Update II

Looks like Alexander Sulzer has been traded to Florida for a conditional draft choice... also, On the Forecheck is reporting that Steve Sullivan has been moved to IR. More to come...

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Update I

Pierre LeBrun of ESPN is reporting that Wade Belak has been placed on waivers...

The Curse of the Player's Show has struck again...

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A storm blew through Nashville last night. Thank heaven no one was injured, however, trees were uprooted, some buildings damaged and Western Conference standings were seriously impacted. Oh wait… that was from a different storm…

Last night’s loss to Chicago in front of a sellout crowd hurt. Hurt physically, psychologically and in the standings as for the first time since early in the season, the Predators are on the outside looking in on the top eight.

The effort was better, better skating, better shooting… but not better finishing around the net. Better…

However, better doesn’t cut it in a playoff run. It’s not time to push the panic button, but keeping it close may be appropriate.

The team is back in action Saturday afternoon in Dallas.

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Random Notes

- Gotta give Jonathan Blum credit, he is making the most of his chance with the big club. He has played two excellent games since being called up and has been a bright spot in the Pred’s lineup during a dark time.

- The standings update… The Predators have dropped to 9th in the conference, part of a five-way tie at 70 points. Phoenix holds 4th at 75 points, Los Angeles is 5th with 72. The group at 70 in tie-break order… Minnesota 6th, Chicago 7th, Dallas 8th, Nashville, 9th and Calgary 10th. Anaheim is 11th, two points back, Columbus is 12th trailing by four. Nashville has a game in hand on Phoenix and Calgary. Columbus has 2-3 games in hand on the pack.

- Tonight’s impact games – Phoenix is at Columbus, San Jose visits Calgary and Minnesota is in Anaheim. All critical swing games.

- Last night was Nashville's 11th sellout of the season and third in a row. The arena was pretty full last night, despite the hysterical weather folks proclaiming Armageddon. Attendance continues to improve...

- I’m beginning to wonder what kind of guidance is coming out of the NHL’s head office on officiating as the last few games I have watched have been some of the most inconsistently officiated that I can recall.

- Dallas got back on track last night with a big win over Detroit at the Joe.

- Don’t look now, but the Toronto Maple Leafs are making a run in the East. They are only four points out of the top eight. Hmmmmm, maybe Armageddon is closer than I thought...

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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…

Unfortunately, technical problems have prevented us from posting a podcast from last week’s show. The guest list is being assembled for this week…



Download past episodes the SlapShot Radio podcast page

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