Predators: Land and Sea

"Tonight the Nashville Predators open the 2007 Stanley Cup Playoffs with Game 1 of their best-of-seven ... series against the San Jose Sharks." The Predators possess home-ice advantage and will face the Sharks again Friday before the series shifts to San Jose for Games 3 and 4.

That from the GAMEDAY report on the Predators website. Here in San Diego, prospects of actually watching the Preds play are dire. With no national coverage (save expensive Pay Per View), all hope rests on local coverage from San Jose spanning rather far south of home ice.

Even if I won't get to see the games, I'm excited to know that the Preds, still a young franchise (added as an expansion team in late '97 for play in the '98-'99 season) have once again advanced to the post season. I was privileged to have a seat at the GEC for the team's first-ever playoff game against the Detroit Red Wings (another team close to my heart) in 2004. In San Diego last year, I missed post-season play as the Predators took on... the San Jose Sharks. According to both team sites, this year's contest is far from a rematch as each team has made extensive changes to its lineup. Plus, Nashville goalie Tomas Vokoun, who suffered blood clot problems last year, will be healthy and between the posts. What I'd give to see it!

Ahh... if there's anything wrong with the temperate climes of oceanside living, it's the distinct lack of ice sports.

My brother kindly reminded me that Games 3 and 4 would only be a train ride away, but while I'm in the midst of direly needed rehearsals for a show threatening to open too soon, the trip seems unlikely. And while I remain steadfastly unemployed, the costs of travel and ticket seem prohibitive. Thanks, though, for the thought. Dang it all!

One way or another I'll be cross(check)ing my fingers for the Tennessee team to advance to the next round.

And pick up some TV coverage along the way.