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Game Night - Island Edition

February 9, 2010, 9:01 AM ET [ Comments]
Paul McCann
Nashville Predators Blogger •Predators Radio Network • RSSArchiveCONTACT
Game Night on the Island and the snow that swept through Nashville this morning is headed the Predator’s way as they spend the week in the New York metro area. Tonight’s game begins what could be called a critical four game span for the team. The Predators are holding on to the eight spot in the West for dear life, managing to survive a 3-7-1 record in their last ten without dropping out of the top eight, but footsteps can be heard as Detroit, Dallas and Anaheim are creeping up behind the Preds. The Predators want to go into the Olympic break positioned well for the final kick.

Nashville has certainly played a better brand of hockey over the last few games, showing a much better work ethic and more than a little bit of a hard luck, however they do appear to be working themselves out of their funk. The Islanders, on the other hand, can’t seem to find the handle on a promising season that is slipping down the drain on the heels of a disastrous seven game losing streak. The team has fallen from the thick of the playoff race to potential also-ran, a fate that may await the Predators if they don’t get it back together.

The only injured Predator is Cody Franson, his rib injury will keep him out until after the Olympic break, Marcel Goc is listed as probable for tonight’s game. New York lists Jack Hillen, Josh Bailey and Radek Martinek as out. Tim Jackman is a game time decision, he has been practicing and is close to returning to the Isle’s lineup.

This will be Nashville’s first look a rookie John Tavares, who is among the team’s scoring leaders with 17 goals and 16 assists on the season. He is an exciting player that Islander’s management can build around.

Game time is 6pm Central with coverage on 97.1 RQQ and FS Tennessee.

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Tuesday Notes

Checking the crib notes on my hand…

- Who will finally end Washington’s win streak? The Capital’s are on the road this week with games in Montreal, Ottawa and St. Louis. Ottawa just had their streak snapped, it wouldn’t surprise me if the Sens were the ones to do it.

- The next snowstorm headed up the east Coast could play some more havoc with scheduling and getting teams in and out of the Washington/Philly/New York corridor.

- The LA Kings had their streak broken last night by Anaheim, but it may have cost the Ducks more… Ryan Getzlaf sprained his ankle.

- Helluva comeback for the Philadelphia Flyers last night.

- Wow… shocking developments in Montreal with the change in GM. Congratulations to Bob Gainey for his recognition that he did not want to stay in a role he was losing his desire for.

- I like JP Dumont’s response to being challenged publically by Coach Barry Trotz, two goals against the Sharks and an attitude. Hope that stays, this team needs Dumont on his game.

- Predators Standings Update – The team stands all alone at 2nd in the Central Division, 8th in the Western Conference with a 2 point lead over Detroit. Nashville has a game in hand on the Red Wings. The Predators are two points back of the 7th place Flames with two games in hand.

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COMING UP ON HOCKEYBUZZ RADIO…

For the most updated guest information go to HockeyBuzz Radio's website. You can check out our podcasts atHockeyBuzz Radio’s podcast page.

Wed 2/10 - No show due to early start of Preds/Rangers game.

Wed 2/17 - We’ll have HockeyBuzz Radio’s Olympic Hockey Preview.

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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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