Four losses in a row at a bad time of the season… not the worst time, but certainly a bad time. There is no time to lick the wounds of another heartbreaking loss as the Preds are back in action again today, their second straight matinee, only this time, at home against the Columbus Blue Jackets. This is Nashville’s last game before the Monday, 2pm trade deadline.
Columbus comes in on a serious roll, a three game win streak and going 8-1-1 in their last ten games. They have played themselves right into the playoff mix just two points behind the Predators. Nashville heads out after today’s game for a four game swing through western Canada and northern California that may determine the teams’ playoff fate.
The injury situation; Columbus lists Kristian Huselius and Rostislav Klesla as out. The Predators IR lists Lombardi, Goc and O’Reilly, all suspected to be done for the season, along with Steve Sullivan and Francis Bouillon.
Puck drop is at 2pm, coverage is on 102.9 the Buzz, no local TV.
Side Note – Today’s game is part of a double header… following the Preds/Jackets, the team is hosting the Tennessee High School Hockey State Championship game featuring the defending champions Ravenwood Raptors vs. the Brentwood Bruins. It’s a Williamson County showdown for the Predators Cup.
A second side note – Sending out good wishes to a couple of MAJOR Pred fans that are getting married today before the game at the Bridge… Ivan and Rebecca are fans that are part of the Section 310 family, the place where my season tickets were for the years before I took on my role as PA Announcer. I’ve watched their relationship grow and I could not be happier that they are tying the knot today. So… on behalf of Denise and our family… Best Wishes for a Happy Life together! We love you guys…
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Random Notes
- Pred Nation saw history made as the first fourth generation hockey player (and first Tennesseean) made his NHL debut last night. Blake Geoffrion played well in his limited ice time. On a personal note, it was a bit of a thrill to see a kid I watched play youth hockey play in his first NHL game. I liked Danny Geoffrion’s quote in his intermission interview that “I’m sure my dad and the Rocket are having a cold beer watching this one.”
- Maybe getting out on the road is what this team needs, it’s always good for teambuilding and there are some new parts that need to be integrated.
- The standing update… The Predators now stand third in the division and 10th in the conference. They are tied in points with 9th place Chicago but lose the tiebreaker. They are 1 point behind 8th place Calgary, two behind 7th place Dallas and 6th place Minnesota, four behind 5th p[lace Los Angeles and five behind 4th place Phoenix. They lead 11th place Anaheim by one, today’s opponent by two, and 13th place St. Louis by five.
- Impact games tonight for Pred Nation… Phoenix at Chicago, St. Louis at Calgary and Colorado at Anaheim.
- Wow… Boston sent a message last night in a 3-1 win over the Canucks at Rodgers Arena.
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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…
We’re putting our guest list together as Pete will be joining us from Vancouver and Charlie and I will be holding down the fort in the studio. Join us Wednesday at 6pm central on SportsRadio 560 WNSR.
You can get a SlapShot Radio fix at
the SlapShot Radio podcast page.
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