Wanna blog? Start your own hockey blog with My HockeyBuzz. Register for free today!
 

Locker Clean-Out - Last night's SSR and my fearless 2nd round predictions

April 25, 2019, 3:41 PM ET [7 Comments]
Paul McCann
Nashville Predators Blogger •Predators Radio Network • RSSArchiveCONTACT
Locker Clean-Out is now done, the final press availability was as expected… I really appreciate the honesty from the players and the coaches. There were a few highlights for this observer…

> Peter Laviolette’s five minute response to the power play failures. – It was a detailed, incredible answer to the question on almost everyone’s mind. He took all responsibility and made it pretty clear that the buck stopped with him. It was one of the longest answers I have ever heard Lavy give.

> Craig Smith’s raw emotional time with reporters. A rare show of emotion from Smith, you could see and feel how mad the forward was… even after two days, he was seething.

> PK Subban responding to trade speculation. Again, refreshingly honest. In my opinion, the Preds would be silly to trade Subban unless there is a haul available that would make it worth the Predators while.

It feels like the introspection has already began, players talking about losing sleep, still being upset, mad, pissed… how this team reacts and prepares will show its’ character. I will be very interested in what comes out of the player meetings that are taking place.

The second round begins tonight. So, let’s take a look at the series that begin tonight…

Boston vs. Columbus - Boston has the early advantage, jumping right back into play just two days past their game seven win, the Blue Jackets have been off for nine days since their sweep of the President’s Trophy winner and will be rusty. The series may turn on how effectively Columbus can shake off that rust. Columbus may be the darling of the league right now, but it is my belief that Boston will make quick work of the Blue Jackets. Their experience, physicality and almost unstoppable top line will prevail… Boston in five.

St. Louis vs. Dallas - St. Louis may have an advantage here, they finished last weekend and only got a few days rest, enough to help and not get rusty. Dallas comes in on a roll, their top line is on fire and they are playing outstanding team hockey. I have not been a big believer in St. Louis, I am wondering when their goaltender will figure out that he is in the NHL playoffs and they simply have to cool off sometime. This is going to be a really good series… but I think the Stars are really looking like the better team right now… Dallas in six.

I will be talking about the other two series starting tomorrow night in my next blog.

-----------------------------------

The Playoff Status section
First Round Final Results
The Eastern Conference
(1) Tampa Bay vs (WC2) Columbus – CBJ Wins 4-0
(2) Boston vs. (3) Toronto – BOS wins 4-3
(1) Washington vs. (WC1) Carolina – CAR wins 4-3
(2) NY Islanders vs (3) Pittsburgh – NYI Wins 4-0

The Western Conference
(1) Calgary vs (WC2) Colorado – COL wins 4-1
(2) San Jose vs (3) Vegas – SJS wins 4-3
(1) Nashville vs. (WC1) Dallas – DAL wins 4-2
(2) Winnipeg vs. (3) St. Louis – STL wins 4-2

Second Round
The Eastern Conference
(2) Boston vs. (WC2) Columbus – Game 1 – Tonight 6pm – NBCSN
(2) NY Islanders vs. (WC1) Carolina – Game 1 – Tomorrow 6pm - NBCSN

The Western Conference
(2) San Jose vs. (WC2) Colorado – Game 1 – Tomorrow 9pm - NBCSN
(3) St. Louis vs. (WC1) Dallas – Game 1 – Tonight 8:30pm - NBCSN

-------------------------------------

ICYMI - Last night’s SSR


-------------------------------------




-------------------------------------

SlapShot Radio’s 11th season is on! As the longest running hockey show in the region, SSR feeds hockey fans what they crave… intelligent, fun, entertaining talk about their favorite sport and we do it from the opening of training camp all the way through the NHL Entry Draft. Our next show is Wednesday at 7pm on 102.5 the Game.

We have been delivering great hockey talk to the most energetic and engaged fans in radio and advertising with us drives awareness and results at a reasonable price. Just ask our sponsors… including day one sponsor Drs. Jane Bacon and Aileen Kruger at Hermitage Family and Cosmetic Dentistry … make your appointment at (615) 872-7762 and Patrick J. Brown’s Farmer Insurance Agency in Mt. Juliet… I switched to them a few years back and their service has been incredible! Give Pat and his team a call at 615-288-2086. And of course… don’t forget our good friend Carter Church! Your Mufreesboro real estate expert with Weichert – The Andrews Group.

Advertisers… Playoff specials are here! Reach out to me in order to access our activated listener base though great stretch run advertising deals available combining radio with advertising right here on my blog. It is a great, cost-effective, high-visibility way to build awareness of your business. You can send me a message on the SlapShot Radio Facebook page or by messaging me right here on HockeyBuzz.

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.

If you are outside of the listening area, listen live online at The Game website or check out the podcast about two hours after the show at on SoundCloud.

-------------------------------------

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.
Join the Discussion: » 7 Comments » Post New Comment
More from Paul McCann
» The time has come
» Whining through Game 3
» Playoff Picks
» Waiting for he playoffs
» A special night in Smashville