Elvis played here -- Predators @ Canucks

Tonight, two teams with similar records and eerily similar Saturday Night box scores face off, as the Nashville Predators skate around against the Vancouver Canucks. Both teams suffered 3-2 setbacks (NSH lost in regulation to the Ducks Saturday, weird) and both are trying to stay comfortably far ahead of Detroit in a six-team playoff logjam out West.

GREEN LASERS OUT, GREEN MEN IN: According to "The Official Green Men Facebook site," tonight should mark the return of everyone's favorite fans, The Green Men. As I was reading the news this morning I was shocked to see this listed on the injury report: "Questionable: The Green Men (stomach virus)". Hoping for the best as far as that goes.

REVENGE!: When these two teams last met down in Nashville, the Preds took a 4-2 decision, fueled heavily by Martin Erat's hat trick. Season series is tied 1-1. Captain Lou said the Canucks penalty taking killed them last game, wonder if the Canucks will respond to their captain's concerns. (EDIT: When they last met, on December 22, the Canucks won 4-1. Ouch, facts hurt.)

Randoms: Here are a couple thoughts I had while watching the game Saturday Night:
"So why is Shorthouse in Toronto again?"
"Wow, Kevin Weekes sure has been saying "Engage Physically" a lot tonight."
"Scott Oake, you're nobody's hero. Don't mention the West Coast Express."
"SHOOOOOOOOOOT IT (Also what I say when I watch a soccer game)"
"Man, I have to go to work. Angry. (After the Flames won in a shootout)"

Predictions: As much as I'd like to see some action tonight, I'm taking Canucks 2-1 in a game without much fighting action, as the Predators gear up for two more games on the road, one home game, then five more road games.

As a bonus, on the Predators' web site, they are advertising for tickets to WWE RAW. That's all you need to know about Nashville Hockey right there.

--GoodKeith