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Thoughts for an Off-Day

March 29, 2012, 1:00 PM ET [46 Comments]
Paul McCann
Nashville Predators Blogger •Predators Radio Network • RSSArchiveCONTACT
With the combination of wins and losses last night from three other teams, the Nashville Predators have clinched their seventh playoff berth in the past eight seasons last night. It is the second earliest a Predators team have punched their playoff ticket. Now the battle for positioning begins in earnest. The schedule makers certainly had a premonition about this team and who it would be battling with when they put together this weekend. A back-to-back, at Detroit and home against Chicago... Yikes!

Five game remaining until the playoffs begin.

On another Preds related subject. Negotiations are proceeding well between the team and Metro for a new Bridgestone Arena lease deal. An agreement that will benefit all involved, of course certain investigative entertainers tried to claim credit… but thoughtful people know that the current ownership is invested in the community and interested in win/win scenarios. Considering the economic impact of the arena and the Predators, there is plenty to go around. Kudos to both parties for negotiating like mature adults and resisting the temptations of controversy that agenda driven members of the infotainment industry tries to spin up.

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“A Long March” – Tracing the stretch run…
Points Available – 30
Points Gained So Far – 15 out of 26

3/03 – @ Florida – W 3-1
3/06 – Los Angeles – L 5-4
3/08 – Colorado – W 4-2
3/10 – Detroit – W 3-2
3/12 – @ Phoenix – W (SO) 5-4
3/15 – @ San Jose – OTL (SO) 2-1
3/17 – @ Los Angeles – L 4-2
3/18 - @ Anaheim – W 3-1
3/20 – Edmonton – L 6-3
3/22 - @ Pittsburgh – L 5-1
3/24 – Winnipeg – W 3-2
3/25 - @ Chicago – W 6-1
3/27 - @ St. Louis – L 3-0
3/30 - @ Detroit –
3/31 – Chicago –

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Random Notes…

- With 5 games remaining in the regular season, the Predators are 5th in the Western Conference standings with 96 points, trailing conference leading St. Louis by nine points and 4th place Detroit by one point. The Predators lead Chicago by three points. All of the top four Central Division teams have played 77 games.

- The Predators practice today at Bridgestone Arena before taking off for Detroit. Marin Erat, Jordin Tootoo and Roman Josi are all expected to skate with the team today. Head Coach Barry Trotz was quoted as saying that “all three are possible for Friday and Saturday.”

- The Pacific Shuffle was danced again last night, now Dallas is back on top with 89 points.

- Oh sure… NOW the Blue Jackets show up to play. Just in time to aggravate the Red Wings off before Friday night’s game. Big win for Columbus last night 4-2 over Detroit. The loss drops Detroit’s road record to 16-21-3, The only other teams with sub .500 road record in the playoff mix as of this morning? 6th place Chicago is 16-18-4, 8th place San Jose is 15-16-7.

- Montreal fired their GM this morning… now there’s a surprise.

- People are complaining about the NHL playoff seeding system. Not sure what the issue is… there isn’t a single team that won’t make the playoffs that deserves to. You should be rewarded for winning your division. I don’t see it…

Tonight’s Impact Games

St. Louis @ Chicago - There is no reasonable way for the Preds to catch the Blues for the division crown. Chicago is still putting the heat on Nashville for the 4th/5th spot. I think I’m rooting for the Blues

SportsClubStats Update
Predators Playoff Chances – In
Highest % Potential Playoff Opponent – Detroit 85.1%, Chicago 5.6%, Dallas 3.7%

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On the next SlapShot Radio

Podcast from last night’s show is posted… We talked to NHL.com/Foxsports.com writer John Manasso about the curious jersey throwing that occurred at Bridgestone Arena this past Saturday night. We also welcomed back Philadelphia Flyer broadcaster, former NHL player and author Bill Clement and we previewed the wild weekend back-to-back with Detroit and Chicago with Blackhawk broadcaster John Wiedeman.

Click here to download or listen to previous podcasts.

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