On the Forecheck
Keep the momentum rolling
by Forechecker on 02/05/09 at 03:57 PM ET
Comments (0)
A nice post-All Star break start by the Predators (3-1) has Nashville back within hailing distance of playoff position, with a critical stretch coming up over the next four days; tonight vs. Anaheim, Friday at Minnesota, and Sunday at Dallas. All three of those opponents are included in the cluster of teams battling for four available playoff spots, so making progress in the playoff race means taking at least 3 points out of these games (considering two are on the road).
One tempting storyline has attributed the Preds’ recent success to the reunion of the Sullivan/Arnott/Dumont line, especially in light of the production of Dumont (3 goals) and Arnott (2 goals) of late. However, you might be surprised to find out that these three, as a line, haven’t actually done much…
| Player | Goals | Saved Shots | Missed Shots | Shots Blocked | Corsi |
| Wade Belak | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | -1 |
| Martin Erat | 1 | 10 | 2 | 1 | +6 |
| David Legwand | 0 | 8 | 1 | 3 | +3 |
| Radek Bonk | 1 | 6 | 1 | 4 | -4 |
| Jason Arnott | 1 | 3 | 1 | 5 | -9 |
| Jordin Tootoo | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | -6 |
| Jerred Smithson | 0 | 5 | 1 | 2 | +6 |
| Steve Sullivan | 0 | 3 | 2 | 2 | -26 |
| Patric Hornqvist | 0 | 2 | 2 | 2 | +2 |
| Ryan Jones | 0 | 10 | 2 | 1 | +1 |
| Joel Ward | 1 | 3 | 2 | 0 | -9 |
| Vern Fiddler | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | -11 |
| Antti Pihlstrom | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | +6 |
| J.P. Dumont | 2 | 6 | 5 | 2 | -13 |
| Sully/Arnott/Dumont | 1 | 15 | 10 | 9 | -15 |
The table above (data from TimeOnIce.com) shows the results of Even Strength play in the last four games; the Big Line has actually been outscored 3-1 so far, and that Corsi number isn’t encouraging. Now, one could make the case that Sully’s presence opens up opportunities for other players, since even though he hasn’t scored yet, he’s still enough of a threat that he attracts attention from opposing defenses.
The upside, of course, is that if Sullivan does start scoring, that could give Nashville enough offensive punch to hang in the Western Conference playoff chase. Remember, they’re not chasing gazelles, folks; this is a large collection of mediocre teams, where “pretty good” might just be good enough.
Filed in: Nashville Predators, NHL Statistical Analysis | On the Forecheck | Permalink
Comments
Be the first to comment.
Add a Comment
Please limit embedded image or media size to 575 pixels wide.
Add your own avatar by joining Kukla's Korner, or logging in and uploading one in your member control panel.
Captchas bug you? Join KK or log in and you won't have to bother.
Commenting is not available in this weblog entry.
Most Recent Blog Posts
A pivotal Predators prospect: Colin Wilson
Canadian hockey team on the road to Nashville
Two recreational hockey players die on same night, at same rink
Calgary investor Brett Wilson to buy stake in the Nashville Predators
Preds enjoy a command performance
To buy or not to buy? That is the question…
About Kukla’s Korner
Kukla’s Korner is updated around the clock with the work of our own talented bloggers, plus links to the best hockey writing around the internet. We strive to bring you all the breaking hockey news as it happens.
The home page allows you to see the latest postings from every blog on the site. Subscribe here. For general inquiries and more, please contact us anytime.
Get the top online sports betting bonuses available to sports betters!
Kukla’s Korner is always a free service for readers, but it costs some money to maintain. If you’re ever in a position to donate a few dollars to help out, we’d be very appreciative.