Just a quick check-in from Edmonton, Preds fans. Nashville is looking to kick the crud to the curb tonight as they seek the first win in four games against an Oilers team that has won the first two meetings of the season. A few updates for you include Taylor Hall is not playing tonight as the Oilers await the results of his shoulder MRI, and it looks like Magnus Paajarvi will slide into his spot on that line. Paajarvi has struggled this year, sitting almost as often as not and only registering one point so far this year. True, he is still very young but this chance on a top-6 unit may be what he needs to get things in gear. He showed he can use his size and speed last year, but the Oilers have seen none of it this season.

Good luck to Ian Herbers as he takes over as head coach of the Milwaukee Admirals after Kirk Muller took the reigns of the Carolina Hurricanes today. Many credit Montreal's deep playoff run to Muller's coaching last season, and it was only a matter of time before a spin of the coaching carousel induced him to ride. Good luck Kirk – but not when you play us!

Also out is Bruce Boudreau in Washington, as the Capitals slide continues. There are many reports that Boudreau lost the team and the recent swoon was to blame after a seven-game winning streak out of the chute. Looking at it from the outside, I have to wonder how much pressure was put on him to change the high-flying, freewheeling Caps into a defensive team because of playoff performance… And how much it contributed to his downfall this year? Maybe that roster as assembled has to run free to work. New head coach Dale Hunter certainly has his work cut out for him.

Finally, keep your eyes peeled for some massive line changes this evening. Barry Trotz indicated that sometimes he wants to send a message in practice, but sometimes he's also looking with an eye towards Plan A and B at the same time. So take what you will from the practice lines yesterday, and know that some were purely to stir the pot… And some you may see tonight. Here's what was out there yesterday:
Spaling – Fisher – Hornqvist
Kostitsyn – Geoffrion – Smith
Wilson – Legwand – Erat (most likely to stay together IMO)
Halischuk – Smithson – McGrattan/Tootoo

Whatever comes out of these groups, one thing is clear: Trotz is not happy with where the game is right now from anyone! Nashville needs more consistency of effort and to go back to playing the game "the right way" according to the coach – meaning hard work, winning battles, and not taking shortcuts.

They're back at it again tonight, so join us won't you? Puck drop from Edmonton is at 8:30 pm CST.

Until next time, keep your stick on the ice.