New York Islanders 3, Nashville Predators 1: Hey, At Least They Weren't Shut Out

"They look exceptionally unorganized right now", said color commentator Stu Grimson as the Predators called a timeout during the second period of tonight's loss to the New York Islanders.

True words indeed, and especially biting when voiced by a team employee during a game broadcast. The Preds left another stinker out on the ice tonight, coming close to getting shut out for the 3rd consecutive game, which would have been a franchise record. The loss drops Nashville's record to 8-8-2, to go along with a nasty -19 goal differential, which as David Boclair noted earlier today, is a really, really bad sign.

Things don't get any easier for the Preds as they head to Pittsburgh to wrap up this road trip no Friday. Before this journey started I theorized that 3 victories with perhaps one OT/SO loss would have to be considered successful. Now, that's the best case scenario the team can hope for.

Random Observations

• Give a tip of the hat to Marek Mazanec, who was OK in his first NHL start. He had several fine saves, although that 2nd goal against was awfully weak.
• I just don't understand why Ryan Ellis gets such little ice time (9:19 tonight). His fancy stats rock and he's 3rd in D scoring on the team despite getting half the ice time Jones & Weber get. Here's a novel concept - take the players who are driving positive results, and play them more!
• Following up on that thought, can we call Matt Hendricks this season's version of Scott Hannan? He's a battler, but he's a step behind out there and the team gets killed when he's on the ice. Unlike Hannan, he's on a 4-year contract.
• Paul Gaustad won 13 of 16 faceoffs! WHO CARES, THEY'RE JUST FACEOFFS.
• No, I'm not impressed with that 3rd period. The Isles took their foot off the gas, as teams with 3-goal leads usually do.

Boxscore - Game Summary - Event Summary - Fancy Stats

Roll the video highlights...

More from On the Forecheck:

• Which Team is Screwed Most? The Titans Without Jake Locker, or the Predators Without Pekka Rinne?
• Milwaukee Admirals Notebook: Filip Forsberg solid in 3-game weekend despite losing streak
• Pekka Rinne Injury: Team Provides Update on Infection Recovery
• Hockey Hall of Fame: Which Nashville Predators Player Will Make It Someday?
• Emery, Holtby, and the Code: Reflecting on the NHL's Behavioral Incentives/

Who is your Predator of the Game?