Alrighty then, it’s a game four game night in Smashville, so let’s dive right in for a preview. (Sorry about that… I just couldn’t resist.) With a 2-1 series lead, the Nashville Predators and Anaheim Ducks turn the heat up on a budding rivalry, after two days of chatter, with off ice participants trying to influence the on ice product, it’s time to lace ‘em up.
The job for Nashville is simple, to steal a quote from Herb Brooks… “Play your game.” Stay disciplined and don’t allow the off ice crap to impact your on ice product. A disciplined approach, one that the Predators are very familiar with, is the way to continue on their path to winning this series. For Anaheim, it is just as simple, keep up the chirping and back of the play nonsense and hope the Predators bite. Anaheim’s most potent weapon is their power play, if the Ducks can get the Preds off their game and create a parade to the sin bin, they win.
Tonight is the fifth game four to happen on home ice for the Predators… they hold a 2-2 record in this situation. Like a lot of this series, it’s a game that holds a few chances to do something the team has never done before… take a two game lead in a series and win three games in a series. These are the minor milestones toward the ultimate goal.
The Ducks are still without Bobby Ryan, and news has come out that Jonas Hiller has been sent back to Anaheim as his vertigo has not gotten any better. The opportunity is certainly there for the Predators. Their offense has shown incredible life and Nashville has only needed Pekka Rinna to be timely and has not yet needed him to steal a game in this series. His save percentage and GAA are both not what they were in the regular season, that could be more potential bad news for Anaheim as Rinne on a roll can be impermeable.
Both teams will want to set the tone at the outset… which one is able to establish that will be the first iondicator on how tonight’s game will go. Game time is 7:30pm. Coverage is on 102.9 the Buzz, Fox Sports Tennessee and TSN.
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Random Notes
- Keep an eye on the faceoff win percentage tonight, it’s been a key for both teams. Mike Fisher won 65% of his faceoffs in game three, including 2 or 3 critical third period ones.
- Quote of the day goes to Predators Associate Head Coach Brent Peterson… “We use one rink to practice five-on-five. We go to another rink to practice the power play. Then we go to the pool to practice diving.” Classic.
- Key quote from Steve Sullivan at yesterday’s practice "Everybody is on board. Everybody believes in accountability and no one takes shortcuts. When your leader is your hardest worker you have no choice but to work hard. No one is taking shortcuts, everyone is doing their job."
- The new US television contract between the NHL and NBC is a landmark for the league in the US. I am very glad that the NHL has chosen to dance with the one who brought them, the NBC/Vs. partnership has been very good for the NHL. When NBC rebrands Versus as the NBC Sports Channel, it will take another step forward. The NHL continues to prove that they do not need ESPN.
- Can Dave Bolland make THAT big of a difference? He was an absolute beast last night in Chicago’s “rage against the dying of the light” win over Vancouver. It’s too little too late, but it sure was fun to watch.
- Roberto Luongo will have nightmares about last night’s game. Not good at all…
- Speaking of nightmares… did I dream that LA/San Jose game last night? Did LA really blow a four goal lead? Wow.
- No discipline for Torres… One game for Kunitz, one game for Downie. Who can predict what the NHL Magic 8 Ball of Justice will come up with next?
- Another sweep opportunity tonight, Detroit looks to close out Phoenix in a game that the Canadian media is calling the last game in the desert. That may not be the case, as a $2 billion dollar TV contract may be impacted by the loss of the 12th largest US market.
- Tonight’s playoff schedule – Five games tonight – Washington @ New York Rangers – Capitals lead 2-1, 6pm CDT (Versus, TSN), Pittsburgh @ Tampa Bay – Penguins lead 2-1, 6pm CDT (Regional, CBC)), Philadelphia @ Buffalo – Flyers lead 2-1, 6:30pm CDT (Regional, TSN2), Anaheim @ Nashville – Predadors lead 2-1, 7:30pm CDT (Regional, TSN), Detroit @ Phoenix – Red Wings lead 3-0, 9:30pm CDT (Versus, CBC)
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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 tonight… Join us at 6pm CDT, 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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