Those crazy columnists from the Globe and Mail, they just can’t help themselves. In an regular feature, posted on their website Friday, David Shoalts and Allan Maki “debated” a question… that question?

“The National Basketball Association and National Football League are both facing a labor stoppage next fall. Does this present an opportunity for the NHL to make inroads south of the border?”

The reason I put the word debated in quotes is that there was no debate… not that I would expect either columnist to look at the question objectively. There were the typical tired old potshots taken at franchises in markets they believe the NHL does not belong. Mr. Maki fires away at the Phoenix market especially without mentioning that most of the problems in the Phoenix market were caused by ownership and outsiders seeking to destabilize another franchise, not by a lack of support from hockey fans in the desert. Give them a good product, and they will show up in droves, for proof of that, look no further than last season’s Coyote playoff run or their first few seasons in the desert when the Coyotes were competitive.

They just don’t get it, and worse... they don't want to get it.

To be fair, I don’t get it either, only what I don’t get is how people believe that hockey does not have the capability to grow. Especially from columnists who profess to love the sport. They remind me of politicians who use the old saw “you have to destroy the village to save it.” The realities are, NHL TV ratings have been trending upward for quite some time, both in regular season and playoffs. Attendance continues to grow, even in the roughest economic environment we have seen in our lifetimes. Revenues continue to increase and the game is growing at the grassroots level with homegrown players from California, Texas, Florida and yes, even Tennessee… now making their way into NHL lineups. This cognitive dissonance is caused by their blind hatred for anything that has occurred on Gary Bettman’s watch, it clouds their (and a lot of others) judgement.

Will a potential work stoppage in the NFL and NBA be an opportunity for the NHL to make inroads?? Duh! Of course it will be, but those inroads won’t happen automatically. It will take effort, planning and flawless execution on the part of the league and its’ franchises… which is the biggest issue surrounding potential success in growing markets. I’ll be the first to admit, sometimes this league can’t get out of its’ own way on things that are obvious. The potential for inroads are great, as are the hazards, the league and its’ franchises need to be planning now for this scenario in order to take full advantage should the situation arise next season.

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The Predators are in Dallas tonight for a visit to their own little shop of horrors, the American Airlines Center. The Predators are 5-16-1 in their visits to Dallas’ rink overall, but have fared better over the past three seasons, posting a 3-3-0 record.

The Preds will look to JP Dumont, Steve Sullivan and Joel Ward to continue their excellent play against Dallas, the combo has potted 11 goals as a member of the team against the Stars. Improvements in special teams also will need to continue if the Preds hope to break their three game OT loss streak.

Brad Richards has led the Stars to a great start, they are 5-1-0 and off to their best start since 05-06 when they opened 8-1-0. Dallas has some bizarre stats however, stats that don’t indicate a 5-1-0 team. They’ve got the worst penalty kill in the league and are averaging only 23 shots a game. Brendan Morrow, James Neal and Loui Eriksson are the hot scorers for the Stars, scoring 13 of the teams 17 goals so far this young season.

Game time is 7pm with radio coverage only tonight on 102.9 the Buzz. It should be an interesting matchup... Wish I could watch it... Center Ice and Game Center Live coverage is blacked out in Nashville. The blackout is Fox Sports’ call as part of their war with DISH Network. Direct your complaints to Fox Sports or to Fox Sports South.

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I was really disappointed to see the Tennessean’s coverage of Thursday’s Pittsburgh game include a comment that the Bridgestone Arena crowd was chanting “We Want Crosby” on Thursday night. Talk about not getting the context of a situation… the Predators had just scored their third goal, one more score and the crowd would’ve gotten a free Wendy’s Frosty, hence the misunderstood chant of “We Want FROSTY’S!”... I get that it sounds alike and I could understand the mistake if it was made from an out-of-town reporter... but a local guy should know this.

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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, but we are having a bit of fun by getting your input on Gnash introductions, weigh in on Twitter and who knows, we may use your introduction for the best mascot in the NHL at the next Preds game!

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COMING UP ON THE NEXT SLAPSHOT RADIO…

SlapShot Radio has a good one planned for Wednesday featuring Darren Pang helping us preview the St. Louis game, we are efforting former NHL referee Kerry Fraser to join us to talk about his new book, plus we will go Behind the Bench with Preds Head Coach, Barry Trotz.

SlapShot Radio, SportsRadio 560 WNSR, every Wednesday at 6pm… listen online or on podcast at www.slapshotradio.com...

For the most updated guest information go to the SlapShot Radio website.

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