It's Hockey Night and the Nashville Predators are looking to get back to their winning ways in Tampa with an inter-conference showdown with the Lightning. The Bolts have been off to a excellent start to this season and have even survived the loss of superstar Steven Stamkos. They will provide a stiff test for the Predators as Nashville attempts to recover from Tuesday night’s disappointing loss to the Blackhawks. The St. Pete Times Forum has not been friendly to visitors this season as the Lightning are 12-3-1 on home ice.
A nice little subplot tonight as former Predators backup goaltender Anders Lindback gets the starting nod for the Lightning. It’s been over 18 months since the trade that sent him south from Music City and I am sure that more than a few Pred fans will be following the @FakeAndersLindback Twitter account during tonight’s game. Lindback has struggled a bit since coming to the Bolts not quite establishing himself as the number one and is now locked in a battle with Ben Bishop for playing time. His .883 save percentage and 3.12 GAA don’t look great to go with his 2-6-1 record.
The Predators look to get back on track in front of their dads as this is the annual father’s trip for the team. The father’s trip is normally a good omen for the Predators and is coming at a very good time for the team. While the Lightning are struggling with a few injuries beyond Stamkos… Ryan Malone is out and Victor Hedman is listed as questionable, the Predators are healthy, with the glaring exception of Rinne.
Keep an eye on special teams tonight, Tampa has been struggling on the power play and Nashville (up until Tuesday) has been excellent on the PK… this could be a game decider.
Game time is 6:30pm, coverage on the Predators Radio Network (flagship - 102.5 the Game) and Fox Sports Tennessee. Willy Daunic and Stu Grimson on the call for radio, the Voice of the Predators Pete Weber and Terry Crisp will be handling the TV chores.
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Random Notes…
- The truth comes out… Filip Forsberg’s “upper body injury… was indeed a concussion. The 19 year old winger practiced yesterday before being sent down to Milwaukee to get back in playing shape. Forsberg has been on IR since 11/15.
- REMINDER – Start time for Saturday’s game against Montreal is 6pm… we’re on Hockey Night in Canada folks so let’s get crazy!
- Robby Stanley has an interesting take on hybrid icing on his latest Smashville 24-7 post.
- The last Detroit game before the Winter Classic is right here in Smashville… Should be fun with the HBO cameras in town.
- You wonder when the “interim… comes off the title as Panthers coach Peter Horachek has his Cats playing inspired hockey that is getting them to the cusp of playoff contention in the weak eastern Conference.
- Three day Christmas break this year as part of the new CBA. Roster freeze goes into effect tomorrow.
- NHL Network will be carrying games from the World Juniors that begin one week from tomorrow.
- As of yesterday… Pred prospect Zach Stepan remains on Team USA’s roster. Fleix Girard remains in contention for Team Canada’s roster
- Eleven games tonight, 6pm starts – Bruins @ Sabres, Coyotes @ Maple Leafs, Blue Jackets @ Flyers, Wild @ Penguins. 6:30pm starts – Panthers @ Senators, Flames @ Red Wings, Predators @ Lightning. 7pm start – Canadiens @ Blues. 7:30pm start – Canucks @ Stars. 8:30pm start – Oilers @ Avalanche. 9:30pm start – Sharks @ Kings.
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SlapShot Radio’s podcast is posted from last night’s show. The guest list includes the Puck Daddy, Greg Wyshynski, Preds first captain, Tom Fitzgerald and Predators GM David Poile.
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