The Nashville Predators will open the season on the road against the team they knocked out of the playoffs when they play the Detroit Red Wings on Oct. 12. It will be the fourth time in five seasons the Predators have opened the season on the road under the schedule released Thursday by the NHL. The Predators will return immediately to Nashville for their home opener on Oct. 13 against Central Division rival St. Louis. Nashville will make its longest road trip in franchise history with a 7-game stretch away from home between Oct. 22 and Nov. 6 to make room for the CMA Awards on Nov. 9 at the Bridgestone Arena. The Predators also must clear out in March for the Southeastern Conference’s men’s basketball tournament.
In other Predator news: Nashville Predators forward Mike Fisher is the recipient of the 2011-12 NHL Foundation Player Award. The award recognizes an NHL player who applies the core values of hockey — commitment, perseverance and teamwork — to enrich the lives of people in his community. The NHL Foundation will present $25,000 to the Room In The Inn, a full-service homeless facility located a few blocks from Bridgestone Arena.
