Who was that guy wearing number 25 last night for the Nashville Predators? Jerred Smithson executed a beautiful toe drag, beating Wild goaltender Niklas Backstrom like a rented goalie for the shorthanded game winner in last night’s bizarre 4-3 victory over Minnesota.

Pred Nation had to like the start… two goals in the first six minutes, including a power play goal, the team playing with fire and jump. Then the second period hit and Pred Nation became like Curt Schilling watching Mitch Williams try to close a game, complete with towel over head as they watched the Predators give up three goals on three shots in 1:57 and found themselves behind. Full marks to Coach Trotz for giving the hook to Dan Ellis and getting the timeout to calm the team.

The move worked as Mike Santorelli got his first NHL goal a little over four minutes later to tie the affair. Both teams then went into max protect mode until Smithson’s shortie. The Predators withstood Minnesota’s tie attempt, Pekka Rinne making 11 saves in the third to secure the win and get the Predators record back to .500 at 3-3-1.

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While there were some concerning things about last night’s game… there were some positive signs beyond the desperately needed two points. Nice to see the team score in every period for the first time this year, last night was the Wild’s first home loss of the year, however the biggest one may have been Steve Sullivan’s first multi-point game of the season.

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The Predators are finally back on home ice tonight for Hockey Fights Cancer Night as Nashville welcome the Chicago Blackhawks. Twenty-five percent of all single game ticket sales from tonight’s game will be donated to the Monroe J. Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.

This is the third of six against the ‘Hawks with less than stellar results as the team is 0-2. No Jonathan Towes tonight, but Brent Seabrook looks to be back in the lineup for Chicago. Ben Eager, Adam Burish and Marian Hossa are all listed as out as well. Jason Arnott and Jordin Tootoo are still out for the Preds.

Tonight’s game begins a short, two game homestand that concludes on Saturday night before the Predators head west on their annual CMA road trip. You can get an early indicator on the Predators tonight… the team is 3-1-0 when they score the first goal of the game, 1-5-1 when they don’t. The Predators haven’t won two straight since starting the season 2-0. Puck drop at 7:08. Coverage on FS Tennessee and 104.5 the Zone.

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On Monday, Predator’s defensive prospect Charles-Olivier Roussel was named the QMJHL’s Offensive Player of the Week after tallying two goals and five assists in three games. The 2009 second-round choice is tied for ninth among League blueliners in points (2g-12a).

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OFF-TOPIC - What a performance from Phillies pitcher Cliff Lee in last night’s World Series Game 1. Lee was dominant last night, and Chase Utley etched his name in the World Series record book alongside of Babe Ruth. Tonight is a must-win situation for the Yankees…

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HockeyBuzz Radio is back with a new season. A podcast of last night’s show is available at www.hockeybuzzradio.com. Thanks to Dirk Hoag for filling in the co-host role, and thanks to our guests Ray Ferraro, Darren Elliott and Steve Carroll.

Also, we have some fun video from CBC’s Battle of the Blades on the site… check it out!

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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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