It goes down as an overtime loss, however, last night’s game had way too many positives to simply chalk it up as a loss. Resiliency, hard work, simple Predator hockey were all in evidence last night. Discipline may be a different story.

The biggest issue at the United Center was penalties. Nine of them for 26 minutes, giving Chicago seven power play opportunities, while the Blackhawks did not convert on any of these man advantage situations, killing off that many power plays in a game, especially three of them in the third period, simply saps the energy from your team. That showed in the overtime when Viktor Stalberg, showing surprising speed, ended the game with a furious rush down right wing, beating Jack Hillen, then Pekka Rinne for a pretty goal to give Chicago the game.

Overall, a well played game from Nashville, I like that the Predators responded to every Chicago goal well, especially the Blackhawks’ goal in the third period where they took a 4-3 lead. David Legwand answered 1:33 later with a nice, lunch bucket goal to tie the game.

The mood in the room last night was one of opportunity lost according to all reports I have seen. That is a good attitude to have, no moral victories in Smashville. Chicago looks to be the class of the Central Division and the short-handed Predators matched them well. It’s a shame we have to wait until January 21st for their next matchup. Despite the mood in the room, the Predators have to happy with playing so well missing three key forwards.

The Predators practice at Centennial Sportsplex today at 11am and tomorrow at 10:30am before boarding a plane for Phoenix on Wednesday afternoon.

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Take a snapshot of the standings… you’ll see at least 14 of these 16 teams will make the playoffs…

In the East… Pittsburgh, Toronto, Washington, Ottawa, Philadelphia, Florida, Buffalo, Tampa Bay

In the West… Chicago, Dallas, Edmonton, Los Angeles, Colorado, San Jose, Phoenix, Nashville

Surprising teams not in that mix… Vancouver, Anaheim, Detroit, Montreal, Boston. Interesting how last season’s SCF participants aren’t there right now.

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Random Notes

- Rookie Craig Smith is rapidly playing himself into Calder consideration. Another goal last night, his 4th of the season and he sure doesn’t look like a rookie on the ice. Smith stands second in rookie scoring so far this season.

- Ryan Thang made his NHL debut last night and comported himself well. Thang had a sweet play midway through the first period, hitting a tape-to-tape stretch pass catching Francis Bouillon coming out of the penalty box, springing the defenseman for a breakaway. Good stuff, good experience for the kid. The best news for Pred Nation is that he was sent down this morning, probably meaning that Fisher or Kostitsyn will be ready for Thursday.

- The NHL needs to be realigned, that is the only thing that everyone involved will agree on. How it will be realigned is being fought out by the commissioner and the owners. No consensus has appeared yet. I still think that the league should lose the “East/West” mentality to more of a “North/South” one. Thnk of it, a Southern Conference that consists of Florida, Tampa, Carolina, Nashvlle, Dallas, Phoenix, Los Angeles, Anaheim, Colorado, St. Louis, Columbus, Washington, San Jose, Detroit and Chicago. A Northern Conference that consists of Boston, NY Islanders, NY Rangers, New Jersey, Winnipeg, Montreal, Buffalo, Philadelphia, Ottawa, Toronto, Pittsburgh, Edmonton, Calgary Minnesota and Vancouver. The travel equalizes for both regular season and playoffs. I still think this is the best way to go…

- Ruh-roh… the comparisons of this year’s NBA mess to next year’s NHL CBA negotiation are beginning. LA Times hockey writer (always a good read) Helene Elliott has a solid breakdown a href=" http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-elliott-nhl-20111101,0,6893775.column">here.

- More fun on the business front as the NHLPA and the league can’t agree on revenue sharing numbers for last season which is delaying escrow payments to the players.

- Tim Horton’s is the new name sponsor for the All-Star Game… I like it!

- Big new contract for Niklas Kronwall, seven years $33.25 million. That’s a big one…

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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!

Also... make sure to "like" SlapShot Radio on Facebook... here's the link.

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On the next SlapShot Radio

SlapShot Radio is locked and ready to rock as tomorrow we welcome Joe Yerdon from NBC Sports Pro Hockey Talk blog and we’ll take a look down on the farm with the voice of the Milwaukee Admirals… Aaron Sims. We are also looking at the west coast portion of the CMA road trip… That’s all on this week’s SlapShot Radio, 6pm Wednesday on 102.5 the Game.

Past episode podcasts are posted on the SlapShot Radio website.

Click here to listen or download.

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