The Nashville Predators are in Columbus for one of two games against the Jackets this season, a result of the team escaping from dealing with the Evil Empire more than two times a year because of realignment. Columbus may be in a new conference and a new division, but… nothing much else has changed. The Jackets are two points out of the basement of the weakest division in the league and just returning home after an eight game roadie.
The biggest issue for Columbus is injuries… Nathan Horton, Jared Boll and Marian Gaborik are all on IR, Derek MacKenzie, Brandon Dubinsky and Nikita Nikitin are listed as day-to-day and Arten Arnisimov left Monday’s game after a hit to the head. The Predators list Pekka Rinne on injured reserve, Patric Hornqvist and Filip Forsberg are both listed as out for tonight’s tilt.
The two teams do share a common concern, goaltending. Pred Nation is anxiously awaiting news from Pekka Rinne’s upcoming MRI and are pleasantly surprised by the performance of Marek Mazanec. Blue Jacket fans are wondering what happened to the Sergei Bobrovsky they saw last season while Flyer fans recognize the Bob they are seeing now.
The Preds offense has finally shown signs of waking up, led by Gabriel Bourque’s five points in his last six games. Should be a good one to watch as you begin the preparations for the Thanksgiving ferast! Puck drop is at 6pm central with coverage on Fox Sports Tennessee and Predators Radio Network flagship 102.5 the Game.
-----------------------------------
Random Notes
- Nice callout from David Boclair in the Nashville Post, pointing out that Shea Weber is off to his best start ever, on track for the highest goal scoring output of his career.
- Watch out Nashville… the cosmonaut is starting in goal tomorrow night for the Oilers. I’m sure it will be humongous big.
- In the “It had to happen eventually… department - Ten former NHL players have sued the NHL for concussion related injuries.
- Good heavens… three goals in 53 second for Dallas last night? Anaheim is still looking for the number of the truck that hit ‘em.
- Congratulations to Carolina Hurricanes broadcaster Chuck Kaiton, he is broadcasting his 3000th NHL game tonight!
- One game tonight, 7pm start – Ducks @ Stars.
--------------------------------------
SlapShot Radio every Wednesday at 7pm central on 102.5 The Game and the SlapShot Radio Network, our latest podcast is posted. No show this week due to broadcast conflicts. Our next show will be on 12/18.
Advertising packages are available, including title sponsorship! In order to reach our engaged listenership, please email me … paul@slapshotradio.com and I will get information to you.
Be a part of the SlapShot Radio Network!
--------------------------------------
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.
-------------------------------------
KINDLE USERS: Please subscribe to Predators Buzz, a one-stop feed for all things Predators-related on HockeyBuzz. Your subscription includes a free 14-day trial and is just 99 cents per month thereafter. For more information, click here.a>.