Long winless streak for Predators' goalie includes a pair of brief appearances

Here’s the long and short of it for Dan Ellis.

The Nashville Predators’ goalie has gone five straight games without a victory – the longest streak of his career – and two of his last three starts, including Saturday’s 7-2 loss to the Atlanta Thrashers, have been cut short.

Ellis was pulled a little more than halfway through the first period (10:48) against the Thrashers, who jumped to a 3-0 lead on their first four shots. It was similar to his appearance Jan. 8 against Pittsburgh, when he was sent to the bench 3:29 into the second and the Predators behind 2-0.

“I felt bad for Dan,” coach Barry Trotz said Saturday night. “I can’t fault Dan that we gave up three goals in four shots. I was just trying to change the momentum again.”

The first time it worked. The Predators rallied in front of Pekka Rinne and defeated the Penguins 5-3.

Against Atlanta it did not. The Thrashers dealt Nashville its worst loss of the season, one which prompted the Predators to conduct a players-only meeting when it was finished.

“Even though (the Thrashers) are not one of the best teams in the league, they have outstanding forwards that can put the puck in the net,” Ellis said. “When you give those guys wide open chances, they’ll bury them.”

Ellis was credited with the loss and fell to 10-16-3 for the season.

In 30 games he already has six more losses than he had in all of 2007-08 when he went 23-10-3 in 44 appearances. His last victory was Dec. 26 against Detroit. Since then he has started five games and has lost four with one no-decision (the victory over Pittsburgh).

Twice previously this season he has had personal four-game losing streaks, but each included at least one overtime defeat. He did have one run of four straight losses last season, but then went 17-6-0 the rest of the way.

“You just have to stop the puck,” Ellis said. “You have to find ways to keep it out of the net and be responsible for what you’re responsible for. … You have to zero in on making saves and giving the team a chance to win.

“… I’m sure I got blamed for things (Saturday), but what do you do?”

Trotz was not among those who looked Ellis’ way when it came to assessing blame. In fact, he only turned to his goalie to offer an opportunity.

“I asked him late in the third period, ‘Do you want to go in for some work?’” Trotz said. “He’s had some misfortune. Dan’s a terrific guy, and I felt like he was slighted there.

“Dan’s taken the brunt of that. … It’s nothing personal with Dan, Dan’s been terrific for us this year.”