The NHL came down hard on Bobby Ryan’s actions late in game two of the Ducks/Preds series. A two game suspension for using your skate as a weapon seems about right, although Ryan clearly did not agree with the decision. Ryan is a clean player that seems to have gone off the rails this one time, I hope it remains just that one time. So… that leaves Anaheim’s top line without one of its members coming into this evening’s game three showdown. His actions have put his team in a pickle.
The series is tied at one game apiece and now it is time to see the adjustments Coach Barry Trotz will put in place in response to game two. The Predators have last change at home, it will be fascinating to see if Trotz has something new up his sleeve, or does he follow the model of game one when it comes down to handling the Getzlaf/Perry/TBD line.
For all their struggles on the road in game twos, Nashville is stellar at home in game threes with a 3-0 record. The Predators played well in the third period of Friday’s game and expect to use that as their springboard for tonight… that and 17,113 crazed Pred fans making Bridgestone Arena a raving den of insanity.
The most interesting stat so far in this series is the red hot Nashville power play, going 3-11 over the first two games, effectively tripling their output over six games in last year’s quarter-finals. A more important stat is the number of penalties taken… four in the first period on Friday can’t be repeated if the Preds are going to win their first series. They must stay out of the box.
Game time is 5pm at Bridgestone Arena. Single tickets remain… coverage is back on Fox Sports Tennessee tonight, radio coverage on 102.9 the Buzz. We’re having a special playoff pre-game at Rippy’s on Sports Radio 560 WNSR, starying at 4pm, please join Greg Pogue and I on the rooftop, it should be a gorgeous day to enjoy it! See you at the rink!
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Random Notes
- Speculation is building if there will be a Colin Wilson sighting tonight. Still not sure if Trotz messes with the lineup any.
- Martin Erat will be playing with three less teeth today, and one rather witty Tweet from @JoshuaRoop says that the “Frosty goal has become more important than ever! Let’s feed Erat!” Good one…
- Big win for Montreal last night… heading back home with a 2-0 lead and making mincemeat of one of my predictions.
- LA gets the split and shows that they are not out of this series with San Jose.
- Philly taking game 2 yesterday gets them into the series with Buffalo
- Today’s Playoff Schedule – Washington @ New York, Game 3, 2pm CDT (NBC) - Anaheim @ Nashville, Game 3, 5pm CDT (Regional) - Vancouver @ Chicago, Game 3, 7pm CDT (Versus)
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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 joining forces with the WNSR Pre-Game show to get your ready for Game Four on Wednesday show… Join us at 6pm central, live from the roof at Rippy’s on SportsRadio 560 WNSR.
You can get check out our podcasts at
the SlapShot Radio podcast page.
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