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At long last... Game Night in Smashville!

September 25, 2014, 12:55 PM ET [14 Comments]
Paul McCann
Nashville Predators Blogger •Predators Radio Network • RSSArchiveCONTACT
With a chill in the air, the fun really begins… it’s Game Night in Smashville! Damn, I’ve been waiting WAY too long to type that. The Predators begin their four game home preseason schedule tonight with the second half of a home and home with the Tampa Bay Lightning after dropping the lid lifter 4-2 in Florida on Tuesday night.

Tonight’s game at Bridgestone Arena is the first chance Pred Nation gets to take a look at the new-look Nashville Predators in action as new head coach Peter Laviolette ices a team that has some familiar faces and some new additions. The familiar names in tonight’s lineup include Shea Weber, Filip Forsberg, Mattias Ekholm, Rich Clune, Calle Jarnkrok, Eric Nystrom, Paul Gaustad, Gabriel Bourque, Roman Josi and Pekka Rinne. The new faces? Olli Jokinen, James Neal, Anton Volchenkov, Johan Alm Kevin Fiala and Mike Ribeiro.

Who/What will I be watching? A few players/situations jump to the forefront…

Austin Watson – the 22 year old is a big body that has been an up-and-down performer for Milwaukee. He’s got size and smarts and is probably in the range of decision time with the franchise. Will he or won’t he make the leap?

Chemistry between Fiala and Forsberg – These two players showed some electricity in the rookie tournament… can they show the same with the big boys?

Anton Volchenkov - This UFA acquisition is the puck magnet the Preds blueline has been missing for the past few seasons. Nice size and a veteran presence that should make a difference.\

Taylor Beck - can he do enough to earn a new contract as he continues in camp as an usigned RFA?

Jon Cooper’s Lightning counter with a bunch of kids with few familiar names, unless you attended some of the rookie tournament at Ford Ice Center. No Stamkos, no Bishop, no Filpula… Puck drop is at 7pm…

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Random Notes

- Injuries are beginning to pile up a bit… Viktor Stalberg is out 2-4 weeks with a lower body injury. Brendan Leipsic is starting ramp up activity but still hasn’t skated in camp yet. Jonathan Diaby and Matt Cullen were both injured Tuesday night and are listed as day-to-day. Diaby will not play tonight or in the double-header on Saturday.

- Speaking of injuries… the club announced that the best mascot in the NHL, Gnash has been placed on IR… although his leg may be broken… his attitude isn’t. Gnash had a rather spirited go round with The Hockey News’ Ken Campbell on Twitter.

- The Milwaukee Admirals have moved their training camp to Smashville for the weekend, they will be working at Ford Ice Center.

- Don’t forget to tweet me your Gnash intros for tonight… if he’s able to go…

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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! You can also keep up with all the goings on with SlapShot Radio by following the show on Twitter @SlapShotRadio1

Also... make sure to "like" SlapShot Radio on Facebook... here's the link.

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The countdown is on and SlapShot Radio is back on the air starting Wednesday night October 1st with our annual season preview show! We are back on 102.5 the Game and the SlapShot Radio Network.

Pre-season advertising specials are available featuring some of the lowest rates of the season… so please… reach out to me. You can email me at paul (at) slapshotradio (.com)

The SlapShot Radio Road Trip is back!!! Go to our Facebook page for more information and join us as we hit the road to Big D!

We need to nail down tickets quick gang… so head on over!

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