THE WEST FINALIST
We beat the Red Wings . . . .we beat the Red Wings . . . we beat the
Red Wings . . . .we beat the Red Wings . . . . ok, enough of that.
Nope - WE BEAT THE RED WINGS!!!!!! The season is complete.
THE EAST FINALIST
Though not as formidable opponent as the aforementioned Stanley Cup
finalist, but it was definitely a good win for the Preds. As they
wished each other Merry Christmas, the Nashville boys defeated the
underachieving Caps.
THE NEXT FINALIST?
With Eric Fichuad back from his injury, the Predators traveled to
the Lone Star state to take on the powerful Stars. The Nashville
squad played the best of the West straight up for most of the game,
giving up just one beautiful deflection goal to Shawn Chambers in
the second period, which was the difference. Unfortunately, this
would be the beginning of hard times for the boys.
BEANTOWN = BAD NEWS
Not quite the way that the Predators wanted to end up the year, but
anytime they face a team from the East they seem to have some
problems. When the Bruins and Ray Bourque came to town for the
first time, they brought tradition and experience. And they left
with a win. A big win, as they embarrassed the tired-looking crew
from Nashville. For the first time in a long time, the Predators
appeared to be somewhere else, waiting for the game to come to
them. The first period was ugly, and as is their way, the Preds
came back to show a little life, but it was too little too late.
HAPPY NEW YEAR - NOT QUITE
It seemed logical that the first team to visit in 1999 was the St.
Louis Blues. In their 25th meeting this year, the Blues and
Predators opened the new year with an offensive explosion. The
Preds built up a lead and once again gave it away. This time,
however, they scored to tie it up with just under 5:00 left in the
third. The Blues, however, were able to strike with 43 seconds left
to steal the win. Although they looked strong at times, Nashville
made way too many poor line changes and took way too many bad
penalties to help themselves.
THE SLIPPERY SLOPE
In front of three people in Greensboro, the Predators were just one
bad goal away from a shutout - thank you, Trevor Kidd.
JUST WHAT THAT QUACK ORDERED
In a game that definitely took second place to the College Football
National Championship game between the Tennessee Volunteers and
Florida State Seminoles, the Predators were able to squeak a win
out against the Ducks. Holding Paul Kariya and Teemu Selanne in
check for the second time at home, the Predators actually played
defense and gave the 13,500 who came out something to cheer about.
In the "World's Largest Tailgate Party," fans were allowed to stick
around to watch the Fiesta Bowl and saw the Vols win the title.
But who really cares, football is for wimps.
BIT
In another nasty meeting between the Sharks and the Preds, it was
clear that the team with the stronger goaltender wins. Mike Vernon
made some impressive saves during the last minute of play to hold
off the charging Predators as the fight for the last playoff spot
in the West began in earnest. Good thing this is the weak Western
Conference, where the Predators actually are in the running!
HANGING ON
When any Central Division foe comes to town, two things can be
expected: a mean game and a sellout. When Chicago came to town on
Saturday night, it was time to get down at The Hockey Tonk. With
over 60 minutes in penalty minutes dished out, there was no love
lost. Only a lead was lost. ONCE AGAIN, the Predators jumped out
to a three-goal lead, and like a junior high basketball team with a
20-point lead in the first quarter, they gave it away. Forgetting
to play the second period, and giving away too many power-play
situations, the Predators escaped with one point. They stayed four
points ahead of the 'Hawks, trying desperately to stay out of the
cellar of the division.
BROTHERLY WHAT?
Butt-kicking - East Coast style. Not much to say except: "WE NEED A
GOALIE!!!!!"
Notes:
Mike Dunham is out indefinitely, probably until after the All-Star
Break . . . . The ice-storm that hit the South on Dec. 23 did not
deter the transplanted auto-workers from coming out to cheer on
their Wings . . . .the NHL granted a request by the Predators to
start the Jan. 4 game against the Ducks start at 5:00 to
accommodate the Fiesta Bowl . . . . This week allows the Predators
to see just where they stand against the league's best - Philly,
Detroit, and Phoenix . . . . so far, not good (8-0, Philly).
