OK... I fell for it... @jimbalsillie is a fake twitter account...

Gotta cut back on the coffee...

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After Saturday night’s pasting at the hands of the LA Kings, the Predators took a day off, then had an optional skate yesterday… all with the purpose of getting minds and bodies right. The team will hold an 11am full practice today at Centennial Sportsplex.

The healing seems to have come right on time. Word coming down that Pekka Rinne is back and healthy, Patric Hornqvist has declared himself ready to return and David Legwand was observed on ice as well, but he should be considered questionable for Wednesday according to Josh Cooper in the Tennessean. Cody Franson is also back with the team after attending a family funeral.

The question becomes, how do you insert Rinne back into the lineup? Do you play him back-to-back this week and count on the two-day Christmas break for rest? I can only say what I would do. I’d play Anders Lindback on Wednesday, give Lindback the chance to get back on the horse after being pulled from Saturday’s game. Play Rinne on Thursday and Sunday.

The Predators are getting healthy at a very good time. A back-to-back are this week’s only games before the schedule turns ugly again. After this week’s Chicago on the road, Ottawa at home, the team then plays 12 of their next 16 on the road. There are only four home games between December 26th and January 31st. After beginning the new year at home, the Predators head out to the west coast for the Anaheim, LA, San Jose run. They return home for a game against Minnesota, head to Florida for a single game (vs. the Panthers) return home for a Saturday night tilt against the Blackhaw3ks before a six game roadie that takes the team to Chicago, Phoenix, Colorado, Edmonton, Calgary and Vancouver to close off the pre-All Star Game schedule.

The team heads to Chicago today in preparation for tomorrow’s game at the United Center.

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Random Notes

- Wow… the Flyers looked flat out bad last night…

- I’m looking forward to this week’s 24/7. Let’s see how the Penguins dealt with their streak being broken, and how many “F” bombs Bruce Boudreau drops while wiping the wing sauce off his chin.

- Atlanta… first in the Southeast division?

- Congrats to Ryan Ellis being named captain of Team Canada for the Worlds.

- NHL ice maker Dan Craig and team are getting ready for the Winter Classic. Good article on NHL.com about 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…

This week’s SlapShot Radio features Hockey Night in Canada Radio's Jeff Marek, Chicago studio host Judd Sirott and we'll go Behind the Bench. It's an extended pre-game for the Blackhawk game, 6pm on Sports Radio 560 WNSR.

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

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