That was a bit of a tired bunch out there in Carolina, so much so that today’s practice was cancelled. Certainly the Preds aren’t going to let excuses fly around today or tomorrow when they get back on the ice, but perhaps the day of rest will do them some good. Let’s face it – if you’re going to the Stanley Cup Final, there’s still another almost four months left in your season. A day off can’t hurt.

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Barry Trotz said before yesterday’s game he wasn’t going to just drop Andrei Kostitsyn into unfamiliar situations like the power play without a practice, and he held to that. While Andrei did play a decent amount and showed some serious playmaking potential, he wasn’t on the ice at the end when the Predators were putting on a big push. I’m sure that situation will be open to more evaluation once he’s had more time to adapt to his new surroundings, systems and teammates.

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Colin Wilson has picked things up as of late and is more noticeable on the ice. His goal in the second period against Carolina was just will power, stealing the puck from the defenseman McBain and then following up his own rebound for the score. I also think Gabriel Bourque continues to mature and look better.

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Moving forward the Preds play only three more games outside of the Conference (Saturday at Florida and back-to-back games Mar. 22 vs. Pittsburgh & Mar. 24 vs. Winnipeg); talk about being in the driver’s seat as far as your own destiny goes? Nashville definitely is.

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A programming note for you in that the March 8th game against Colorado will be on SportSouth instead of FSTN. Mark it on your calendar! By the way, all remaining games will be broadcast on local TV, but that doesn't mean you can't still hang out with me on the radio side for a few games (check here for the Preds Radio Network affiliate schedule)

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Just saw the finished mask for Peks from the AT&T Design The Mask contest and it looks awesome!

That’s it for now, until next time keep your stick on the ice.