It’s game night in western New York as the Nashville Predators invade Buffalo of an inter-conference tilt against the Sabres. The Predators are looking to finish a three game roadie with six points and extend their 14 game point streak to a franchise record 15 gamnes. Buffalo on the other hand, is playing out the string, but just got Jack Eichel back in the lineup after the young star missed 15 games with an ankle injury.
It’s been a highly disappointing season for Buffalo and former Preds assistant coach Phil Housley has certainly had his share of issues in his first season as a bench boss. There are some pundits that even have him listed as “on the hot seat” as the season winds to a close. I know the Sabres owner can be a tad impatient, but not that impatient… maybe…
Buffalo snapped a 12 game losing streak to Chicago on Saturday, beating the Blackhawks for the first time since 2009. The Predators, after punching their playoff ticket on Friday night in Colorado, are now looking to lock in the top spot in the division, conference and league for home ice advantage throughout the playoffs. I would expect Pekka Rinne in net for Nashville… the choice for Buffalo is either Robin Lehrner or Chad Johnson.
Another potential return to the Buffalo lineup tonight is Kyle Okposo who is a game time decision. The Predators list Calle Jarnkrok out and expect another “maintenance scratch” tonight… first indicator will happen at day of game skate. These scratches are incredibly critical to the Predators run up to the playoffs, storing a reserve of energy that will be needed when the second season starts.
The Predators will fly home post game and get ready for a 6 game in 10 day stretch. It’s an odd schedule for the Predators to close this season. After a single home game Thursday against Toronto, the Predators complete their Central Division schedule with a back-to-back in Minnesota and Winnipeg this weekend and a Tuesday return engagement with the Wild at Bridgestone Arena. The Predators finish the season with five games against Eastern Conference teams.
Game time is 6pm central time, pregame gets going on 102.5 the Game at 5pm, pregame on Fox Sports Tennessee starts at 5:30pm… puck drop at 6:07pm.
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“Where We Stand” update… a daily tracking of where the Preds are in the standings and the games that impact them most, brought to you by Mark Lonsway - THE real estate professional for hockey fans!
After last night’s play the Predators remain first in the Central Division with 104 points, leading Winnipeg (1 GIH) by eight points … The Predators lead the Western Conference, holding a seven point lead over Vegas (1 GIH.) The Predators also now lead Tampa Bay (1 GIH) in the race for the Presidents’ Trophy by two points.
Impact games tonight (all times Central) – 6:30pm – DAL @ OTT. 9:30pm – MIN @ VGK.
Playoff seed chances - The Predators chances of top seed in the West stand at 96%, their chances at the President’s Trophy stand at 66.5%
The Current Opponent - If the playoffs began today, the Predators would draw the number 8 seed in the second wild card position… currently the Los Angeles Kings.
Most likely first round opponent - The highest percentage goes to St. Louis at 24.6%... Dallas is at 19.3%, Colorado is at 18%.
Teams that have punched their playoff ticket - Nashville, Tampa Bay.
Playoff odds and playoff point line courtesy of SportsClubStats.com
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The tournament field is set for the NCAA Men’s Hockey Tournament and talk about a weird scenario…
The University of Minnesota had a 99%+ chance of making the field… the only way for the Gophers to miss the tournament was for a series of six things to happen… They needed one of six teams to lose… Boston University, Princeton, Air Force, Michigan Tech, Denver and Notre Dame… they just needed one of those teams to lose…
At 9:52pm central on Saturday night, Notre Dame won their first Big 10 hockey title, completing a sweep of all six teams winning… and Minnesota is staying home…
and you thought the city of Cincinnati had a bad weekend in March Madness…
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Random Notes
- Filip Forsberg’s two goals on Friday night portends well, we have seen him dialing it in over the past few games and Friday’s breakout game may be the beginning of a hot streak.
- With 11 games to play, the Predators now have four 20 goal scorers, nine more players are in double digits.
- In the annual NHLPA opinion survey, Nashville Predator fans are voted as the second best fans in the league from the players, Bridgestone Arena is in the Top 5 for player’s favorite rink to play in.
- Eeli Watch – Eeli Tolvanen’s Jokerit team trails their series with CSKA 2-0. Game three is today. Jokerit has been held off the scoreboard for the entire series.
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SlapShot Radio’s tenth anniversary season is on. As the longest running hockey show in the region, SSR feeds hockey fans what they crave… intelligent, fun, entertaining talk about their favorite sport and we do it from the opening of training camp all the way through UFA day… the only local hockey show that does that.
We are on every Wednesday night at 7pm on the Predators flagship station, 102.5 the Game. Our co-hosts, Dan Keczmer and JP Dumont bring a true insiders perspective to the show. Our next show is Saturday at 8am.
We have been delivering great hockey talk to the most energetic and engaged fans in radio and advertising with us drives results at a reasonable price. Just ask our sponsors… including day one sponsor
Dr. Jane Bacon at Hermitage Family and Cosmetic Dentistry … make your appointment at (615) 872-7762, Mark Lonsway at ReMax Fine Homes, call him for all your real estate needs at (615) 207-7799, and TurfMasters… check out their great service at
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