Ahhh, it’s a day for love, for romance, for flowers and chocolates. A day to send someone special a mushy card, perhaps a romantic dinner or a movie… And after you finish off all that crap, head down to Bridgestone Arena for some hockey! Now that’s my idea of a great Valentine’s Day! I have to say, I am an incredibly lucky man to be married to a woman who loves the sport as much as I do and doesn’t mind spending today capturing the action at the Bridge for SlapShot Radio’s website…
This one does have the makings of a trap game. The Preds had a big win divisional Thursday, another Western Conference foe on the horizon Tuesday, but tonight the New Jersey Devils come to town. Eastern Conference, not really in playoff contention, the Devils are mired in the mushy middle of their conference, not good enough for the playoffs… not bad enough to be in the McDavid/Eichel tank talk. They are a decent team at home, but terrible on the road. See… trap makings…
The Devils are on the back half of a back-to-back after dropping a 3-1 decision in Chicago last night… there are some familiar names on the New Jersey roster… Jaromir Jagr, Patrik Elias, Michael Ryder, Corey Schneider… but this team is struggling. Schneider was in net last night which means we could see backup Keith Kinkaid between the pipes tonight.
Special teams could play a huge role in tonight’s contest as Nashville’s has been incredibly hot on both sides of the puck, where NJ has gone 0-8 on the man advantage over the last their last five games.
Pekka Rinne should be in net for the Preds tonight after his incredible performance Thursday night. He got back up to speed quickly after his knee sprain and has been dominant over his past couple of starts.
Puck drop at 7pm with coverge on Fox Sports Tennessee and the Predators Radio Network. Pregame on both media, starts at 6:30pm.
Here is your preview, courtesy of nhl.com…
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Random Notes
- Standings update after play on 2/13 – No substantive changes in the race for the President’s Trophy, the Predators continue to lead the Ducks by three points and St. Louis by four. The Preds have a four point lead in the division over the Blues and an eight point lead over the Blackhawks. The Predators also have a game in hand over Anaheim and Chicago.
- The Western Wild Card still has Winnipeg (Games played – 57) in the first Wild Card and now has Calgary (55) in the second. San Jose (56) is second in the Pacific with a one point lead over Vancouver (53). Minnesota (54) now trails the final playoff spot by two points. Los Angeles (54) and Dallas (55) trail the final playoff spot by three points.
- The Predators are on a four game win streak with two more home games remaining on this homestand.
- Former Predator Jordin Tootoo makes his second return to Nashville tonight, his first was with Detroit.
- Filip Forsberg is in the Top 20 in the league in pints with 50.
- The Florida Panthers probably can’t wait to be done with the Central Division, losing to Dallas last night 2-0.
- Joe Pavelski with the hattie last night as the Sharks beat Arizona.
- Ten games in the NHL tonight – Oilers @ Senators, Maple Leafs @ Canadiens, Jets @ Red Wings, Blue Jackets @ Islanders, Devils @ Predators, Hurricanes @ Wild, Rangers @ Coyotes, Stars @ Avalanche, Canucks @ Flames, Capitals @ Kings. --------------------------------------
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SlapShot Radio is back every Wednesday at 7pm on 102.5 the Game and the SlapShot Radio Network…. Wednesday night we are taking a look back at some hockey history with Danny and Blake Geoffrion… Our premier, day one sponsor is back, that’s Dr. Jane Bacon at Hermitage Family and Cosmetic Dentistry … make your appointment at 615-872-7762. Also make sure you check out Burger Republic in the Gulch and Lenox Village and The Wine Shoppe at Green Hills for Brewski Tuesday and Wine Wednesday!
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