Game 1 Practice Update: The Wait is (Almost) Over
It's First Round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs Eve! All of your wildest dreams are about to come true.
Looks like we made it... #Preds #StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/PbORvrJUIa
— Nashville Predators (@PredsNHL) April 13, 2016
Our Boys made it to the mean streets of Anaheim safe and sound. Let's take a quick look at what's been happening today.
Pekka Rinne's new mask is on point. #NSHvsANA #StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/yJ3h3EoR2i
— Thomas Willis (@TomAWillis) April 12, 2016
Yes, this isn't *technically* a Game 1 Practice Update. But I want to go on record as being strongly against this new mask situation. Bad Juju, man. (I reserve the right to be neutral towards or strongly in favor of the new mask pending tomorrow night's outcome)
Predators pre-Game 1 practice lines:
— Adam Vingan (@AdamVingan) April 14, 2016
Jarnkrok-Johansen-Neal
Forsberg-Ribeiro-Smith
Wilson-Fisher-Arvidsson
Salomaki-Gaustad-Bass
Nothing real surprising here, but what's Coach trying to say with that 4th line?
Filip Forsberg on this time of year: "You play for the Cup. That’s every kid's dream, and now we have a good chance for it." #Preds
— Brooks Bratten (@brooksbratten) April 14, 2016
Then go get it, Fil.
Let's check in on the Ducks...
Line Combinations Remain Unchanged on Final Day Before Series Opener- Anaheim Ducks
All this time off should help the Ducks with their whole "everyone is injured" problem. All-time Preds great Mike Santorelli playing on the seldom-seen 5th line for Anaheim.
BB said Rickard Rakell, David Perron and Kevin Bieksa could be in for Game 1. Mostly likely game-time decision but we'll see tomorrow.
— Eric Stephens (@icemancometh) April 14, 2016
Will they play? We'll see tomorrow. Other things we'll see tomorrow: If traffic will be bad, if it will rain, if my favorite song will come on the radio while I'm driving to work. Just have to wait until then.
Not much to report from Ducks practice. If Kevin Bieksa can't go, Shea Theodore will play but Bruce expects everyone to be ready tomorrow.
— Abbey Mastracco (@AbbeyMastracco) April 14, 2016
Ok, then.
I don't know about you, but I've been gradually upping my alcohol consumption AND trying to stay awake an extra 30 minutes a night to prep for this series and I think I'll be in peak condition by tomorrow night. If you're looking to go out, the team is doing some sort of official watch party at a wings chain known for NOT actually showing the Preds games, but who knows...you might get lucky this time. Is Kentucky playing in any sport tomorrow night? I'd check the schedule before heading over.