The Nashville Predators got the start they wanted with two division wins in two days, ruining the season openers for Columbus and St. Louis on the strength of excellent performances from Pekka Rinne, David Legwand and Craig Smith. Getting four points on opening weekend is a great start, however Pred Nation may have to temper the excitement with a little reality.
The main reason for both wins was the play of Pekka Rinne. That in itself is not unusual, however, the Preds all world goaltender was left out to dry multiple times on bad giveaways, poor defensive positioning and general sloppy play. Another factor was poor play from both opposing goaltenders. The pucks are bouncing Nashville’s way right now and the team is taking advantage of every one.
The team has today off. I do expect coach Barry Trotz to be working the team hard over the next few days of practice before Opening Night in Smashville to clean these pieces up.
Next game is Opening Night in Smashville on Thursday night. I’ll be hosting the plaza activities including the red carpet… so get out early to get ready to welcome back the team.
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Random Notes
- David Legwand is leading a very productive line right now. Legwand has always played well with faster players, taking advantage of his outstanding skating skills, but this is a new level. The Legwand/Smith/Wilson line has simply been on fire, tallying 10 points in two games.
- Call Section 303’s MegaTrip a huge success, and I hope they have dried off from the “celebratory” beer that was poured on several members of the party. That brings the Cellblock’s record on roadtrips to 2-1-1. I would be remiss if I didn’t remind that SlapShot Radio’s roadtrip record is 2-0-0. :-)
- Sending good wishes to AJ from Predators AJenda. He attempted to catch a pregame puck with a part of the body not intended for such things. After spending time in a St. Louis emergency room, AJ is fine… the puck however was suspended by Brendan Shanahan, video coming.
- Lost in the two wins was Martin Erat’s being scratched last night for the ever-popular “Upper Body Injury” that is unrelated to his back issues according to Barry Trotz.
- Tonight is a big night in Winnipeg as the Jets take the ice for their first regular season game. Coverage is on NHL Network at 4pm CDT.
- One other 2-0-0 team in the West… Detroit.
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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 SlapShot 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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This week’s SlapShot Radio will feature Stu Grimson, talking to us about Don Cherry’s silly comments on HNIC. Also, Bob Heethuis will join us to preview the Coyotes game. SlapShot Radio is on every Wednesday night at 6 on 102.5 the Game.
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