It’s Game Night in Sunrise as the Nashville Predators try to make it seven, that’s seven in a row in the victory column. Tonight’s game with the Panthers is a classic trap scenario, cross-conference game right before a big weekend home and home against division rival and defending Stanley Cup champion Chicago. It is the biggest worry for Pred Nation about this game.

It was hoped that Martin Erat would go tonight as he practiced yesterday, however the decision was made to give him a few more days. Erat will be in the lineup against Chicago this weekend. The rest of the injury list remains the same, Matthew Lombardi, Steve Sullivan and Cal O’Reilly, out. The news on Sullivan is also positive as he should begin skating late this week or early next, after he begins skating it will be 7-10 days until he returns to the lineup.

As for tonight... This will be the second time these two cats will tangle. A month ago, the Preds took a 3-0 victory at the Bridge, Florida is healthier now and will have most of the weapons in their arsenal. The Panthers are trying to claw their way back into the Eastern Conference playoff race by using their Tuesday night OT victory over Washington as a springboard. The Panthers IR list includes Mark Cullen and Byron Bitz, Chris Higgins is day-to-day.

In many ways this game is a mirror match, excellent goaltending, solid bluelines and scoring by committee. Florida has really struggled playing with a lead, in four of their last five games they have blown leads to give up points to division rivals, not a good way to move up in the standings. Former Predator goaltender Tomas Vokoun is the unquestioned MVP of this team and will be a key for the Panthers tonight.

Puck drops at 6:38pm central, coverage on 102.9 the Buzz and FS Tennessee.

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Random Notes

- The Predators extended the contract of forward Jerred Smithson yesterday, signing him for two more years. A utility forward that can be plugged into any role who is strong on faceoffs, this is a good signing.

- Don’t forget that NCAA Division I Hockey comes to Bridgestone Arena tomorrow night and Saturday afternoon. The University of Alabama Huntsville Chargers take on the Merrimack Warriors at 7pm Friday and 1pm Saturday. I’ll be handling the PA for both games, Friday’s game will be broadcast on SportsRadio 560 WNSR with Tom Callahan on play-by-play and “Crazy” Charlie Saunier handing the studio host duties. Tickets for the game start at just $10 and are available at the Bridgestone Arena box office.

- Talk about your hot and cold goalies… Dwayne Roloson is on a roller coaster in Tampa, he’s up again after hanging a 3-0 shutout on Washington last night.

- The St. Louis Blues are struggling, they lost their fifth straight game last night, dropping a 7-4 decision to Anaheim. Bobby Ryan had the Hattie for the Ducks. The game included a four and a half minute stretch in the third period that saw 64 penalty minutes assigned and three fights. Frustration is beginning to take hold, as St. Louis’ lack of discipline cost them two power play goals in that time frame, putting the game out of reach. No rest for the weary at the Blues take on LA tonight at Stapels.

- The Pittsburgh Penguins snapped their little slump last night by beating Montreal 5-2. After watching how Marc-Andre Fluery smacktalked during practice on 24/7, is anyone surprised that he mocked Carey Price’s shootout pose after getting the win last night? I may be a little old school here, but do we really need to bring that into hockey??

- Chicago completely dominated Colorado last night, posting a 4-0 win over the Av’s, the Blackhawks travel to Music City to wait for the start of their home and home against the Preds.

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On a personal note… sending prayers and good thoughts to Dallas Green and his family in this trying time as they say their final goodbye to Christina today.

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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…

The podcast from last night is posted… We had a great roundtable discussion on the Predators at midseason with Terry Crisp and Tom Callahan, previewed the NCAA game between UAH and Merrimack College coming to the Bridge with the head coach of the UAH Chargers, Chris Luongo. We’ll also talked to Florida radio play-by-play man Randy Moller. Get the podcast at the SlapShot Radio podcast page.

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