The quote of the night on the Predators / Blackhawks broadcast, from head coach Barry Trotz, went something like this (sic) “We don’t exorcise demons… we learned a large lesson.” Last night’s satisfying 3-2 come from behind win over Chicago showed the Preds may have learned the lesson of Game 5 very well… and maybe told a little demon to get thee gone, and Coach Trotz admitted as much after the game.

You could see the difference in the two teams last night as the Predators were playing only their second game of the season, while Chicago was playing their fourth. The Predators still looked like they were getting their legs under them until the third period, when they finally started skating and using their speed to their advantage. Winning on a power play goal with 26 seconds to go has to feel good for the team, I know all I could think about in the last two minutes was Game 5, and similarity of the situation. A different result to be sure…

Full marks to Anders Lindback in net, a tad shaky early, but settled down nicely to hold off Chicago. Especially in the second period, Lindback was under extreme fire and came up big to keep the Chicago lead at one. Another big performer last night was David Legwand, he had an outstanding game, a was primarily responsible for setting up the game winning play, dare I say it, but Legwand is off to a very good start this year.

For the fifth time in franchise history, the Predators are off to a 2-0 start.

---------------------------------------

It’s the first back-to-back of the season tonight as the St. Louis Blues are in town for another Central Division tilt. The Blues are off to their own 2-0 start and are fresh off a 5-1 win over the hapless Anaheim Ducks. Jaroslav Halak has been solid in net and a couple of Blues are off to a solid start like Carlo Colaiacovo and Brad Boyes. A win for the Blues tonight gets them off to their first 3-0 start since 1994.

St. Louis is probably hoping to avoid seeing Pekka Rinne tonight as he dominated the Blues last year, going 5-1 with a 1.98 GAA.

The Predators have been stronger offensively than they have been billed. Steve Sullivan, Marcel Goc, David Legwand are leading the team at this early point in the season. The key for Nashville is to keep protecting their young goaltender until Rinne gets back and continue to be aggressive with the puck, especially when it comes to shooting the puck.

Game time is 7pm, radio only on 102.9 the Buzz. Please join Greg Pogue and I for the WNSR pre-game show at 6pm. We’ll be live on the roof at Rippy’s breaking down the Predators / Blues.

---------------------------------------

Random Notes

- The Penguins may be missing the Igloo… they are now 0-3 in their new rink.

- Three teams remain winless in the league, Ottawa, Minnesota and Florida, of those three only Florida does not have a single standings point. All three teams are in action tonight.

- Anaheim got off the schnide last night by handing Vancouver their first loss of the season.

- The NJ Devils got their first win last night, Ilya Kovalchuk began to earn his money with an OT winner.

- Somebody break up the Leafs! Toronto won its’ third straight game, beating the Penguins 4-3 last night.

- Tampa Bay looks solid so far this year. Ryan Malon got the OT winner last night over Montreal to get the Bots off to a 2-0 start.

---------------------------------------

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 with starting lineups and scratches during Pred home games, also I’ll be supplying information and explanations from the PA box.

--------------------------------------

COMING UP ON THE NEXT SLAPSHOT RADIO…

SlapShot Radio’s podcast from last night is posted. We talked with Washington Capitals broadcaster Steve Kolbe and to ESPN St. Louis and fellow HockeyBuzz blogger Andy Strickland. We went Behind the Bench with Predators Associate Head Coach, Brent Peterson.

It’s all on SlapShot Radio, SportsRadio 560 WNSR, every Wednesday at 6pm… listen online or on podcast at www.slapshotradio.com

For the most updated guest information go to the SlapShot Radio website.

Join the Discussion: » Comments » Post New Comment

» The time has come

» Whining through Game 3

» Playoff Picks

» Waiting for he playoffs

» A special night in Smashville