The Nashville Predators are back in action tonight after a day off and a couple of practices to take on the Dallas Stars in a rather large Western Conference showdown. The Predators are riding a three game win streak and continuing their ascent in the Western Conference, Dallas has been struggling a bit since their red hot start but are showing signs of life with the return of goaltender Kari Lehtonen.

January should bring some separation in the standings. Anaheim and Columbus’ hope for the playoffs are flickering at best, Edmonton has sunk to 10 points out of contention, Phoenix and Calgary are still close to the pack, but need to get their seasons turned around fast. Dallas is only two points out of the playoff mix, however, they have been playing .500 hockey over the last ten. A point per game is good for a player, but bad for your playoff chances… especially in the ultra competitive west

Dallas certainly gets a boost with the impending return of Stephane Robidas to their blueline. He is listed as probable for tonight’s game, Philip Larsen and Tomas Vincor (IR) are listed as questionable. Sheldon Souray is listed on IR. The Predators are listing both Colin Wilson and Shea Weber as questionable. Both players are listed on tonight’s latest game notes… Weber looks to have been removed from IR. Good news indeed for Pred fans.

So… it’s a big one at the Bridge tonight. 7pm faceoff, coverage on 102.5 the Game and Fox Sports Tennessee. Some tickets remain for College Night and the Preds are looking for their frnachise record seventh straight sellout.

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Random Notes

- With Weber being removed from IR, I wonder who gets scratched tonight. Blum? Ellis? Same question for the potential return of Wilson. Bourque?

- 23 players listed on the Preds roster, I would expect 1-2 to be sent down sometime in the next few days should Wilson and Weber play and have no after effects.

- A real sign this team is making some serious inroads into the Nashville market. The team is averaging attendance of 16,594 over their first 19 home games, 11 of them sellouts. Franchise attendance record is 16,600 in the 98-99 season. Considering that attendance is always higher in the second half of the season… this looks to be a banner year for the franchise.

- Jerred Smithson led the NHL in faceoff win percentage in December, winning 67% of his draws.

- The Shanahammer fell hard on Dan Carcillo and Rene Bourque. Kudos to Flames GM Jay Feaster for supporting the decision publically.

- Fire Sale in Anaheim? Ducks GM Bob Murray has the “For Sale” sign out for everyone except Saku Koivu and Teemu Selanne.

- Rick Nash has said he would set aside his no trade clause if requested… a sign from the Jackets captain?

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On the next SlapShot Radio, built by RiverBirch Homes

We are back on Wednesday, January 11th at 6pm on 102.5 the Game, live from Blackstone Restaurant on West End Ave. SlapShot Radio is built by RiverBirch Homes.

To get a fix in the meantime… past episodes are also posted on the SlapShot Radio website.

Click here to listen or download.

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