It's been a busy day in Puckopolis....here are some of the headlines:

- The Nashville Predators and Montreal Canadiens have made a trade today...the Preds acquired veteran defenseman Hal Gill from the Montreal Canadiens.  The Predators also receive a conditional 2013 draft pick, in exchange for forwards Blake Geoffrion and Robert Slaney, plus a 2012 second-round pick.  What that means from the Cyclones end, most likely, is that Slaney will be headed to either Wheeling (ECHL) or Hamilton (AHL).  If indeed he does head out, I'll be sad to see a guy like Slaney go.  He was a tremendous guy to have around the locker room...always joking and keeping things loose.  However, I've been told nothing about that officially about his exit.  I'll keep you updated.  Be sure to follow me on Twitter for all the latest.

**UPDATE** (4:35pm) Rob Slaney will be in the lineup tonight for the Cyclones.

- Injury wise, last night took its toll somewhat... Mathieu Aubin is likely out of the lineup tonight after a body check in the first period last night.  Mike Liambas is also a bit banged up and likely will miss tonight as well.  Bottom line...the Clones will be a bit short staffed tonight.  Nothing new for this club.

- Chet Pickard will be in net tonight...this is a big opportunity for Chet to get back on the winning track.  He's, self-admittedly, not playing as well as he'd like.  In a four-game in five-day stretch, Foster needs a day to rest before likely being in net again tomorrow night in Chicago.  So for tonight, it's Chet in net.

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The next few weeks are going to be crucial for Cincinnati's playoff push...as they wrap up the month with seven more games in 12 days, playing consistent hockey is as important as ever.

Based on winning percentage...here's how the Eastern Conference Playoff Race shapes up:

1.  Gwinnett - .637 (65 points)

2.  Kalamazoo - .622 (61 points)

3.  Wheeling - .622 (61 points)

4.  Greenville - .618 (63 points)

5.  Elmira - .620 (60 points)

6.  South Carolina - .575 (61 points)

7.  Cincinnati - .543 (51 points)

8.  Chicago - .531 (52 points)

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9.  Florida - .529 (54 points)

10.  Reading - .500 (50 points)

11.  Toledo - .490 (48 points)

12.  Trenton - .408 (40 points)

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Here's the latest NHL "Deadline Diner"....what you need to know about the NHL's trade deadline.

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Florida says they're "Not Sellers" in this year's trade deadline...and why would they be?  They're making a strong push for a Stanley Cup Playoff berth!

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The NHL says they're going be clamping down on clock malfunctions...if only the ECHL could follow suit.

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Newsflash...don't be an idiot.  Or else...

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If the NHL season ended today....

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Are you following me on Twitter and Facebook?  It's the best way to get updates on the Cyclones throughout the season!