Like most of the Nashville Predators fan base, I’m moving a little slowly this morning – but it’s well worth the experience last night at Bridgestone Arena.
After the jump, we’ve got reaction from both Nashville and Chicago to the 4-1 win last night, a discussion of the top NHL playoff records of all time, and an update on Brett Wilson’s continuing efforts to buy into the Nashville Predators…
Last Night in the Playoffs
Detroit 3, Phoenix 0: The Red Wings tied up their series at 2-2 thanks to a Jimmy Howard shutout and two goals from Henrik Zetterberg.
Pittsburgh 7, Ottawa 4: The Penguins scored a touchdown to put the Senators in a 3-1 hole.
Philadelphia 4, New Jersey 1: How about that, the #7 seed in the East is doing well, too!
San Jose 2, Colorado 1 (OT): The Sharks pulled out a must-win to tie this series at 2-2 as they head back to San Jose.
Predators News
“Dragon’s Den” judge Wilson awaits entry into Preds’ ownership group – Winnipeg Free Press
Whenever the Boots Del Biaggio bankruptcy gets resolved, it sounds like Brett Wilson will join the Preds ownership group. He’s been a vocal supporter of the team on Twitter for quite a while now.
Preds 101: Anatomy of a Goal: Out Hawking the Hawks
An awesome breakdown of the winning goal.
Paul McCann – Broadway’s Rockin’!!!
The Preds’ PA Announcer discusses just what the TV Timeout Standing Ovation does to the game operations folks.
Red Light District: Predators dominant in Game 3 victory
Ryan’s recap also notes some marginal progress by the Nashville power play, which has yet to break through, but at least got some decent shots in.
What The Puck: WCQF Round 1, Game 3 – Chicago at Nashville: W 1-4
Rachel really captures the spirit of last night at Bridgestone Arena. For a hockey fan, there’s simply nothing like the energy of a critical playoff game.
Preds On The Glass: Preds Win Playoff Home Opener 4-1 To Take the Series Lead 2-1
Jackson provides the game recap for POTG this morning, and appraised the Preds’ forechecking as “crazy good”. I like that…
The View from 111: Predators Handcuff the Hawks 4-1 to Take a 2-1 Series Lead
Mark admires the Preds’ ability to bounce back after the Game 2 loss, a resiliency which is characteristic of Barry Trotz’s teams over the years.
Chicago Finds Smashville Quite Unfriendly as Preds Win 4-1 – Brandon Felder
Brandon wins the award for Most Understated Headline from last night.
Nashville Predators defeat Chicago Blackhawks 4-1 in Game 3 – Nashville Predators Examiner
Jim Diamond likes the way Nashville kept up the pressure once they got a two-goal lead.
See Puck City: Preds Take Game 3 Against ‘Hawks With A Familiar Score: 4-1
I like SPC’s theory that Nashville fans are as loud as 1.59 fans in other NHL cities…
Legwand listens to coach then hears cheers for Game 3 performance – Nashville City Paper
David Boclair highlights #11’s big night.
Ward answers the call for Predators – The Tennessean
Meanwhile, Bryan Mullen profiles Joel Ward‘s solid effort.
Longtime Predator David Legwand enjoys playoff breakout – NHL.com
The guys at NHL.com also noticed Legwand’s game, and named him 3rd Star of the Night.
And WSMV figured out that the Preds’ playoff run is good for business downtown (with a hat tip to Lindsay Rutledge on Twitter):
Around the NHL
Blackhawks ripped to shreds by media, fans after Game 3 loss – Puck Daddy
Greg Wyshynski sums up the overall reaction in Chicago to last night, and it ain’t pretty.
RosenBlog: Anytime the Hawks’ best players want to show up, fine by me
It’s natural to call out the team’s high-price talent after seeing them lose in a big game like last night’s.
Collective backs against the proverbial wall: Predators 4, Blackhawks 1 | Blackhawk Up | A Chicago Blackhawks Blog
The mood in Chicago isn’t good…
Are We Bound Out Of Obligation? Is That All We Got?: Hawks 1 – Preds 4 Wrap – Second City Hockey
Sam gives full marks to the Preds for a dominating game last night, then rips Coach Q a new one for some questionable lineup juggling.
Top 10 NHL Playoff Records – NHL Digest
Neat stuff from Tyler about some of the greatest achievements in Stanley Cup history.
Rangers Analysis: A Closer Look at Mats Zuccarello-Aasen – Blueshirt Banter
The Rangers have landed the Norwegian Hobbit, and Joe examines his career to date.
Sharks Territorial Dominance over the Avalanche – Behind The Net
That San Jose/Colorado series is all kinds of wacky.
Salary Cap, No Problem For Hurricanes Next Season – Canes Country
It sounds like Carolina should be able to go shopping on July 1.
Reflections on Dudley’s Previous GM Stops – Bird Watchers Anonymous
The Falconer kicks the tires on Atlanta’s new GM.
A Quick Word On The Booing Of Anthems – Habs Eyes On The Prize
Robert sheds light on a disgraceful practice by a minority of fans in Montreal, who boo “the Star Spangled Banner” at playoff time.