A fascinating match up tonight in Raleigh as the Carolina Hurricanes host the streaking Nashville Predators. The Preds are coming off a 4-0 home stand and heading out for a one game roadie before returning to Smashville to host St. Louis and Chicago. Talk about the classic signs of the proverbial “trap game,… this one has all the makings of it.
The Hurricanes come into tonight’s game with 17 points, just one point out of the Eastern Conference basement and searching for answers. Not much was expected from this team and they have played to expectations, they give up almost three goals a game, largely due to a blueline that is nondescript at best and a Cam Ward in net that still posts solid stats. All reports have Ward in net tonight. Offensively, the Canes are led by Jiri Tlusty with 10 goals and Nathan Gerbe who has been heating up as of late.
Nashville continues to ride excellent 5-on-5 play combined with outstanding defense and the stellar goaltending of the Eraser, Pekka Rinne. Filip Forsberg continues to lead all rookies in scoring and leads the league in +/- … performance that led to him being named rookie of the Month for November. While the “Nine Line… has been getting a lot of press lately, the Predators second line of Colin Wilson, Calle Jarnkrok and Craig Smith have been quietly providing quite a bit of punch, generating chances and 17 points in the last seven games. That secondary scoring has been key to this win streak.
The jam up at the top of the league standings continues as there are seven teams at 34, 35 or 36 points. Nashville currently stands second in the Western Conference, one point back of Anaheim (who has played three more games than the Preds) and tied in points with Thursday night’s opponent, St. Louis (who has played one more game than Nashville.) Game time is 6pm central and coverage is on Fox Sports Tennessee and the Predators Radio Network, flagship station in Music City is 102.5 the Game.
And here is your preview from NHL.com …
---------------------------------
Random Notes
- 23 games in and the Predators have not lost back-to-back games this season. - Not only was Forsberg named the NHL’s Rookie of the Month for November, goaltender Pekka Rinne was named the NHL’s Third Star of the Month.
- Could we see Martin Brodeur in Nashville Thursday? The veteran goaltender is expected to sign with St. Louis today and may be in net for the Blues in one game on their three game roadie that begins tomorrow in Chicago.
- Have the Oilers hit rock bottom? Edmonton dropped their 10th straight last night, but the kicker may be giving up two short-handed goals on the same power play. Changes have GOT to come in Edmonton.
- Columbus snapped their losing streak last night with a 2-1 win over Florida.
- You have to begin to wonder when patience runs out for teams like Philly, Edmonton, San Jose and Columbus.
- Ten games tonight – Senators @ NYI, Devils @ Pens, Canucks @ Caps, Preds @ Canes, Lightning @ Sabres, Stars @ Maple Leafs, Panthers @ Red Wings, Coyotes @ Flames, Flyers @ Sharks and Bruins @ Kings.
--------------------------------------
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.
-------------------------------------
SlapShot Radio is back every Wednesday at 7pm on 102.5 the Game and the SlapShot Radio Network…. This week’s guests… Jeremy Roenick and James “Boomer… Gordon. 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.
Want to be part of the SlapShot Radio family? We have effective and affordable advertising packages for every budget. 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… Click here to download or listen to any of this season’s podcasts.
-------------------------------------
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.