A real quick post before I go to work. That means it's light on content, but I'll make up for it in the post-game as always. Basically I wanted a place for everyone to have the pre-game discussions today.
The Preds will drop the puck on their 09-10 season at 7 pm tonight at the American Airlines Center in Dallas. The Stars have historically given the Preds fits in Dallas (4-15-1 overall), but the last two seasons the Preds have gone 2-2 at the AAC.
Tonight, maybe the biggest question is who starts in goal. Pekka Rinne was the #1 goaltender heading into training camp. Dan Ellis made a very strong push with a great pre-season, while Rinne found himself the bearer of bad breaks and an inflated save percentage. All of this has caused Predators Head Coach Barry Trotz to now head into the season with his yearly 1A and 1B goaltender cycle. There are two sides to the debate on this one. A: Rinne earned the starters role last season and has yet to lose it in meaningful games. B: Ellis has looked stellar in pre-season, plays well against Dallas, and as we saw last season, you need every point you can muster so if he's hot, play him. That whole situation is ripe for debate.
Also, it should be noted that Peks has never played a game against Dallas. For some reason, I wouldn't be shocked to see Barry put D. Ellis in tonight.
Fun Fact: The Preds are 2-7-(1)-0 in season opening games on the road.
Also, the Tennessean is reporting that both Joel Ward and Jordin Tootoo will miss tonight's game.
So let me know who should start in goal, give me your prediction for tonight, and let me know where you will be taking in the 1st Nashville Predators game of the 09-10 season.
Enjoy the game tonight and I'll have the post-game up for you soon after the final horn.
Till then, take care.
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