It’s been a tough week for the Nashville Predators. Dropping three straight in the Pacific Division is never a good thing, although the San Jose Sharks and Arizona Coyotes are actually pretty good. The Anaheim Ducks are a different story, but you’re going to lose on some nights. It’s inevitable.
So, with this losing streak continuing until at least Saturday, let’s explore the cold snap.
1. No Possession, No Problem?
Over the three-game losing streak, the Predators own a 48.71% Corsi, 46.60% Fenwick, and 46.53% of shot share at five on five. All those are good for around 20th in the league in the same time period, although the sample size is terribly small.
All of those numbers are terrible compared to their season averages though. The Predators are above 50% in every category mentioned, except for shot share where the number is 49.89%. All in all, the Predators aren’t controlling the play or pace like they’re used to over these last three games, and it’s clearly hurting them.
2. Meaningful Offense
I’ll have another article up soon to discuss this detail more in depth, but it deserves mention. The Predators are currently controlling 38.18% of high danger chances at five on five over the last three games. That’s absolutely terrible, and it starts to explain why exactly the Predators are losing games, even when they control possession.
3. Power Play
More like Weak Play, amirite? Zero for 15 is absolutely terrible and I honestly can’t see it getting better any time soon. I don’t know what the answer is, but I have to imagine that more Nick Bonino isn’t the solution.
4. Bring Out Your Dead
Viktor Arvidsson recently was placed on the injured reserve for six to eight weeks for a hand injury. Many around Nashville cried in despair and most likely said, “how could this possibly get worse?”. The Hockey Gods then answered and took away our beautiful boy, P.K. Subban. His injury is more severe on the team, as it’ll expose Yannick Weber or Matt Irwin, neither of who can play remotely close to his level.
While Arvidsson is a big loss, I think Ryan Hartman would be able to fit in nicely on the top line. The same cannot be said for the defense, and I worry about how Irwin, Weber, or Bitetto will cost the team down the stretch. Now would be a good time to call up a kid or two from the AHL. I know people aren’t high on Alex Carrier or Frederick Allard, but when else would be a good time for a call-up? Give the kids a chance, they might just surprise you.
5. Willie O’Ree
Willie O’Ree is what Jackie Robinson was the MLB. He broke the color barrier in the 50’s and had a long, healthy carrier in many leagues. He didn’t dominate the best league in the world as Robinson did, but being able to play in the big leagues for a game or two is a huge accomplishment.
O’Ree showed that hockey wasn’t just a sport for white people, it was a sport for all. O’Ree is a pioneering spirit who has given the league the gift of opening its’ doors to those from unexpected homes.
I’m so happy that O’Ree was alive for his induction. We, as a hockey community, cannot thank O’Ree enough for the dedication and perseverance he displayed in reaching the pinnacle of the hockey world.
