OK gang… I am off the injured list and can‘t wait to get at it…
The Nashville Predators are home for awhile. They do not leave Nashville until next Wednesday when they leave for a two game roadie to Tampa and Washington. Over the next nine days, they only have three games and by the time they leave Smashville, they will be even with St. Louis in games played… so a lot will be determined over the next few days.
Tonight’s game against Minnesota is big for both teams. The Wild have been riding the otherworldly goaltending of Devan Dubnyk into playoff position at the first wild card slot. It’s the first of two Bridgestone Arena visits for the Wild in the last eleven games of the regular season. Minnesota has won seven of their last ten and look to have their ticket for the second season punched. Something a lot of observers didn’t see happening in the middle of January. But along came Dubnyk who has found a game that GM’s suspected was there… but hasn’t been consistently shown until now.
The Predators come into tonight’s Central Division showdown with a bad taste in their mouth… blowing a two goal third period lead in losing to Anaheim, this is not a team of happy campers. The last time Nashville blew a lead like that, they went on a tear. After losing a two goal lead to LA on January 3rd, but winning, then dropping a heartbreaker on the second of a back-to back with Anaheim, the Preds returned home to win five straight… we can only hope for the same kind of rebound from this team.
The Predators have a clear injured reserve list, but Eric Nystrom is still out of the lineup. Minnesota has a long injured list adding Nate Prosser who was knocked out of Saturday’s game for the Wild and is listed as week-to-week.
The road team has won the first three games of the season series. Game time is 7pm and tickets are in short supply. Coverage on 102.5 the Game, Nashville Predators Radio Network and Fox Sports Tennessee, pregame begins at 6:30pm.
Here is your preview, from nhl.com
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It’s only six days to the SlapShot Radio Cook Off. 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! 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!
The 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.
The judges for the evening are Dawn Davenport and Neil Orne from News 2 This Morning and Woody and Jim from 107.5 The River’s Woody and Jim Show. 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 3/16 – Anaheim is on top of the conference with 95 points, Nashville trails by two points, tied with the St. Louis Blues who holds the tie-breaker in the division race. The Blues have two games in hand over Nashville.
- The Western Wild Card – Minnesota (69 games played) owns the first wild card slot with 83 points, with their win last night, the LA Kings (69) leapfrogged the Winnipeg Jets (69) for the second with 81 points. The Jets (69) trail the Kings by 1 point, San Jose (69) trails by 4 points.
- Thanks to Dave Ammenheuser for his write up in today’s Tennessean. ICYMI.. here is the link.
- Devan Dubnyk will make his 28th consecutive start for the Wild tonight.
- What the hell got into Nazem Kadri last night?
- Nine games in the NHL tonight – Penguins @ Devils, Senators @ Hurricanes, Sabres @ Bruins, Candiens @ Panthers, Wild @ Predators, Sharks @ Jets, Islanders @ Blackhawks, Blues @ Flames, .
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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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SlapShot Radio is back every Wednesday at 7pm on 102.5 the Game and the SlapShot Radio Network… our next show is Wednesday March 25th … make sure to check out Eric Nystrom’s Show at Mason’s Bar in Lowes Vanderbilt this Wednesday… his special guest is Pekka Rinne!
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!
We’ve got room for your business to be part of the SlapShot Radio family with effective and affordable advertising packages for every budget. Be part of the excitement of Nashville hockey… Advertisers… reach out to me to access our activated listener base via email at paul(@)slapshotradio(dot)com
Radio station owners/programmers, join the SlapShot Radio Network… contact me using the email above to carry SlapShot Radio on your station, we are satellite delivered every week via SkyView on the SlapShot Radio Network. Each show contains two full breaks for your usage.
Our podcasts are posted…
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