Nashville Predators

Game Night in Smashville - Avoiding the Sweep
March 20, 2017, 10:04 AM ET [1 Comments]
Paul McCann
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As another slow start cost the Predators the 3rd slot in the Central on Saturday, the Predators return home for the longest remaining home stand of the season. The next three are against Arizona, Calgary and San Jose as Smashville celebrates Military Appreciation Week. First up, the Arizona Coyotes, fresh off giving the St. Louis Blues two points on Saturday, the Desert Dogs are playing our the string and making their only Bridgestone Arena appearance… which makes them a dangerous opponent tonight. Nothing would make these Coyotes happier than sweeping the season series from Nashville for the first time since 09-10.

Arizona is getting a little healthier, getting Zbynek MIchalek back from his conditioning assignment in Tucson. The veteran shot blocker will certainly bolster the Coyote blueline. I also expect to see Mike Smith in net for the Desert Dogs as well.

For Nashville, they HAVE to get off to a better start than they showed on Saturday night. These slow starts have killed the Preds in critical games, this may be an area where their comeback confidence bites them in the butt. The JOFA line remains hot as it generated two goals against the Hurricanes. Filip Forsberg has remained hot, scoring 13 goals in his last 13 games, his next goal will be his 30th of the year. He, along with Viktor Arvidsson (26g) are the only Preds in realistic striking distance of 30 for the season.

After Juuse Saros got the nod in net on Saturday, I do expect Pekka Rinne between the pipes tonight. Rinne is 4-1-1, 1.97 GAA and .923 Save% in his last six games against Arizona.

So, the keys to this game for Nashville? Quick start is obvious; a couple of quick goals in the first will take the heart of a team that is playing out the string. Taking advantage of a non-playoff team… this is one of only three non-playoff teams the Preds play in their final 11 games of the season. Defensive structure… replicating the defensive efforts from the San Jose and Washington games will pay off in two needed points for Nashville.

Game time is 7pm, pregame coverage begins at 6pm on 102.5 the Game, Predators Live starts at 6:30pm on Fox Sports Tennessee. Game coverage begins at 7pm on both media. Very limited tickets remain for tonight.

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Random Notes

- Where We Stand – After yesterday’s play, the Nashville Predators have 81 points in 71 games played and now hold the last Wild Card berth in the West. They are tied in points for 3rd in the Central with St. Louis, but the Blues hold the tie breaker (ROW). Nashville trails the first wild card slot holder Edmonton by 4 points and leads Los Angeles by six points in the wild card race. Per sportsclubstats.com, the Predators playoff chances are at 93.1%. St. Louis is in Colorado tomorrow night.

- Impact Game(s) Tonight - LAK @ EDM – The teams above and below the Predators tangle tonight in Alberta. The “Tragic” Number for LA is 16.

- If the Playoffs Started Today - As the 8 seed, the Predators would play the Chicago Blackhawks in the first round as they hold the Conference lead.

- Teams that have clinched playoffs - Washington, Chicago, Columbus.

- Great story on NHL.com written by Filip Forsberg about his trade and transition to Nashville. https://www.nhl.com/predators/news/my-story-filip-forsberg-an-unexpected-trade-an-incredible-outcome/c-287738798

- Coming into tonight’s game, the Predators have lost 203 man-games to injury.

- Viktor Arvidsson is tied for the NHL lead in shorthanded goals with four.

- Kevin Fiala has quietly built a three game point streak over his last three played.

- Craig Smith is one point shy of 200 for his NHL career. Ryan Johansen’s next goal will be his 100th career goal.

- Five games in the NHL tonight, all times CST – 6:30pm – BOS @ TOR, BUF @ DET. 7pm – ARI @ NSH. 7:30pm – SJS @ DAL. 8pm – LAK @ EDM.

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