I looked in the mirror before leaving this morning. Something is definitely different. Oh wait, that’s a suit with a shirt and tie. It’s time to fly…

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Our first broadcast of the year is tonight and we’re going to do the game from Baltimore as Nashville takes on Washington a day after playing a pair of games in Florida against the Panthers. Nashville split those games and pretty much used everyone in camp to play the doubleheader. I like the very effective bit of being able to get two games in and evaluate as many guys as possible early in the proceedings.

Tonight’s game, which airs live on 102.5 The Game starting at 5 pm (click here to listen live) with our new one-hour pre-game show, will be like yesterday’s in that I expect defense and goaltenders to be rusty, young forwards to miss high and wide as they try to pick those corners and impress the brass, and one or two guys will stand out for both teams. I’m also looking forward to seeing more from the Caps, who did make a few big moves in the off-season and collected former Pred Joel Ward in the process. I’m going to have a chat with him on the pre-game if he’s available.

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Yes, we’re going to one hour this year for our pre-game show. This is yet another wonderful advantage of being on The Game! We can do wall-to-wall Predators this year AND get in a look around the league, filling you in on more than just our team and division. We’ll have more time for guests and really can expand things to give you more hockey with more detail. I’m excited for this! I will host the first half hour, joined at the midway point by Willy Daunic, who will return to the Predators again this year as host. Thanks for listening!

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It’s looking like the battles are starting already for ice time. Blake Geoffrion had 1-1-2 yesterday in the late game, and Jordin Tootoo (2A), Sergei Kostitsyn (3A) and Colin Wilson (1-2-3) also had strong games in split squad action. This should be one of the more interesting and competitive camps of late.

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I’m looking forward to bringing an exciting season of hockey to all of you this year – new jerseys, simplified color scheme, and some pretty good team confidence coming off last season’s playoffs. I’m also thinking this could really be the year we start looking at the 2009 draft class almost like we see 2003, only for FORWARDS. That’s right, I said it. Yes, Ryan Ellis was our first pick in that draft but I think it’s the forwards who have the chance to make an impact and over the next several seasons you’ll see guys like Zach Budish, Taylor Beck, Michael Latta and Craig Smith begin to make an impact. I also like Gabriel Bourque as well. It doesn’t hurt that both Ellis and Mattias Ekholm are competing for an opening night spot on defense. Mark my words, two or three years from now this draft will be a major jackpot for Nashville.

Okay, that’s just my random thoughts for now. Until next time, keep your stick on the ice!