Midday Musings — by Will Boling
May 22, 2017
Welcome to the Midday Musings, a blog recapping and discussing topics from shows on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. I’ll touch on some of the headlines we discuss on the air, as well as a behind the scenes look at off air discussions as well.
We talked a lot of Preds on Monday in preparation for a potential series clincher later in the afternoon. We were also joined by John Feinstein for his weekly visit.
Right off the top we discussed whether game six of the Western Conference Finals is the biggest game ever played in Nashville. The Music City Miracle was huge for the city, but spontaneously became a landmark event. You didn’t know the stakes walking into the stadium.
Going into tonight’s Predators-Ducks game, the stage has been set. Everyone knows what’s on the line. A Nashville team can hoist a trophy in the state of Tennessee.
That has never happened.
Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet was our guest at 12:30, previewing tonight’s game. He put into context just how big this series is across the US and Canada.
From a Canadian perspective, Friedman said that Nashville’s hockey atmosphere has taken center stage over the past month. But that isn’t news to him.
“I’m getting tired of the stories about hockey being different in Nashville,” Friedman said. “I think we should know that by now. We love coming there…you guys have proven you’re a big part of the league.”
The Bridgestone Arena crowd has set noise records the past two games. In hour two we discussed if the city of Nashville is really feeling the magnitude of this game.
As Chad pointed out, it’s a Monday night. People are saving their next level of hype for the Stanley Cup Finals.
As someone going to the game, this is the most excited I’ve been about a Predators game in my life. I firmly believe tonight’s atmosphere will once again be the loudest in franchise history.
I might lose my voice and my hearing. Stay tuned.
Paul and Jonathan both predict that Nashville will take the series tonight.
“I think there’s going to be big carryover from game five,” Paul said to start the final hour.
Chad disagrees. He’s giving the edge to Anaheim, who he believes will be able to prepare for the Preds’ Johansen/Fisher replacements. “They know what to expect now. They’re really good at dealing with adversity. They know how to get it done in Nashville. It’s a seven-game series,” Chad said.
Jonathan believes the Preds will finally get off to a better start. He added that Pekka Rinne will be in similar form to what we saw on Saturday night.
Our guest Friedman sided with Chad – he also picked the Predators in seven games.
If the Predators strike first in this game, there’s no chance Anaheim can answer. The Ducks must get on the board first to have any chance of extending this series.
I side with NBC analyst and NHL legend Jeremy Roenick – this is a team of destiny. Finding a way to win on the road without Mike Fisher and Ryan Johansen forced young players to grow up. Tonight, we’ll see just how mature guys like Colton Sissons, Fredrick Gaudreau and Pontus Aberg are.
Quote of the Day: “It’s a big complement to the players. One man’s injury is another man’s opportunity.” – Elliotte Friedman talking about the Predators’ “next man up” mentality.
Stat of the Day: The Predators are 2-10 this season with tonight’s referees scheduled to officiate game six. One of those two victories were in game six against the St. Louis Blues.
I’ll be in the arena for tonight’s game, discussing the action on Twitter: @will_boling
Will
