Sigh, nothing seems to come easy for this Predators team.
The big news broke at about 11am yesterday, Alexander Radulov and Andrei Kostitsyn will not play in tonight’s pivotal game three in Nashville. With the Phoenix Coyotes leading 2-0, these Pacific Division champs have the Predator bewitched, bothered and bewildered… not to mention completely frustrated and highly concerned that a golden opportunity is slipping through their gloves.
The poor choices made by Radulov and AK46 puts this team in a crisis, and quite frankly, this crisis may be exactly what this team needs to get back to playing Predator Hockey. If anyone ever doubted what David Poile and Barry Trotz have been preaching since day one of this franchise, doubt no more. The leadership of this team made a strong statement that no one is above the team. Suspending two top six forwards for a game three in a series where you are down 0-2… look in the dictionary under guts, principles, or character… you may see a picture of David Poile or Barry Trotz.
I see the prevailing wisdom in the media is that this is a “risky move.” I see no risk at all in this move. I like covering a team that walks the talk, I am proud to call games for a team that doesn’t practice “situational ethics.” I have seen the decision to suspend these two players described as “bold” or “unusual.” How telling is that? The fact that someone lives up to the ideal they set is treated as something out of the ordinary, it is a sad commentary indeed on the state of sports… heck, not only sports, but our world today.
I used the word crisis above for a reason, in Chinese the symbol for crisis is danger, overlaid with opportunity, an apt description of this situation if I ever heard one. Now it is time for the rest of the team to step up. This team has the talent to survive this, it has the character to survive this… tonight we find out what the rest of this team is made of.
Game time is 8pm at Bridgestone Arena. I will be hosting the Plaza Party starting at 5pm, we will have live music, food, beverages, games, and of course… a new smash car added to the round one demolition. Game coverage is on CNBC tonight, radio will be handled by the Voice of the Predators Pete Weber and three time Stanley Cup winner, Terry Crisp on the Predators Radio Network flagship 102.5 the Game. Willy Daunic and Tom Callahan will have pregame at 7pm.
------------------------------------
Ron’s Diabetic Assist Dog Update
As 7am this morning, pledges stand at
$4,385. We are 55% to goal… Pred Nation has been awesome in this… please keep spreading the word. Social media is driving this effort, and the generosity has been amazing!
Click on the
link to contribute.
------------------------------------
Playoff Look
East
NYR vs. WSH – Series tied 1-1 – Next game is tonight
PHI vs. NJD – Series tied 1-1 – Next game is Thursday
West
STL vs. LAK – Kings lead 2-0 – Next game is Thursday
PHX vs. NSH – Coyotes lead 2-0 – Next game is tonight
-----------------------------------
Random Notes…
- Three names have been thrown out there for replacing Radulov and AK46, Matt Halischuk, Jordin Tootoo and Craig Smith. You can make cases for all three being added back to the lineup.
- One more thing on this whole mess with Radulov and AK46… what happens if the Predators get back to the Predator Way and win tonight? Do we see these two players again?
- The hour later than normal start is to accommodate NBC. This way they can start the eastern game at 6:30 and get that audience to switch over upon completion.
- Looks like the sale of the St. Louis Blues is almost complete. A group headed by minority owner Tom Stillman should be making the announcement as soon as the Blues are done in the playoffs.
- Explosion in the third period last night with the Devils breaking out a four spot on Philly at Wells Fargo Center. The series is tied heading to Newark for game three.
- Season three of 24/7 is officially a go. A Canadian partner will be added and the NHL will be more involved.
- The New York Islanders may have an alternative location available to them. The soon-to-be-completed Barclays Center in Brooklyn. The biggest problem I see with that location? It will end up being the smallest arena in the NHL with a 14,500 capacity.
----------------------------------
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
Our latest podcast is posted… due to scheduling of the round two series we will not have a show tonight.
Click
here to download or listen to our current or 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:
»