A rare Friday night game in Smashville draws a sell out crowd and also draws a special Saturday edition of Sunday Shots, here are the great results of SlapShot Radio’s photographer's efforts at Bridgestone Arena… see the entire gallery here.
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| From Predators vs Devils January 31, 2014 |
You have to forgive Pred Nation for being a little disheartened at the end of the second period in last night’s thrilling 3-2 overtime victory over the New Jersey Devils. The Predators were 1-22-2 this season when trailing going into the third period. Make that 2-22-2, as the Predators continue their resurgence, giving clear indicators that this team may have turned a corner.
After giving up a goal that he definitely wanted back, Carter Hutton let in what is normally a back-breaker as wily veteran Jaromir Jagr found the back of the net scoring a goal-scorer’s goal through the tiniest of holes in Hutton’s attempted seal of the left post. That goal, with 6.1 seconds remaining in the period could’ve been the one that had the Preds pack it up and go home… but, with Hutton pulled, the Predators put on one last push and David Legwand, whose flair for the dramatic shows up when desperately needed, was the recipient of a fortunate bounce. Legwand wasted no time in depositing the rebound to tie the game with 10 seconds left.
Then the captain took over. Given that Shea Weber was a game-time decision after leaving Tuesday night’s game in the third period with an upper-body injury, his performance was indicative of the Norris-worthy season he is having. Scoring the first goal of the game on a simply wicked slapper from the high slot that Devils goaltender Corey Schneider is still looking for, Weber put a twisted wrister on Schneider in overtime that threw the veteran goaltender off and sealed the two points for Nashville.
Weber is finally getting the Norris buzz he so richly deserves. After the controversy two summers ago, he has cemented his place in Nashville as the unquestioned leader of this team and the face of the franchise. Anyone who says he doesn’t want to be here simply doesn’t know what he or she is talking about. He shows it every time he steps on the ice. I don’t have a Norris vote, but if I did, there would be no question who I would award it to right now.
Here are the highlights from last night’s fun…
No rest for the Predators as they left for St. Louis right after the game for a Saturday night showdown with their Central Division rival. The Blues are coming off a terrible performance in Carolina last night, dropping a 3-1 decision to the Hurricanes, continuing their up and down play as of late. After a seven game win streak, St. Louis is 5-5-0 in their last ten and concerns about goal scoring have come to the forefront. In their five losses the Blues have scored a total of six goals.
No real advantage in this back-to-back as both teams played last night.
The injury report is static for the Predators, Pekka Rinne on IR, Matt Cullen and Viktor Stalberg listed as out for tonight. St. Louis is fairly healthy with Vladimir Sobotka the only question mark as he left the game in the third last night after a collision into the end boards.
In net? Who knows? Considering both number ones played last night and both team’s confidence in their backups could be described as “shaken,… you may see Carter Hutton and Jaroslav Halak between the pipes for this critical Central Division tilt. Blues backup Brian Elliott was pulled in his last start after giving up three goals in nine shots to the Devils, Preds backup Devan Dubnyk is off to an inauspicious start with his new club, going 0-1-1 with a save percentage of .850, giving up nine goals on 60 shots.
Game time is 7pm. Coverage on Fox Sports Tennessee and the Predators Radio Network.
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Random Notes
- I have to admit… I had a little fun pulling the Jersey out in me during our “Look at dis friggin’ guy… segment last night.
- Swiss sources are quoted as saying that the Predators have recalled Simon Moser, no official confirmation from the team yet.
- Zach Parise has been named captain of Team USA
- You have to wonder what the hell is going on in New York with the rumors of Ryan Callahan being shopped.
- So I hear that Columbus could be a potential trade destination for Callahan… oh for heaven’s sake, will the Rangers and Jackets just swap rosters and be done with it?
- Kevin Allen in USA Today lists David Legwand as an attractive trade target, but does note he may not waive his no trade.
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- Eleven games today - Noon CT starts – Oilers @ Bruins, Lightning @ Canadiens. 2pm start – Sabres @ Avalanche. 3pm start – Flyers @ Kings. 6pm starts – Senators @ Maple Leafs, Panthers @ Blue Jackets. 7pm starts – Predators @ Blues, Penguins @ Coyotes. 9pm starts – Wild @ Flames, Stars @ Ducks. 9:30pm start – Blackhawks @ Sharks.
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