The Nashville Predators have been through a bit of a whirlwind over the past couple of days, a whirlwind that hit hurricane like impact as disquieting news broke out across Pred Nation over the past 48 hours. First came the news that Milwaukee goaltender Magnus Hellberg was called up... then the news that Pekka Rinne was not on the ice at practice on Wednesday… then a tweet from Rinne’s agent… then the announcement that Rinne would be out for a minimum of four weeks as he underwent arthroscopic surgery to clean out a bacterial infection.

Pred Nation’s worst fears were realized… but and a few hours later… some of those fears were allayed as Rinne’s backup Carter Hutton posted a solid performance between the pipes, leading the Predators with a 34 save performance in a 3-2 overtime win over the Winnipeg Jets. Hutton has proven to be a capable backup in his three appearances so far this season posting a .959 save percentage and a 1.37 GAA. Pretty heady numbers indeed… that being said… Give full credit to the Predators last night, their commitment to shot blocking was as consistent and effective as this observer has seen in quite awhile, with 11 different players blocking a total of 21 shots, led by the captain, Shea Weber who blocked six.

The Jets left Bridgestone Arena with a point… and mounting frustration. It’s understandable when two of the best players on their roster have the chance to clear the puck with 20 seconds left in overtime, and fail to do so. Failing that, Dustin Byfuglien lost the handle on the puck, putting it on David Legwands’s stick. Legwand immediately fed an open Craig Smith who cleanly beat Jets goaltender Ondrej Pavelic blocker side for the game winner, giving the Predators their second consecutive win over Winnipeg.

The pressure is definitely building on the Jets, the Winnipeg media is circling and heads are being called for. Not sure if that is the fairest thing in the world to this coaching staff, but since when is the media fair? The Jets are showing signs of improvement, but this team needs to turn that improvement into wins, and fast. Their job gets no easier as they head to Dallas for a Saturday night tilt against the Stars.

Nashville finishes the home portion of the October schedule tomorrow night as the St. Louis Blues are in town. This is a “measuring stick” game for the Predators, St. Louis is being mentioned as a Stanley Cup contender this year, they are strong defensively and struggling a bit offensively… sound familiar? A few promotions tomorrow night… McDonald’s is doing a Family Four Pack Night and it is Hockey Fights Cancer Night at Bridgestone Arena. Very limited tickets remain…

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Highlights from last night…


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Random Notes

- Last night was Nashville’s first overtime win since February 25, 2013.

- Nice little tweek from Gnash last night, coming out on the ice for the first intermission in a Thrashers jersey along with giving Thrasher fans some love in a Twitter selfie.

- The Predators continued their “score a power play goal, win a game” streak. 5-0 when the score on the man advantage.

- Say what you will about David Legwand, but he is heating up at the right time with four points in his last four games.

- The face off dot was huge last night for Nashville, winning 39 of 59 faceoff’s led by Matt Cullen and Paul Gaustad.

- Nashville is not the only one with goalie issues, Carolina announced that Cam Ward will be out for 3-4 weeks due to injury.

- Glad to see the commissioner uphold Patrick Kaleta’s suspension. I’m wondering when the NHLPA is going to stand up for the injured players by NOT challenging a suspension. It goes both ways guys…

- When are the idiots going to get it? After multiple suspensions for high hits, you think some folks would get it… Buffalo’s John Scott obviously hasn’t...

- Six games tonight, all start times central time – 6pm starts – Islanders @ Penguins, Maple Leafs @ Blue Jackets. 6:30 starts – Ducks @ Senators, Sabres @ Panthers. 7pm start – Canucks @ Blues. 8pm start – Hurricanes @ Avalanche.

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SlapShot Radio is back this Wednesday at 7pm central on 102.5 The Game and the SlapShot Radio Network. We will review the road trip and get you ready for the Preds homestand with Jets radio man Brian Munz, we will talk with the author of “Keon and Me: My Search for the Lost Soul of the Leafs” Dave Bidini and talk NHL officiating with former NHL Ref Paul Stewart. Join us!

Advertising packages 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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