SlapShot Radio’s photographer was on the scene last night… here are some exclusive shots from the Preds/Caps game.


Courtesy DLM/SlapShot Radio

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I am still trying to catch my breath after a raucous last five minutes of the third period in last night’s 3-1 Predators victory over the Washington Capitals. After the first two periods the attitude around the rink was, next goal wins, no one saw a four goal explosion happening in the last period, let alone the last five minutes.

In a game labeled as “The Mitch Korn Classic” (stick tap to Big Ben for that one,) netminders Tomas Voukoun and Pekka Rinne put on a goaltending clinic, making save after save after saving, seemingly playing a game of “Can You Top This?” In earning the games first star, Pekka Rinne was simply magnificent. Anyone thinking Rinne isn’t worth his new contract simply needs to look at last night’s performance.

Literally, the difference in the game was two defensive miscues that cost the Caps. On the Preds first goal, the Capitals made a classic mistake, they stopped skating when they believed a play to be offside, and Martin Erat made them pay, tying the game at one. Then Washington’s Achilles Heel surfaced… their blueline. With three players behind the goal line, Washington’s D left Colin Wilson alone in front of the net and Wilson took full advantage, taking a sweet pass from Erat and tallying the game winner with 25 seconds left.

A much needed home ice win for Nashville, getting the homestand started now with three out of four possible points. Toronto is in town tomorrow night, then the reeling Columbus Blue Jackets are in for a Saturday night divisional showdown.

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Random Notes

- Best hashtag seen on Twiter during last night’s game #ChildrenoftheKorn

- Predators goaltending coach Mitch Korn had to love that one last night, frankly, Korn is one of the most under rated coaches in hockey. He continually cracks out excellent goaltenders.

- Taking nothing away from the great job Weber and Suter did on Alex Ovechkin last night, but Ovie disappeared for long stretches of the game.

- According to faceoff.com, there is a movement starting in Buffalo to name a downtown block after Jim Kelley. The venerable hockey writer passed away last year after a valiant battle with pancreatic cancer. Sounds like a great idea to me.

- The Toronto Star is reporting that an American company is interested in buying the Toronto Maple Leafs. There are so many places I could go with this one, all will get me in trouble… but I can’t resist… let’s make it twenty four! Kidding… kidding…

- Speaking of Toronto, they dropped a 3-2 shootout to the Coyotes last night on home ice. The good news is that the Leafs overcame a two goal deficit to get the point. The Leafs haven’t won on home ice since 10/29.

- Who said the Bruins were hungover? Six straight and counting for the B’s.

- Yikes, the Blue Jackets are finding new and creative ways to lose games, blowing a two goal lead last night, allowing four unanswered goals to the Minnesota Wild.

- Good one in St. Louis last night as the Blues appear to have righted the ship and beat the Red Wings 2-1. St. Louis is 3-0-1 under Ken Hitchcock.

- Dallas lost their third straight last night, getting smoked on home ice by the Florida Panthers 6-0. Their new owners take over on Friday.

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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, built by RiverBirch Homes

Tonight we are on the road at Blackstone Restaurant. We’ll be talking to Howard Berger to help break down the Toronto game, catching up with Paul Hamilton in Buffalo to get the reaction to the Lucic/Miller incident and talking to Edmonton play-by-play man Jack Michaels about the surprising Edmonton Oilers. That’s all on SlapShot Radio, built by RiverBirch Homes, 6pm tonight on 102.5 the Game, live from Blackstone Restaurant

Past episodes are also posted on the SlapShot Radio website.

Click here to listen or download.

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