April 25, 2011

The Predators Finally Deliver

By - Kris Fletcher

After twelve seasons of coming up short, Nashville finally broke through.

Photo by: Sanford Myers
On Sunday night in defeating the Anaheim Ducks by a final score of 4-2, the Predators won the series four games to two and advanced to the Western Conference Semifinals. It was Nashville's first playoff round victory in the history of the franchise.

The Predators had qualified for the postseason five previous times, only to be bounced in the opening round.

Nick Spaling was key in helping them finally get over the hump as he scored two goals, including the game-winner in the third-period. Steve Sullivan and David Legwand also added one goal each, and Jordin Tootoo had two assists.

Nashville's Nick Spaling pushes one of his two goals past Anaheim's Andreas Lilja (3) and Ray Emery. The Predators won a playoff series for the first time on Sunday.
Photo by: Mark Humphrey
Up next for the Predators will be either the Detroit Red Wings, who swept the Phoenix Coyotes in the opening round, or the top-seeded Vancouver Canucks, who held a commanding three games to zero lead over the Chicago Blackhawks, only to drop three straight and be pushed to a Game 7 on Tuesday night.

I'm not sure if the city of Nashville will ever TRULY be a "hockeytown," but it definitely has a solid hockey TEAM. For the last half-decade the Preds have consistently made the playoffs, and now that they've finally managed to get out of the first round, maybe they're ready to make a serious run at Lord Stanley's Cup.

4 comments:

  1. TimApril 25, 2011 at 3:59 PM

    I've been a Predators season ticket holder since they started playing in '98. It's great to see them finally get over the hump and win a playoff series. Go Preds!

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  2. Doug JohnsApril 25, 2011 at 4:36 PM

    It's awesome the Predators finally got past the first round. I hope they get Detroit next, cause I would love to see the Preds eliminate them also!

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  3. Jeff MaynardApril 25, 2011 at 4:47 PM

    Nashville is playing good hockey. They've got a chance to win it all!

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  4. RachelApril 25, 2011 at 5:30 PM

    Great to see Nashville finally win a series! Go Preds!

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