Both teams iced new players. One spent a lot of money, one went with youth. The results remain the same as the Nashville Predators continued their dominance of the Columbus Blue Jackets last night with a 3-2 victory. I don't think ownership is too strong a word, the Predators own a 44-14-5 record over Columbus. No wonder why Blue Jacket fans call the Predators the Evil Empire.
Columbus has got to have nightmares about tall goaltenders as once again, Pekka Rinne once again made timely save after timely save and kept the Predators in the game as they held on for a one goal win.
Youth was served for the Predators as Matt Halischuk had the game winner and rookie sensation Craig Smith scored his first NHL goal with a nifty little hands play to beat Steve Mason for the Preds second goal of the game.
The game itself was not well played, both teams were a little careless with the puck, Nashville did not do a good job in the faceoff circle, but a win is a win…
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Nashville is in St. Louis for tonight’s season opener for the Blues. The Blues have been incredibly injury prone over the past couple of seasons and this year is starting out in a similar fashion. The Blues also own a three game win streak over the Predators going back to last season.
Nashville comes off a solid if sloppy victory over Columbus and is looking to get the great start to a season they did not get last year. Taking two on the road against divisional opponents would certainly be called the beginning of a great start.
Game time is 7pm Central… coverage on 102.5 the Game and Fox Sports Tennessee.
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Random Notes
- Don Cherry is complete tool… I can’t believe his name calling, wait a second, yes I can. Shame on you… Stu Grimson will be on SlapShot Radio this week to discuss this. I understand the “dancing bear” act that Don Cherry’s been making a living off of, but this is beneath even him.
- Refs for tonight’s game Preds/Blues game are Steve Kozari and Justin St. Pierre.
- I got reports of bag skates happening yesterday in Columbus after morning skate… hmmm…
- The NHL needs to get their act together with the Atlanta market for TV… the blackout situation being reported on Puck Daddy is pretty crazy.
- Opening night ratings for Versus were excellent, posting their best regular season numbers.
- To give you an idea of how hot tickets are for the home opener for the Winnipeg Jets, the Prime Minister of Canada requested 14 tickets. He was given 2.
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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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The season premier of SlaShot Radio was a roaring success on our new home, 102.5 the Game! We did our NHL annual preview show featuring Sportsnet’s Jeff Marek and legendary Pittsburgh Penguin play by play man Mike Lange. Then Pete, Charlie and I previewed the Preds.
Wait what? You say you were spinning around the wrong places on the dial… you missed it???
Not to worry… the podcast is posted on the SlapShot Radio website.
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here to listen...
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here to subscribe via iTunes or RSS…
SlapShot Radio is on every Wednesday night at 6 on 102.5 The Game. This weeks guests will be Bob Heethuis from the Phoenix Coyotes and Stu Grimson will discuss Don Cherry's rant.
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