The Nashville Predators posted a 3-0 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks last night at Bridgestone Arena. That’s the headline, but it doesn’t tell even half of the story of a Chicago team that didn’t show up. The Predators dominated the entire game and if it wasn’t for the play of Robin Lehner, the score would’ve been worse… much worse. It was a pathetic performance from a team that clearly has plenty of indications of giving up… and it isn’t even November yet.
Nick Bonino with a hattie… and all three goals come from the lower slot… greasy lunch bucket goals that have been hard to come by for this team in recent past.
The Predators put up 51 shots on the Hawks… it was only the third time in the Blackhawks long and storied franchise history a team has put more than 50 shots on net. The only player who showed up for Chicago was Robin Lehner, who was spectacular between the pipes. Jonathan Toews was quoted as saying “It could’ve been a 10-0 game if it wasn’t for him.”
The captain speaks truth… and speaking of captains…
Roman Josi signed a brand spanking new 8 year contract yesterday… with an AAV of $9.059 million per year… resolving an issue that could’ve been a real distraction as the season progressed. Tongues have been wagging since the announcement, complaining about the length of the contract, etc…
Really? Eight years is too much for a player that continues to improve his already high-level play, has shown incredible leadership on the ice, in the room and in the community? I could not disagree more.
We know that long term contracts can be risky, injury can happen at any time… but Josi is the type of defenseman that stays effective well into his mid-30’s… it’s the type of risk well worth taking for a Norris Trophy caliber defenseman. And for those worried about potential cap jail down the line? Why?
If you look at the contract lengths and expiration dates, it appears that David Poile has done a masterful job in ensuring contracts expire on different years, allowing for prospects and draft picks on entry level contracts to refresh the team. The top four on the blueline are locked up for three seasons (including this one) with Dante Fabbro on an entry level deal. I think things will be OK.
The Predators are back tomorrow night, looking for their fifth straight win against a surging Calgary team… should be a very good one for a Halloween night…
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Random Notes – Presented by
- Brent Seabrook being a healthy scratch again last night looked to send a message that no one is safe… except that no one will take that albatross of a contract.
- Last night could’ve been the Predators most dominant performance of the season, but Chicago certainly didn’t put up much of a fight.
- Nice to see Matt Duchene back in the lineup… he only missed one gam with that “lower-body” injury.
- Filip Forsberg may be back in the lineup by Thursday… really good news if true.
- Lost in all of the hoopla last night was Nick Bonino’s natural hat trick. That was his third career hattie and first with Nashville.
- Pekka Rinne has a two game plus shutout streak going… 136 minutes and counting.
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- Tonight’s NHL schedule – 6pm – TBL @ NJD. 6:30pm – EDM @ CBJ. 7pm – MIN @ STL (NBCSN) 9pm – MTL @ ARI, FLA @ COL. 9:30pm – VAN @ LAK.
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SlapShot Radio is back for our 12th season as Zack, Brent and I will be moving the show to Monday night’s this year. The best hour of hockey talk on the longest running hockey show in the southeast will begin the season at 8pm and will settle into our normal 7pm slot after Thanksgiving… Monday’s on 102.5 the Game.
Our sponsor list continues to grow. Not only are we welcoming back
Drs. Jane Bacon and Aileen Kruger at Hermitage Family and Cosmetic Dentistry … make your appointment at (615) 872-7762 and our good friend Carter Church, Your Mufreesboro real estate expert with Weichert – The Andrews Group. And our newest sponsors…
Cool Springs Wines and Spirits! The largest spirit store in all of middle Tennessee! And La-Z-Boy Nashville! Three locations, locally owned and operated, check out La-Z-Boy in Mufreesboro, Hendersonville and Cool Springs!
The new season promises to be the best yet!
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