GDT: 1/18 7pm Preds vs Nucks- Pitter Patter Get Back at 'Er Edition.

[101st_fan]

So I've noticed this but don't understand - why do y'all think they've put Tolvanen on the point on the PP rather than the half boards?

The PP unit is much more fluid now. Set places aren't as much of a thing in the current system. Where I see the problem is that Tolvy seems to see the soft spot where he can settle in to get the puck is a good 15 feet further out than where he had his limited success on the PP last season. That changes the angle of his shot a little and gives the goalie a slight bit more time to react.

 

[Marty Party]

Watching this live was epic.

 

[AlwaysPreds]

The PP unit is much more fluid now. Set places aren't as much of a thing in the current system. Where I see the problem is that Tolvy seems to see the soft spot where he can settle in to get the puck is a good 15 feet further out than where he had his limited success on the PP last season. That changes the angle of his shot a little and gives the goalie a slight bit more time to react.

Yes I think that's why I've noticed - he's just too far out now.

 

[101st_fan]

It is apparent that Preds really miss Ekholm. The next man up thing didn’t work for him. They go pretty good with the 3 pairs but they really need to figure out the 7/8. It ain’t nobody I’ve seen yet.

The entire second pair is out and it shows. Ekholm is the key there ... Fabbro is still a giant step up from any of the players we've seen as replacements on that pairing. With both out we break up what is a rather effective 3rd pairing in Benning and Boro while creating an ad hoc 2nd pairing with Benning and a rotating guy from out of the press box (Harpur or Davies). Bringing in a 7/8 to fill the 3rd pairing is one thing ... bringing in 7 and 8 to fill the 2nd and 3rd pairing creates an all new set of issues.

This was never a true 1st place team that had more points based on more games played ... usually a 2nd through 4th in the conference based upon points percentage. Still there after the past few games.

 

[101st_fan]

Yes I think that's why I've noticed - he's just too far out now.

There were times that happened last season as well. Then there are times he's on the other wing. Where he was successful on the PP last season was almost Arnott-like ... quick shot from within a few feet of the left wing faceoff dot on a quick, cross ice pass.

 

[originalpredfan]

Cute is not a word I would use to describe an NHL team, but tonight the Preds seem to feel they could provide a "cutsey" style of passing game and waltz out with a victory. The effort was not there tonight from the gitgo. As soon as Ekholm returns to the lineup, they need to put Carrier in the press box and have him watch and learn. I'm afraid his early success has resulted in his current lack of smart decision making. He needs to spend some time off the ice to focus on what he needs to do to continue his growth.

 

[OldFan]

Well, Preds were supposed to have some holes with “just learning” kids in player roles. So secondary scoring was suspect and young D
a potential problem. At mid-season we should be happy with their position but the holes persist. Jeannot and Trenin have come through but not Tolvanen, Kunin and Tomasino. D just can’t stand 1,2,3 or 4 to be gone. Only effective D subs are for 5/6 only.

 

[Scoresberg]

Myers starting to get his legs under him. Nothing more positive to say about that one. Tomasino looked good, too.

Carrier doesn't look good.

 

[triggrman]

Just a sloppy game, even from the forwards. Trying to make the pretty play instead of just getting it to net, which is where we've been successful. Forsberg looked tired and not as strong on the puck.

Tomasino looked ready to play, he just needs some talent around him.

 

[hockey diva]

I agree with OPF, too much cutesy passing and not enough direct shots on net. Rittich was not good at covering up the puck to stop the play. Passing was atrocious unless you were Vancouver in which case you said “thank you very much”.

Just an ugly game all around.

 

[Legionnaire11]

Rittich was not good, but good enough to win with a competent performance in front of him. Seems like the story with him so far this season, I wasn't concerned before but now I'm at least dusting off the worry meter...

 

[Scoresberg]

Rittich was not good, but good enough to win with a competent performance in front of him. Seems like the story with him so far this season, I wasn't concerned before but now I'm at least dusting off the worry meter...

Nah. I think he’s fine. It can’t be easy playing once or twice a month.

The team failed him last night.

 

[nine_inch_fang]

Seems like Rittich is good for one goal against every game which is pretty common for back ups in this league. The Preds need to figure on scoring 4 to expect to win any game he plays.

 

[Porter Stoutheart]

Rittich was not good, but good enough to win with a competent performance in front of him. Seems like the story with him so far this season, I wasn't concerned before but now I'm at least dusting off the worry meter...

I will dust off the worry meter... when Saros demonstrable breaks down. Saros hasn't played 50 or 60 or 70 games in a season before, so that to me is the REAL worry here. He hasn't been great the last few games, but so far I'm counting that as a "blip". But if it becomes more of a settled issue, well, then we NEED our backup to stand out. We just don't have any data on any of that so far.

 

[Legionnaire11]

In case I wasn't clear, I'm not saying Rittich needs to be replaced or that we can't count on him. I actually think he needs more playing time to stay sharp, and of course having Fabbro and Ekholm to balance the pairs and add defensive presence as well because even Saros hasn't looked solid recently.

 

[bdub24]

Well… this feels like a streak I’m afraid

 

[adsfan]

Seems like Rittich is good for one goal against every game which is pretty common for back ups in this league. The Preds need to figure on scoring 4 to expect to win any game he plays.

How about the Preds tighten up the defense when the get their 2 starting Dmen back in the line up?

Like Scoresberg said, it can't be easy playing 1 or 2 times a month, especially when your defense isn't helping.