An interesting hockey game last night as the Nashville Predators won a 3-2 decision over the Chicago Blackhawks. I would compare the game to a Rocky movie fight… pick one, it doesn’t matter which. Both combatants started off by feeling each other out, circling slowly, testing, probing until the first real punch connects. Then things pick up, a couple of solid blows are landed and the fight is on. Certainly an apt description for the first period…

A typical "Rocky" fight settles down for a bit after that. Both fighters will trade punches, both inflicting some damage, both steeling themselves for the final rounds that are bound to be intense. There’s the second period from last night.

Then all hell breaks loose as Rocky looks to be on the ropes, looking like he is about to lose the big fight to Apollo-Clubber-Russian Guy. Then he finds his heart, connects with a long shot punch that staggers the bigger opponent and manages to survive the final assault, trading punches and hanging on by his fingernails to the cheers of “Rock-y, Rock-y, Rock-y!!!” as victory is achieved. See... not as much of a reach as you expected when I started... :-)

Yup… I love the Rocky movies and have watched them way too many times, but it certainly is a solid analogy for last night’s victory. Nashville needed that one, and seemed to want it just a bit more than the slumping Blackhawks. Nine straight losses will do that to a team, because Chicago did play a fairly solid game and could almost argue that they deserved better, however, the elephant in the room that Chicago hasn’t acknowledged, at least publicly… their goaltending is a BIG problem.

Josh Cooper, in his Postgame Ponderings on the Tennessean website… “A good netminder is like an ace pitcher in baseball. They stop slumps.” Cooper is absolutely right and Chicago hasn’t had that since they won the Cup and then walked away from the arbitration award to Antti Niemi. Their decision to go cheap between the pipes is coming back to bite them right now.

That being said, the Chicago blueline is battling injuries and last night’s game looked to be the light at the end of the tunnel for the struggling Hawks. That game where you play well enough to get a point that predicts better things. Chicago fans are hoping so because if this streak continues for much longer, Chicago could be worrying about simply making the playoffs, rather than their playoff position.

The Predators will practice today, then the annual Predators Foundation Gala takes place at Bridgestone Arena. Should be a good time and very limited tickets remain... go to the Preds website for more information.

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Random Notes

- The Predators remain 5th in the Western Conference standings, trailing conference leading Detroit by 8 points. Nashville gained ground on St. Louis, now trailing the Blues by three. The Predators now lead Chicago by seven points. St. Louis has one game in hand over Nashville and Chicago and two games in hand over Detroit. The Predators have a game in hand on Detroit.

- Next up for the Predators? Detroit… at the Joe… where the Wings just set a league record winning their 21st consecutive home game last night. Yikes!

- Don’t be surprised if you see Craig Smith go on a tear in the next few games. He is firing the puck and attacking the net. Smith had 11 shots last night and was buzzing all game long.

- You have to love Ryan Ellis’ response to his being a healthy scratch. A young player, learning his lesson... his development continues to be ahead of schedule.

- Don’t look now… but the New York Islanders are only four points out of a playoff spot in the East, as Toronto, Winnipeg and Washington continue to slide, the Islanders are quietly putting it together. What a great story that could be…

- Apparently, Marek Zidlicky has waived his no trade clause if he is traded to the Devils. Marek is a solid offensive defenseman, but he doesn’t strike me as a good fit for a Lou Lamorillo team.

- Underrated Hockey Blog Alert. If you haven’t checked out Puck the Media… you need to. Here's the link. Steve Lepore does a great job calling out and covering the hockey media.

Tonight’s Impact Game
Colorado @ Vancouver – The Canucks look to keep pace with the Red Wings, they trail Detroit by four points in the Western Conference standings. Colorado is trying to jump back into the top 8, a win tonight gets them to within one point of 8th place Phoenix.

SportsClubStats Update
Predators Playoff Chances – 98.8%
Highest % Potential Playoff Opponent – St. Louis 53.2%, Detroit 26.0%

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On the next SlapShot Radio

Join us tonight as we will be chatting with the always outspoken Jeremy Roenick of NBC Sports Network and replaying our in-depth interview with The Hockey News’ Adam Proteau. All this on SlapShot Radio, tonight at 6 on 102.5 the Game.

Click here to listen or download any of our previous episodes.

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