Author: Lady Preds

A Southern Girl with a Heart for Hockey!

Predators Shutout Columbus Blue Jackets 3-0

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Pekka Rinne continues to dominate against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

The Predators finished up their short, three-game road trip last night against division rivals the Columbus Blue Jackets. Okay, using the word “rivals” is being overly nice, considering the Predators have won four games against them and only lost one 4-3 in overtime. Needless to say, both the Predators and the fans were expecting a nice recovery win after being shutout 3-0 against the New York Rangers on Tuesday night. Pekka Rinne and the Predators answered that loss with a shutout of their own, denying the Columbus Blue Jackets any goal 3-0. Interestingly enough, although the Blue Jackets are last in the league, Columbus was the only team left that had yet to have a shutout all season. Welp, that ending last night. Here are the highlights from last night’s game in O-HI-O:

KEY POINTS:

  • Ryan Suter was missing from action once again last night due to his upper-body injury. Although still unnamed, coach Barry Trotz did say it was not his head, so no concussions for number 20. Good news for Jerred Smithson, as he was released off the IR last night just in time to play against the Blue Jackets. Brian McGrattan was scratched along with the new kid from Denver, Brandon Yip.
  • With the news of Smithson’s release off the IR, news of a new Right Wing that was picked up off waivers from the Colorado Avalanche began to circulate. Brandon Yip was drafted 8th in the 2004 Draft by the Avalanche and has recently recovered from groin and arm injuries he sustained during the season, keeping him from major ice time. Most would say this could put the Predators in a sticky situation, but then again, same was said when the Predators picked up SK74 also…
  • Neither team was able to collect any goals during the first period, but Martin Erat was finally able in the second to give the Predators the advantage at 11:08. He and Sergei Kostitsyn completed a nice 2-on-1 to collect the goal. This was Marty’s 11th goal for the season.
  • Mike Fisher wasted no time grabbing his 9th goal of the season at 13:11 with assistance from Martin Erat and Roman Josi on the power play.
  • Shea Weber and his sniper shot from 160 feet away to the empty net sealed the game in the Predators favor at 19:28. Jerred Smithson and Kevin Klein helped set up the impressive shot. This was Weber’s 10th goal of the season.
  • Pekka Rinne was the much deserving 1st Star of the Night last night with his incredible 38 saves, including quite a few inhuman moves to block the net. After resting against the Rangers, Peks definitely proved he was rested up against the ever-competitive Central Division. This win over the Blue Jackets was Pekka’s 120th win of his career.
  • The Predators may have won 3-0, but they were out-shot 38 to 25. The Predators also gave the Columbus Blue Jackets more power play chances, but the Blue Jackets were unable to capitalize from any of them. Here are the three guys who took the penalties:
  1. Nick Spaling – 7:34 2nd Period – Tripping
  2. Francis Bouillon – 3:53 3rd Period – Hooking
  3. Sergei Kostitsyn – 18:43 3rd Period – Slashing

The Predators are still 4th in the Central Division, but are now 27-16-4 on the season and are 9th overall in the league. The Predators welcome the Chicago Blackhawks to Nashville tomorrow night, who are currently in 3rd in the division. As you might assume, the Predators are clawing their way to the top to topple the Detroit Red Wings, who are currently on a five-game winning streak.

The Predators and the Blackhawks drop the puck at 7PM tomorrow night. Don’t forget: If you normally purchase the $10 tickets at the box office on Saturday mornings, they have changed the way you can get tickets now. To sway the sell of tickets to scalpers, the Predators are now “raffling” the 100 $10 to fans who get to the box office 30 minutes before tickets go on sale. Hopefully this will work out well in the favor of the fans.

Until then,
GO PREDS.

Predators fall to the Rangers 3-0

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Nashville Predators destroy the Islanders, but can't quite nip the Rangers in the bud.

  • As expected, Ryan Suter did not play against the mighty Rangers tonight. The upper-body injury he sustained during the Flyers game, at some point, is snagging him more than expected. Jerred Smithson is still hanging in on the IR. Chris Mueller was also scratched for the night.
  • The hottest topic of the night, even more so than Suter’s injury status, was Anders Lindback taking the lead as goalie against the Rangers. Personally, as much as we like Lindy and think he’s a great goalie, we would have gone with Pekka simply because we want to show the team that’s 1st in the Atlantic (and the NHL) the best we have, right? Again, we love Lindback and know he’s good on his own terms, but when you play the best team in the NHL and on national television, wouldn’t you think Lindy could take on the Blue Jackets on Thursday? We could take this in several different directions with this topic (on how Columbus is in our conference/division and their game is more important than an Eastern Conference opponent), but we’ll hold off on that one.
  • The Rangers wasted no time landing a goal and scored one in each period. This was Henrik Lundqvist’s first shutout against the Predators.
  • Although the Predators were shutout, Anders Lindback did an exceptional job against the Rangers, stopping 26 of 28 shots on goal. The Rangers out-shot the Predators by one shot (27 to 28).
  • The Predators also gave the Rangers more chances to advance on the power play, but was able to keep them from capitalizing on the opportunities. Here are they three Preds who took the penalties:
  1. Colin Wilson – 2:00 2nd Period – Tripping
  2. Martin Erat – 18:24 2nd Period – Interference on Goalkeeper
  3. Martin Erat – 19:09 3rd Period – Hooking on the Breakaway (automatic third goal)

The Predators will finish up their on-the-road run Thursday as they stop in Columbus to take on the Blue Jackets. So the Predators weren’t able to take New York by storm, but at least they were able to take down one of those Yankee teams… (Yep, went there).

Until then,
GO PREDS.

Predators Isolate the Islanders 3-1

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Kevin Klein tries to stop John Tavares from accessing the puck.

The Predators took New York by storm today, blowing passed the New York Islanders in their wake 3-1 (their 5th consecutive win).  The Islanders aren’t a terrible team, as they did dismantle the Detroit Red Wings on the 10th 5-1, but the Predators came out in Long Island on fire, prepared to sweep the East Coast (hopefully). Here are they highlights of today’s afternoon win on Long Island:

KEY POINTS:

  • Jerred Smithson is still tied down in the IR, but both Brian McGrattan and, despite feeling “100% better”, Craig Smith found themselves scratched from the game.
  • Sergei Kostitsyn was first to draw blood during this game, scoring his 11th goal of the season at 2:17 in the first period. His only assistance came from Ryan Ellis. This is also Sergei’s sixth goal in eight shots this month.
  • Matt Halischuk was quick to put the Predators up 2-0 at 5:34, with no assistance from his fellow teammates.
  • David Legwand also responded quickly, sending the Predators up 3-0 at 11:37 in the first period. He was assisted by Martin Erat and Colin Wilson.
  • At 7:04 in the first, Ryan Suter, who was rumored to have suffered an upper-body injury during the Flyers, as pulled from the game. He is expected to miss tomorrow’s game against the New York Rangers. The second period was relatively quite, with no goals from either team.
  • John Tavares would score the only goal for the Islanders during the game at 16:02 in the 3rd period.
  • Pekka Rinne was on his A-game, blocking 36 of 37 shots on goal. In the second period alone, Pekka blocked 19 shots. Only Tavares’s goal in the third slipped past the Finnish phenom.
  • The Predators were only given one power play opportunity, but the Preds gave the Islanders three chances to advance on the power play, including a 5-3. Here are the guys who took the penalties:
  1. Colin Wilson – 17:59 1st Period – Elbowing
  2. Gabriel Bourque – 8:33 2nd Period – Hooking
  3. Mike Fisher – 9:23 2nd Period – Hi-Sticking

Tomorrow, the Predators take on the other New York team, the Rangers, at 6:30PM CST. This will be on NBC-Sports, which is just Versus, but with a new name.

Until then,
GO PREDS.

(Photo credit: Bruce Bennett/Getty Images North America)

Predators Dishevel the Flyers 4-2

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Sergei Kostitsyn continues to shine (and shoot) during recent games.

The Nashville Predators welcomed an Eastern Conference adversary to the Bridgestone Arena Saturday night, one that hasn’t visited Nashville since March 16, 2010 (the Predators won 4-3 in OT). Of course, you know we are talking about the Philadelphia Flyers, who, in all seriousness, have had a pretty decent season thus far. Even though they fell to the New York Rangers in Philly for the Winter Classic and lost 4-2 against the Predators last night, the Flyers are still 26-13-4 and are 2nd in the Atlantic Division. However, Winter Classic team and 2nd in their division didn’t scare the Predators too much last night and it sure didn’t scare the sold-out crowd in Smashville, either.

KEY POINTS:

  • Jack Hillen was scratched once again last night, starting the rumor mill. We aren’t getting into any speculations with that one as of right now. Jerred Smithson is still on the IR and Craig Smith was scratched due to being “under the weather”. Hopefully, he will be back to par when they face the New York Islanders tomorrow.
  • Both the Flyers and the Predators came out strong, with the Predators taking what looked to be the lead with a goal from Nick Spaling. However, the goal was revoked due to a kicking motion from Gabriel Bourque, leaving an even playing field for both teams once again.
  • Martin Erat would land a goal at 19:02 on the power play, with assistance from Captain Shea Weber and Alternate Captain Mike Fisher. Patric Hornqvist screened the play well, making it easy for Erat to slip it passed goalkeeper Ilya Bryzgalov.
  • The Predators continued to up the score 2-0 with a powerful shot from Sergei Kostitsyn at 10:36 in the 2nd period. This was SK74’s 10th goal of the season, and it seems after his Hat Trick, shooting is becoming second nature to the Belorussian. He was assisted only by rookie Gabriel Bourque.
  • The Flyers did not waste any time gaining points on the board, slipping one passed Pekka Rinne just two minutes after Sergei’s intense shot.
  • Nick Spaling would put the Predators up 3-1 early in the 3rd at 4:30 with assistance from Jordin Tootoo and Kevin Klein. As you are all aware, when Spaling scores, the Predators haven’t lost in regulation as of this season…
  • Wayne Simmonds would give the Flyers their final goal of the night at 9:55 in the 3rd period. Ryan Ellis helped Simmonds live up to his “Flyers” name after hip checking him into the air. The small stature rookie isn’t afraid to take on the bulkiest of opponents, and here’s the video in case you haven’t seen it:
  • Mike Fisher would let the final Predators goal slide into the empty net at 19:20, with assistance from Sergei Kostitsyn and Martin Erat, sealing the game (and Frosties) for the Predators.
  • The Flyers out-shot the Predators 38 to 25, with Pekka stopping 36, proving to the Eastern Conference the Predators are stiff competition. The Predators also were given more power play time, but only used one of three to their advantage. The Flyers were given two power plays, but the Predators’ defense prevented them from capitalizing on both. Here are your two Preds who held up in the box:
  1. Martin Erat – 15:07 2nd Period – Holding
  2. Colin Wilson – 11:35 3rd Period – Tripping

Although the Philadelphia Flyers are not regulars on the Predators schedule, it is always a boost to the ego to demolish a well-known, beloved team like Philadelphia. Not only does it look good for the Predators, it makes the Eastern Conference (and Western, of course) give the Predators a second glance, which is all that is needed.

The Predators are off to New York tomorrow to take on the New York Islanders at a rare noon start game. After that game, the Predators skip over to the Rangers at 6:30 on Tuesday night. Both games will be televised and, of course, on 102.5 THE GAME!

Until then,
GO PREDS.

Double Dose for Avalanche: Predators Sweep Back-to-Back Games

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Pekka Rinne makes an unbelievable save against Colorado’s Milan Hejduk.

 

On Tuesday night, the Nashville Predators and the Colorado Avalanche began a two-game back-t0-back schedule, starting out in Denver, then moving the action to Nashville on Thursday. The Predators and the Avalanche only meet three times during this season, and with the first two being back-t0-back, both teams were looking to dominate the two-game series. Since we’re writing this with the Philadelphia game tonight in Nashville, we’ll shorten both games with the highlights of both games. That, and you probably already know who dominated the two-game series…!

 

Tuesday in Denver :

  •  Jerred Smithson and Jack Hillen found themselves scratched for the night in Denver. Although Jack Hillen’s scratch was a healthy one, Smithson’s was a little more complicated. Due to an undetermined lower-body injury, Smithson’s condition could render him out for a few games.
  • The Predators came out in Denver with hunger in their eyes, completely dominating the first period. The Predators in the first period alone had thirteen shots compared to the Avalanche’s six, if that tells you anything.
  • Nick Spaling drew blood first at 4:31 in the first period, with assistance from Jordin Tootoo and rookie Gabriel Bourque.
  • Thanks to a tripping penalty from Colorado’s T.J. Galiardi, Ryan Ellis was able to notch his second NHL career goal at 7:41 on the power play. He was assisted by Martin Erat and fellow rookie Roman Josi.
  • From his assist on Ellis’s goal, Martin Erat was quick to make a goal of his own at 15:05 with assistance from Mike Fisher and Ryan Suter.
  • Ryan O’Reilly would put the Avalanche on the board at 19:24 of the second period on a power play due to a hooking call on Francis Bouillon, but it wasn’t enough for the Avalanche to stop the Predators.
  • Patric Hornqvist would finish up the game with a goal at 15:34 in the 3rd period with assistance from Ryan Ellis.
  • As this season has proven, anytime Nick Spaling scores, the Predators haven’t lost in regulation. Nick Spaling should score more often.
  • Pekka was also on his game Tuesday night, blocking 32 of 33 shots on goal. Although the Avalanche were able to score their one and only goal on the PP, both the Predators and the Avalanche had the same amount of penalty chances. Here are the three Predators who sat in the box:
  1.  Matt Halischuk – 2:53 2nd Period – Interference on Goalkeeper
  2. Francis Bouillon – 18:25 2nd Period – Hooking
  3. Patric Hornqvist – 0:15 3rd Period – Interference
  • It was clear the Avalanche were not prepared for complete domination from the Predators Tuesday night, but were they more prepared for Nashville on Thursday night…?

 

Thursday in Nashville:

  • Both Jack Hillen and Jerred Smithson were scratched again against Colorado, with Smithson’s injury still tying him down.
  • Although the Predators dominated the Avalanche in Colorado, the Avalanche were more prepared when they arrived in Nashville, with Ryan O’Reilly scored unassisted at 6:09, putting Colorado on the board first.
  • At 12:17, Gabriel Landeskog put the Avalanche up 2-0, sending the Predators into panic mode.
  • In the 2nd period, David Legwand gave the Predators their first goal of the game at 11:02 with assistance from Matt Halischuk and Francis Bouillion.
  • Sergei Kostitsyn tied the game for the Predators at 8:48 in the 3rd period, with assistance from Mike Fisher and Roman Josi. Neither team was able to score again, thus throwing the game into overtime.
  • Thirty-four seconds into over time, David Legwand was able to slip one passed Colorado’s goalie, Jean-Sebastien Giguere to seal the game in the Predators favor.
  • Although they dominated the game in Denver, the Predators did not out-shoot the Avalanche, where as they did during this game 35 to 29. Even though Pekka let a few more get passed him than during the first game, he was still able to block 27 of 29.
  • The Predators also had six chances to score on the power play, but did not capitalize on any of them. The Avalanche were only given two chances, yet nor did they use them to their advantage (and they were given a double minor). Here are the two Preds that spent some unwanted time in the penalty box:
  1. David Legwand – 6:49 1st Period – Cross Checking
  2. Craig Smith – 16:17 1st Period – Hi-Sticking (double minor)
  •  Due to the snowy weather outside, the Predators were only 200 tickets short of another sellout, but Saturday’s game against the Philadelphia Flyers is sure to fix that issue.

 

For a team to collect all four available points on a back-t0-back series is pretty outstanding, even if one of them went into over time. The next time the Predators will see the Avalanche will be Thursday, March 8th. Hopefully, by that time, Shane O’Brien will be off the Injured Reserve (he was placed on it just days before the first meeting on Tuesday).

The Predators welcome the Philadelphia Flyers tonight at 7PM, then are off to New York to face the Islanders and the Rangers next week. The Predators will return to Nashville on Saturday, January 21st to face the Chicago Blackhawks.

Until tonight,
GO PREDS.

(Photo credit: Doug Pensinger/Getty Images North America)

Keeping Up with the Predators: Tootoo and 5K

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The Predators salute to the fans after a great win!

If you follow us on Facebook or Twitter, we made mention of these events earlier today. However, since we’ve had a ton of hits to the site wanting to know more about these events, we just figured we’d go ahead and post something about them here! Clear your schedules for tomorrow and February 4th – You’ve got stuff to do!

Jordin Tootoo Radio Show
When: January 11th (Tomorrow)
Time: 7PM to 8PM
Where: Blackstone Restaurant and Brewery (West End Avenue)
Price: FREE!
Don’t forget camera and items to be autographed! Tootoo’s special guest tomorrow night will be rookie Ryan Ellis!

Nashville Predators Fangtastic 5K Run/Walk
When: February 4th
Time: 7:30 to 9:30AM – Registration; 10AM – Race begins; 7PM Preds vs. Blues
Where: Bridgestone Arena
Price: Before February 4th – $40.00; Day of Race – $45.00 (price includes a Fangtastic 5K shirt and ticket vouchers to the following games on the 4th, the 7th, and the 14th. Additional tickets can be purchased for $25!)
$5 of the proceeds of the Run/Walk will go to the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt! Always a great time and, not only do you get some exercise, it goes to a great cause and you get tickets to a game! You can register early here!

There you have it, folks! Two ways to enjoy the Predators and who isn’t excited about exercise?! Hey, you get tickets to the game afterwards, you’ll be fine… just walk it!

GO PREDS.

(Photo credit: Leanne Charles)

Predators knock the Wind out of Hurricanes, Win 5-2

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Rookie Ryan Ellis with the puck that landed his first NHL goal.

Yet another franchise record was broken last night, as the Predators sold out their 8th consecutive game against the Carolina Hurricanes. And, with this sell out, the Predators also came out swinging, knocking the wind out of the Hurricanes 5-2. Here are the highlights from last night’s extraordinary win:

KEY POINTS

  • Colin Wilson made his return to the ice last night after suffering from an upper-body injury that sidelined him for a number of games. Brian McGrattan and Jack Hillen sat out as healthy scratches for the night, giving the rookies some more time to familiarize with the NHL.
  • Shea Weber got the game going with his ninth goal of the season at 9:14 in the first period. Martin Erat and Sergei Kostitsyn assisted on Shea’s goal.
  • Craig Smith wasted little time sending the Predators up 2-0 at 13:16 in the first, smacking a one-timer passed Justin Peters. This was Smith’s first goal in fifteen games and he was assisted by Colin Wilson and David Legwand on the power play.
  • Patric Hornqvist would handle the next two goals, both on the power play advantage. The first goal was at 17:04 in the 2nd period, with assistance from Mike Fisher and Ryan Ellis. His second goal was at 6:56 in the 3rd, with assistance from Martin Erat and Mike Fisher.
  • In what should have been Hornqvist’s third goal of the night, the goal was placed under review and was deemed a “no goal” due to a kicking motion. However, in review of the play, there wasn’t a foot in sight and the fans were vocally upset about Horny’s Hat Trick being taken away. Hats were still thrown to the ice, nevertheless.
  • Carolina scored their first goal at 8:35 in the 3rd from Jay Harrison, finally putting the Hurricanes on the board (and the free doughnut was lost). Harrison would also score the second and last goal for the Hurricanes at 17:56 on the power play.
  • Rookie Ryan Ellis scored the game-winning goal for the Predators at 14:28, his first career NHL goal. Mike Fisher and rookie Roman Josi helped assist the goal.
  • The Predators, though a bit sloppy at first, outplayed the Hurricanes by a mile and a half. Not only did the Predators out score the Hurricanes 36 to 29, they also only gave the Hurricanes two power plays, whereas Carolina gave the Predators five (four of which the Predators capitalized on). Here are the two Predators who faced penalty time:
  1. Jordin Tootoo – 12:58 2nd Period – Slashing
  2. Roman Josi – 16:12 3rd Period – Hooking

After Thursday’s disheartening loss to the Dallas Stars, a 5-2 win over the Carolina Hurricanes was just what the Predators needed to hit the road to Colorado on Tuesday. Also with this win, thanks to the L.A. King’s loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets, the Predators have now moved up in the Western Conference standings.
After Tuesday’s trip to Denver, both teams will meet again, this time to play in Smashville. We welcome the return of Shane O’Brien, most definitely.

Until then,
GO PREDS.

(Photo credit: Nashville Predators)

NHLPA denies Conference Realignment

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Against the better judgement of everyone, the NHLPA denies the realignment change.

Earlier today, the National Hockey League Players Association addressed the proposal for the new four conference realignment. What would have been a good move for the NHL and would have reduced long distance traveling amongst the current two conferences, the NHLPA agreed to deny the proposal of new four conferences.

“It is unfortunate that the NHLPA has unreasonably refused to approve a plan that an overwhelming majority of our clubs voted to support, and that has received such widespread support from our fans and other members of the hockey community, including players,” NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly said.

This decision will not only affect the players and teams, but inevitably the fans as well. With the Nashville Predators, for instance, it is almost inconceivable for a fan in Nashville to fly to Vancouver, buy tickets, find boarding accommodations, and whatnot. It’s not impossible, but it’s not plausible compared to only be in a conference with teams like Columbus, Chicago, and St. Louis, which are all in reasonable driving distances.

Rumors of a lockout and other disasters have been running amuck, but only time will tell as to what will play out with this decision. You can read the official press release from the NHLPA here.

As a fan, we think this is a terrible, terrible decision. As much as it would have been a change (with the Predators not facing Vancouver or Anaheim nearly as much), it was in the best interest for all teams, not just the Nashville Predators. As more becomes available, we will be quick to add it to this post.

Until then,
GO PREDS.

Bourque’s first NHL Goal not Enough; Dallas overtakes Preds 4-1

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Gabriel Bourque landed his first NHL career goal against the Dallas Stars.

The second meeting of between the Predators and the Stars was hosted in Nashville, and the crowd was ready for the inevitable angst brewing between the two teams. During the last meeting between these two teams in Dallas on December 23rd, Dallas defenseman Mark Fistric leveled Predators captain Shea Weber at the end of the game, placing Weber on the IR up until their second meeting. If you missed the nasty hit, here’s the video:


Needless to say, both the team and the fans of the Nashville Predators were visibly upset by the fact Fistric was not reprimanded by his careless hit and the fact Tootoo was suspended after the whole incident with Buffalo. Last night was going to be brutal for the Stars, one way or another. Here are the highlights from last night’s game:

KEY POINTS

  • Earlier in the day yesterday, the Predators announced that Shea Weber would be released off of IR and would be ready to play against the Stars. Colin Wilson was also deemed healthy, but was still scratched from the game.
  • With Colin Wilson, both Jonathon Blum and Ryan Ellis were also scratched from the game with the return of Shea Weber and the recent return of Kevin Klein.
  • Although many thought Brian McGrattan would be the one to take on Mark Fistric, it was actually Jordin Tootoo who dropped the gloves with the Dallas defenseman at 1:46 into the game. It wasn’t a punch free-for-all kind of fight, but Tootoo clearly won the battle when he body-slammed Fistric, who is almost fifty pounds heavier. Here’s the video:
  • Although Nashville came out with a bit of power, they weren’t able to stop Dallas from drawing the first blood. The Predators were quick to return the favor at 8:31, with Gabriel Bourque’s first career NHL goal. Both Jordin Tootoo and Nick Spaling picked up the assists.
  • With only a few seconds left in the first, Dallas scored once again on what looked like a onside goal from Kevin Klein. It looked as if, when Klein was trying to block the puck, he accidently bumped the puck in behind Pekka Rinne, but after review, it was clear Mike Ribeiro snuck it in.
  • Jamie Benn would send the Stars up 3-1 thanks to a nasty miscommunication amongst the Predators. Ryan Suter reversed the puck, only to have none of his men in waiting. Benn caught Pekka off guard and sunk the easy goal.
  • Steve Ott was given a penalty shot shortly after Benn’s goal, but was unsuccessful against the Finnish phenom that is Pekka Rinne.
  • Adam Burish sealed the game in the favor of the Stars at 12:53 in the third, the second loss for the Predators this season against the Dallas Stars.

The Predators were out-shot by the Stars 25 to 30 and suffered from more penalties than the Stars did. Here were the boys who faced some penalty time:

  1. Jordin Tootoo – 1:46 1st Period – Fighting
  2. Shea Weber – 0:46 2nd Period – Holding
  3. Mike Fisher – 19:03 2nd Period – Tripping
  4. Francis Bouillon 5:44 3rd Period – Roughing
  5. Jordin Tootoo – 8:35 3rd Period – Interference
  6. Jordin Tootoo – 8:35 3rd Period – Diving
  • Anders Lindback and Jonathon Blum were reassigned to Milwaukee to gain more ice time and goalie Jeremy Smith was bumped up to Nashville, his first call-up to the NHL. Rumors are running amuck that the Predators are looking to trade and Blum might be the unfortunate person. With rookies like Roman Josi, Gabriel Bourque, and Ryan Ellis playing as well as they have been in the NHL, falling short in the defense area for the Predators is basically a death sentence. Sadly, Blum just hasn’t quite matched the other rookies thus far (nor did Blake Geoffrion, who is hanging out in Milwaukee as well).

The Predators tore out of the gate last night emotionally and what seemed physically ready, but as the game progressed, ill-fated mistakes and miscommunication lead to the loss at home against the Dallas Stars. While the Predators are usually able to regain themselves after silly mistakes, the Stars ate up every mishap and used each one to their advantage.

Even though it was a 4-1 loss, the Predators still made regular season franchise history by selling out their 7th consecutive game. The Predators look to score an 8th consecutive sellout when the Carolina Hurricanes roll into Smashville tomorrow night. The puck drops at 7PM.

GO PREDS.
(Image credit: Leanne Charles Photography)

Keeping Up with the Predators in the New Year

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Here are some interesting happenings with the Predators in the coming week. Getting to meet your favorite players is always a plus  and here are two ways you can get your autographs and pictures!

  • Tuesday, January 3rd – Open Practice and Public Skate
    When: 1:30 to 6PM
    Where: A-Game (215 Gothic Court, Franklin, TN 37067)
    What: The Predators will be having a special practice at A-Game in Franklin between 3-5PM, with a public skate before from 1:30 to 3PM. After practice, the Predators will be signing autographs from 5-6PM. The public skate costs $7, but the proceeds benefit the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.
  • Wednesday, January 4th – Jordin Tootoo Radio Show
    When: 7PM to 8PM
    Where: Blackstone Brewery (1918 West End Avenue, Nashville, TN 37203)
    What: Jordin Tootoo is back for the new year, talking hockey, of course! Broadcasted on 102.5 The Game, the popular Predators player not only brings in a special guest (always a fellow teammate and sometimes even a Tennessee Titan) and always offers autographs and pictures! Always a good time and the restaurant has a great atmosphere, too!
  • Design Pekka’s Mask
    When: Now until January 20th
    What: Although this isn’t exactly an event, it is a way to meet Pekka Rinne (if you win). All you have to do is print the blank template of a hockey mask, create a design, and return it to your local AT&T store or you can scan it onto your computer and e-mail the design. If you win, not only does your design make it on Pekka’s mask during a game, you will also get to keep the mask after the game and get to meet Pekka personally! I think it’s time to get the crayons out, don’t you? You can find the template and everything else here!
Check our Facebook or Twitter for any updates on these upcoming events (like when Tootoo announces his special guest). Until then, we hope you can make it out to these events and start designing that mask! Who wouldn’t want a one-on-one meeting with Pekka Rinne?
GO PREDS.