Before the just-complete homestand started, the Predators were 3-3-2 in February and hadn’t won back-to-back games since the All-Star break. Facing four playoff contenders in a seven-day span, the Preds were going to be tested at a time that they weren’t playing their best. It’s safe to say Shea Weber and company passed the test, going 3-0-1 in the four games.

“Anytime you play well at home it’s important,” Weber said, “especially down the stretch run going into the playoffs. These home games are so big and you need to make sure you’re ready to go.”

The Preds accumulated seven of a possible eight points this past week, beating the likes of Vancouver, San Jose and Los Angeles, as well as earning a point against a very good St. Louis club.

“You don’t know where anyone is going to finish; it’s still so tight,” Weber said. “It’s important to win at home and establish that dominance at home.”

Head coach Barry Trotz added, “I think we knew we had a stretch of home games where we needed the wins because of the competition we’re facing and against a lot of teams winning games and we’ve played a lot of top teams coming through here.”

Looking at more of the big picture – the last time the Preds lost in regulation at home was Jan. 5 against Dallas. Since then they are 10-0-2 at Bridgestone Arena. Moreover, since Dec. 6 when the Preds fell to 4-5-3 at home following a loss to Phoenix, they are a staggering 17-2-2.

With 11 of their final 19 games coming on the road, it’s a good thing the Preds have racked up so many home wins in the last two and a half months.

***

The Morning After:
Yesterday’s results:
Predators 2, Kings 1

Smashville 24/7 3 stars of the night:
1. Pekka Rinne (30 saves)
2. David Legwand (2 assists)
3. Patric Hornqvist (1 goal)

Recaps around the blogosphere:

Play of the game:
http://nhl.cdn.neulion.net/u/videocenter/embed.swf

***

Decibel Level Chart:
How loud was it in Smashville last night? Find out here…