The comparison I can make on a day like today is that the Nashville Predators are like a duck heading into tonight’s game against Montreal, calm on the surface, paddling like hell underneath. Serious efforts being made to put Tuesday night’s loss behind them after a previously unscheduled team meeting on Wednesday.

Coach Barry Trotz called the meeting “lengthy.” I would also add the word necessary to that characterization. The impact of that meeting and of Tuesday’s loss will be measured tonight on Bell Centre ice against a hot Montreal team. Captain Shea Weber has been out front on this, being the face of the team and saying the right things.

Another story tonight… Sergei Kostitsyn’s return to his former home. According to Rick Moffat on last night’s SlapShot Radio, Sergei and his brother went out to dinner last night… on Sergei... but a late update reflects tha big brother paid. Tonight’s game is the first time the Kostitsyn brothers have played against each other in a professional game.

The Canadiens are coming off a solid win over Philadelphia, are riding a four game win streak and are off to a great start this season, mostly because of the goaltending of Carey Price. Price has a 2.05 GAA and a stellar 93% save percentage. Montreal scores by committee with five different players in double digit points.

Tonight’s injury list is short, Montreal is listing Andrei Markov as out, Nashville listing Matthew Lombardi.

The storylines in this one are interesting… Puck drop is 6:30pm, coverage on 102.9 the Buzz and Fox Sports Tennessee HD.

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Random Notes

- Wow… Wade Belak has got to start expressing himself more bluntly. In an appearance on Toronto radio yesterday, Belak was asked about New York Rangers agitator Sean Avery in relationship with his own part-time gig as a volunteer firefighter. His response? “I wouldn’t p—s on him if he was on fire.” Circle the date folks… The New York Rangers are in town next Saturday… the only question for that one? Will Belak be in the lineup?

- Keep an eye on the SlapShot Radio website as we will be updating from the road this weekend. The 2nd annual SlapShot Radio road trip is heading to Raleigh, NC to see the Preds battle the Canes this Saturday night.

- Last night’s SlapShot Radio podcast is posted featuring Sporting News’ Craig Custance, Canadiens’ play-by-play man Rick Moffat and a special Behind the Bench featuring Terry Crisp.

- Flyer fans are up in arms at a teenager… “Where’s the story here?” I hear you say… well, during a recent tour stop in Philly, members of the team gave teen heartthrob Justin Bieber a personalized Flyer jersey with the number 1 on it. Well… that aggravated Flyer fans, picture this... handing a jersey with Bernie Parent’s number on it, to an avowed Maple Leafs fan, wearing a New York Yankees hat!!! Yeow… talk about aggravation on multiple levels!

- Is this an audition for "World's Strictest Parents?" I could imagine that getting traded is difficult enough. Getting traded by your own father??? Now that’s harsh, and it also what happened as the Calgary Flames traded Brett Sutter and Ian White to the Carolina Hurricanes. Sutter is the son of Flames GM Darryl Sutter, the young Sutter is also accused of punching a Phoenix cab driver last week and has to face charges for his actions. Sheesh dad, did you thought about a time out and grounding before trading him?

- Speaking of the Flames, they have hit a rough patch losing seven of their last eight and four straight at home. The Battle of Alberta is shaping up to be a battle of who wants to stay out of the Western Conference basement.

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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…

Gusest are being scheduled for next week’s show. SlapShot Radio, on a special night, Tuesday November 23rd at 6pm on SportsRadio 560 WNSR and online at www.slapshotradio.com.

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

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