Geoffrion Positive, “In Awe” Despite Loss

Blake Geoffrion played against the Montreal Canadiens for the first time in his career. (Sarah Fuqua)

Saturday night’s matchup against the Montreal Canadiens was the 1,000th game in Predators franchise history, but it was a first for Blake Geoffrion. Geoffrion’s grandfather, Bernie “Boom Boom” Geoffrion, and his great-grandfather, Howie Morenz, both had Hall of Fame careers with the Montreal Canadiens. The number 5 that Blake wears is the same number that his grandfather wore in Montreal – a number that hangs in the rafters of the Bell Centre.

“That was pretty cool,” Geoffrion said. “As much history as the organization has, the fact that my family was involved in it is pretty special. I’ve heard a lot of stories. Just the jersey and the presence of that team – that organization – is pretty cool. I was kind of in awe.”

Barry Trotz was complimentary of Geoffrion’s play.

“I thought he had a really strong game,” Trotz said. “I thought (Geoffrion) had really good focus. I thought he was really good tonight.”

While Blake and the Predators did not have a storybook night in the franchise’s 1,000th game – Nashville lost 2-1 in overtime to Montreal – the Western Conference’s top penalty kill continued to perform. Montreal had three power plays, but Nashville managed to kill them all. In addition, Nashville’s only goal of the night was a shorthanded chance by Shea Weber.

“A lot of guys take a lot of pride in that as a team,” Geoffrion said. “Guys are blocking shots. Obviously our best penalty killer is always our goalie. Pekka’s obviously played really well for us. We’ve worked hard in practice with Lane (Lambert). I think pressure is the biggest thing as well as sacrificing the shots.”

However, a lethargic first period may have set the tone for the night. In the first 20 minutes, the Predators put just 4 shots on goal.

“I think (the road trip) affect us a little bit,” Geoffrion said. “We have to get back on our sleep schedule and stuff like that. We’re not going to use that as an excuse for the way we played. I think we were a little slow, but I think we bounced back and played the we needed to after the first period.”

In 16 games this season, Geoffrion has yet to put a puck in the back of the net. However, he is not discouraged.

“Chances are coming,” Geoffrion said. “That’s a good thing. If the chances aren’t coming, then you’re not happy with your game. The chances are coming and one of these days it’s going to go in.”

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(voted with 5 minutes left in the 3rd period)

1. Pekka Rinne – Nashville Predators
2. Peter Budaj – Montreal Canadiens
3. Shea Weber – Nashville Predators

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1. Max Pacioretty – Montreal Canadiens
2. Peter Budaj – Montreal Canadiens
3. Pekka Rinne – Nashville Predators

Original Story: http://www.puckscene.com/2011/11/geof...