UPDATE - from the Preds PR Department...

Nashville, Tenn. (September 20, 2011) – Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced today that the club has sent forwards Brent Andrews (Halifax, QMJHL), David Elsner (Sault Ste. Marie, OHL) and Austin Watson (Peterborough, OHL) back to their junior teams, leaving the Predators 2011 training camp roster at 52.

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The Predators split their doubleheader with Florida yesterday, winning game one 5-3, losing game two 4-3. Goal scorers in game one were Colin Wilson, Chris Mueller, Jon Blum, Jani Lajunen and Kelsey Wilson. Game two scorers were Ryan Thang, Teemu Laakso and Blake Geoffrion.

The team takes off for Baltimore early this afternoon for a game against the Washington Capitals. It’s a homecoming of sorts for Predators head coach Barry Trotz who coached the Baltimore Skipjacks in their last three seasons before the team moved to Portland.

Tonight’s game will see the preseason debut of Shea Weber, Ryan Suter, Pekka Rinne and Martin Erat. Tonight will also be the first game covered on the Predator’s new flagship station, 102.5 the Game. Pregame starts at 5pm, puck drop at 6pm. Tom Callahan will be on the call.

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Random Notes

- The Tennessean’s Josh Cooper is reporting that Nick Spaling is back on the ice, his shoulder is still a little sore but he says it may be ready for contact by the end of the week.

- Cooper also reports that Martin Erat is ready to go, despite lingering back pain.

- Nice piece from David Boclair in CityPaper about the Geoffrion brothers and the the fight to save UAH hockey…

- Sorry, but unsurprised at the news that George Plaster has left the Zone. I have had my issues with George in the past, however, I will give him credit for not being a hypocrite and working for the company he sued eight years ago. I wish him much luck and hopes he lands where he wants to.

- In other preseason action last night, the Toronto Maple Leafs got it going with a 4-2 win over Ottawa an Buffalos took down Carolina 3-1

- Tonight’s preseason schedule features the game of the new Winnipeg Jets as they visit Columbus, Philly visits Toronto (on NHL Network), Dallas visits Montreal, Tampa Bay visits St. Louis, Vancouver plays Calgary, Chicago and Edmonton travel to Saskatoon, among many more.

- Please, if you haven’t had the chance… drop a small donation to the Andie and Alex Belak Scholarship Fund. Checks should be made payable to Woodmont Christian Church/Belak and sent to 3601 Hillsboro Pike, Nashville, TN 37215.

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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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