Weekend Rewind

Just like that Nashville's playoff hopes took a significant hit.  The Predators dropped a critical game on Saturday falling to the Winnipeg Jets by a score of 3-1.  Nashville dominated the scoring chances, but failed to find the net while the Jets capitalized on mistakes and made the most of their chances.  Carter Hutton gave up two goals that he probably should've stopped, characteristic of the inconsistent netminder, but the loss was certainly a reflection of the Nashville forwards' inability to score.  The power play squad was unable to bail out the Nashville offense and while the defense was exceptional for most of the day, the few lapses allowed the Jets to score.  A chance to tie Winnipeg on a weekend where Vancouver and Phoenix both dropped their games, the Predators failed to seize critical points headed into a contest with the Penguins.

The Predators do have something to look forward to when they challenge Pittsburgh on Tuesday night, the return of Pekka Rinne! Nashville has chosen a troubling matchup to unveil the ailing goaltender as Pittsburgh has a high-powered offense, but nonetheless Predators fans will be eager to see the big 35 back between the pipes.  Rinne looked healthy in his brief stint in Milwaukee and although he faced few chances he looked sharp on the opportunities he did face.  The defense will look to close down space on Crosby and the other shooters on Tuesday to give Rinne some assistance.

A friend of mine asked me what I would do at the trade deadline if I was Nashville.  I thought about it and I decided I would like to see the Predators move for Vanek.  A trade like this is really unlikely, but one has to admit it would be intriguing.  Poile can offer some draft picks and a young defensive prospect, no doubt what the Islanders would be looking for since their season is circling the drain, in exchange for a proven goal scorer.  Nashville also has one of the best goalies as well as one of the best defenders in the league locked into long term contracts.  Explaining that to Vanek while also showing that all the Predators need to become true title contenders is an offensive powerhouse might even persuade Vanek to sign a contract leading into the playoffs.  It won't happen, but it's fun to think about.