The Predators went into St. Louis and dominated the Blues 4-0 on Friday night. It was one of the more impressive wins of the season and it came at the right time.
The first period started sloppy for the Preds. Though they narrowly edged the Blues in shot attempts, the Blues led on the shot counter at the end of the period. The Blues also had two power play chances when the Preds did some dumb, illegal stuff. Luckily, the game was scoreless at the end of 20 minutes.
Boy was the 2nd period a different story. The Predators got on the board when Yannick Weber ripped one by Jake Allen for his 1st goal as a Predator. Then the Predators capitalized on a power play chance with Filip Forsberg getting a rebound by Allen. It was 2-0 halfway through the game and you were probably thinking “Ok, this is better, I think, but let’s see whaaa VIKTOR ARVIDSSON JUST BROKE MY BRAIN, WHAT AN AMAZING GOAL, I AM IN HOCKEY NIRVANA RIGHT NOW”
It was 3-0 going into the 3rd period and the Preds weren’t done. Colin Wilson added a power play goal and it was 4-0. Then the game became Preserve The Shutout For Saros, which the Preds have tried before. The Blues did their best to get one by Juuse, but he was up to the task. Saros gets his first NHL shutout and looked very impressive in the process.
This was a much, much needed win.
Random Observations
- James Neal is back in the lineup, so that’s literally the only bit of good news as the puck drops on this game.
- Not a terribly exciting start, especially for the gold team. Two Blues power plays and not many chances for the team in gold. They look slow and uninspired out of the gate. SO THAT’S FUN.
- Miraculously, the Predators did NOT give up a goal in the first period. This is something to be truly proud of.
- Well I guess Yannick Weber had to score at some point right? Hey look, the Preds lead.
- They follow up that goal with some pretty nice offensive play. They draw a penalty, then another, and then ALMOST blow a 5-on-3 power play chance. Then finally, Forsberg puts home a rebound for the 2nd goal of the game. 2-0 good guys.
- Forsberg, by the way, now has 8 goals on the year. That number is getting higher and higher, which is very good.
- Oh.
- My.
- God.
- Viktor.
- Arvidsson.
- That was my favorite hockey goal of all time I think.
- Also: Juuse Saros has a shutout going. Can he get his first?
- WILLY scores too! This is becoming a pretty fantastic response to last night’s loss.
- SARRROOOOOSSSSS YASSSSSSSSSS
- Special teams: power play went 2 for 6, penalty kill went 4 for 4. That’s a good night. /
OTF’s Super Duper Stars of the Game
- Juuse Saros: First NHL shutout on 25 saves. Hell yeah Little Bear!
- Viktor Arvidsson: Goal of the year candidate for sure. Probably the winner tbh
- Filip Forsberg: Goal, assist on the night. Watch out. Fil’s back.
Tweets of the Night
Whatever the Predators pay Swedish scout Lucas Bergman and Finnish scout, Janne Kekäläinen, it probably isn’t enough for what they deliver.
— Jim Diamond (@diamondhockey) December 31, 2016
is viktor arvidsson the greatest living hockey player
— J.R. Lind (@jrlind) December 31, 2016
Y’ALL LITTLE BEAR GOT A SHUTOUT I’M EMOTIONAL
— Brandi (@brandikornguth) December 31, 2016