Team to beat in the West: Nashville Predators?

[blues_demitra38 11]

Interesting fact that may have been overlooked during these playoffs is that the Hawks completed a near miraculous comeback over the Predators in Game 5 of their first round series where they tie the game SHORTHANDED and then win it in overtime, closing out the series in Game 6. That game is the one you look back to as the pivotal one during the Hawks' Cup run.

Now, think back to 2008: What moment really defined that playoffs for the Wings? Yup, Game 5 versus Nashville where The Mule netted the game winner.

Both were Game 5's, both could have gone either way and both served as a rallying point for their respective Cup Champion teams.

[Swayze 81]

Since 1994, the Western Conference Champions has either been Detroit or beaten Detroit except for 3 years (the 2 times Dallas made it and this year). I think we're still the team to beat.

*edit* and when I think of the 2008 cup run, I think of Zetterberg's 5 on 3 kill as the defining moment.

Edited June 10, 2010 by Swayze

[Guest EZBAKETHAGANGSTA]

I'd hold off judgment until the rosters are actually set, but that's just me.

[blues_demitra38 11]

That PK was pretty clutch, but I was never worried during that series. It always looked like it was professionals (Wings) and amateurs (Penguins) out there. When Sykora scored that triple OT goal the only reason I was upset was that Detroit wouldn't win it on home ice.

The Nashville series could have legitimately gone either way, and that's why I think Franzen's game winner was THE moment of the playoffs in 2008 for Detroit.

[Donaldjr2448 43]

I can agree with this statement! I think that in 2008 Nashville gave the Wings the wakeup call they needed that propelled them into the rest of the playoffs. Nashville is the type of team that will battle all the way to the bitter end and they simply do not quit. Barry Trotz has implemented a system that the players and especially the young players that if you work hard you will be rewarded.

Nashville's main issue is the ownership. If they would simply get a couple of free agents they could possibly be a Carolina or Tampa Bay Championships. Until they do so, I do not see Nashville being anything more than a first round doormat!

[Swayze 81]

The only 2 reasons Nashville even had us in that position was because Dominator was sucking and Dan Ellis was on fire. Once we put in Ozzie, it was easy.

[Jedi 1,865]

The only 2 reasons Nashville even had us in that position was because Dominator was sucking...

Agreed.

...and Dan Ellis was on fire...

Also agreed.

...Once we put in Ozzie, it was easy.

Not so much.

Game 5 was hardly easy. I was there, and it was a hard fought battle, despite the overwhelming majority of shots in our favor. Flip scored about 5 minutes in, and it stayed that way until Nashville tied it up with about 45 seconds left. Despite the overwhelming majority of shots that we threw at Ellis, he stood on his head and made every save.

You could cut the tension of the crowd with a knife. Everyone had the same thought, that we were going to have one of "those" games. Throw tons of shots, but get beat by two silly simple bad luck goals.

In the end, only 2 goals went past Ellis. A laser of a shot from Flip, high glove side that just barely tucked in under the crossbar (sniper goal, no doubt), and Franzen's breakaway which was gift-wrapped due to a bad neutral zone defensive breakdown and a beautiful pass from Kronwall to Franzen. The two goals scored in that game were pretty goals, but by no means easy. If that game was easy, we would have won 7-1, instead of 2-1.

Game 6 was scoreless until the later half of the 2nd period, and became 2-0 about 4 minutes into the 3rd. That game was close wire-to-wire too.

[Zion 93]

Franzen scored a little over a minute in. I remember: I was writing off the Wings for blowing the lead late in the 3rd.

[MannyK 16]

Since 1994, the Western Conference Champions has either been Detroit or beaten Detroit except for 3 years (the 2 times Dallas made it and this year). I think we're still the team to beat.

*edit* and when I think of the 2008 cup run, I think of Zetterberg's 5 on 3 kill as the defining moment.

The Canucks didn't beat Detroit in '94 (we lost to the Sharks) ... unless you were referring to the 94-95 season, in which case you are correct.

[WorkingOvertime 536]

I can't agree with this. I see Nashville as a team line Phoenix this year- capable of beating any team in a 7 game series, but unlikely to win four consecutive series. Nashville plays very well as a team, but they lack star offensive firepower that most teams have. While their D is good, it is hard to rely solely on D for an entire playoffs.

[magicaldatsyuk 6]

I can't agree with this. I see Nashville as a team line Phoenix this year- capable of beating any team in a 7 game series, but unlikely to win four consecutive series. Nashville plays very well as a team, but they lack star offensive firepower that most teams have. While their D is good, it is hard to rely solely on D for an entire playoffs.

agreed. theyre a hard working team but i dont think they have the offensive talent over many teams...

[Hockey13Playa 240]

If you are referring to the up comming year, this is a TERRIBLE time to claim a team as "the team to beat". Right now the resigning period is currently going on, followed by the draft and free agency. A lot can happen between this very day and the start of the season. I'd hold of off to October for any threads like this.

As for the post I think the pivotal game was game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals when Chicago dismantaled Philadelphia. They pretty much had an easy ride all the way up until the 2-2 tie. Game 5 was the big one.

Edit: Clarity.

Edited June 10, 2010 by Hockey13Playa

[GMRwings1983 8,804]

Franzen scored a little over a minute in. I remember: I was writing off the Wings for blowing the lead late in the 3rd.

I remember that. You're lucky the reputation system wasn't around back then.

Seriously, though, I'll never forgive Martin Erat for that moronic play, which propelled the Hawks to the Stanley Cup.

[HankthaTank 1,100]

Mehh we don't know this...

Up and coming younger team, yeah. Haven't seen a single thing that shows team to beat in conference as stacked as the West. It's all banter but so is LGW.

[Swayze 81]

The Canucks didn't beat Detroit in '94 (we lost to the Sharks) ... unless you were referring to the 94-95 season, in which case you are correct.

Yes I was, typing fast