Dallas Stars eliminated from playoffs after shutout loss to Nashville Predators 2-0 -NHL Update
In what turned out to be one of the most disappointing scenarios of the 2011-2012 National Hockey League (NHL) regular season, Dallas Stars were eliminated from the playoff race after a 2-0 shutout loss to Nashville Predators on Thursday night, April 5,
2012, at the sold-out Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee.
After holding on to the third spot in the Western Conference and leading the Pacific Division, Dallas fell down in the final weeks before playoffs after Los Angeles Kings rallied for multiple victories. Kings not only took over Stars for the third position
but as a result, have also eliminated them.
It could certainly be termed to be one of the most sloppy performances being a top level team as Dallas has now lost four straight and definitely brought this mess upon themselves.
Nashville goalie, Pekka Rinne, was on the top of his game against Dallas as the veteran net-minder earned his fifth shutout of the regular season, building some momentum for the playoffs.
Dallas was dominated by San Jose Sharks in their previous two matchups as once, the Sharks shut them out 3-0 and previously, 5-2, but in exact opposite to what was expected of them, a rebound, Stars just continue to struggle.
"We were just worried about winning the game and see if they could put it back in our court," Trotz said. "We knew, as a coach, obviously we knew they had a real hard game in St. Louis. We were just hoping New Jersey would give us the honours of giving us
a chance to be home ice, so we've got to go in there and see if we can get it."
Francis Bouillon and Patric Hornqvist finally put up some goals after a scoreless 40 minute shutdown of both teams, securing the win with less than two minutes remaining to be played.
Nashville Predators are one point above fifth place Detroit Red Wings now after the win and are excited to have the home-ice advantage going in.
"The Saturday night game is going to be huge for us," Hornqvist said. "We were great at home and have been all year. I'm looking forward to Saturday night and I hope we can get a big win and start at home."
Predators are aiming to end the season off with three straight wins when they face Colorado Avalanche on Saturday while Stars face St. Louis Blues on the same day to end it off.
Tags: