashSevereWx) March 30, 2017
Me watching the #Preds this season, and waiting for them to start playing to their potential. pic.twitter.com/CVHDavmlJs
— DFash (@predaceous) March 31, 2017