The Nashville Predators pushed their preseason record to 6-1-0 with a 3-2 shootout victory at the MTS Center last night. The game was a homecoming of sorts for Predators head coach Barry Trotz as he is a native of Manitoba, raised in Dauphin a few hours away from the province’s biggest city.

Cal O’Reilly scored the game winner in the shootout with a wicked wrister that cleanly beat Ondrej Pavelec, the only tally of the shootout. That goal was on top of the game tying one he scored in the first period. Anders Lindback was strong in net and looks ready to get the season started.

So, with all the excitement of the NHL's return, according to a column in Thursday’s Winnipeg Sun, the big question burning in Winnipeg is… will Winnipeg fans forgive Gary Bettman?

What? Really? Forgive him for what? Bringing NHL hockey back?

Let's ignore that bad ownership, a bad building, bad economic conditions and bad attendance all were contributing factors to Winnipeg losing the Jets before... it truly is the third rail of this situation. You are not allowed to point out these things and I know that I will be flamed for writing it. It is also chock full of irony that Winnipeg got the Jets back because of those very same conditions in Atlanta. So… the fault belongs to… you got it… Gary Bettman.

The ownership of the Jets has come out and said that the commissioner was the biggest driving force behind bringing the NHL back to Manitoba outside of the province. I’m glad Winnipeg has NHL hockey again and I hope it works this time, but it is important to not forget the past, lest it repeats itself.

From 1979-1996, the Jets played in Winnipeg Arena, renovations in 1979 brought the capacity of this venerable barn to 15,565. The highest attendance number from that renovation to the time the team moved was 13,694 (1986-87) … 87.9% capacity. The worst attendance in that timeframe was 12,398 in 1983-84… 79.6% capacity … I won’t count the last year in Winnipeg as the knowledge of the impending loss of the team naturally drove down attendance.

So, let's recap...
- Never more that 88% attendance over a sixteen year period, and that is Gary Bettman’s fault.
- A terrible exchange rate for the Canadian dollar, and that is Gary Bettman’s fault.
- A bad ownership group, and that is Gary Bettman’s fault… and the biggest key of all…
- No local ownership steps up to buy the team, and (say it with me) that is Gary Bettman’s fault,

If you take Winnipeg’s best attendance year (86-87) and compare it to where the team would fit into last season’s attendance rankings (by percent of capacity)… the franchise would come in at 20th place.

Now, I know the new incarnation of this franchise is off to rip-roaring start. The city is thrilled to have their Jets back and the excitement is palpable. The MTS Center will be sold out for at least the next three years and it appears the Jets have the right ownership in place and more importantly, a solid business model. If the franchise ices a competitive team all should be well, but the question remains… if the team does not perform on the ice, how does Winnipeg respond this time? Do they continue to re-up their season tickets once the three year commitment is complete?

Blaming Gary Bettman for the loss of the Jets in the first place is downright silly and avoids accountability… but that doesn’t stop the blind hatred of people that believe the commissioner has been bad for the game… improved money, improved ratings and an additional Canadian teams be damned... Defending franchises from moving, assisting struggling franchises with a Canadian Assistance Plan, a huge new broadcast contract that makes the league stronger… according to these haters, that's bad. Let’s not let facts get in the way of a good hate though.

The fact remains, the fans have to continue to come out after the newness wears off. It’s a lesson that all teams have to learn at some point in their history. One that Atlanta appears to have not learned… twice. I truly hope that Winnipeg never has to experience it again.

Winnipeg fans roundly booed the commissioner at the announcement event bringing the NHL back in May… let’s hope that Jets fans don’t mar the triumphant return of NHL hockey to Manitoba with ill-informed rudeness to the commissioner that helped bring the game back to Winnipeg.

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It’s a quick turnaround for Nashville as Carolina is in town for the final preseason game for both teams tonight at the Bridge. Carolina is not having a very good preseason and concerns are being raised. After their loss to Columbus last night, the ‘Canes are 1-4… now we all know that these records mean nothing, but the concern for Caniacs everywhere were reflected in coach Paul Maurice’s post-game comments last night. Maurice is not happy with the team’s puck movement, execution and intensity. He is quoted in today’s News and Observer, "I know a bunch of these guys have another level to get to.”

Lots to prove tonight from both sides… expect to see more cuts post-game as these teams get down to their opening night rosters.

Puck drops at 7pm, there are plaza activities that get going around 4pm, doors open at 5:30. See you tonight at the Bridge! Make sure you check the blog tomorrow morning as we’ll have exclusive photos from tonight’s action in what will be a regular Sunday feature.

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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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SlapShot Radio is on the move… Our season premier is this Wednesday, October 5th at 6pm on our new home 102.5 the Game! Join the voice of the Predators Pete Weber and I for the fastest hour on radio… SlapShot Radio… same day, same time, new station! 102.5 the Game.

We will be doing our NHL annual preview show featuring TSN’s Jeff Marek and legendary Pittsburgh Penguin play by play man Mike Lange. Then Pete, Charlie and I will be previewing the Preds. All Wednesday night at 6 on 102.5 the Game!

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