After watching last night’s 3-2 shootout win over the Oilers I have a few observations… Some of the Preds young blueliners made a real difference offensively last night, Pekka Rinne is having such a good year that even his stick is making good saves when not in his hand, the Edmonton Oilers can’t seem to buy a break, and Taylor Hall is the real deal.

The Predators young blueliners really stepped up offensively in last night’s game, specifically Alexander Sulzer and Cody Franson, Sulzer scored his first NHL goal and added an assist, Cody Franson had assists on both Pred goals and the shootout winner with an outstanding shot, roofing it over a very surprised Devan Dubnyk. Quibble about the loose play on the defensive side, but as Terry likes to say, you gotta give them full marks for their offensive play.

Rinne authored another larceny last night, to be frank, the Predators played a sloppy game for most of three periods. Too many turnovers, too many odd man rushes and too many soft passes kept a young, speedy Oilers team in the game with scoring chance after scoring chance turned away by a goaltender that is clearly in the zone. To the point where losing his stick turned out to work in his favor… Shawn Horcoff’s scoring chance was stopped from crossing the goal line with Rinne’s errant stick.

Which leads me to the can’t buy a break observation, Edmonton deserved better than they got, however, this young team is just starting to learn how to win. The Oilers have some building blocks for the future and are definitely on the right track. One of those building blocks in Taylor Hall, you have to give it to this kid, as an 18 year old playing among men, he did not look out of place. He’s got the hands, the moves, the speed and most importantly, the disposition to be a star in this league. If this team stay on track, the Oilers will be a Western Conference power sooner, rather than later.

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So, the Preds take their two points and move to Calgary for the second of a back-to-back tonight. The Flames have been a disappointment this year as they stand 14th in the conference and the calls to blow this team up are getting louder and louder. Calgary is on a modest two game win streak after upending the Canucks in a shootout Saturday night. The road team has won the last four meetings between these two teams, including Calgary’s 1-0 win over the Preds back in October.

Preds coach Barry Trotz did not have a lot of compliments f9or his team last night, the Forechecker may have said it best on his tweet last night stating that “It was a perfect game for Barry Trotz. Two points in the books, but plenty of material to rip into the guys in the locker room.” Indeed, Dirk has nailed it one more time.

The Predators have posted a 3-1 record on this roadie so far, with two left to play including tonight. Game coverage on 102.9 the Buzz and FS Tennessee, puck drop at about 8:38pm.

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Random Notes

- The shuffle in the West continues, Chicago and San Jose are back in the top eight, Anaheim has leapfrogged Phoenix, and the Predators have creeped to within 4 points of 2nd in the conference, Central leading, Detroit. Both teams have played 48 games and have four games remaining against each other. This is getting interesting...

- A lot of griping about the New York Islanders claiming Evgeny Nabokov on waivers over the weekend. Why? The Islanders need a goaltender, DiPietro is fragile, they got rid of their depth in Roloson and needed someone with NHL experience. Sheesh… they did nothing wrong… and by the way, Mr. Nabokov… those are the risks you take when you leave the NHL. By not reporting, you put your next season at risk as well.

- Solid win for the Flyers yesterday afternoon in Chicago. The Flyers now lead the league with 69 points. Tough day for Chicago sports fans…

- So, Peter Forsberg is skating with the Avalanche to perhaps take one more kick at the can. Good for him, I hope it works out for the ex-Av, ex-Flyer, ex-Pred… Brett Favre is also looking to lace ‘em up and take a shot at making the team as well…

- Wow, the Lightning even tacked on the extra point against Atlanta yesterday, pasting the Thrashers 7-1. The Lightning getting two from Simon Gagne and Steven Stankos potted his 38th or the year.

- Has anyone else noted that half the players featured in the NHL’s “chosen ones” all-star game commercial won’t be at the game?

- Now starting to peek at SportsClubStats.com… Preds odds at making the playoffs stand at 95%. At current rate, the Preds are on a track for 102 points this season.

- OT: I'm actually interested in the Super Bowl this year, there's a real old school feel to a Packers/Steelers matchup.

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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…

This week on SlapShot Radio, we welcome the host of Sirius/XM's Hockey This Morning, Mike Ross. We'll have a live roundtable discussing the Predator's at the All-Star Break featuring Jeremy Gover from Section 303.com and Ryan Porth of Red Light District and Pete Weber will take us Behind the Bench with Predator's associate head coach Brent Peterson. It's all Wednesday night at 6 on SlapShot Radio.

Podcasts of past episodes are available at the SlapShot Radio podcast page.

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