The Predators lost in OT again. This time to the Kings. But, like, does it really matter who at this point? The Preds have no business winning in OT since they clearly haven’t figured out that it’s important to do so. Jarome Iginla, of course, had the game winner.
Despite a flat start, the Preds got the first goal of the game when Calle Jarnkrok ripped a high wrist shot by Jonathan Quick with about 3 minutes left in the 1st. In a period where the Preds only managed four shots on goal, somehow they entered the first intermission up 1-0.
In the 2nd period, noted Pred destroyer Jarome Iginla tied up the game on the power play. It’s not even funny at this point. From there, the Kings continued to pour on shots, while the Preds didn’t do much. There just seemed to be no life out there. Still, it was a tie game going into the 3rd period.
After some improved play to start the final period, the Preds took the lead on a goal by Kevin Fiala. He and Mike Fisher crashed the net and Fiala was able to sneak the puck by Quick. The Preds looked hungry for more, getting several nice chances a bit later in the period, but then Marian Gaborik tied it up on the power play with nine minutes to go. The final few minutes were a heart attack waiting to happen, but the Preds were able to get to OT.
Where they got the loser point. Emphasis on loser.
Random Observations
- Ryan Ellis a late, late scratch. Not a good sign. And according to many sources, he re-aggravated his lower body injury.
- Cody McLeod gets in a fight. Fantastic.
- Such an ominous start to this game. Ellis out, team not playing well, two shots through 15 minutes. This feels like an L.
- But Jarnkrok!! Calle gets a lucky bounce right in front of Quick and fires it home to put the Preds up. YES SIR!
- Lucky is fine. I’ll take lucky.
- The penalty kill needs to stay sharp down the stretch. Huge momentum swings come on special teams this time of year. Stay aggressive!
- Jarome Iginla, once again, scores on the Preds. Yagottabekiddingme.
- The Preds are finally getting some shots on goal, but they are aimed at Quick’s chest. Too much not going right.
- How is this game only two periods old? I feel like I’ve been watching these two teams drone on for many hours.
- There seems to be some life in this team, but it just doesn’t seem like they can get that final connection in their passing/shooting. Need a spark.
- AND THERE’S A SPARK! Kevin Fiala! He responds with a rebound goal in front and the Preds lead.
- Man, huge goal from Fiala there. 8 goals on the year. Maybe don’t send him down and maybe don’t healthy scratch him?
- My goodness the Kings are holding and interfering all over the ice. They finally call one on Jake Muzzin.
- So many chances on the power play. Forsberg ripped one that got blocked, Joey sent one high, Neal got stopped by Quick. Then just after it ended, Fisher hit the post. Ughgggggghhhh.
- Oh look someone scored in OT. (It wasn’t the Preds)/
OTF’s Super Duper Stars of the Game
- Pekka Rinne: Another point for the goalie. 31 saves.
- Kevin Fiala: A nice rebound goal and looked like he might have more in him. He needs to stay on this team. A couple others need to go.
- James Neal: A generous assist on the Jarnkrok goal, but he played a good game. Looked angry.
Tweets of the Night
is 5 shots in 25 minutes good
— Trevor van der Bort (@trevor_0) March 10, 2017
This is the last late start time for a Predators game until they inexplicably have a 9:00 pm home playoff start time against Chicago.
— Jim Diamond (@diamondhockey) March 10, 2017