Nashville - Two wins, two losses -- but who's keeping count? It is is the preseason after all, and the only real winners are those who come out healthy.
The Predators started their 16-game preseason schedule with a four game series against the St. Louis Blues. Four games in five nights, with two games played at each location.
Game One Box Score
An energetic Gaylord Entertainment Center played host to the first game, but in the end, the hometown fans walked away with little to cheer about.
Despite a balanced offensive attack throughout the three periods, the Predators managed to score only one goal off of 28 shots in what was a 3-1 final. An off-the-mark slapshot from the point by Dan Hamhuis played pinball, richocheting off Scott Hartnell's leg and deflected in by the shaft of Eric Messier's stick. Rob DiMaio, Antti Miettinen, and Raffi Torres scored for the Blues.
Both teams seemed rusty from the start, though a few players looked to be in mid-season form on both sides. Rick DiPietro was solid in net for the Blues, turning aside 27 shots, and making two unbelievable kick saves on breakaway opportunities by Steve Sullivan and Adam Hall.
For the Predators, it was Martin Erat who made his presence felt. The 24-year-old Czech had a game-high five hits to go along with three shots, as well as a sharp wrister that clanked off the short-side post. Though he finished the game a -2, coach Barry Trotz was much impressed with his young winger. "He was the best player on the ice for us tonight," said Trotz. "He had a couple misqueues defensively, but overall, he played a great game -- very pleased."
Game Two Box Score
The series switched focus to St. Louis for game two, a 2-0 final in which both teams hit the 30-shot mark.
After being outshout 14-6 in a scoreless first period, Nashville broke the deadlock less than a minute into the second frame on a goal by Steve Sullivan, the only shot of 17 to beat Blues goalie Rick DiPietro in the period.
Stephane Yelle tipped home the insurance marker midway through the third, and goaltender Tomas Vokoun shut the door making 31 saves to give the Predators their first victory of the preseason.
Game Three Box Score
It was back to Nashville for game three, and another 3-1 loss in front of the home crowd for the Preds.
Greg Johnson was the lone goal scorer for Nashville, wristing in a feed from Adam Hall on the power play 1:10 into the second period. Chad Kilger also assisted.
Mika Noronen was between the pipes, wearing Nashville colors for the first time. He stopped 25 of 28 shots, and survived seven shots that clanked off the goal post. "Rust, nerves, it was all of that," said Noronen of his play. "I never really felt comfortable tonight, hopefully it's all behind me now."
Game Four Box Score
Coach Barry Trotz opted for a veteran lineup for game four at the Savvis Center, dressing what very well could be the team's opening day lineup. The move resulted in a 4-1 win, and more importantly gave the players a chance to get acquainted on the ice with their new teammates.
It was back-and-forth fore most of the first period, with both teams getting solid chances, but having nothing to show for it on the scoreboard. Martin Erat changed all that for the Predators, scoring in the final three minutes of the frame to give Nashville a one goal lead at the end of 20.
St. Louis wasted no time getting the goal back, Jason Arnott muscled his way into the zone and through three defenders to tie the game up, 56 seconds into the second period. The frame would end in a 1-1 tie, setting up a wide open third period.
And wide open it was. Nashville head coach Barry Trotz threw his system out the window, and let his forwards run loose. Fourteen shots in the period resulted in three goals, the final two coming 25 seconds apart.
Greg Johnson scored the go-ahead goal at 4:32 of the third, on one of Scott Hartnell's three assists in the period.
Newcomer Aaron Miller scored his first goal as a Predator 12 minutes later, finishing the game with a +4 rating. Erat came back 25 seconds later with his second goal of the game.