Notes from Nashville and around the league.

- Injury Update – JP Dumont may return to the ice today for practice after some bike work yesterday. Joel Ward has been ramping up his skating and joined the team for half a practice, planning to return for a full session today. Jordin Tootoo is still on the sideline and hopes for his return for Thursday’s home opener are fading. Rookie Colin Wilson is expected to resume practice today.

- It’s been interesting to see and hear the debate over the Tennessee Titan’s struggles being “good” for the Preds on several different message boards and talk shows. I just don’t see it that way. Having your local teams do well is infectious to a market. It seems to push the other organizations to do better. It may be up to the Preds to give Vandy, UT and the boys in light blue a push.

- Looks like Dallas color guy Darryl Reaugh will be paying up. His guaranteed win on Saturday night didn’t happen, the Preds spoiled that… he updates on his blog last night that he’s trying to figure out how to get it done, one of the more creative methods he writes of is applying for a bailout as he may be “too big to fail.” :-)

Meanwhile… in the rest of the league.

- The Vancouver media is heading toward full-fledged freak mode as the Canucks have started the season 0-3 after last night’s loss to Columbus. Roberto Luongo is a slow starter, always has been. Ummm… ain’t it a little bit early to hit the panic button?

- So much for my prediction about Columbus … Steve Mason looks like he rested well over the summer and is back to the form he showed before his late season swoon.

- Would’ve liked to watch the Devils/Rangers last night… DirecTV, I appreciate the discount, but you need to get this fixed. Versus, you are losing viewers, crow about the ratings all you want, they would have been even better when you add in DirecTV viewers. And while I’m at it... NHL… get off your butts, get involved and get this fixed. Show you care about the fans that are missing out on games. Don’t make us do your dirty work.

- Rumors continue to swirl about relocation, only this time, they’re not about the Phoenix Coyotes. Hockey Night in Canada commentator Al Strachen is talking about a group of investors looking to buy the Atlanta Thrashers and move them to Winnipeg. All I know is, his knowledge of the teams outside of Canada seems to be lacking. Atlanta is refuting the story.

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Be in your seat early for pre-game festivities on Thursday night. I caught a sneak peek of the new opening video last night… all I can say is that if it doesn’t get you pumped up, check to see if you’re still alive.

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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… I’ll also be updating during Pred home games in season with information and explanations from the PA box.

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HockeyBuzz Radio is on the air tomorrow night (Wednesday) with our first regular season show… Voice of the Predators Pete Weber and I will be talking to Dan Tencer from CHED in Edmonton to get the lowdown on the Oilers as they come into Nashville. We’ll discuss what’s happening down on the farm with Milwaukee Admiral’s voice Aaron Sims, we’ll talk to a concussion doctor about avoiding the types of head injuries we’re seeing in the NHL plus a few more surprises. It should be a great show so tune in!

HockeyBuzz Radio, Wednesday nights at 6pm CDT on SportsRadio 560 WNSR, online and on podcast at www.hockeybuzzradio.com

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