What a strange evening at the Bridge last night. Amid the celebration of a 3-0 shutout over the Coyotes, life intruded in the rudest way possible and provided the kind of perspective that is needed from time to time. The good news from last night was the Predators getting their first regulation win in almost two weeks, their first regulation win on home ice since October 14th. When I heard that stat, I had to check it twice. The other good news… two power play goals. All in all, a satisfying win.

Life got in the way of celebrating that win with the knowledge of the passing of two people united by a love of hockey and by the disease that claimed their lives.

I got the honor of meeting nine year old Brandi Burton on October 21st, she’s the poster child for the Predators Hockey Fights Cancer campaign this year, she dropped the puck on the ceremonial face off on that date. Brandi has been fighting Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma for over three years, a third of her young life. The most touching part of her story is that her diagnosis came just four days after she had donated 10” of her hair to “Locks of Love.” Brandi bravely fought over these three plus years, but ultimately passed on Sunday evening. We had a moment of silence for her before the ame started last night, it was a very difficult thing for this father to read, I cannot fathom what the Burton family has gone through.

Sometimes, I am ashamed to admit, you take having three healthy children for granted… never again for this father.

Life got another shot in as I heard the news of Hockey Hall of Fame writer Jim Kelly’s passing at the age of 61. I’ve read his columns for years and was lucky enough to have him as a guest on SlapShot Radio last season. Kelly died from pancreatic cancer last evening in a Buffalo hospital. His insightful writing and obvious love of hockey was intertwined in all he did. The best way I can describe him is to use his own words, in his second to last column for Sportsnet.ca, writing about the passing of Pat Burns…

He was a good man who battled a wicked disease and he did it with conviction and courage and with the idea that even while dying he could help others live with both dignity and understanding. You don't find many men better than that. He will be missed.

Truer words were never written, a worthy epitaph for a voice that will indeed be missed.

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One of the best ways I can think of to remember and honor these brave individuals who fought hard and well is to donate what you can to the cancer fighting charity of your choice. Perhaps to the Predators foundation Care for Kids efforts, I ask for your thoughts and prayers for the Burton and Kelly families in their time of grief.

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Life continues and the Predators are in Columbus for an important Central Division showdown tonight, the Predators hoping to build on their solid win over the Coyotes last night, the Blue Jackets trying to get back on track after dropping back to back games to division leading Detroit. Nashville has a winning record at Nationwide, going 16-10-3 all-time in Columbus. I’m sure I echo Pred fans everywhere when I say, let’s get this done in regulation.

Game time is 6pm CST, coverage on 102.9 the Buzz and Fox Sports Tennessee.

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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…

This week’s SlapShot Radio is Thursday night (Preds are in Columbus on Wednesday) and we will be chatting up Greg “Puck Daddy” Wyshynski. We will preview Saturday’s game against the Hurricanes with Carolina broadcaster Chuck Kaiton and we will go Behind the Bench with a member of the Predators coaching staff.
For the most updated guest information go to the SlapShot Radio website.

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