The last several games haven’t been easy for the Nashville Predators. They had some good games and bad ones. Consequently, it seems as if the bad ones are quickly catching up with them.
Breakdown of the Preds’ Recent Matchup
On March 11, the Preds gave up three goals very early in their matchup against the Carolina Hurricanes.
Unfortunately, that wouldn’t be all. The Preds were pounded all game long with goals from the opposing team. As a result, the Preds suffered an ugly 5-1 loss.
Pekka Rinne was the netminder for the game, or at least for part of the game. He has played six games in a row for the Preds. Despite stopping 18 shots, Rinne was soon replaced early in the game.
The Preds have been going through a complicated season. Right now, they are 11-15-1 and have lost two games straight, both to the Canes.
Sure, they picked up an important win against the Dallas Stars March 7 in a 4-3 shootout win, but, look at the games before that. They lost twice to the Florida Panthers. One game was a 5-4 loss, the other a 6-2 loss.
This is an unfortunate predicament that the Preds are slowly sinking themselves further into. It’s a major problem they will need to dig themselves out of quickly, because the season will be coming to a close very soon.
The Canes had a good night, of course. Morgan Geekie registered two goals during the game. The string of goals were followed by Brock McGinn, Dougie Hamilton and Martin Necas. Yesterday’s win marks the seventh straight game that the Canes have won. In addition, they improved to 19-6-1 overall this season and are 1st in the Central Division.
Now the question arises, what’s going on with the Preds? What seems to be the problem here and how can it be fixed?
There could be a number of possible answers.
However, their recent matchup may have proven to be even more difficult because the Preds were without a handful of vital players. Dante Fabbro, Ryan Ellis, Roman Josi, Luke Kunin, Matt Duchene and goalie Juuse Saros.
In addition, defenseman Mark Borowiecki suffered an upper-body injury, resulting in him leaving the game early. He did not return.
On a brighter note for the Preds, they outshot the Canes 14-6 in the first period. Regardless, it seems as if that didn’t matter. They still trailed 3-0 at the conclusion of the first period.
Next Up for the Preds
The Preds will have to figure out a way to bounce back and win. They will travel to Tampa Bay to face the Tampa Bay Lightning for a two-game series matchup. The first game will be tonight (March 13) and then Monday as the Preds continue on their eight-game road trip.
However, the Preds will have their work cut out for them. The Lightning is a good team that has demonstrated an excellent performance both offensively and defensively. The Preds will need to come into both games ready to work hard so they can earn what could potentially be a crucial four-points if they can pull off two wins.
The Lightning are right below the Canes in the Central Division and hold an 18-5-2 record right now. Despite losing 4-6 against the Detroit Red Wings recently, the Lightning have been pulling off many wins lately.
Before the loss to the Red Wings, the Lightning won their last two games. They appeared to have a solid performance in each.
In conclusion, the Preds have a tall order to fill. Winning against a tough team like the Lightning is easier said than done. But, it is doable. If the Preds can find a way to play stronger offense and defense, they may be looking at a good chance of winning,
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