The Predators lost to Detroit 4-1 in a game that was much closer than the score. The Preds out shot the Wings 32-22 and appeared competitive throughout the contest.
As is is often the case when Detroit hits the ice, the Wings take advantage of almost every miscue that the opponent makes and that was indeed the case on Monday night against the Predators. Jimmy Howard was outstanding and held the Preds scoreless until the game was all but over.
The Predators power play, which has been their bread and butter lately, sputtered, going 0-5 without captain Shea Weber.
The loss was somewhat overshadowed by the mysterious injury to Weber. Weber skated off the ice after a few minutes at the morning skate on Monday morning and then left the building before speaking to Coach Barry Trotz.
In the postgame presser, Trotz could not answer any questions about the injury as he simply did not have a report. More should be known later today after the team receives a report.
Here is the video of the Marc Fistric hit to Shea Weber at the end of Friday's game in Dallas that is speculated to have have sidelined Weber. With no factual information, everyone is left to let their imaginations run with the nature of the injury.
Here is our game story from last night and Barry Trotz's postgame presser. Make the jump for the full round-up of everything from the game...
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Predators Fall to Wings 4-1 as Ellis Debuts in Rookie Filled Defense
The Nashville Predators played well enough to win on Monday night but fell to an opportunistic Detroit Red Wings team 4-1 at the Bridgestone Arena.
Going into the game, you would have thought that the Predators starting three rookie defensemen, including Ryan Ellis making his NHL debut, would have been the team's downfall, but that wasn't the case.
The Predators were missing Captain Shea Weber, who had an unexpected injury that many have speculated to be related to a hit to the head by Mark Fistric, late in Friday's game against Dallas. Kevin Klein also missed his fourth game in a row due to flu-like symptoms.
As a result of the injuries, Roman Josi was moved into the top paring with Ryan Suter and responded well, playing a season high 22:07 and firing three shots. Fellow rookie, Jon Blum scored the game's only goal and had three shots in one of his better games in a while.
All eyes were on Ryan Ellis in his first NHL game. He played 18:13 and was credited with three shots, two shots blocked, and a missed shot. He also delivered a pair of hits and blocked two shots.
Colin Wilson commented on Ellis, "He did well and moved the puck well. He held his own in the defensive zone. He did well, not bad for a guy who came in before the game."
Ellis was surprised as anyone on his call up. "I found out this morning around 11 o’clock. We had just finished our morning skate in Milwaukee. They called me into the office and told me I was going up. Rather than take a nap, I got on a plane and headed to Nashville."
As to his first game, Ellis said, "I was nervous. It was a lot of fun. The guys made it easy. I thought it was alright, I just need a chance to get comfortable."
The real culprit for the Predators was Detroit goalie, Jimmy Howard. Barry Trotz explained, "We held them to 22 shots, we had more chances. The star of the game was all Jimmy Howard."
Detroit was very opportunistic, scoring four goals on 22 shots, getting a pair of goals from Valtteri Filppula, and one each from Pavel Datsyuk and Dan Cleary.
Wilson was pleased with the team's effort but not the result. "We got some good chances. We got some shots. Obviously it wasn't the game we were wanting to play burying and having more energy. We did a great burying but we could have done better."
Another area where the team missed opportunities without Weber was on the power play. Coming into the game, the Preds were ranked second in the NHL but were zero for five on the evening.
Wilson explained, "The power play could have been a lot better. At the end we started getting some chances. Marty's unit was doing well. A couple of bounces could have gone in but didn't."
The outlook for Weber's return was unclear and Trotz indicated that the team would know more on Tuesday.
The young Predators defensemen will have another challenge on Wednesday night when the Minnesota Wild come to Smashville for a 7 p.m. puck drop when the Predators will try to hold on to eighth place in the Western Conference standings.
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Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass
Going into the game, you would have thought that the Predators starting three rookie defensemen, including Ryan Ellis making his NHL debut, would have been the team's downfall, but that wasn't the case.
The Predators were missing Captain Shea Weber, who had an unexpected injury that many have speculated to be related to a hit to the head by Mark Fistric, late in Friday's game against Dallas. Kevin Klein also missed his fourth game in a row due to flu-like symptoms.
As a result of the injuries, Roman Josi was moved into the top paring with Ryan Suter and responded well, playing a season high 22:07 and firing three shots. Fellow rookie, Jon Blum scored the game's only goal and had three shots in one of his better games in a while.
All eyes were on Ryan Ellis in his first NHL game. He played 18:13 and was credited with three shots, two shots blocked, and a missed shot. He also delivered a pair of hits and blocked two shots.
Colin Wilson commented on Ellis, "He did well and moved the puck well. He held his own in the defensive zone. He did well, not bad for a guy who came in before the game."
Ellis was surprised as anyone on his call up. "I found out this morning around 11 o’clock. We had just finished our morning skate in Milwaukee. They called me into the office and told me I was going up. Rather than take a nap, I got on a plane and headed to Nashville."
As to his first game, Ellis said, "I was nervous. It was a lot of fun. The guys made it easy. I thought it was alright, I just need a chance to get comfortable."
The real culprit for the Predators was Detroit goalie, Jimmy Howard. Barry Trotz explained, "We held them to 22 shots, we had more chances. The star of the game was all Jimmy Howard."
Detroit was very opportunistic, scoring four goals on 22 shots, getting a pair of goals from Valtteri Filppula, and one each from Pavel Datsyuk and Dan Cleary.
Wilson was pleased with the team's effort but not the result. "We got some good chances. We got some shots. Obviously it wasn't the game we were wanting to play burying and having more energy. We did a great burying but we could have done better."
Another area where the team missed opportunities without Weber was on the power play. Coming into the game, the Preds were ranked second in the NHL but were zero for five on the evening.
Wilson explained, "The power play could have been a lot better. At the end we started getting some chances. Marty's unit was doing well. A couple of bounces could have gone in but didn't."
The outlook for Weber's return was unclear and Trotz indicated that the team would know more on Tuesday.
The young Predators defensemen will have another challenge on Wednesday night when the Minnesota Wild come to Smashville for a 7 p.m. puck drop when the Predators will try to hold on to eighth place in the Western Conference standings.
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Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass
Barry Trotz Speaks after Nashville's 4-1 Loss to Detroit
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Monday, December 26, 2011
Ryan Ellis to Make NHL Debut Tonight Against Red Wings
The Nashville Predators announced that Ryan Ellis would make his NHL debut in tonight's game against the Detroit Red Wings at Bridgestone Arena at 7 p.m. (FS-TN).
Here is the full release from the Predators...
NASHVILLE PREDATORS RECALL RYAN ELLIS FROM MILWAUKEE
Nashville, Tenn. (December 26, 2011) – Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced today that the club has recalled defenseman Ryan Ellis from Milwaukee (AHL). The Freelton, Ont., native is scheduled to make his NHL debut tonight against the Detroit Red Wings.
Ellis, 20 (1/3/91), is tied for ninth among American Hockey League defensemen, and tied for first among rookie blueliners, in points with 17 (4g-13a) in 26 games. One of the most decorated defensemen in Canadian Hockey League history, Ellis became just the third d-man in Ontario Hockey League history to record 300 career points (73g-241a-314pts, +145, 207 PIMs, 226 gp), joining Rick Corriveau (329) and Denis Potvin (330) a season ago, winning the 2011 Red Tilson Trophy awarded to the OHL’s Most Outstanding Player of the Year, the 2011 Max Kaminsky Trophy for the second time in three years as the League’s Most Outstanding Defenseman of the Year and the Mickey Renaud Captain’s Trophy for leadership on and off the ice.
The 11th overall (first round) selection in the 2009 Entry Draft is also one of just seven players to represent Canada at three straight World Junior Championships (2009, 2010 and 2011), and just the fourth Canadian ever to win three medals at the WJC. With 25 points (5g-20a) in three tournaments, he is the all-time leading defensive scorer in the history of the event.
Fresh off the two-day Christmas break, the Predators will look to make it six consecutive home victories tonight when they host the Detroit Red Wings (7 p.m. Fox Sports Tennessee, 102.5 The Game). The Preds will continue to enjoy home cooking for the majority of the next two-plus weeks with seven of their next nine game to be played on Bridgestone Arena ice. Tickets are available and may be purchased at nashvillepredators.com, ticketmaster.com or by calling 615-770-PUCK (7825).
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Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Merry Christmas from Our Family to Yours
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
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Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass
Saturday, December 24, 2011
The Night Before Christmas
A less than dramatic reading of "The Night Before Christmas" That I originally did for Fisher and Jackson but why not share such a masterpiece with everyone...
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Buddy Oakes for PredsOntheGlass
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Buddy Oakes for PredsOntheGlass
The Morning After Round-Up: Dallas 6, Nashville 3
Tor the second night in a row, the Predators gave up a clump of goals in a short period of time, but on Friday night at the American Airlines Center there wasn't enough elfin magic to overcome the deficit.
In the middle of the opening period Dallas got goals from ex-Pred Vern Fiddler, Loui Eriksson, and Steve Ott in a 3:05 minute cluster. Pekka Rinne was pulled after giving up the three goals on seven shots.
The Predators tried to mount a charge in the middle of the second frame with a goal from Matt Halischuk and a power play marker from Marty Erat to pull within one at 3-2. Mike Ribero gave Dallas a two goal cushion 2:25 minutes later which is how the period ended.
After a strong push at the start of the final period, David Legwand scored a power play goal to close the gap to one at 4:38 but it was answered thirty seconds later by a goal by Jamie Benn. An empty net goal by Michael Ryder with 2:07 left in the contest was the icing on the cake for the Stars and ended the Preds' comeback chances.
After two days off for the Christmas break, the Predators will return to action Monday night at Bridgestone Arena against the Detroit Red Wings at 7 p.m.
Make the jump for the full round-up of everything from the game...
In the middle of the opening period Dallas got goals from ex-Pred Vern Fiddler, Loui Eriksson, and Steve Ott in a 3:05 minute cluster. Pekka Rinne was pulled after giving up the three goals on seven shots.
The Predators tried to mount a charge in the middle of the second frame with a goal from Matt Halischuk and a power play marker from Marty Erat to pull within one at 3-2. Mike Ribero gave Dallas a two goal cushion 2:25 minutes later which is how the period ended.
After a strong push at the start of the final period, David Legwand scored a power play goal to close the gap to one at 4:38 but it was answered thirty seconds later by a goal by Jamie Benn. An empty net goal by Michael Ryder with 2:07 left in the contest was the icing on the cake for the Stars and ended the Preds' comeback chances.
After two days off for the Christmas break, the Predators will return to action Monday night at Bridgestone Arena against the Detroit Red Wings at 7 p.m.
Make the jump for the full round-up of everything from the game...
Friday, December 23, 2011
Mark Willoughby Guests on This Weeks Smashville on the Glass Radio (Podcast)
Mark Willoughby joined us on this week's episode of Smashville on the Glass Radio in a fun-filled episode where Ryan and Buddy were delirious from sleep deprivation and Mark was his usual self.
It was a fun show where we looked at recent happenings in Pred Nation as well as took a look back at the Predators during the calendar year 2011. We also found the secret to how Ryan keeps his focus as a young man in the big city.
You can listen to the show in the player below or download at Blog Talk Radio or iTunes.
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Buddy Oakes for PredsOntheGlass
It was a fun show where we looked at recent happenings in Pred Nation as well as took a look back at the Predators during the calendar year 2011. We also found the secret to how Ryan keeps his focus as a young man in the big city.
You can listen to the show in the player below or download at Blog Talk Radio or iTunes.
Listen to internet radio with
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Buddy Oakes for PredsOntheGlass
Winter Classic Alumni Game TV Plans Announced
The NHL announced the plans for televising the Winter Classic Alumni Game across North America this morning. This will be the first time that it will be televised on a widespread basis as the pre-event gains in popularity.
Make the jump to get all the details as they apply to you area.
The Morning After Round-Up: Predators 6, Blue Jackets 5
The Columbus Blue Jackets woke up this morning and are still asking themselves what happened last night in Smashville. They were up by three goals twice and still managed to go home with their tails tucked between their legs with a 6-5 loss.
Ryan Johansen, who had two goals for the Jackets lamented, "It’s not the first time we’ve had a couple goal lead and we’ve ended up losing. We’re going to have a few days off here to regroup so hopefully we can spend some time with family and kind of forget about what has happened, and move on."
You really have to wonder if Columbus coach Scott Arniel will still have a job at the end of the Christmas break. It is really hard to believe that with all the coaches that have been fired in the NHL this season that he hasn't been a casualty also.
For the Predators, it was another incredible victory that is really beyond the imagination of most Predator fans that rarely see a six goal offensive outburst from the team. The Predators, going two of three on the man-advantage, was a key.
The win pushed the Preds back in to seventh place in the Western Conference with 40 points, one point ahead of Dallas who they will face tonight at American Airlines Center at 7:30 p.m.
Here is our game story from last night and Barry Trotz's postgame presser. Make the jump for the full round-up of everything from the game...
Ryan Johansen, who had two goals for the Jackets lamented, "It’s not the first time we’ve had a couple goal lead and we’ve ended up losing. We’re going to have a few days off here to regroup so hopefully we can spend some time with family and kind of forget about what has happened, and move on."
You really have to wonder if Columbus coach Scott Arniel will still have a job at the end of the Christmas break. It is really hard to believe that with all the coaches that have been fired in the NHL this season that he hasn't been a casualty also.
For the Predators, it was another incredible victory that is really beyond the imagination of most Predator fans that rarely see a six goal offensive outburst from the team. The Predators, going two of three on the man-advantage, was a key.
The win pushed the Preds back in to seventh place in the Western Conference with 40 points, one point ahead of Dallas who they will face tonight at American Airlines Center at 7:30 p.m.
Here is our game story from last night and Barry Trotz's postgame presser. Make the jump for the full round-up of everything from the game...
Trotz Points to Spaling as a Key to Amazing 6-5 Comeback Win over Columbus
The Nashville Predators did the unthinkable with a second straight miracle comeback victory against division rival, Columbus at the Bridgestone Arena on Thursday night.
Preds coach Barry Trotz was elated after the game. "We had a comeback the last game we played in their building. They’re up two goals with two minutes to go in the game and we come back and win. We knew that if we could just stay in it long enough that they would be a little bit nervous, that’s just the way their year has gone."
"We stayed with it and got rewarded. That to me was a huge character victory. We could have quit many times during that game. Every time we got a little momentum, they scored, and we stayed with it. To me that shows great character and that’s something you can’t teach."
Martin Erat's breakaway goal with 8.4 seconds left on the clock broke a 5-5 tie to give the Preds a most unlikely win after the team was down by three goals twice. Scoring the final four goals of the game was the the story line of how the Preds were able to overcome a seemingly insurmountable deficit.
The Predators were never really outplayed by the Blue Jackets but gave up three goals in 1:39 period during a Brian McGrattan interference major that got him booted from the contest late in the opening period.
In spite of being down 4-1 at the end of the opening period, Trotz was still positive. "I said after the first period that it came too easy. I’ve seen this so many times in the past where something comes too easy for a team and you get a big lead and all you have to do is chip away because there’s a ton of time left and we did that."
Trotz continued, "I thought the whole key was the shift that Nick Spaling, Jordin Tootoo, and Colin Wilson had - they got the goal right back (8:53, second period to make it 5-3). They got the momentum going again and we were within striking distance so we stayed with it and a lot of credit to everybody."
Nick Spaling's value to the team continues to grow. In addition to the key goal, he had three shots, was a plus one, and had 20 face-offs, going 12-8, to tie David Legwand for the most in the game. "It's nice to be able to contribute offensively and the faceoffs, I need to keep going on those."
Spaling explained how big the turn-around win was for this team. "It's huge. Going down early like that can deflate you on the bench but we stuck with it and played the second and third the way we were supposed to."
He continued, "Our first (period) was lacking of some details that we talked about before the game and we turned it around in the second when we started to play our game again. We need to work on putting the whole sixty minutes together."
Spaling gave his version of what the team was told during the first intermission. "We were told that we need to body up. They've got big skilled guys and that we need to take time and space away, block shots, stop letting them get second chances, and play our game."
Pekka Rinne got the win in spite of giving up five goals to improve his record to 16-9-4. The plan is for him to play again on Friday and Trotz did not lose confidence and pull Rinne in spite of the Columbus offensive outburst.
Trotz explained, "It was one of those games where everything found the back of his net. I thought Peks played well but it was just one of those nights where it was some good goal-tending and some lucky breaks (for Columbus)."
Spaling looked forward to Friday's game in Dallas and the take-aways from Thursday's win. "The guys are pretty high right now but we need to look at our first period and build to play a whole game but a win like this is big and makes us feel pretty good going back to back."
Trotz was pragmatic about the quick turn around with a trip to Dallas for a game on Friday night. "It is what it is. We've got to play back to backs and we'll drain the tanks tomorrow and then have two days off."
The Predators will return home after Friday night's game against the Stars and regroup for the morning skate on Monday to prepare for the evening clash with Detroit at the Bridgestone Arena.
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Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass
Preds coach Barry Trotz was elated after the game. "We had a comeback the last game we played in their building. They’re up two goals with two minutes to go in the game and we come back and win. We knew that if we could just stay in it long enough that they would be a little bit nervous, that’s just the way their year has gone."
"We stayed with it and got rewarded. That to me was a huge character victory. We could have quit many times during that game. Every time we got a little momentum, they scored, and we stayed with it. To me that shows great character and that’s something you can’t teach."
Martin Erat's breakaway goal with 8.4 seconds left on the clock broke a 5-5 tie to give the Preds a most unlikely win after the team was down by three goals twice. Scoring the final four goals of the game was the the story line of how the Preds were able to overcome a seemingly insurmountable deficit.
The Predators were never really outplayed by the Blue Jackets but gave up three goals in 1:39 period during a Brian McGrattan interference major that got him booted from the contest late in the opening period.
In spite of being down 4-1 at the end of the opening period, Trotz was still positive. "I said after the first period that it came too easy. I’ve seen this so many times in the past where something comes too easy for a team and you get a big lead and all you have to do is chip away because there’s a ton of time left and we did that."
Trotz continued, "I thought the whole key was the shift that Nick Spaling, Jordin Tootoo, and Colin Wilson had - they got the goal right back (8:53, second period to make it 5-3). They got the momentum going again and we were within striking distance so we stayed with it and a lot of credit to everybody."
Nick Spaling's value to the team continues to grow. In addition to the key goal, he had three shots, was a plus one, and had 20 face-offs, going 12-8, to tie David Legwand for the most in the game. "It's nice to be able to contribute offensively and the faceoffs, I need to keep going on those."
Spaling explained how big the turn-around win was for this team. "It's huge. Going down early like that can deflate you on the bench but we stuck with it and played the second and third the way we were supposed to."
He continued, "Our first (period) was lacking of some details that we talked about before the game and we turned it around in the second when we started to play our game again. We need to work on putting the whole sixty minutes together."
Spaling gave his version of what the team was told during the first intermission. "We were told that we need to body up. They've got big skilled guys and that we need to take time and space away, block shots, stop letting them get second chances, and play our game."
Pekka Rinne got the win in spite of giving up five goals to improve his record to 16-9-4. The plan is for him to play again on Friday and Trotz did not lose confidence and pull Rinne in spite of the Columbus offensive outburst.
Trotz explained, "It was one of those games where everything found the back of his net. I thought Peks played well but it was just one of those nights where it was some good goal-tending and some lucky breaks (for Columbus)."
Spaling looked forward to Friday's game in Dallas and the take-aways from Thursday's win. "The guys are pretty high right now but we need to look at our first period and build to play a whole game but a win like this is big and makes us feel pretty good going back to back."
Trotz was pragmatic about the quick turn around with a trip to Dallas for a game on Friday night. "It is what it is. We've got to play back to backs and we'll drain the tanks tomorrow and then have two days off."
The Predators will return home after Friday night's game against the Stars and regroup for the morning skate on Monday to prepare for the evening clash with Detroit at the Bridgestone Arena.
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Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass
Barry Trotz Speaks after Nashville's 6-5 Win over Columbus
Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass
Thursday, December 22, 2011
POTG Predators Seven Stories: Santa Goes Surfing Edition
- An easy pick for the best blooper of the year from Puck Daddy was Craig Smith's "miss."
- Bryan Mullen has a nice feature about the variety of stories of the Predators' dads from the annual fathers trip.
- Dirk Hoag has a post on Lane Lambert's transition from the AHL to NHL.
- With the World Juniors starting on Boxing Day, Jim Diamond talked to Nick Spaling about his missed opportunity due to illness.
- Ryan Porth talked to Bale Geoffrion and Jon Blum about using their demotion as motivation to improve.
- Mike Organ has the story of Brent Peterson's surprise visit to Centennial after his recent surgery. In his notes, he reports that Kevin Klein is still ailing from the flu. Later word from today says Klein will be out until at least Tuesday and that Pekka Rinne is scheduled to start back to back games tonight and in Dallas on Friday.
- The Milwaukee Admirals prove to have no vocal abilities in this version of the players' 12 days of Christmas.
Up to fifty folks are expected to participate in the Surfing Santa event on Christmas Eve in Cocoa Beach to raise gift cards for underprivileged kids.
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Buddy Oakes for PredsOntheGlass
Austin Watson Named to Team USA Juniors Final Roster
Austin Watson, the Predators' first pick from the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, was named to the final roster of this year's Team USA for the upcoming World Junior Championship that begins on Monday.
Here is the link to the complete final roster and schedule of games involving Team USA. All games will be televised by NHL Network in the US and will be highlighted by a meeting with Team Canada on New Years' Eve.
Here is a compilation story from Predators.com.
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Buddy Oakes for PredsOntheGlass
Buddy Oakes for PredsOntheGlass
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Predators Host Columbus Tonight to Start Busy Weekend
While most folks are planning to wind down for a long holiday weekend, the Nashville Predators begin a busy three game stretch that will have major implications in their ability to return to the top eight in the Western Conference.
The Preds will host Columbus tonight, fly to Dallas for a game tomorrow, and then play Detroit at the Bridgestone Arena on Monday after a brief 48 hour Christmas break. Dallas and Detroit are ahead of the Preds and Columbus is buried in last place, making tonight's game a must win situation for Nashville.
This will be the fourth meeting of the season for the Preds and Jackets. To this point, the road team has won every game. In the season's opening game, the Preds won 4-3 at Columbus and that was followed with a dramatic win there on December 8 when the Jackets collapsed and allowed the Preds to win 4-3 in overtime after the Preds did little for 58 minutes.
On November 19, Columbus won for the first time in Nashville in 18 attempts when they held on for a 4-3 overtime win. Nashville holds a 21-2-(1)-1 record over the last ten years at Bridgestone Arena and Amanda DiPaolo has pointed out that Columbus has never won two games in a row in Nashville.
As always, when the Preds and Jackets meet, you can expect to see fisticuffs as Jordin Tootoo and Brian McGrattan should dress and find suitable dance partners early in the contest.
After taking a night off on Tuesday, it is expected that Pekka Rinne (15-9-4, 2.48, .924) will return to the net for the Predators. It is less clear who will be in net for the Jackets. Curtis Sanford (5-5-3, 2.42, .914) was in agony on Sunday but claimed to be ready to go yesterday. Steve Mason (4-14-1, 3.52, .880) would be the other option.
Update: The Morning update from the Columbus Dispatch indicates that Curtis Sanford will get the start.
The game starts at 7 p.m. and as usual, it will be another Thursday College Night special. The game will only be available locally on 102.5 The Game Radio and the NHL Center Ice package.
For special POTG pricing go here and use the offer code "preds" for discount tickets from Ticketmaster.
For other Predator previews, check out Ryan Porth, Amanda DiPaolo, David Boclair, Marc Torrence, Predatorial, The Tennessean, and Predators.com. Ryan Porth also has an audio clip of Pekka Rinne talking about tonight's game.
For Columbus previews go to the Columbus Dispatch, The Dark Blue Jacket, and The Cannon.
BlueJackets.com has one of the best Media Information sites in the league and it is open to the public.
The game notes from NHL Media Services can be found here.
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Buddy Oakes for PredsOntheGlass
The Preds will host Columbus tonight, fly to Dallas for a game tomorrow, and then play Detroit at the Bridgestone Arena on Monday after a brief 48 hour Christmas break. Dallas and Detroit are ahead of the Preds and Columbus is buried in last place, making tonight's game a must win situation for Nashville.
This will be the fourth meeting of the season for the Preds and Jackets. To this point, the road team has won every game. In the season's opening game, the Preds won 4-3 at Columbus and that was followed with a dramatic win there on December 8 when the Jackets collapsed and allowed the Preds to win 4-3 in overtime after the Preds did little for 58 minutes.
On November 19, Columbus won for the first time in Nashville in 18 attempts when they held on for a 4-3 overtime win. Nashville holds a 21-2-(1)-1 record over the last ten years at Bridgestone Arena and Amanda DiPaolo has pointed out that Columbus has never won two games in a row in Nashville.
As always, when the Preds and Jackets meet, you can expect to see fisticuffs as Jordin Tootoo and Brian McGrattan should dress and find suitable dance partners early in the contest.
After taking a night off on Tuesday, it is expected that Pekka Rinne (15-9-4, 2.48, .924) will return to the net for the Predators. It is less clear who will be in net for the Jackets. Curtis Sanford (5-5-3, 2.42, .914) was in agony on Sunday but claimed to be ready to go yesterday. Steve Mason (4-14-1, 3.52, .880) would be the other option.
Update: The Morning update from the Columbus Dispatch indicates that Curtis Sanford will get the start.
The game starts at 7 p.m. and as usual, it will be another Thursday College Night special. The game will only be available locally on 102.5 The Game Radio and the NHL Center Ice package.
For special POTG pricing go here and use the offer code "preds" for discount tickets from Ticketmaster.
For other Predator previews, check out Ryan Porth, Amanda DiPaolo, David Boclair, Marc Torrence, Predatorial, The Tennessean, and Predators.com. Ryan Porth also has an audio clip of Pekka Rinne talking about tonight's game.
For Columbus previews go to the Columbus Dispatch, The Dark Blue Jacket, and The Cannon.
BlueJackets.com has one of the best Media Information sites in the league and it is open to the public.
The game notes from NHL Media Services can be found here.
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Buddy Oakes for PredsOntheGlass
John Forslund Guests on this Week's RLD Hockey Radio (Podcast)
Carolina and Versus broadcaster John Forslund was our guest on this week's edition of RLD Hockey Radio.
Use the player below to listen or go to BlogTalkRadio or iTunes to download...
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Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass
Use the player below to listen or go to BlogTalkRadio or iTunes to download...
Listen to internet radio with Ryan Porth on Blog Talk Radio
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Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass
POTG Predators Seven Stories: 12 Ugliest Christmas Sweater Edition
- Dmitry Chesnokov says a return to the NHL by Alex Radulov would be tricky. The Predators best bet with Rads is to trade his rights as he could never play enough defense to fit in the Predator system.
- Hockey's Future has released their latest synopsis of the Nashville Predators top twenty prospects.
- Dirk Hoag has an audio clip of Elliotte Friedman discussing Ryan Suter and Shea Weber on 102.5 if you missed it.
- Jeremy Sargent laments the ongoing issue of the Predators giving up the first goal.
- Ex-Predator Darren Turcotte has been added to the New York Rangers' alumni team that will play a Terry Crisp coached Flyers team on New Year's Eve in Philadelphia.
- Dave Boehler has 20 questions with good guy, Scott Ford.
- The Huntsville Times uses the Predators as an example that hockey can survive in the South.
Collectors Weekly has collected what they consider the top 12 ugliest Christmas sweaters ever.
As a bonus link... Here is a very slow to load link to the first episode of this year's 24/7 from the NHL.com site that does not appear to be publicly linked.
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Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass
The Morning After Round-Up: Capitals 4, Predators 1
The Nashville Predators went down quickly with little resistance early and never were able to catch up in spite of much better play in the final two periods on Tuesday night at the Verizon Center.
The Predators had plenty of opportunities on the power play, which has been their bread and butter recently, but never converted. After pulling close at 2-1 in the final period, two quick Caps goals were the nail in the coffin for the Preds.
Including the preseason, the Preds were 3-0 against the Caps this year so it was an uphill battle to try to pick up a fourth straight win.
The Caps had not gained much traction under new coach Dale Hunter but may have turned the corner against the Predators as their top players broke into the scoring column and Alex Ovechkin looked better than I have seen him play this season.
The schedule gets no easier at this point as the Preds host Columbus tomorrow night and then go to Dallas on Friday before playing Detroit at home on Monday.
Here is our game story from last night that include our comments from the couch. Make the jump for the full round-up of everything from the game...
The Predators had plenty of opportunities on the power play, which has been their bread and butter recently, but never converted. After pulling close at 2-1 in the final period, two quick Caps goals were the nail in the coffin for the Preds.
Including the preseason, the Preds were 3-0 against the Caps this year so it was an uphill battle to try to pick up a fourth straight win.
The Caps had not gained much traction under new coach Dale Hunter but may have turned the corner against the Predators as their top players broke into the scoring column and Alex Ovechkin looked better than I have seen him play this season.
The schedule gets no easier at this point as the Preds host Columbus tomorrow night and then go to Dallas on Friday before playing Detroit at home on Monday.
Here is our game story from last night that include our comments from the couch. Make the jump for the full round-up of everything from the game...
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Caps Take Early Lead in Route to 4-1 Win over Predators
The Nashville Predators tried to play their usual rope-a-dope game but the 2-0 rope they handed the Washington Capitals in the opening period ended up being too much to reel back in.
After a good second period when the teams were scoreless, the Preds came close in the final period when they pulled within one at 2-1, but two quick goals in the third period by the Caps ended any miracle comeback hopes for the Preds.
The Caps got goals from Alexander Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom. Alex Semin, and Troy Brouwer while the Preds' lone goal came from Sergei Kostitsyn.
Michal Neuvirth stopped all but one of the Predators 21 shots to pick up the victory while Anders Lindback gave up four goals on 23 shots to take the loss.
Alexander Ovechkin was clearly the difference maker for the Caps as he played with enthusiasm unseen during this season. In addition to his goal, he had seven shots and three big hits.
The Predators returnedf home after the game and will face Columbus on thursday at 7 p.m. at the Bridgestone Arena.
Make the jump for the comments from the couch...
After a good second period when the teams were scoreless, the Preds came close in the final period when they pulled within one at 2-1, but two quick goals in the third period by the Caps ended any miracle comeback hopes for the Preds.
The Caps got goals from Alexander Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom. Alex Semin, and Troy Brouwer while the Preds' lone goal came from Sergei Kostitsyn.
Michal Neuvirth stopped all but one of the Predators 21 shots to pick up the victory while Anders Lindback gave up four goals on 23 shots to take the loss.
Alexander Ovechkin was clearly the difference maker for the Caps as he played with enthusiasm unseen during this season. In addition to his goal, he had seven shots and three big hits.
The Predators returnedf home after the game and will face Columbus on thursday at 7 p.m. at the Bridgestone Arena.
Make the jump for the comments from the couch...
POTG Predators Seven Stories: Wisdom of Crowds Edition
- Late news today from Josh Cooper has the revelation that Anders Lindback will get the start against the Caps tonight. He also has insights from Jon Blum and Blake Geoffrion on their visit to Milwaukee. He also reports some of the dads, including Bob Suter, went to visit the White House. Josh also has a feature on David Poile discussing the Capitals' new coach, Dale Hunter.
- Ryan Porth talked to Brian McGrattan's dad about the excitement of making the fathers trip. Jim Diamond has the story of Craig Smith's dad making the trip to DC.
- AJ at Preds AJenda feels that the belief is back at Bridgestone Arena.
- Predators.com has a wide ranging look at the busy week ahead.
- The Hockey Writers looks at the disturbing trends during the Predators' five-game winning streak.
- ESPN has the story of Pekka Rinne's rise in fantasy value.
- Laura Astorian of Thrashing the Blues was in town last week for the Predators-Blues game and had a positive experience and said "this is what hockey is in the South. An identity, tie in to the city's culture, solid owners and management - all this lures a huge and passionate fanbase to Smashville." It was nice meeting her and for her understanding of what Smashville is all about.
It turns out that crowd behavior varies throughout the world. This is interesting stuff from the Economist.
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Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass
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