Almost everything went right for the Nashville Predators in last night's 5-2 win over the Carolina Hurricanes in front of the eighth straight sellout at Bridgestone Arena.
The power play converted four of five times, scoring contribution was widespread, and Pekka Rinne played well enough to get a shutout for most of the contest. That being said, the Hurricanes are not a very good team and offered little resistance to the Predator attack.
After going 0-16 on the man advantage in the last five games, the effort against the Canes moved the power play back into second place (22.0 %) in the NHL behind Vancouver (24.2 %)
The game was one where it was imperative that the Preds pick up two points. The Western Conference is tightly bunched and losing points against weak teams are not an option in the Central Division.
In fact, four of the top six teams in the conference are from the Central Division. Heading into Sunday's action, St. Louis had the division lead (53 points), and Chicago (52), Detroit (51), and Nashville (48) occupied fourth through sixth place.
After stubbing their toe twice recently against Dallas (47 points-8th place), the upcoming back to back games at Colorado (47 points - 10th place) on Tuesday and the Avalanche here on Thursday, require the Preds to be point collectors against a team directly on their heels.
The Predators will practice at 10:30 Monday Morning and then fly to Denver in the afternoon.
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...
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Lindback and Smith Trade Places Again
As expected, after playing games on Friday and Saturday night in Milwaukee, Anders Lindback returned to the Nashville Predators and Jeremy Smith, who suited up for his first NHL game was sent back to Milwaukee.
Lindback had not played in a game with the Predators since he relived Pekka Rinne on December 23 in Dallas and was understandably rusty in his stint in Milwaukee.
The Preds have back to back games on January 16-17 as well as 23-24 so Lindback may be called into action at some point in the near future and the team wanted him to see action before then.
Conversely, Smith has now undergone a recall so if an injury forces him to Nashville at some point this season it will not be a completely foreign concept.
Make the jump for the full release from the Predators...
Lindback had not played in a game with the Predators since he relived Pekka Rinne on December 23 in Dallas and was understandably rusty in his stint in Milwaukee.
The Preds have back to back games on January 16-17 as well as 23-24 so Lindback may be called into action at some point in the near future and the team wanted him to see action before then.
Conversely, Smith has now undergone a recall so if an injury forces him to Nashville at some point this season it will not be a completely foreign concept.
Make the jump for the full release from the Predators...
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Hornqvist Denied Hat Trick but Leads Predators to 5-2 Win over Carolina
Patric Hornqvist led the Nashville Predators to a 5-2 win over the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday night in front of a record setting eighth straight sellout crowd at Bridgestone Arena.
Hornqvist scored two power play goals on seven shots and was denied his first career hat trick when a video review on a goal thought to be credited to him was ruled invalid by the "war room" at the NHL in Toronto midway through the final period.
Hornqvist was not upset about missing the hat trick. "They got the best camera's in the league so I'm pretty sure it was the right call. A hat trick is a big thing so hopefully it will come sooner or later."
Hornqvist scored two power play goals on seven shots and was denied his first career hat trick when a video review on a goal thought to be credited to him was ruled invalid by the "war room" at the NHL in Toronto midway through the final period.
Hornqvist was not upset about missing the hat trick. "They got the best camera's in the league so I'm pretty sure it was the right call. A hat trick is a big thing so hopefully it will come sooner or later."
Barry Trotz Speaks after Nashville's 5-2 Win over Carolina
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Buddy Oakes for PredsOntheGlass
Friday, January 6, 2012
Bridgestone Arena Ranked Sixth in Concert Attendance for 2011
Bridgestone Arena continues to be among the nation's leading facilities in concert attendance, finishing sixth in the Unites States for the second year in a row. With the completion of the new convention center in a couple of years, the ranking will continue to grow.
Sean Henry discussed the record usage of the arena on last week's Smashville on the Glass podcast and gave plenty of insight in to the marketing success that has place Bridgestone in the top twenty world-wide.
The 15 year old arena is really hitting its stride under the direction of Henry and the Predators' facility operation department. Make the jump for the full release from the Predators and Bridgestone Arena...
Sean Henry discussed the record usage of the arena on last week's Smashville on the Glass podcast and gave plenty of insight in to the marketing success that has place Bridgestone in the top twenty world-wide.
The 15 year old arena is really hitting its stride under the direction of Henry and the Predators' facility operation department. Make the jump for the full release from the Predators and Bridgestone Arena...
The Morning After Round-Up: Dallas 4, Nashville 1
The Nashville Predators played like real stinkers in their 4-1 loss to the Dallas Stars on Thursday night at the Bridgestone Arena. Heading into the game, everyone was expecting an early fight and were hopeful of an inspired performance but it never happened.
During the game when it became apparent that something was missing in the Predators attack we were discussing the fact that the Predators always seemed to struggle after having more than a couple of days off. Looking back over the last season and a half, the Predators are 2-6-1 in games after three or more days off.
Here is a rundown...
10-28-10 Lost to St. Louis 3-0 (3 days off)
11-3-10 Lost at Phoenix 4-3 (3)
11-11-10 Won at St. Louis 3-2 (3)
12-22-10 Lost at Chicago 4-1 (3)
2-1-11 OTL to Calgary 3-2 (5)
4-13-11 Won at Anaheim 4-1 (3)
4-28-11 Lost at Vancouver 1-0 (3)
10-13-11 Lost to Phoenix 5-2 (4)
1-5-12 Lost to Dallas 4-1 (3)
Short breaks in the schedule should be a time to rest and energize the team but it may be time for the coaching staff to take a look at some type of different preparation for the first game back.
Here is our game story from last night. Make the jump for the full round-up of everything from the game...
During the game when it became apparent that something was missing in the Predators attack we were discussing the fact that the Predators always seemed to struggle after having more than a couple of days off. Looking back over the last season and a half, the Predators are 2-6-1 in games after three or more days off.
Here is a rundown...
10-28-10 Lost to St. Louis 3-0 (3 days off)
11-3-10 Lost at Phoenix 4-3 (3)
11-11-10 Won at St. Louis 3-2 (3)
12-22-10 Lost at Chicago 4-1 (3)
2-1-11 OTL to Calgary 3-2 (5)
4-13-11 Won at Anaheim 4-1 (3)
4-28-11 Lost at Vancouver 1-0 (3)
10-13-11 Lost to Phoenix 5-2 (4)
1-5-12 Lost to Dallas 4-1 (3)
Short breaks in the schedule should be a time to rest and energize the team but it may be time for the coaching staff to take a look at some type of different preparation for the first game back.
Here is our game story from last night. Make the jump for the full round-up of everything from the game...
Predators Shuffle Players, Blum and Lindback to Milwaukee, Jeremy Smith to Nashville
In an effort to provide more playing time for Anders Lindback and Jon Blum, the Nashville Predators sent the pair to Milwaukee and recalled Goaltender Jeremy Smith to back up Pekka Rinne for Saturday's game against the Carolina Hurricanes.
Lindback has seen little action recently and Milwaukee plays three games this weekend which will provide ample opportunity for Lindback to get in a couple of starts.
It is interesting that the Preds made the choice to send Blum down instead of rookie Ryan Ellis who was the most recent defensive recall.
Make the jump for the full release from the Predators...
Lindback has seen little action recently and Milwaukee plays three games this weekend which will provide ample opportunity for Lindback to get in a couple of starts.
It is interesting that the Preds made the choice to send Blum down instead of rookie Ryan Ellis who was the most recent defensive recall.
Make the jump for the full release from the Predators...
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Predators Set Record but Fall to Dallas 4-1
The Nashville Predators enjoyed their first stretch of three days off without a game since the opening week of the season but did not enjoy their return to game action on Thursday night.
The Dallas Stars beat the Preds 4-1 for the second time in two weeks in front of a record setting seventh sellout crowd in a row at Bridgestone Arena.
The college night crowd was ready for fisticuffs in retribution for Mark Fistric's hit to the head of captain Shea Weber in a game on December 23 in Dallas. They were rewarded quickly at 1:45 into the game when Jordin Tootoo squared off with Fistric and took him quickly to the ice in a bout where few actual punches were thrown.
The Dallas Stars beat the Preds 4-1 for the second time in two weeks in front of a record setting seventh sellout crowd in a row at Bridgestone Arena.
The college night crowd was ready for fisticuffs in retribution for Mark Fistric's hit to the head of captain Shea Weber in a game on December 23 in Dallas. They were rewarded quickly at 1:45 into the game when Jordin Tootoo squared off with Fistric and took him quickly to the ice in a bout where few actual punches were thrown.
POTG Predators Seven Stories: Shea Weber Returns Edition
- The overwhelming big news of the day is the return of Shea Weber to play in tonight's game against Dallas. Josh Cooper has a typically bland interview with the captain about his return. It was probably going to me a bad night for injury perpetrator Mark Fistric anyway, but I expect he'll shed a little blood early in the opening period. Colin Wilson's return status is less certain.
- Other game previews come from Ryan Porth, Amanda DiPaolo, Robby Stanley, Patten Fuqua, Dirk Hoag, Paul McCann, Fang Finger, Predatorial, The Tennessean, and Predators.com. Ryan also has an audio preview from Mike Fisher.
- Mark Willoughby has a nice piece about a small act of kindness from Patric Hornqvist.
- Jim Diamond reports on the engagement of Brian McCrattan.
- David Boclair discusses Jack Hillen making a place for himself in the crowed young defensive corp.
- Jeremy Gover looks at the Predators' attendance figures before their seventh sell out in a row tonight.
- It was announced yesterday that Ryan Ellis and Chris Mueller were named to the AHL All-Star team that will be play in Atlantic City at the end of the month.
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Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
POTG Predators Seven Stories: Best Map Ever Made Edition
- The Nashville Business Journal reports what citizens of Smashville have seen in person, that the team is tracking toward breaking their all time attendance record.
- Welcome back to Rachel from What the Puck who is back with the NHL in 366 which promises to be a daily media experience for her audience.
- Robby Stanley catches the flavor of the Predators open practice at A-Game where 1000 fans were in attendance. David Boclair was also there. Everybody and their brother has a story about Shea Weber's participation, including Craig Custance art ESPN.
- Hockey Night in Nashville has a conversation with Ryan Ellis on his birthday. There was no mention of his human rocket-ship video release.
- Jim Diamond Explains that the Predators are looking for points and not revenge against Dallas tomorrow night.
- Preds prospect Austin Watson had one of the biggest games in his career with a natural hat trick against Latvia at the World Juniors yesterday.
- J.R. Lind has the news of former Nashville Predators (and Phoenix Coyotes) suitor, Jim Balsillie getting the boot at his company, RIM.
When I saw a story about the best map of the U.S. ever made I was curious since I was a geography major in college and grad school. This map was made by an individual who spent over 6000 hours in putting it together. It is indeed a masterpiece.
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Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Ryan Ellis as the Human Rocket Ship from Upper Deck and the NHLPA
In the preseason, Upper Deck and the NHLPA put on their annual Boot Camp for NHL rookies where they were trained on how to deal with the media, the fans, and life in the NHL.
As a part of the event, Upper Deck put together a series of humorous videos including this one that stars the Nashville Predators' Ryan Ellis. Check it out. You will find it entertaining, I'm sure.
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Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass
As a part of the event, Upper Deck put together a series of humorous videos including this one that stars the Nashville Predators' Ryan Ellis. Check it out. You will find it entertaining, I'm sure.
More Later...
Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass
POTG NHL Seven Stories: Most Outrageous Lawsuit Edition
- Winter Classic ratings were down 15% from 2011's prime time game but still had a respectable showing. Steve LaPore has the overnight numbers. Updated numbers shows that viewing was actually up. I'm confused.
- According to an alleged "leaked" report, five NHL teams have serious issues with their income stream (No, the Preds are not one of them).
- Ken Campbell looks at five issues facing hockey in the coming year. Three of the five are significant.
- Mike Green is making a return to the Washington Capitals line-up after not having played since November 11. The Caps have looked better lately but have missed Green's offense.
- After missing #500 against the Predators on New Year's Day, Jarome Iginla hopes to get it tonight in Washington.
- Pen's beat writer Rob Rossi is out as the main guy at The Trib in Pittsburgh according to this report.
- Down Goes Brown has a look at Gary Bettman's New Year's Eve party.
The U.S. Chamber for Legal Reform has named it's top ten most outrageous lawsuits of 2011. This basically proves that you can find an attorney that will sue for anything.
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Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass
POTG Predators Seven Stories: Best TV News Bloopers of 2011 Edition
- Things have been disastrous for Team USA at the World Junior Championships but in the game against Latvia that is currently underway, Preds' prospect Austin Watson had a natural hat trick in the first period. Go here for the live blog.
- Kevin Klein lost significant weight during his recent bout with what was labeled the flu that caused him to miss six games.
- The Predators have their look at the Predators upcoming week. Dirk Hoag has a similar post at On The Forecheck.
- Jas Faulkner has a look at the growth of girls playing hockey in Smashville and elsewhere.
- Paul McCann has a Tuesday roundup of thoughts in Pred Nation.
- Nashville based Bridgestone has huge investments in Hockey in naming rights and sponsorships.
- If you are in Milwaukee, on-ice passes for the Dropkick Murphy's concert go on sale on Wednesday at 10 a.m.
Local TV news is usually a station's biggest moneymaker but it is also the place where anything and everything can go wrong. Check out this compilation of best bloopers from 2011.
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Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass
Predators Deny Jarome Iginla's 500th Goal in Nashville
On Sunday night, when the Nashville Predators beat the Calgary Flames 5-3 at the Bridgestone Arena, one of the sub-plots within the game was Jarome Iginla's quest for his 500th career goal.
Iginla entered the game with 14 goals this year and needing two more to hit the magic 500 number after picking up number 498 against Columbus on December 27.
Iginla picked up number 499 3:47 into the game to give Calgary a 1-0 lead and putting the heat on the Predators not to give up the 500th goal.
Iginla was not credited with another shot until there was 1:28 left in the game when Pekka Rinne made a snappy glove save on a wrister from behind the circles. The Predators' goalie had no idea that he could have become a statistic for future trivia buffs.
Iginla entered the game with 14 goals this year and needing two more to hit the magic 500 number after picking up number 498 against Columbus on December 27.
Iginla picked up number 499 3:47 into the game to give Calgary a 1-0 lead and putting the heat on the Predators not to give up the 500th goal.
Iginla was not credited with another shot until there was 1:28 left in the game when Pekka Rinne made a snappy glove save on a wrister from behind the circles. The Predators' goalie had no idea that he could have become a statistic for future trivia buffs.
Monday, January 2, 2012
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman Addresses the Media After Classic Game
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman was very upbeat as he addressed the media after the New York Rangers defeated the hometown Philadelphia Flyers 3-2 in the 2012 Winter Classic at Citizen's Bank Park on Monday.
Almost all of the questions revolved about where next year's Winter Classic will be held as most of the rumors in the media had focused on a location near Detroit. Make the jump for Bettman's remarks as presented by NHL Media Services....
The Morning After Round-Up: Predators 5, Flames 3
Sunday night's Predators-Flames game was one of the more enjoyable to watch for Predators fans. After Jerome Iginla scored, the Predators scored four unanswered goals to give the Preds a cushion that folks at the Bridgestone Arena could enjoy for a change.
Barry Trotz discussed the Calgary comeback that led to two Flames goals in the final period to make it a closer game and said that all it took was a "2% letdown" from everyone on the ice to let the Flames back into the game before Sergei Kostitsyn's hattie put the game out of reach with 30 seconds left.
I have to admit that I was pulling for Jerome Iginla to score his 500th goal when the Preds had a "comfortable" three goal lead. I saw Hank Aaron hit his 500th home run on July 14, 1968 and would have loved to have seen Iginla hit 500 goals.
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...
Barry Trotz discussed the Calgary comeback that led to two Flames goals in the final period to make it a closer game and said that all it took was a "2% letdown" from everyone on the ice to let the Flames back into the game before Sergei Kostitsyn's hattie put the game out of reach with 30 seconds left.
I have to admit that I was pulling for Jerome Iginla to score his 500th goal when the Preds had a "comfortable" three goal lead. I saw Hank Aaron hit his 500th home run on July 14, 1968 and would have loved to have seen Iginla hit 500 goals.
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...
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Sergei Kostitsyn's First Career Hat Trick Leads Preds to 5-3 Win
The Nashville Predators played a solid hockey game in route to a 5-3 win over the Calgary Flames front of the sixth sellout in a row at Bridgestone Arena in the only NHL game on New Year's Day.
Sergei Kostitsyn nailed his first career hat trick with 30 seconds left in the game when he raced for a slow moving Kevin Klein shot that was headed for an empty net to give it an extra boost that insured the goal and sealed the Predator victory.
In a jovial postgame locker room, Klein said, "He owes me dinner! I already told him but I'm glad for his first career hat trick. Those don't come too often."
In a jovial postgame locker room, Klein said, "He owes me dinner! I already told him but I'm glad for his first career hat trick. Those don't come too often."
Klein continued when asked about Kostitsyn's burst of speed to get to the puck, "That's the hardest I've ever seen him skate. He was very fast."
Barry Trotz Speaks after Nashville's 5-3 Win over Calgary
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Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass
2012 Winter Classic Start Pushed Back to 3 p.m. Local Time Start
NHL ANNOUNCES 3 P.M. EASTERN START TIME FOR 2012 BRIDGESTONE NHL WINTER CLASSIC
PHILADELPHIA (January 1, 2012) -- The National Hockey League today announced that tomorrow's 2012 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic will start at 3 p.m., ET (NBC,CBC,RDS). The game originally was scheduled for 1 p.m., ET. The revised start time decision was based on tomorrow’s weather forecast and should offer optimal game conditions for players and fans.
All tickets to the 2012 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic will continue to be honored and all ticket-holder agreement language remains unchanged.
The following is a revised timeline for fans based on the 3 p.m., ET start time:
* Sports Complex Parking Lots will open at 9 a.m., ET
* Spectator Plaza will operate from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., ET.
* Gates to Citizens Bank Park will open at 1 p.m., ET
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Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass
New Year's Day Games Have Not Been Kind to the Predators
Late this afternoon, the eyes of the entire NHL will be focused on Bridgestone Arena when the Calgary Flames will take on the Nashville Predators in the only game being played on New Year's Day in the league. The game will be seen across the United States the NHL Network as well as FS-TN in Nashville and SportsNet in Canada.
With the 2012 Winter Classic and other traditional New Year's sports offerings being pushed to Monday, due to conflicts with NFL programming, the Predators will host the opening game for 2012 with all the firsts that come with it (first goal, first win, etc.).
The game will mark the tenth time in thirteen seasons that the Predators have hosted a New Year's Day game. The date has not been kind to the Preds as they have gone 2-6-(1)-0 over the years. Here is a list of opponents and outcomes from each year...
New Year’s Day Games
1999 vs. St. Louis L, 5-6
2000 vs. San Jose W, 3-2
2001 vs. Vancouver L, 2-5
2002 vs. Colorado T, 4-4
2003 vs. Colorado L, 3-7
2004 vs. Pittsburgh W, 3-2
2006 vs. Anaheim L, 2-4
2007 vs. Colorado L, 3-5
2009 vs. Vancouver L, 1-2
2012 vs. Calgary ???
In the early years, Pepsi One was a sponsor of the game with various logo-ed pucks, T-shirts, and other novelties being distributed.
On January 1, 2000 when folks were expecting a major meltdown world wide due to computer programming glitches, the Predators were undaunted, both on an off the ice. The team beat the Sharks 3-2 for one of only two first day wins.
Off the ice, the team collected items of the era to be placed in a time capsule to be opened on 1/1/2050. We personally contributed some drawings from then seven year old Fisher, and five year old Jackson, as well as a few early edition Pokemon cards to be saved for posterity.
The Predators other New Year's day win was in 2004 when the team came from behind to beat the Pittsburgh Penguins 3-2. All three goals were on the power play, with two by Kimmo Timonen and the third from a youthful Marty Erat. Tomas Vokoun was the winner in net.
The Pred's last foray on January 1 was in 2009 when Jason Jaffray scored with 4:06 left in the contest to break a 1-1 tie and give Vancouver a win over the Preds in Jason LaBarbara's first start with the Canucks. Pekka Rinne took the loss.
The Predators hope to improve on their New Year's record when they face Calgary this evening. This will be the fourth and final meeting between the Preds and Flames this year with Nashville haven taken two of three so far.
The teams split in Calgary, with the Preds winning 2-0 on October 22 in Rinne's first win in his career over fellow Finn, Miikka Kiprusoff. Calgary got retribution on November 29 with a 1-0 victory at home. The Preds broke the tie with a 2-1 win in Nashville on December 13.
After a long period of frustration against the Flames, Rinne (18-10-4, 2.58, .920) is 2-1-0, .67, .980 against Calgary this year. Kiprosoff (17-12-0, 2.40, .918) had a rare night off in the game in Ottawa on Friday but is expected back in net today.
After the game with the Flames, the Predators will have three days between games for the first time since the opening week of the season and will return to action on Thursday against the Dallas Stars.
More Later...
Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass
With the 2012 Winter Classic and other traditional New Year's sports offerings being pushed to Monday, due to conflicts with NFL programming, the Predators will host the opening game for 2012 with all the firsts that come with it (first goal, first win, etc.).
The game will mark the tenth time in thirteen seasons that the Predators have hosted a New Year's Day game. The date has not been kind to the Preds as they have gone 2-6-(1)-0 over the years. Here is a list of opponents and outcomes from each year...
New Year’s Day Games
1999 vs. St. Louis L, 5-6
2000 vs. San Jose W, 3-2
2001 vs. Vancouver L, 2-5
2002 vs. Colorado T, 4-4
2003 vs. Colorado L, 3-7
2004 vs. Pittsburgh W, 3-2
2006 vs. Anaheim L, 2-4
2007 vs. Colorado L, 3-5
2009 vs. Vancouver L, 1-2
2012 vs. Calgary ???
On January 1, 2000 when folks were expecting a major meltdown world wide due to computer programming glitches, the Predators were undaunted, both on an off the ice. The team beat the Sharks 3-2 for one of only two first day wins.
Off the ice, the team collected items of the era to be placed in a time capsule to be opened on 1/1/2050. We personally contributed some drawings from then seven year old Fisher, and five year old Jackson, as well as a few early edition Pokemon cards to be saved for posterity.
The Predators other New Year's day win was in 2004 when the team came from behind to beat the Pittsburgh Penguins 3-2. All three goals were on the power play, with two by Kimmo Timonen and the third from a youthful Marty Erat. Tomas Vokoun was the winner in net.
The Pred's last foray on January 1 was in 2009 when Jason Jaffray scored with 4:06 left in the contest to break a 1-1 tie and give Vancouver a win over the Preds in Jason LaBarbara's first start with the Canucks. Pekka Rinne took the loss.
The Predators hope to improve on their New Year's record when they face Calgary this evening. This will be the fourth and final meeting between the Preds and Flames this year with Nashville haven taken two of three so far.
The teams split in Calgary, with the Preds winning 2-0 on October 22 in Rinne's first win in his career over fellow Finn, Miikka Kiprusoff. Calgary got retribution on November 29 with a 1-0 victory at home. The Preds broke the tie with a 2-1 win in Nashville on December 13.
After a long period of frustration against the Flames, Rinne (18-10-4, 2.58, .920) is 2-1-0, .67, .980 against Calgary this year. Kiprosoff (17-12-0, 2.40, .918) had a rare night off in the game in Ottawa on Friday but is expected back in net today.
After the game with the Flames, the Predators will have three days between games for the first time since the opening week of the season and will return to action on Thursday against the Dallas Stars.
More Later...
Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass
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