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Folks are still talking about the last time the Nashville Predators paid a visit to the Saddledome.

That, of course, has nothing to do with the Predators.

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That Jan. 27 meeting is notable because it was the night Calgary Flames defenceman Dennis Wideman slammed into linesman Don Henderson, a cringe-worthy collision that made headlines even outside hockey circles and resulted in a 20-game suspension for the 32-year-old blue-liner.

Six weeks later, the Predators are back and Wideman is still awaiting the results of his final appeal to an independent arbitrator.

That news could come Wednesday afternoon, although that’s no sure thing. Wideman is slated to serve Game No. 19 of his banishment against the Predators, although he’d certainly like to recoup some of the more than US$500,000 in lost earnings.

“The last couple of weeks, I’ve been just preparing to play as soon as I can and as soon as the decision comes down,” Wideman said after Wednesday’s morning skate at the Saddledome, his first public comments in more than a month. “Whatever it is, I’ll deal with it and be ready to play as soon as I can.