We’re starting a new feature today on the blog… we’ll be inserting originals pictures from game nights. Some focused on the fans, some focused on the ice… check them out below.
Original In Arena Fan and Game Shots
The Party on Plaza
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A bright sunny morning dawns in Nashville, in Smashville, things are a bit more cloudy. The Nashville Predators showed their best and worst in last night’s 3-2 loss to the Vancouver Canucks in front of a sellout crowd at Bridgestone Arena.
The worst? Another tough night as the Predators couldn’t seem to win a faceoff and stayed back on their heels for almost all of the game. Eight shots in the first period was not going to get it done, however, the second period was worse. The team had one weak shot through the first 19 minutes of the period. A three shot flurry in the final minute made the period look better than it really was.
The best? The resiliency of these Nashville Predators. It would’ve been very easy for them to pack it up after they went down 2-1 in the third, but they found a way to tie things up and give themselves a chance to snag a victory that they really didn’t deserve.
I said in pregame that the team that got their power play on track would win this game. Two power play goals later, Vancouver owns a 2-1 lead in the series. So what do the Predators need to do in order to tie this thing up and make it a best of three? A few things…
• Shoot the puck. Barry Trotz said it post game, they were just a little too cute. An issue rearing its’ ugly head again.
• Face Off wins – When Nashville wins this stat, they most often win their games. Whle Jerred Smithson has a solid night on the dot, Mike Fisher posted a 33% win rate… very unusual for him.
• 50/50 pucks – Desire wins these… they must want it more.
This series is tighter than anyone could ever imagine. It can be said that the team who deserved to win each game did indeed win that game… A must-win game four is tomorrow night at the Bridge.
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I’m going to say it. Referee Tim Peel’s hooking call in overtime was incredibly lame. For an experienced official like Peel to fall for Kesler’s very smart trapping of Shea Weber’s stick in his armpit is almost unforgivable at this time of the season. When the Vancouver announcers, the HNIC crew and almost everyone who was watching state their disagreement with the call, I feel pretty comfortable writing that.
Let me be clear, that call didn’t cost the Predators the game… but you hate to see a ref insert himself like that…
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Random Notes
- Steve Sullivan went down in the third period and it did not look good. Official word is a “lower body injury.” My first thought is that we may have seen the last of Sully for this series.
- There was some speculation about a potential Henrik Sedin injury… Jim Hughson on HNIC commented in post-game that he thought that he looked hurt?
- Pred Nation represented well last night. A great time on the plaza and deafening noise in the rink, especially on the military recognition and the third period TV timeout.
- Watched the game on CBC’s website… you can check it out at http://www.cbc.ca/video/#/Sports/Hockey/1249236098/ID=1908405464
- You might as well kiss the Caps goodbye. What a flameout… while the series isn’t officially done, there’s a good chance it is tonight.
- Philly tries to avoid history repeating itself as their series with Boston resumes tonight with the Bruins holding a 2-0 lead.
- Tonight’s playoff schedule – Washington @ Tampa Bay – Lightning lead 3-0, 6pm CDT (NHL Net, TSN), Philadelphia @ Boston – Bruins lead 2-0, 6pm CDT (Versus, CBC), San Jose @ Detroit – Sharks lead 2-0, 7pm CDT (Regional)
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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 are live from Bridgestone Arena tonight at the Predators Open House. We will be breaking down last night's game and looking forward to tonight. Please join Pete Weber and I tonight on SportsRadio 560 WNSR or come on out and join us at the arena.
You can get check out our podcasts at
the SlapShot Radio podcast page.
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