The sellout crowd was pumped from the beginning, primed and ready for another beatdown of the Columbus Blue Jackets in Nashville… the Predators did not disappoint, delivering a satisfying 4-1 victory to the faithful. The game featured almost everything, good scoring, the return of Steve Sullivan, a little nastiness, a fight and Frosties… what more could a Pred fan ask for? Oh yeah… one more thing… clinching the playoffs on home ice. The team claimed their playoff spot on home ice for the first time in franchise history.

Could you quibble at the amount of shots given up? Sure. Could you complain about the Tennessean not being able to resist their clear bias by using the word “announced” one more time in their game day article? Sure. But why… all is well in Pred Nation again as the Predators are heading to the playoffs once again. The questions about winning their first round series are sure to come very soon… but for now, sit back and bask in the glow of confounding the experts again.

The Predators headed out for St. Louis as fast as they could after the game. Tonight’s tilt does have significance; the Predators can clinch home ice advantage in the first round with a win in regulation or overtime. Nashville has a chance to take the season series over St. Louis and get another wounded warrior into the lineup. Cal O’Reilly is listed as questionable for tonight, reducing the Predators IR list to three. St. Louis will be without the services of David Perron.

St. Louis has only one word to describe this season for them… disappointing. They will be looking to rain on Nashville’s parade if they can. Game time is 7pm, coverage on Fox Sports Tennessee and 102.9 the Buzz.


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The last fifteen…
Games 13-15 – Minnesota (W), Colorado (W), Los Angeles (L) – 2-1-0
Games 10-12 – Boston (W), Detroit (W), @Buffalo (W) – 3-0-0
Games 7-9 – Edmonton (W), Anaheim (W), Dallas (Sat) – 3-0-0
Games 4-6 – Vancouver (L), @Colorado (W), Detroit (OTL) – 1-1-1
Games 1-3 – Atlanta (W), Columbus (W), @ St. Louis (Tonight) – 2-0-0

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Random Notes

- The standings update… the Predators are 4th with 99 points tied with 5th place Phoenix. The Preds lead 6th place Los Angeles by one point, 7th place Anaheim and 8th place Chicago by two. The Predators control their home ice destiny after last night’s action… win tonight in regulation or overtime and they clinch 4th in the conference, a shootout win complicates the situation, so, let's not go there.

- Tonight’s potential impact games – Phoenix @ San Jose – Starts after the Preds game is done. A Phoenix loss in regulation means the Coyotes cannot finish ahead of the Preds. Anaheim @ Los Angeles – Here’s where things get complicated, an Anaheim win gives them 99 points and they own the tie-breaker over Nashville. A Los Angeles win gives them 100 points and moves them up in the seeding. It is this simple… A Preds win in regulation or Shootout makes none of the above matter…

- Pekka Rinne’s 44 save performance last night not only earned him first star of the night on NHL.com, but it was just another example of his Vezina and Hart Trophy worthiness. His .930 Save Percetage and 2.12 GAA is simply outstanding.

- Blake Geoffrion had his first NHL fight last night, he comported himself well, taking a decision over Derek MacKenzie. It certainly drew the appreciation of Shane O’Brien, who made it a point to go over to the box to give Geoffrion a thumbs up.

- A catfish made its way onto the ice again last night, only the game officials didn’t see it until after the puck had dropped… many cheers were heard looking for skate blades to make catfish sushi. The catfish survived and made its way to the penalty box in one piece.

- There’s quite a few Pred fans making the trip to the Scottrade Center today as Section 303 is leading the effort, we wish them safe travels.

- Thanks to Willy Daunic and Stu Grimson for having me on the post-game show last night.

- Last night saw Nashville, Phoenix Los Angeles and Anaheim clinch in the West, in the East, Buffalo clinched and Carolina is close with their big win over Atlanta. The New York Rangers epic collapse is almost complete.

- You have to appreciate the battle for 8th between the Stars and Blackhawks. We could see a team get 97 points… and not make the playoffs.

- Congratulations to Miami (Ohio)’s Andy Miele on winning the Hobey Baker Award last night as college hockey’s best player. Miele is signed with the Phoenix Coyotes.

- NCAA Championship tonight on ESPN as Michigan takes on Minnesota @ Duluth; it should be an excellent hockey game.

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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…

The podcast for this week’s show is posted, it features the one and only Puck Daddy, Greg Wyshynski. We previewed the NCAA Frozen Four with Julie Robenhymer and had an extended interview with Nashville’s own Blake Geoffrion…

Next week’s show is our playoff preview… Jeff Marek from Hockey Night in Canada Radio will join us, along with other experts to get you ready for the playoffs… that’s all at 6pm Wednesday on Sports Radio 560 WNSR. Schedule is tentative due to the uncertain nature of playoff game scheduling, as soon as the first round schedule is set, we will be able to announce when the playoff preview show will be.

Check out the entire season of podcasts at the SlapShot Radio website.

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