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The red hot Nashville Predators wear their new third jerseys for the first time tonight in a Central Division showdown with the St. Louis Blues at 501 Broadway tonight. After escaping the thin air of Denver with two points, the Preds came back home to enjoy Thanksgiving with their families… or in the case of some of the rookies, with Jason Arnott’s family. The Predators have won seven straight games going back to their win at St. Louis on 11/12, they have also won seven straight at home dating back to their win over the Blackhawks on 10/29.
Both teams come into tonight’s game relatively healthy with St. Louis only listing D.J. King as out.
You really have to wonder about the Blues. They have a tremendous amount of talent, a good young blueline and solid goaltending. Why are they struggling like they are? I can point to a few reasons…
Special teams – The Blues allowed 10 goals on 46 chances in their first ten games, that is now down to three in their last eleven, and one of those was an empty netter. Their record has certainly improved over that stretch. Their power play is 29th in the league, converting at a 13.1% pace.
Big Guns Misfiring – Brad Boyes and David Backes combined for 69 goals last season… this year they are on a pace for a little more than 20… Paul Kariya is not the Paul Kariya of old… Keith Tkachuk is not playing well and their entire offense seems out-of-sync.
Coaching – Andy Murray is not exactly known as a “player’s coach” and this year his message seems to be wearing thin. In a meeting he had with the team a few days ago, he called himself out, along with some of the players, as “minuses.” Murray could be on the hot seast if this team does not turn around.
The pressure in St. Louis is high to follow up on their thrilling run to the playoffs last season with another playoff appearance. It’s too early to write this team off, Wednesday night’s win over the Stars in Dallas may be a turnaround point for the Blues. Tonight may be another one.
Nashville, on the other hand, needs to continue to do the things that have them on the verge of tying the franchise record for consecutive wins. Solid goaltending, great special teams, disciplined play and continuing to shoot the puck, the Predators have been playing simple hockey lately and it has shown in the standings.
Game time is 7pm, coverage on 104.5 the Zone and on FS Tennessee.
While we may not be having a show this Wednesday, we will be having a watch party at the Flying Saucer. Come join us for third annual “Out of This World” watch party starting at 5pm. The event is a fund raiser for CAPE.
More details to come.
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You are invited to follow me on Twitter. Search for PredPAPaul… Not only will I be updating when I get news or updates… I’ll also be updating during Pred home games in season with information and explanations from the PA box.
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