On the evening of May 12, 2016, the Nashville Predators were terminated from the Stanley Cup Playoffs in Game 7 by the San Jose Sharks. Though, it would seem the team collectively missed their wake up call as they were caught sleep-walking through Game 7 on their way towards premature elimination…again.
They will join the Detroit Red Wings, Los Angeles Kings, New York Rangers, Minnesota Wild, Florida Panthers, Philadelphia Flyers, Chicago Blackhawks, Anaheim Ducks, New York Islanders, Washington Capitals, and Dallas Stars.
Thought for sure I would have seen a Shea Weber one by now …. pic.twitter.com/SilhJFLcYe
— Steve Giglio (@stevegiglio) May 13, 2016
They are survived by Matt Cullen and Patric Hornqvist of the Pittsburgh Penguins; Nick Spaling and Joel Ward of the Sharks; and Scottie Upshall of the St. Louis Blues. It is officially time to break out the throwback sweaters.
The Predators have never advanced past the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs in their entire franchise history. They have also never had a Game 7 in their history, until this postseason when there were two. They are now 1-1 in Game 7’s, so it is in the realm of possibility that general manager David Poile may be thinking of snagging Justin Williams, A.K.A. Mr. Game 7, should he be available when his contract expires with the Capitals.
Going Duck Hunting
As the first Wild Card in the Western Conference, the Preds faced the Ducks in the first round. One of the reasons they advanced to the second round was because of the surprise emergence of Colin Wilson. In the seven games against the Ducks, Wilson had two goals and three assists for five points.
Colin Wilson, so silky. #Preds #NSHvsANAhttps://t.co/LzYRlvv3DR
— Nashville Predators (@PredsNHL) April 28, 2016
The Preds defense was also able to keep Corey Perry off the score sheet as much as possible. Perry only had four assists in his seven games and zero goals. In fact, He was held scoreless in Games 2, 4, and 7. The defense was also effective in stopping
The defense was also effective in stopping Ryan Getzlaf. He had two goals and three assists in his seven games, but he was shut out in Games 2, 6, and 7. Usually, Getzlaf and Perry are playoff monsters, but the Preds were able to smash their offensive contributions.
Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde
Another factor in the Preds’ victory over the Ducks was goaltender Pekka Rinne. To start the series, the elite netminder was a bit shaky. Although the team won the first two games, Rinne looked like he lacked confidence. Subsequently, the team lost the next three games, and the three-time Vezina Trophy finalist allowed 11 goals in those games.
However, Rinne’s poise was restored, and he only allowed one goal in each of the last two games of the series. He was instrumental in helping the Preds win their first Game 7 in franchise history.
Huge stop by Rinne to close out the first period #Preds #NHLDucks: pic.twitter.com/0mBmlZqu4i
— Mark Harris (@MCHisTweeting) April 28, 2016
Unfortunately, that resiliency was fleeting. At the end of the series against the Ducks, Rinne carried a 2.45 GAA and a .915 SVP.
When analysts geared up to predict how the following series against the Sharks would play out, many knew that Rinne was a Shark killer. During the regular season, Rinne won both contests and had a 1.50 GAA and a .941 save percentage. In his career against the Sharks, he was 10-5-4 and had a 1.80 GAA and a .945 save percentage.
With his playing like a brick wall in Games 6 and 7 against the Ducks, nobody anticipated Rinne would allow 21 goals in seven games against the Sharks. He allowed five goals in Game 7 and had an epic John McEnroe-type (or Jonathan Quick-esque) meltdown before being replaced by Carter Hutton. Rinne finished the postseason with a 2.63 GAA and a .910 save percentage. Rinne finished the postseason with a 2.63 GAA and a .910 save percentage.
Rinne captured how all of #Smashville feels right now… #Preds https://t.co/2EEatt9tbe
— Makaila (@makailaHaase) May 13, 2016
Smashville Gets Smashed
Another breakdown in the Preds’ play was their penalty kill. In the series against the Ducks, the Preds were able to kill 21 of the 25 Ducks power plays. They are known for their defensive play, and the penalty kill was fantastic in the first round.
However, things went awry in the second round against the Sharks. The Preds could only kill 13 of the 21 Sharks power plays. In fact, the California team scored at least one power play goal in every game except Game 3. Two power play goals were tallied in Games 1 and 7.
While on the subject of defense, captain Shea Weber disappeared in the series against the Sharks. In the first round against the Ducks, he led defensemen in all offensive categories. He had two goals and three assists for five points. His goal in Game 2 was the game-winner.
Honestly don’t think I have seen Shea Weber play as bad as he did last night.
— Evan Alfredo (@Bojangles1995) May 13, 2016
In the second round against the Sharks, Weber only had two points (one goal and one assist), and both came in Game 3. That goal was a game-winner, but Weber failed to make it on the score sheet in any of the other six games.
I wonder if Shea Weber woke up from his coma today
— Brett Warner (@TheTonyTerb) May 13, 2016
Needless to say, all of the players were disappointed at the end of their season and how they underperformed in Game 7 against the Sharks.
A Little Optimism
Perhaps the only bright spot for the Preds was Wilson, who continued to be an offensive force in the series against the Sharks. He had three goals and five assists for seven points. He led the team in points throughout the postseason with 13 points (5G, 8A). This included a three-point game in Game 4 in the series against the Sharks.
Playoff Colin Wilson™ don’t play. #Preds #SJSvsNSHhttps://t.co/pvvzbn890f
— Nashville Predators (@PredsNHL) May 10, 2016
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