Game 5 Thoughts, the Fallout, and Game 6

After Game 5, I had to step away from the keyboard.  I didn’t even want to see the reaction from my fellow Predator fans until I had time to digest all that occurred in that game.  After pondering and stewing in my thoughts, here are my thoughts going into tonight’s game.

If Nashville can put the heartbreak of the Game 5 loss behind them and win tonight, I like their chances in Game 7 on Wednesday.  The fact of the matter is that they had no business being 13 seconds from victory on Saturday and yet they were.  Out of three games in Chicago, they’ve won once, had the lead with 13 seconds to go once, and were defeated 3-0 after going into third down only one goal.  There’s every reason, as a Predator’s fan, to believe that they can defeat Chicago in a Game 7 at Chicago- especially considering all the pressure will be on Chicago.

First things first, however, and that means they have to win tonight.  Mentally, it could be very hard on the players to put the Game 5 loss behind them.  If this were any other incarnation of the Predators from the past, I wouldn’t like their chances.  But, after seeing the resiliency of this team displayed time and again this season, I think they have a good chance tonight.

It would help if they came out and played balls to the wall physical like they did in Game 3.  It would help if Patric Hornqvist can play and be effective.  It would help if Jason Arnott could begin to contribute.  It would be a huge benefit if they could actually score on the powerplay.

Marian Hossa

I, for one, am not surprised that no suspension was handed down by the NHL for Hossa’s dangerous play in Game 5.  In my opinion, the NHL under Gary Bettman has done many things right.  One thing they’ve always had a problem with however is integrity- meaning a lack thereof.  Bob McKenzie has previously stated at times how much integrity Colin Campbell has.  I love to read Bob and respect his opinions greatly and will trust him when he states that Campbell is man of integrity.  Unfortunately that integrity does not translate into the decisions on supplemental discipline- whoever makes that final call.  There is no integrity or accountability when it comes to officiating in the NHL and its supplemental discipline.  It’s also the primary reason that players should not give up their ability to police themselves.  They certainly can’t trust the League to do it.

Fallout to Come

Regardless of whether Nashville advances past Chicago, there must be some accountability for the years of a mostly below average powerplay.  I’ve long thought that Peter Horachek should be fired (even before his comments during the in-game interview for Game 4).

At this point, however, I think Barry should be given the ultimatum that a new coach should be brought in to focus on improving the powerplay.  He must then choose which assistant will lose their position to the new coach.

Some argue that it’s not the coach, but the personnel.  On the whole, I think that has little merit.  Regardless, it’s easier to replace a coach (or coaches) than the players, and someone should finally be held accountable.

Nashville’s complete incompetence on the powerplay is the reason this series is not already over- not the errors committed by Martin Erat, odd coaching decisions at the end of Game 5, etc.