Last night’s 6-1 win over the Colorado Avalanche completed the Predators regular season. The team really had nothing to play for as they had already captured 4th in the Western Conference after Detroit lost to Chicago in a shootout earlier in the day. Players that were regular occupants of the scratch list made statements to avoid a similar fate in the playoffs as Craig Smith tallied a goal and two assists, Matt Halischuk potted a goal and added an assist… both players definitely improved their chances for playoff playing time… and what can you say about Anders Lindback, another excellent performance in net. There is a little concern about the injury, but it was being downplayed in post-game comments. Last night’s win was the Predators sixth win in their last eight games, achieving their goal of finishing the regular season strong.
The Nashville Predators have continued their year of firsts. After last season’s first playoff series win, the franchise has continued to achieve new firsts and franchise records both on the ice and off. Off the ice, the team has further proven itself as a hockey market, improved TV ratings, both Pred games and non-Pred games, improved attendance and a new franchise record for sellouts.
On the ice, the Predator’s Pekka Rinne finished the season on the top of the heap in goaltender wins, the team finished ahead of the Detroit Red Wings for the first time ever and qualified for the playoffs for the seventh time in the last eight seasons.
So now, after a day off today, attention turns to the Detroit Red Wings.
The playoff schedule will be announced on NHL Network at noon central. Here are your matchups…
Western Conference
#1 Vancouver vs #8 Los Angeles
#2 St. Louis vs. #7 San Jose
#3 Phoenix vs. #6 Chicago
#4 Nashville vs. #5 Detroit
Eastern Conference
#1 New York Rangers vs. #8 Ottawa
#2 Boston vs. #7 Washington
#3 Florida vs. #6 New Jersey
#4 Pittsburgh vs. #5 Philadelphia
I will be giving my take on these series in the next few days.
-----------------------------------
Random Notes…
- One of the biggest advantages of the Preds/Wings matchup is travel. Not having to go to Phoenix or LA or Vancouver is a big plus for both teams.
- Home ice is big in the Red Wings series, but the Red Wings, after their record setting home win streak has been only ordinary at the Joe. 5-5-2 in their last 12, but there were a lot of injuries impacting that record.
- The Vancouver Canucks captured their second consecutive President’s Trophy.
- Steve Stamkos got his 60th goal last night in Tampa’s 4-3 win over Winnipeg.
- Congratulations to the Boston College Eagles on winning their third National Championship in the last five years.
----------------------------------
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.
-------------------------------------
On the next
SlapShot Radio
Scheduling of this week’s show is dependent on the playoff schedule.
Wednesday’s podcast is posted. We welcomed back ESPN.com’s Craig Custance and Dallas Stars TV Color Analyst Daryl “Razor” Reaugh, we will also previewed the huge Red Wings/Blues game with TrueHockey.com’s Andy Strickland. Wednesday’s at 6pm on 102.5 the Game.
Click
here to download or listen to previous podcasts.
-------------------------------------
KINDLE USERS: Please subscribe to Predators Buzz, a one-stop feed for all things Predators-related on HockeyBuzz. Your subscription includes a free 14-day trial and is just 99 cents per month thereafter. For more information,
click here.
Nashville Predators Blogger •Predators Radio Network • 
Join the Discussion:
»