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Our regular Sunday feature, here’s your “Sunday Shots”
Photos courtesy DLM/SlapShot Radio
In a game that added new meaning to the word “inconsistent,” the Nashville Predators dropped a tough to swallow 3-2 shootout decision to the New Jersey Devils. Why do I use the word inconsistent? Let me count the ways…
Inconsistent play from the Predators – After learning their lesson and coming our flying, Nashville jumped out to a 2-0 lead then played a tentative second half of the game, showing another lesson this young team needs to learn… when you have your foot on the opponent's neck… step down harder.
Inconsistent play from the Devils – New Jersey came out tentative but chippy, determined to engage the Predators physically, more interested there than in playing the game. That changed in the third period.
Inconsistent officiating – Just what was a penalty last night? The smallest, ticky-tack calls followed by missing obvious maulings followed by curious Mary Kay situations… It was open season on hitting both goaltenders with retribution not allowed. And fans wonder why players get confused on what is allowed vs. what is not.
That all being said, last night was a most entertaining game for the fans… Two teams putting on a great show for a sellout crowd, a game that had everything, good hitting, great skill plays, a penalty shot, and a bout of fisticuffs that seemed to last forever.
You saw it building in the first period, each time new Predator Brian McGratten and Devil Cam Janssen were on the ice together, until finally the two dropped ‘em and put on an epic punching battle…
Courtesy MSG+
According to hockeyfights.com, that is the fifth time those two have gone at in the NHL. Our game Ops crew had the fight timed at 1:46… an eternity for a hockey fight. The irony of that fight is that both players ended up serving 12 minutes for the 5 minute major due to an extended opening series of play in the second period, the first whistle in that period was at just over 12 minutes remaining.
It was good to see radically improved play from the team, especially good to see the Colin Wilson, David Legwand, Sergei Kostitsyn line continue their hot start. So… the Predators get a point and prevent this brief two game home stand from being a total whitewash. The team leaves for western Canada today for a game against Edmonton on Monday night, Vancouver Thursday and Calgary on Saturday before returning home for three.
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Random Notes
- Last night was the ninth consecutive sellout for the Predators, going back to last season.
- David Legwand continues to lead the NHL in points (tied with Phil Kessel and John Tavares.) He posted an assist last night that has him tied for the NHL lead in that category as well.
- Full props to Don Cherry… he came out with an apology to the players he maligned on the first Coaches Corner of the season last night… good for you Grapes.
courtesy CBC
- The Phoenix Coyotes beat the Winnipeg Jets last night 4-1 in front of a sold out crowd in Glendale. The Jets are simply not a good team…
- Columbus is not off to the start they were looking for. After losing last night in Dallas, they are 0-4-1. The drumbeat for change can’t be far off after the amount of money this team spent in the offseason.
- There is some disturbing attendance data so far in this young season, especially given the offseason activity of a few of these clubs. The Dallas Stars have averaged only 7,385 (39.8% capacity) fans over four games, Columbus is at 66.9% capacity over three... wow.
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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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On the next SlapShot Radio
This week’s show will feature a look at the Predators western Canada trip and we will chat with ESPN.com’s Craig Custance… That’s all this week on SlapShot Radio on 102.5 the Game.
Great interview with Stu Grimson on Wednesday’s SlapShot Radio, also had a nice conversation with Phoenix radio voice Bob Heethuis… Wait what? You say you were spinning around the wrong places on the dial… you missed it???
Not to worry… the podcast is posted on the SlapShot Radio website.
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