The Nashville Predators finished the third of their three-game road trip against the Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday night.
Once again, the Nashville Predators did not have many offensive capabilities and the defense struggled to keep up with the offensive ability of the Chicago Blackhawks. The Preds would score their lone goal of the evening at 19:14 of the second period with an incredible move by Roman Josi to give Eric Nystrom the ability to score.
Nashville would give up four goals including an empty net goal to Patrick Kane to extend his point streak to 23 games. The final score in the contest was 4-1.
The Nashville Predators will welcome in the Chicago Blackhawks in a rare back-to-back against a division opponent at Bridgestone Arena tonight.
Keys to Watch
Round Two.
The Nashville Predators will hope that the home ice is a little more friendly than the ice at the United Center. Nashville and Chicago have developed an intense rivalry. There is no doubt that the Blackhawks will be ready to go tonight, as well as their fans that will show up in Nashville. Many of these fans live in Middle Tennessee and will be at Bridgestone Arena tonight. A fast start for Nashville could be the key to winning tonight. If Nashville gets behind against a very talented team in Chicago, it could spell danger for the team in gold!
Weber is trending!
Shea Weber is currently trending as one of the top players in the NHL. In the last five games, Weber has eight points for the Preds, three goals and five assists. He is averaging 1.60 points per game and has been one of the best offensive players on the team as of recent. On the season, Weber has nine goals with nine assists. He has kept out of the box with only eight penalty minutes. One astounding statistic for Weber is his ability to score on the power-play. Weber is fourth in the NHL with eight of his nine goals being on the power-play. Nashville needs Weber to continue his offensive presence, the forward group is not giving the team much to work with outside of James Neal and Filip Forsberg.
Analysis: Colin Wilson
It has been noted throughout the organization and within the fans the struggle of Colin Wilson. Wilson has been a ghost on the ice. He hasn’t been able to score, very little contribution on creating chances for other teammates, and his overall affect for the team has been minimal, at best. With all of this being said, the Nashville Predators organization needs to take a long look at Colin Wilson. He is supposed to be a goal-scoring forward. At this rate, he will be lucky to get five goals on the year. After a career high of 20 goals in 77 games last season, the Preds need Wilson to contribute. If he doesn’t, Wilson could be trade bait in the spring.
The Nashville Predators are desperate for a win tonight. The fans at Bridgestone Arena do not care for the Chicago Blackhawks and will look to take them down tonight. Be sure to catch all of the action on Fox Sports-Tennessee or you can listen live on 102.5 The Game. Puck drops at 7:00 pm!
