It's game night in Dallas as the Nashville Predators try to pick themselves up after dropping a heartbreaker in Detroit. With snow falling as I write this, it certainly looks like hockey weather in the Music City. Is is expected to be Hal Gill's debut in Pred colors.
Dallas is playing the second half of a back-to-back after dropping their own dis-heartening 2-1 decision, this one in overtime to the Phoenix Coyotes last night in Glendale. The Stars are three points out of the top eight in the West and are desperately clinging to their playoff hopes, another loss or two could put them in the seller category later this week.
The Predators are looking to get back on the winning track. The best news maybe the scheduling over the next few weeks as the team plays every other night for the next eight days finishing the string with a back-to-back. The Predators have a MUCH better record with only one day off between games, like a 21-10 record, compared to a 5-11 record when having two days off.
The Predators list Brian McGrattan and Patric Hornqvist as out tonight, the Stars are without Brenden Morrow, Sheldon Souray and Jamie Benn are listed as questionable.
Puck drop is at 6pm central, Pete Weber and Terry Crisp have the call on Fox Sports Tennessee, Tom Callahan is manning the mic on the Predators Radio Network flagship 102.5 the Game.
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"Murderer’s Row” – Tracking the toughest 13 days of the Predator’s season…
2/14 – Chicago – W 3-2
2/17 – @ Detroit - L 1-2
2/19 – @ Dallas –
2/21 – Vancouver –
2/23 – St. Louis –
2/25 – San Jose –
2/27 – Los Angeles –
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Random Notes…
- The Predators remain 5th in the Western Conference standings, trailing conference leading Detroit by 10 points. Nashville trails the Blues by seven points. The Predators lead Chicago by three points. St. Louis and Nashville have a game in hand each over Chicago and Detroit.
- Another D-Man domino fell yesterday as the Philadelphia Flyers acquired Pavel Kubina.
- Lots of public speculation from official sources on a Philly / Columbus deal for Rick Nash. Unless he can play goal, this one doesn't get help where it is desperately needed for the Flyers.
- “Hockey Weekend Across America" culminates today with a doubleheader on NBC and a nightcap on NBC Sports Network.
Today’s Impact Games
San Jose @ Detroit – A showdown of a couple of division leaders that have no love lost between them. The Sharks have dumped the Red Wings from the playoffs the last two times and the Wings are looking for payback, and their 23rd consecutive home win.
St. Louis @ Chicago - Chicago's road trip from hell is done after going 2-7. The best news foor Blackhawk fans is that the two wins came in the last two games. This Centraall Division battle has only requirement for Predator and Red Wing fans... end it in regulation... PLEASE!
SportsClubStats Update
Predators Playoff Chances – 97.8%
Highest % Potential Playoff Opponent – St. Louis 46.1%, Detroit 26.6%
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