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Game Night in Smashville as the wounded Nashville Predators take on perennial Eastern Conference power Pittsburgh. Sidney Crosby and the gang are off to a solid (albeit, more difficult) start to the season then expected including dropping their first two games in their new rink.
They have a bit of a budding goaltender controversy as well as quite a few Pittsburgh fans are not happy with starter Marc-Andre Fleury. Backup Brent Johnson has played very well, starting the last three games for the Pens, all of them wins. Fleury has not had a stellar start to the year, going 0-3 with a GAA of 3.41 and save percentage of .853. Johnson, on the other hand has been spectacular at 4-0 with a sparkling GAA of 1.49 and a save percentage of .950. Reports from Pittsburgh have Fleury starting tonight, but nothing is confirmed officially.
Nashville comes into tonight’s game on a two game losing streak and a five game points streak. After a giddy 3-0 start, the Preds have dropped their last two, both in OT. Besides the injury challenges Nashville is facing, the primary concern has to be special teams. The penalty kill certainly looked better in Tuesday’s game against Calgary, the power play seems to have lost a bit of its’ pop, being held off the scoreboard for the first time this season.
The injury report is long for both teams, Zbynek Michalek, Jordan Staal and Arron Asham are listed as out for the Penguins, Brooks Orpik is battling a groin injury and is day-to-day. The Predators list Ryan Suter, Matthew Lombardi and Marcel Goc as out. Ryan Suter has been placed on IR, the team is hoping to have him back by the St. Louis game on the 28th.
There is nothing like a good road trip to solidify the team chemistry. After tonight’s game, the team has 11 of its’ next 13 games on the road. A quick roadie over the weekend, return home for one game, then head out on their annual CMA Road Trip. Game time tonight is 7pm. Coverage on 102.9 the Buzz and Fox Sports Tennessee, the game is close to a sellout and walk up is expected to be strong. You can join Greg Pogue and I for the WNSR Pre-Game Show on the rooftop at Rippy’s across from the main entrance of the arena at 6pm, tune it on Sports Radio 560 WNSR.
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NCAA College Hockey is coming to Bridgestone Arena. The University of Alabama Huntsville Chargers will be taking on the Merrimack College Warriors on Friday, January 14th at 7:00 PM and Saturday, January 15th at 1:00 PM. Tickets are $30, $15 and $10. $5 with college ID day of game only. http://www.ticketmaster.com/venueartist/221417/835744
Tickets go on sale to the general public this Friday, October 22nd @ 10AM at Bridgestone Arena Box Office, area Ticketmaster Outlets, Ticketmaster charge-by-phone at 800-745-3000 or on line at ticketmaster.com .
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The podcast for last night’s show is posted at the SlapShot Radio website. It was a good one with Greg Wyshynski, Mike Lange and Preds assistant coach Peter Horachek.
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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, but we are having a bit of fun by getting your input on Gnash introductions, weigh in on Twitter and who knows, we may use your introduction for the best mascot in the NHL at the next Preds game!
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COMING UP ON THE NEXT SLAPSHOT RADIO…
SlapShot Radio’s is back for season three and we have a great sseason planned. We are putting together next week’s show and should have the guests booked in the next day or so…
SlapShot Radio, SportsRadio 560 WNSR, every Wednesday at 6pm… listen online or on podcast at www.slapshotradio.com... Join us tonight!
Nashville Predators Blogger •Predators Radio Network • 
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