Another slow start by the Nashville Predators caused the ultimate demise as the Preds took on the Devils on Tuesday night.
It took the Devils only 58 seconds to get on the board as Adam Larsson (3) beat Carter Hutton to take a 1-0 lead. At 03:57 of the 1st period, Eric Gelinas (5) scored a PPG to give New Jersey a 2-0 lead, and the early game struggles continued.
The 2nd period allowed for the Preds to get back in the game as Mike Fisher beat Cory Schneider for his 16th of the year. The Devils would not give up another goal to Nashville.
There were no other goals until 18:46 of the 3rd when Mike Cammalleri (24) was awarded an empty net goal to give New Jersey a 3-1 lead, and this would seal the win for the Devils.
Tonight, the Predators make it back to Bridgestone Arena and will try to get off of their losing streak against the New York Islanders.
On their current road trip, the New York Islanders last traveled on Tuesday to Dallas to take on the Stars. The scoring started at 15:25 with the Islanders, Josh Bailey (13). This was the only scoring in the 1st period, and the game was scoreless in the 2nd.
Dallas was able to get two goals in the 3rd period (02:24-Brett Ritchie, 07:28-Vernon Fiddler). With a 2-1 lead, the Stars looked to take the win, and at 19:58, Anders Lee (21) sent the game to OT. Cody Eakin (15) was able to give Dallas the win in the OT period at 02:18.
John Tavares leads the Islanders in most offensive statistical categories with 30 goals, 35 assists, and 65 points. Tavares is one of the top offensive players in the NHL, and is the key to the Islanders offensive production.
Keys to Watch
Stopping where it started!
Before Nashville traveled to take on the Islanders on February 19th, they had won 6 in a row against some tough teams (Rangers, Lightnining, Jets). Since that fateful 5-2 loss, the Predators have gone 2-4-1, with 4 straight losses. The Predators have a great opportunity to right the ship and stop their losing ways where it started with a win against the Islanders.
Slow Starts
It has been 9 straight games, in which the Preds have been scored on 1st by their opponent. Coming from behind can be a difficult task and these slow starts have become the Achilles heel recently. This team has to break the current trend of slow starts. The New York Islanders can put up points quickly! Nashville has to come out on fire and quit trying to be so cute on offense.
Pops on Fire!!
New father, Mike Fisher, has been a man on a mission in his last 5 games. The Peterborough, ON, Canada native has 5 points (3 goals, 2 assists) in the last 5 games. Since returning from injury, Fisher has played in 44 games with 16 goals and 18 assists. The Preds need Fisher to remain hot as they try to make it back into the WIN column.
The Nashville Predators will be looking to avenge the loss that started their current losing streak. The Isles are a solid team with a great goal scorer in Tavares. If you aren’t going to brave the winter weather, you can catch the game on FOX Sports Tennessee (pregame show begins at 6:30 pm CST) or you can listen live on 102.5 The Game.
