
Game 5 is upon us, ladies and gents and from here on out, it’s do or die for the Nashville Predators if they intend on hoisting that big silver Cup in the end.
I am not going to go into what the Predators need to do to win tonight (and those two other possible games); no, we know and the players, coaches, and whatnot know, too. It’s just a matter of getting the job done. Scott Darling is not invincible; he truly is all that has stood between the Predators and taking Round One. Chicago should be kissing his feet right about now because, without him, they’d be facing a quick exit out of the playoffs themselves.
Here’s what’s been happening since Tuesday/Wednesday’s Game 4:
- Yesterday afternoon, the Predators recalled nine players from Milwaukee. No need to panic, everyone; this is not regular season so there is an unlimited amount of players you can have on a roster. Some may see some ice time, but really, they are just here for emergencies and/or experience. The players chosen? Joe Piskula, Rich Clune, Marek Mazanec, Magnus Hellberg, Anthony Bitetto, Johan Alm, Colton Sissons, Austin Watson, and Viktor Arvidsson.
- No surprise, the Blackhawks have chosen to go with Scott Darling as their starter for tonight’s game.
- No need to panic – Kris Martel quickly reported that Wilson did show up to the locker room looking fine.
- Speaking of those participating in practice…
Though Fisher was a game time decision Tuesday (and didn’t play), knowing that he’s back out there again is a good sign. Also, long time no see, Eric Nystrom! Though I am doubtful of his magical return for tonight’s game, his presence brings hope.
- Anaheim becomes the first team to advance to the second round, sweeping the Winnipeg Jets. However, Jets fans stood tall with the sinking ship, giving their team an affable standing ovation for a tremendous season.
- The Ottawa Senators live to see another
daygame, shutting down the Montreal Canadiens 1-0 last night.
I have been on edge all day so far and I hope you have been, too. The love for hockey is crazy like that, I guess. It’s going to be deafening in the Bridgestone Arena tonight; I hope you got your tickets. To say this game is huge for either team is an insane understatement.
Go Preds.
Earlier this afternoon, the Predators released who will be hitting the ice tomorrow night for the first preseason game on home ice.
List of Forwards: Eric Nystrom, Austin Watson, Calle Jarnkrok, Filip Forsberg, Gabriel Bourque, Kevin Fiala, Paul Gaustad, Olli Jokinen, James Neal, Taylor Beck,
Goalies: Pekka Rinne and Marek Mazanec.
Preds preseason begins tomorrow *eek* evening at 6:30PM (our time) in Tampa Bay and – earlier today – the Predators released the roster of who will be taking the ice. There is a good number of guys on this roster who are vying for that all-important regular season roster spot and this will be their chance to prove their worth.
List of Forwards: Paul Gaustad, Taylor Beck, Austin Watson, Craig Smith, Filip Forsberg, Calle Jarnkrok, Derek Roy, James Neal, Viktor Arvidsson, Matt Cullen, Kevin Fiala, Miika Salomaki, Colin Wilson,
List of Defensemen: Roman Josi, Victor Bartley, Seth Jones, Mattias Ekholm (who is now #14), Jonathan-Ismael Diaby, Johan Alm, Anthony Bitetto, and Brian Lee (who is on an Amateur ATO/Professional Tryout Agreement PTO).
List of Goalies: Carter Hutton and 