Because of today’s shortened timeline for the game, I’m going “old-school” and writing my game-day preview for you. I know, you’d much rather see my smiling (yet cold) face from Calgary but hey, I’m a radio guy and I improvise on the fly. So typing today’s out is what I’ve got.

Depending on what time you read this, keep your eyes peeled for some news on Nashville’s defensive corps today. It might already be posted on this fine web site, or if you aren’t able to surf at the appropriate time then check out our pre-game show at 2 pm CST on 102.5 The Game. Jim Diamond of The Examiner will also join us today as our guest for the first half hour.

Anders Lindback played really well and looked sharp coming off the bench against Calgary. I figured he’d be in line to get some work this road trip, but unfortunately that’s not the way you want to go about it. I’m encouraged that he did look so solid out there – especially considering he was tested early and often. Great to see. However, count on Pekka Rinne being back in net today. He’s our #1 guy and Nashville needs points on this road trip. And honestly, I really can’t fault Pekka for at least three of the four goals in the first period in Vancouver. It was just one of those nights.

Speaking of Vancouver, our effort was better, especially in the second and third periods. That said, penalty trouble really sabotaged any chance we had to get back in the game, and the team knows that. A gifted club like Vancouver will make you pay at some point, and while they went 2-for-10 on the man advantage, the Preds simply can’t give up that many chances again. Ever.

Calgary is struggling a little bit as well, and the Flames blew a late lead to the New York Rangers and eventually lost in OT the other night. It seems like a similar story to Nashville: get the special teams going, get better in the faceoff circle, rely on your goaltending. Miikka Kiprusoff has been good for the Flames but like Rinne, doesn’t score very often. So the Preds need to attack Calgary hard and get pucks at the net. It’s going to take a high volume of shots to get two or three unless Kipper has a rare off night (day?).

Finally, the Flames are talking about moving Brendan Morrison in the middle of Jarome Iginla and Alex Tanguay to give the line more creative flow. Morrison has looked good the little bit he’s played there but I think the only thing that concerns the Flames is will it mean putting all the offensive eggs in one basket? It certainly would make it a little easier for Nashville’s defensive matchups on the road.

Okay, that’s it from Calgary. Don’t forget we’re on this afternoon with a 3 pm CST start and 2 pm CST pre-game show on 102.5 The Game. TV featuring Pete and Terry will be on Fox Sports Tennessee today.

Until next time, keep your stick on the ice!