In the “Let’s State the Obvious Department,… last night’s 7-2 blowout of the Chicago Blackhawks was a lot of fun, unless you were one of the four or five thousand Chicago fans that made the trek to Music City to party, drink and watch their favored team beat the struggling Predators. From the looks of the crowded local precinct, at least they achieved the first two.
As is our habit on Sundays, here are the great results of the photographer for SlapShot Radio efforts in Sunday Shots… see the entire gallery here.
 |
| From Predators vs Blackhawks November 16, 2013 |
There were a lot of snide comments made about what the media dubbed the “get the red out… program in Nashville, but it certainly had the desired effect. Increased revenue for the team and over a thousand tickets being donated to local military, not to mention the impact of additional ticket sales for six total games… not bad… not bad at all. Kudos to the Predators marketing department.
On the ice, seven goals from seven different players was the cure for a Predators team that limped home after a promising start to the annual CMA road trip. Isn’t always the case for this franchise, getting beat by the teams fans think they should and getting well against the teams that seem the most improbable. The key to last night’s win was the play of Craig Smith.
Smith has shown signs of brilliance and signs of struggle during his tenure in Nashville. Last night, he used his speed to create chances and havoc for Chicago’s vaunted defense, setting up goals for Matt Cullen and Nick Spaling before roofing a beauty on the Frosty goal.
All of this would’ve been for naught if the Predators did not get excellent work between the pipes and Marek Mazanec delivered, making 39 saves and frustrating the powerful Blackhawks. It was a surprise start for the young netminder and he took full advantage of it.
The Predators continue their ten games in ten different buildings odyssey Tuesday night in Detroit. Here’s the highlights from last night’s fun…
-------------------------------------------
Random Notes
- Shea Weber posted his 300th career point on Patric Hornqvist’s power play goal in the second period.
- You have to wonder if last night's performance quiets the "let's go get a goalie" rumors that have been flying.
- Tuesday night’s opponent is on a six game losing streak… ruh-roh…
- Signs that the Avalanche are coming down to earth? A 4-1 loss to the Panthers and an injury to Matt Duchene do not portend well.
- Looks like we may see our old friend Rick Nash when the Rangers hit town next week, he is slated to return to the NYR lineup this week.
- Congratulations to former UAH goaltender Cam Talbot on earning his first NHL shutout in the Rangers 1-0 victory over Montreal last night.
- Six games on the NHL docket tonight. Noon CT start – Blue Jackets @ Senators. 5pm start – Blues @ Capitals. 6pm starts - Kings @ Rangers, Sharks @ Blackhawks. 7pm starts – Jets @ Wild and Stars @ Canucks.
--------------------------------------
SlapShot Radio is back this Wednesday night, with another great hour of hockey talk. Join Pete Weber and I at 7pm central on 102.5 the Game and the SlapShot Radio Network. It is our 6th season and advertising deals 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.