Game Night in Smashville dawns as the Predators play the first game since 1999 without David Legwand on the roster. The franchise’s first ever draft pick was moved at the deadline yesterday and drew a what could be argued, was a better return than some of the bigger names in the trade pool this season. Central Division rival St. Louis is in town for a Thursday night showdown. Nashville’s playoff hopes are on life support after two consecutive losses, but the return of Pekka Rinne will give GM David Poile and his staff a good look at this team as it was designed before key injuries sent the season off the rails.
St. Louis is primed for a run in the Stanley Cup playoffs, their acquisition of Ryan Miller certainly helps them on that path and they are clearly in “tune-up… mode for the next few weeks as the Blues playoff spot is all but guaranteed. The injury situation is clear, St. Louis lists Vladimir Sobotka as out and the Predators IR list is clear. The less celebrated and maybe the more impactful one… celebrated pest Steve Ott came over in the Miller deal… he will adds that sandpaper that Ken Hitchcock like so much.
Expect a goaltending battle tonight with Pekka Rinne in net for Nashville and Ryan Miller between the pipes for the Blues. Game time is 7pm, coverage on 102.5 the Game and the Predators Radio Network. TV on Fox Sports Tennessee, limited tickets remain.
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My observations on the trade deadline…
- Nashville certainly took a bad situation and made things better. The acquisition of Calle Jarnkrok continues the prospect replenishment process began at this time last season with the Martin Erat trade. Jarnkrok has been called the best prospect in the Detroit system, he will report to Milwaukee.
- Patrick Eaves wanted out of Detroit, he appeared to be a throw in on this deal, but he has shown some ability. He’ll get a chance to show he can still play.
- Martin Erat ended up in Phoenix, Pred Nation will get to see him when the Coyotes come to town on April 10th.
- I think the Washington Capitals really helped themselves with their activity at the deadline. Dustin Penner could be an outstanding add, giving the team a “been there – done that… player when it comes to winning a Cup or two. They also added Jaroslav Halak, a goalie that really racked up the frequent flyer miles over the last week. Keep an eye on the Caps.
- I will join the chorus… the Vancouver Canucks are causing a lot of head scratching across the league. I simply can’t figure out what the heck they are doing… although you can't help but think that Kesler not moving certainly appeared to up the return on Legwand for Nashville.
- Coming into the final day of trading, I was prepared to declare Anaheim the big winner… now I’m not sure. Anaheim added some pieces, but their trade season seems oddly incomplete and you could argue that they are not as deep after moving Penner and goaltender Viktor Fasth. I really expected at least one more deal from the Ducks, but it never came.
- I wonder if Brian Burke was asking too much for Mike Cammalleri. He’s a UFA at the end of this season and I’m kinda surprised he wasn’t moved.
- The LA Kings adding a clearly underachieving Marian Gaborik could be the steal of the season… especially with Columbus retaining some salary.
- I said it yesterday and I will say it again… I don’t get the hate being poured on Martin St. Louis. If there’s an issue in Tampa, it’s being completely blamed on the player when no one except Lighting GM Steve Yzerman and St. Louis know the truth.
- Ryan Callahan may have over played his hand in New York, but he is a fantastic rental for the Lightning.
- The Islanders came under withering criticism for their asset management yesterday, and I can’t disagree with it. The cost of acquiring Thomas Vanek and the return for trading him was simply unacceptable… GM Garth Snow is under fire again and you have to wonder what the plan is on the Island.
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Random Notes
- One of the best writers covering the Predators is Jim Diamond. He also occasionally fills in for Pete Weber as co-host of SlapShot Radio. He has a new blog site called Rinkside Report. Check it out, he has a really good story about Michael Del Zotto as today’s posting.
- Simon Moser has been sent down to Milwaukee. That brings the roster down to 21.
- Ten games tonight – 6pm starts – Capitals @ Bruins, Kings @ Jets. 6:30pm start – Sabres @ Lightning. 7pm starts – Avalanche @ Red Wings, Blue Jackets @ Blackhawks, Blues @ Predators. 7:30pm start – Canucks @ Stars. 8pm start – Canadiens @ Coyotes. 8:30pm start – Islanders @ Oilers. 9:30pm start – Penguins @ Sharks.
- Who to root for/against tonight – Fairly simple tonight, all visitors, Canadiens, Canucks and Kings can all help the cause by winning, preferably in regulation.
- Playoff Point Tracker – Need - 36 out of 46… Got – 2 out of 6 … Playoff Chances – 1.4%
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