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Hockey Night in Edmonton

February 8, 2020, 11:20 AM ET [15 Comments]
Paul McCann
Nashville Predators Blogger •Predators Radio Network • RSSArchiveCONTACT
The Nashville Predators continue their western Canada roadie with a visit to Edmonton to try and maintain their ascent in the Western Conference standings. The new systems implemented by new head coach John Hynes seem to be taking hold, especially on the defensive side of the puck.

Thursday night's win in Calgary was a defensive masterpiece, especially in the third period, where the Preds were clinging to a one-goal lead... however, you didn't get the feeling that they were playing not to lose. Their positioning was outstanding, their breakouts crisp and the protection they afforded Juuse Saros was simply excellent.

This is the team that Pred Nation has been waiting to see since October.

The other thing that Pred Nation has been waiting to see... the emergence of Mikael Granlund as an offensive force. Granlund never seemed to fit in with the Predators since the trade almost 12 months ago. Now, the forward seems to be unleashed in the Hynes system, playing with fire and determination. They team is playing with more intuition and less thinking... which is a very good thing.

The Oilers are coming into tonight's game struggling a bit, dropping their last two games including a disheartening 6-3 loss to San Jose on Thursday where they blew a 2-0 lead. Their defense has been suspect all season, and beyond Connor McDavid and Leo Draisatl, they have been inconsistent, even as they remain in the thick of the Pacific Division race.

I could do a copy/paste of the next part... it's another critical game against a team that the Predators maybe competing with for a wild card slot. As the team continues their needed 4 out of every 6 points pace, games like this one are crucial tests of the team's mettle.

A long stretch of home games looms large over Smashville... the team has it's act together on the road... the question becomes... can they bring the same to 501 Broadway.

We will find out soon enough. Game time is 6pm CT, coverage begins at 5pm on 102.5 then Game and 5:30pm on Fox Sports Tennessee.

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Where They Stand – a daily look at where the Predators are in the playoff race.

As play opens on 2/8/2020, the Nashville Predators are in the 4 spot in the Central and the 9 spot in the Western Conference, one point behind Calgary and two points behind Arizona. They have two games in hand over the Flames and three games in hand over the Coyotes. The Preds trail Dallas by six points for third in the Central with a game in hand over the Stars.

Impact games tonight – OTT @ WPG, ARI @ BOS, DAL @ STL, CGY @ VAN, NSH @ EDM.

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Random Notes – Presented by

- Jonesin’ for live hockey? The SECHC Tournament continues at Ford Ice Center in Bellevue. Four teams advanced to today's semi's... Auburn, Ole Miss, Arkansas and Georgia.

- Arkansas will take on Georgia at 6:30pm today, Ole Miss will play Auburn at 9:15pm.

- Nashville has won 14 of it's last 16 against Edmonton.

- A win tonight will give the Predators their first three game win streak since the heady days of October.

- Nashville is 7-1-1 in their last nine road games.

- Tonight’s games – 1pm – OTT @ WPG. 2pm – ARI @ BOS. 6pm – TOR @ MTL, NYI @ TBL, PIT @ FLA, LAK @ NJD, PHI @ WSH, COL @ CBJ, NSH @ EDM . 7pm – DAL @ STL 9pm – CGY @ VAN, CAR @ VGK.

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SlapShot Radio is back for our 12th season as Zack, Brent and I are on Monday night’s this season. The best hour of hockey talk on the longest running hockey show in the southeast … 7pm Mondays on 102.5 the Game.

Our sponsor list continues to grow. Not only are we welcoming back Drs. Jane Bacon and Aileen Kruger at Hermitage Family and Cosmetic Dentistry … make your appointment at (615) 872-7762 and our good friend Carter Church, Your Murfreesboro real estate expert with Weichert – The Andrews Group. And our newest sponsors… Cool Springs Wines and Spirits! The largest spirit store in all of middle Tennessee! And La-Z-Boy Nashville! Three locations, locally owned and operated, check out La-Z-Boy in Murfreesboro, Hendersonville and Cool Springs!

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