Come on, admit it. When the Blue Jackets took the lead in the third period last night, you said, OK… that one’s a loss and considered flipping over to a mindless sitcom. If you stayed with the game, you saw the Predators show some of the resiliency they are known for, bouncing back to tie the game on Kevin Kline’s “throw it at the net and see what happens” goal in the waning minutes of the third period and winning it on Steve Sullivan's "follow the bouncing puck" goal in the shootout.

It was a gut check victory for the Preds, one they wanted badly, one they should use to propel them back into the playoff mix in the ultra-competitive Western Conference.

The team has two of their next three on the road, completing a rather nasty 13 of 18 road game stretch, the most travel intensive part of their schedule. Carolina hits town on Saturday, then it is off to Atlanta and Detroit before the team settles into a nice five home in seven games before the Christmas break.

The key to these back-to-back wins has been solid play at D and spectacular goaltending. Pekka Rinne was simply outstanding on Tuesday night against Phoenix and was spectacular when he needed to be last night. It has become obvious that this team fires off their goaltending.

The Preds win, coupled with the Blues loss, was a help in the Central Division standings. The Predators are now tied with St. Louis (the Blues win the tie-breaker), two points back of Columbus and three back of Chicago. In the conference standings the team is one point back of 8th place Colorado and two back of Columbus, Phoenix and Anaheim.

nashville is back in action on Saturday night against the Hurricanes.

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Random Notes

- OK… really??? Now, according to newspapers in Toronto, reports are out about the Edmonton Oilers potentially relocating to Quebec City? Wow… just wow.

- Speaking of the Oil, another improbable win, coming back from a two goal deficit in the third over Montreal.

- Forbes is out with its franchise valuations… interesting read, and very interesting spin. Predators come in at 27th, same place as last year.

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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 tonight and we will be chatting up Greg “Puck Daddy” Wyshynski. We will preview Saturday’s game against the Hurricanes and we remember Jim Kelly.
For the most updated guest information go to the SlapShot Radio website.

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