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Game Night in Smashville - A Chance to Take Command

April 22, 2010, 9:56 AM ET [ Comments]
Paul McCann
Nashville Predators Blogger •Predators Radio Network • RSSArchiveCONTACT
Game four of the Predators / Blackhawks series drops the puck tonight at the Bridge on a pivotal game in this Western Conference Quarter Final. Preds win and they take firm command of the series. ‘Hawks win and they regain home ice advantage and the wind at there back in what becomes a best of three.

It is clear that Chicago coach Joel Quinneville is making lineup changes again. At yesterday’s practice, Bryan Bickell and Adam Burish looked like they will be back in the Chicago lineup, replacing Ben Eager and Colin Fraser. Now, I’m just a crazy blogger, but the problem for the Blackhawks seems to be offense from the big guys, Toews, Hossa, Sharp, etc. There will be some rearranging of lines at the top as well. Reports from practice yesterday also indicate that the Andrew Ladd on the top line experiment is over. The other big news appears to be the imminent return of Brian Campbell to the Blackhawk blueline, potentially freeing up Dustin Byfuglien to return to forward. The return of Adam Burish to the lineup has him talking. In what I believe is the best hint to Chicago’s strategy tonight, Rick Morrissey in the Chicago Sun-Times writes…
(Adam) Burish talked about the importance of doing something to stop an opponent's momentum, including ''running the goalie over.'' … You paying attention, Pekka Rinne?

OK… the team can consider itself warned. Hope the officials are watching as well, if a premeditated act occurs, they should penalize it as such.

For Nashville, they need to bring more of the same. After an energetic win in game one, the Preds did not bring the same emotion to game two. The team will have to deliver an even more determined effort to beat a desperate Chicago team that does not want to go down 3-1 in this series. The Predators cannot expect Chicago to come out with another effort like the one they gave in game 3, continuing the physical play. Hitting will need to be like Chicagoans vote… early and often.

It is an interesting irony to this series that goaltending has not been where Chicago has fallen short. Antii Neimi has played well, posting a 2.01 GAA and a .927 Save Percentage… The problem for the Blackhawks is that Pekka Rinne has been better, posting a 1.35 GAA and a .953 Save Percentage, leading all goaltenders in the playoffs so far. Rinne has been amazing, even with struggling a bit at the beginning of game three.

The other key is the 7th man. Bridgestone Arena was insane on Tuesday night, it needs to be crazier tonight… it was loud Tuesday, it needs to be ear-splitting tonight. We saw a clear example of home ice advantage on Tuesday night… it needs to be better tonight. Pred Nation was a big part of Tuesday night… Let’s be a bigger part tonight.

Game time is 7:30pm CDT… Coverage on 104.5 the Zone and FSTennessee, Versus will join the game in progress.

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Quick Hits

- In the "Something's Gotta Give" Category… Nashville is 2-2 in game fours, but 2-0 on home ice. OK, that's good... but... all of the Eastern Conference series are at 3-1 after four games, the three other Western Conference series are at 2-2.

- John Glennon has a great interview with Barry Melrose in today’s Tennessean…

- What a night in the NHL playoffs last night, comebacks by the Bruins and Canucks, and a third period explosion by the Washington Capitals. LAK/VAN is tied at 2, Washington and Boston lead their series 3-1.

- Calls to the ticket office have been nuts… I hear almost a thousand tickets moved yesterday and I’ve been told that if today sales looks like Tuesday’s… the Bridge will be packed! If you’re looking to be there tonight… call the ticket office now! 770-PUCK.
UPDATE - as of 9:30am CDT, there was a line out the door at the Bridgestone Arena ticket office!

- David Legwand took Barry Trotz’s words to heart and has made the playoffs a new start for him after a mediocre regular season… he has been the best player on the ice for Nashville during this series.

- OK, I know Luongo got the win last night, but he still doesn’t look solid between the pipes. Vancouver can survive round one without a solid Luongo, but I can’t see them making a long run unless he gets it together.

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COMING UP ON THIS WEEKS SLAPSHOT RADIO…

For the most updated guest information go to the SlapShot Radio website. You can check out our podcasts at SlapShotRadio.com.

Last Night – The SlapShot Radio podcast is posted. Al Cimaglia joined us from Chicago to give his take on the status of the series. Tim Saunders from the Philadelphia Flyers broadcast team talked Flyers/Devils and Marc Moser from the Colorado Avalache talked about his classic call on the Sharks own goal in game three of their series. SlapShot Radio, Live every Wednesday at 6pm on SportsRadio 560 WNSR and online at www.slapshotradio.com.

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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… I’ll also be updating with starting lineups and scratches during Pred home games, also I’ll be supplying information and explanations from the PA box.






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