In this four-game home-stand, Nashville's longest remaining of the season, the Predators needed at absolute worst, four of eight points. They've already picked up five of a possible six, and could have easily gotten all six. Their 6-2 win over San Jose means Nashville will have a positive home-stand.
This stretch of games is highly important for the Predators. Next month, they have a three-game home-stand to start, but then are on the road for almost the entire rest of March. Two home games are sandwiched between road games, and the third home game is the second of a back-to-back.
When the Predators allow two or fewer goals, they almost always at least get one point. In their last six games, the Predators have allowed two or fewer goals. In that stretch, they are 4-1-1. Bridgestone Arena has also become one of the toughest buildings in the NHL. The Predators haven't lost in regulation at home since Jan. 5.
While Nashville doesn't have a true first line, the Predators beat teams with balance. On Saturday, 12 of 18 skaters notched points for the Predators.
Nashville has a tough stretch coming up. On Monday, it takes on newly energized Los Angeles with Jeff Carter, then it will travel to Carolina to try to beat former Milwaukee Admirals coach Kirk Muller. That's the final game before the March slate begins.
NOTES, QUOTES
The Predators traded right wing Jerred Smithson on Friday. As a player who had been with the Predators for the last seven seasons, Smithson will be sorely missed. He scored the OT winner in Game 5 against Anaheim last playoffs. On top of that, he was the locker room DJ and worked the team's iPod. He and defenseman Shea Weber have been road roommates the last four years.
"He's such a character guy and means so much in the locker room, everyone kind of looks up to him," said Weber. "He's a veteran presence, especially around here, where we're so young."
Right wing Martin Erat had a strong weekend. On Friday, he welcomed his first child, a boy named Sebastien, into the world. On Saturday, he had an empty net goal and an assist. Following the game, Erat's hospital bracelet was on the same wrist as his charity bracelets.
"It feels great, just a great feeling, to have a kid and get two points. It's a very exciting time," Erat said. "I spent all day in the hospital, but everything went well. My wife and Sebastien feel good. It's an exciting time for me."
Left wing Colin Wilson's consistency has picked up a few notches. The forward scored his third goal in four games. At 33 points in 59 games, he's one back of his career high of 34 set in 82 games last season.
"This is the time you have to play hard and play your best," Wilson said. "The last two years, I didn't realize that. I want to get on a roll here."
QUOTE TO NOTE
"There's a lot of ups and downs throughout the year, but I think the biggest thing is preparation. Guys are ready to play at home. Before, guys thought it would come easy and it's not the case, there's a lot of work that has to go into it." -- D Shea Weber.
ROSTER REPORT
D Shea Weber, with two goals, pulled into a tie for the defenseman lead in goal scoring. It was his second two-goal game of the season.
D Roman Josi notched two assists. Josi has three points in his last two games. Since being paired with D Hal Gill, Josi has three points and is a plus-3.
G Pekka Rinne allowed two goals or fewer for the sixth straight start. Rinne is 4-1-1 in that stretch.
