The Predators and Red Wings play game three inside the friendly confines of the Sommet Center tonight with controversy swirling around the officiating in the series.

Pred Nation is completely up in arms over blown offsides calls, weird goal calls, and crazy non-calls... When normally stoic David Poile and usually calm Barry Trotz come out and say something publicly... well... then something may just be amiss.

I'd love to lay the entire problem at the feet of the officials... I can't... The team has gotten solid goaltending... probably the most solid part of the first two games of the series. Secondary scoring has been there as well, two goals from Jordin Tootoo to lead the way...

Unfortunately the top two lines are struggling. Now, to be fair... the Red Wings have stacked on the top line with the Zetterberg line (frankly, very underrated as a defensive line), then putting their shut down line on the Erat/Radulov line... it has been very effective. Getting last change at home should help alliviate this a little... However, these two lines need to step it up and make a difference that they have not done so far...

The blueline adjusted well from game 1 to game 2... giveaways dropped from 14 to 3 (and I still think that 14 was undercounted...)... a bad break with the third goal going off of Greg Zanon's skate, but the blueline did step up.

The Predators have been a resiliant team all season, seeming to save their best hockey for when their backs are against the wall... if they follow that formula, the kids should be alright...

Special Start time tonight to accomodate Versus... 6:30pm face off. coverage locally on 104.5 the Zone and FSN South... Versus and NHL Radio have national coverage. TSN has the game for our friends in Canada.

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Party on the plaza tonight, weather permitting, starting at 5pm. Plenty of food, fun and music... There'll be a pep rally at 5:15pm hosted by 104.5 the Zone's George Plaster, Mayor Karl Dean, Jed Ortmeyer, Martin Gelinas, GNASH, the Predators Dancers and yours truly will be part of the festivities. Doors will open at 5:30pm... Bundle up and come on out to party on the plaza!

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