It is not overstating that last night’s Predators win in Montreal was huge for the team. Snapping the Habs 4 game win streak with a highly satisfying 2-1 victory on Seth Jones’ late goal was the Predators first road win of the year, first win against a hot opponent and built off the momentum of a homestand that saw the Predators gain seven out of a potential ten points.

The key for Nashville is as it has been, an activated defense corps that was responsible for all the scoring as both Jones and Captain Shea Weber got their second of the year in the win. They were able to take advantage of a great game from the line of Gabriel Bourque, Craig Smith and Matt Cullen who were generating multiple scoring chances whenever they wer on the ice. Nice chemistry brewing with those three.

Nineteen year old Seth Jones’ game winner was a beauty, timing his jump into the play perfectly, executing a gorgeous little toe drag and blowing a wrister past Montreal goaltender Carey Price for the winner. As has been constantly noted… it’s hard to believe this kid is only 19 years old with the ice sense and maturity he has in his game.

Here are the highlights from last night…

The Predators dominated the first two periods, but Price was the difference, keeping the game close with an outstanding performance. No chance to celebrate as the Predators have the back half of a road back-to-back tonight in Winnipeg for a divisional showdown against the Jets.

Winnipeg has had a few injuries to deal with over the past week or so, and the list keeps growing. The Jets will be missing Jacob Touba(IR), Chris Thorburn (IR), Mark Stuart and Jim Slater for tonight’s contest. The pressure is beginning to mount in the ‘Peg as expectations for this team are sky high… maybe too high. The Jets are coming off a stirring 4-3 comeback, shootout victory over the St. Louis Blues and are trying to get some consistency into their game. The Jets record is at .500 4-4-0.

The Predators come into tonight’s game with some momentum, gaining seven points in their last four games, they are fairly healthy with only Roman Josi on IR and Mike Fisher listed as day-to-day.

Tonight is the first of five games against the Jets this season, Winnipeg is in Nashville on this coming Thursday night. It is also the fifth of a six game home stand for the Jets, who have split the first four so far. Game time is 7pm central, coverage on 102.5 the Game and the Predators Radio Network and Fox Sports Tennessee.

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Random Notes

- Mike Fisher was scratched last night with what is termed as a lower body injury and is considered day-to-day.

- Last night was Gabriel Bourque’s first game in Montreal… he is a Quebec native.

- David Legwand appears to be heating up as he has four assists in the past three games.

- Controversial goal call in last night’s game… Put on your gold glasses, no goal… Bleu, Blanc and Rouge, goal.

- Interesting stat… not very many games, but Carey Price has never beaten the Predators.

- Reports in today’s Ottawa Sun indicate that the new owners of the Florida Panthers are willing trade partners for any of their veteran players…

- Coyotes goaltender Mike Smith became the 11th NHL goalie to score a goal in last night’s Phoenix win over Detroit. He capped the scoring with an empty netter with 0.1 left on the clock.

- Three games on the NHL docket tonight. 5pm CT start – Canucks @ Blue Jackets. 7pm starts – Predators @ Jets and Stars @ Ducks.

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SlapShot Radio is back this Wednesday night, with the author “Keon and Me” Dave Bindini, we’ll also preview the weekend in Preds action… Join Pete Weber and I at 7pm central on 102.5 the Game and the Slap[Shot Radio Network. It is our 6th season and advertising deals are available, including title sponsorship! In order to reach our engaged listenership, please email me … [email protected] and I will get information to you.

Be a part of the SlapShot Radio Network!

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