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Finals start tomorrow!

May 29, 2012, 3:55 PM ET [5 Comments]
Paul McCann
Nashville Predators Blogger •Predators Radio Network • RSSArchiveCONTACT
The Stanley Cup Finals begin tomorrow night and SlapShot Radio will be breaking it all down in the hour before the puck drops in game one. The Western Conferemnce8th seeded Los Angeles Kings are in New Jersey to take on the Eastern Conference champion Devils. New Jersey is shooting for it’s fourth Stanley Cup, Los Angeles is seeking its first.

It is a role reversal of sorts as the Devils have been traditionally a “defense-first” team, utilizing the dreaded “trap” or “left-wing lock” or any other euphemism for slow down hockey… not no more the ain’t… these Devils, with names like Parise and Kovalchuk can play a wide open offensive game that exposes weaker teams and a forecheck that is a thing of beauty. You can’t slow them down, you can only hope to contain this talented front line. Defensively, the Devils have utilized offensive minded blueliners like Marek Zidlicky exceedingly well while still being responsible in their own end. The Devils have methodically dispatched all Eastern Conference challengers and have a nice head of steam built for the finals.

The Los Angeles Kings have simply been amazing. They have gone through the Western Conference like a hot knife through butter going 12-2 on their run to the cup final. They haven’t lost a road game in this magical run and you keep hearing the “d” word being used… destiny. They have simply been dominant after almost being left for dead back in December. They changed coaches, added some key pieces at the trade deadline and barely squeaked into the playoffs, but here they are!

My prediction for this series would be radically different if the Kings did not have a full week off between games, I honestly think that single factor gives New Jersey a HUGE advantage. Breaking the Kings road win streak in game one will be a difference maker, and LA will be rusty. The Devils had just enough time for a little rest, without losing an edge. Their maniacal forecheck could also have a greater impact on a rusty LA team in game one.

These teams are fairly evenly matched. The biggest advantage that the Kings have is in net… that’s right, I said it… If Martin Brodeaur can summon up a performance like previous cup winning runs, then he will lessen the advantage, but Jonathan Quick has been simply wonderful during this run. I see no reason why that does not continue.

It will be a tight series… I see this series going six… with the Devils lifting the cup on June 11.

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Ron’s Diabetic Assist Dog Update

As 7am this morning, pledges stand at $6,295. We are 79% to goal… Pred Nation has been awesome in this… please keep spreading the word.

We’re going to finish this fundraising drive off with a flourish with a concert at The Tin Roof on Music Row on Wednesday night. The awesome guys in Six Wire and Small Time Rock Stars have offered to play to help raise some additional funds for this effort. The lovely and talented Danielle Lauderdale, as well as the amazing Teea Goans have also agreed to jump on and perform as well, and possibly a couple more surprises added… like the lead singer of Kansas, John Elefante… The event is Wednesday night at 6pm…


There is no cover, but a suggested $5 donation to go toward the alert dog. There will also be a few signed Preds jerseys on hand to be auctioned off that night! Come hang out, have a good time, and listen to some great music by great people

Tell your friends and come on out… Social media is driving this effort, and the generosity has been amazing! Click on the link to contribute.

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Random Notes

- It looks likes Ryan Suter’s agent Neil Sheehy and the Nashville Predators will be sitting down to talk this week. Suter will be a UFA if he doesn’t re-sign with Nashville by July 1.

- Pekka Rinne has made it to the finals of the NHL ’13 cover contest. The showdown with Philly’s Claude Giroux is on…

- Fascinating quote from Hal Gill on playing in Nashville … “It’s hard to compare Nashville to anything I’ve been a part of: Toronto, Boston, Pittsburgh, Montreal. In Nashville, if you make a turnover and cost a goal, you’re not afraid of the boos. You really have to be awful to be noticed. You can just go out there and play. It’s great but I don’t know how long you’d last before you’d get complacent.” S/T to the Montreal Gazette for the quote.

- The NHL is conducting investigation into the Phoenix Coyotes post-game 5 antics, Colin Campbell has called the ‘Yotes post game comments “unprofessional and unacceptable” according to espn.com. Phoenix captain Shane Doan has walked his comments back a bit but Coyotes goaltender Mike Smith doubled down on his comments saying he didn’t “regret what he said.” Stay tuned…

- Alain Vigneault has been extended in Vancouver… a slightly surprising move given the teams playoff struggles.

- A Winter Classic at Dodger Stadium? Not a bad idea, especially when you consider that ice can be made and kept even when the temperature is in the low 60’s. Biggest problem there would be sun… may have to schedule that game for a late afternoon start if it happens.

- Chicago has re-signed Johnny Oduya and Jamal Mayers. Oduya signed on for three more years and Mayers was extended one year.

- The rumors about the KHL playing a couple of regular season games at the new Barclays Center in Brooklyn are getting louder, the league president Alexander Medvedev has been indicating this for awhile now. Games should take place in January 2013.

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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.

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On the next SlapShot Radio

This week’s guests include Jeremy Roenick, Deveils radio voice Matt Loughlin and more... Wednesday at 6pm on 102.5 the Game.

Click here to download or listen to our current or previous podcasts.

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