The Predators continue their West Coast road trip with a back-to-back in LA and Anaheim over this weekend. Their 1-1-0 record belies the effort and performance, but that’s how this month of March has gone for this Predators team. Tonight’s game in Los Angeles closes the season series between these two teams, the Predators winning at home back in November and at Staples Center in early January. Both game needed additional time to be decided with the November game going to a shootout.
But this is a different Los Angeles team, the team that has decided it is not going gently into that good night and has “flipped the switch… going 6-3-1 in their last ten, winning four out of their last five and looking to extend a two game win streak. This Kings team has certainly turned it around and is now in control of their own destiny. LA has only lost seven games in regulation at Staples Center, gaining points in their other 28 home games.
Nashville is still looking for the proper combination of defense and offense as they try and right their ship after a six game losing streak that was snapped in Arizona on the first game of this roadie. Thursday’s loss to San Jose was one of those “they deserved better… games, however Sharks goaltender Anttii Niemi was stellar and stole that game for San Jose.
The Predators just need to keep on working their way out of this slump. They are close, their puck movement is much better, their defensive work has shown real improvement. After this back-to-back the schedule eases considerable, if not in competition then in repetition as the team only has three dames in their next ten days all at home. Just the ticket for a team in need of a little rest.
Game time is
Here is your preview courtesy of nhl.com…
----------------------------------- Th countdown to the Cook Off is on… Tickets are on sale for the SlapShot Radio Cook Off as Predators forward Eric Nystrom and I will be battling it out at The Chef and I in Lenox Village on Monday night, March 23rd. If you have never been to The Chef and I, it is an “open kitchen… restaurant that allows you to watch the chef create your dinner! It is an incredible, accessible and unique experience. Eric and I will be taking over the show kitchen to compete in an “Iron Chef… like battle to win the Cup!
Measuring Cup that is…
It’s all to raise money for the Nashville Predators Foundation and should be a lot of fun! Tickets are on sale at our EventBrite site all tickets include a three course gourmet meal prepared by Chef Chris Rains.
Please join us for all the fun, for a great cause! And by the way… you might want to check out The Chef and I’s website… they handle catering, conduct fun cooking classes and run a fantastic restaurant. Chris and Erica Rains are amazing people!
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Random Notes
- Standings update after play on 3/14 – Nashville is tie for first in points for the division lead and trails Anaheim by two points in the Western Conference race. St. Louis owns the tie breaker right now as they have two games in hand over Nashville.
- The Western Wild Card – Minnesota (68 games played) owns the first wild card slot with 81 points, Los Angeles (67) is in the second with 79 points. Winnipeg (68) is on the outside looking in, one point back and San Jose (68) trails by 3 points.
- Congratulations to Jeff Cogen, the Predators CEO was named “CEO of the Year… by the Nashville Post. A well-deserved honor.
- A great breakdown and comparison by the Voice of the Predators Pete Weber on the Preds website… here's the link.
- Scoring less than 2 goals a game over their last seven, it’s not to recognize why the Predators are in this slump.
- Former Leafs coach Ron Wilson continues to let folks know about his feelings on his former charges, this time it’s NazemKadri saying that he “never felt that Nazem ever listened to… him… and the drama continues.
- Washington fans are hearing a phrase Nashville heard a lot when Barry Trotz was coach… “We’ve got too many passengers.…
- Twelve games in the NHL today – Red Wings @ Flyers, Bruins @ Penguins, Blackhawks @ Sharks, Rangers @ Sabres, Jets @ Lightning, Canadiens @ Islanders, Panthers @ Hurricanes, Maple Leafs @ Canucks, Wild @ Blues, Devils @ Coyotes, Flames @ Avalanche, Predators @ Kings.
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SlapShot Radio is back every Wednesday at 7pm on 102.5 the Game and the SlapShot Radio Network… latest podcast is posted. No show this week as The Eric Nystrom show has its season finale. We are back on March 25th.
Our premier, day one sponsor is Dr. Jane Bacon at Hermitage Family and Cosmetic Dentistry … make your appointment at 615-872-7762. Also The Wine Shoppe at Green Hills and Burger Republic!
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