Trade Deadline

The trade deadline is 2pm this afternoon.  I expect the Predators to make a move sometime today for a forward to help with our injury situation.  Gelinas and Ortmeyer are both out with knee injuries and Legwand has had some distractions with his DUI.

I personally am hoping for a top 6 forward, but we won’t mortgage our future so don’t expect any big names.  In the mix, Fedotenko, Yanic Perreault – maybe Marleau?

5 more hours…

Preds In Playoff Position After 6-3 Win In Phoenix

The Nashville Predators are tied with Calgary at 64 points to hold onto eighth place in the Western Conference playoff race.  Vancouver is one point back at 63.

Dan Ellis was impressive in goal once again, coming up with big saves down the stretch to keep the Preds in front, stopping a penalty shot in the process.

The Preds built a 3-0 lead in the first period but let the Coyotes back into it in the second, allowing them to tie the game 3-3.  In the third, the Predators scored twice (Dumont, Peverley) in twenty-three seconds to gain some breathing room.  Gelinas added an empty netter.

 The Predators return to action at home against the Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday.

Preds Lose 2-1 In OT

The game last night was similar to the one on Tuesday in that it was “playoff style” hockey.  Very few penalties, and really grinding play – not what was expected with the high-powered offense of Tampa Bay.  The Predators did a great job shutting down that offense, but were not able to get their lines going, either.

Surprisingly, Ellis got the call and was good in goal as usual – he is either going to be stolen from us or we’ll have to shell out some big bucks to keep him around.  He definitely could be a #1 goaltender.

I guess taking 3 points after scoring only two goals is pretty good – but it’s looking more and more like we need to land another Arnott type center to handle the second line – Leggy just isn’t getting it done.

Rads got the goal for the Predators and has points in eight straight games – he is really coming around.  I thought he’d do great last year but it looks like it took him a little longer than expected to adjust to the big leagues.  I predict he’s an All-Star next season.

Preds take on the scary Sharks tomorrow in San Jose – coverage on FSN at 9:30PM.

Preds Host Tampa Bay on FSN

The red hot Lightning come to town riding a five game road win streak.  Vincent Lecavalier is second in the league in scoring.  Expect to see Mase in net again following the shutout on Tuesday.

Half of all revenue from remaining ticket sales to tonight’s game will be donated to the Red Cross.  Additional donations will be accepted at the entrances and at the auction table.  This is a pretty good move by the Preds as tonight’s game was already pretty close to selling out.  I think with the community service move, they might get the third sell out of the year.

This is a game we should take.  Tampa Bay is last in the Eastern Conference and we’ve got a hot goalie.  Should be an exciting game.  Yours truly will be in attendance.  Puck drops right after 7.

Predators Playing Playoff Hockey

Great win for the Preds last night on national television (1-0).  Mase got his fifth shutout of the year and emerged victorious in a goaltenders’ duel.

The game was very typical of playoff hockey – grinding and physical, with very few penalties.  To be honest, that is the kind of game that we have been unable to do very well in the past – hopefully, this is a good sign of things to come.

Quick rumour – looks like the Thrashers may be willing to move Marian Hossa today and the Preds are one of the teams that are interested in getting him.  Fingers crossed – he would be a great offensive addition.

Preds Host Carolina on Versus

Carolina skates into town on this Super Tuesday trying to remain in third spot in the East.  Their position is precarious (tied with Atlanta) as the leader in the Southeast division is the only team qualifying from that group.

The Preds are trying once again crack the top 8 in the West after taking two points in their last outing.  With 59 points, the Preds are tied with Phoenix but the Coyotes have the edge in the win department.

Hopefully Arnie will be back in uniform tonight after taking off Saturday’s game with a leg injury.  Expect Mason to be in net tonight.  Puck drops at 7 at the Sommet Center with coverage on Versus.