After six games of hard work, yet coming up short, the Nashville Predators were able to break their losing streak to defeat the Arizona Coyotes on Monday night.
The first period was action packed, but neither team was able to get one past the opposing goalie, and the period would end in a scoreless tie.
The second period saw the Preds break their 11 game streak of allowing the opposing team to score first as Paul Gaustad was able to score his third goal of the year at 3:26. The Preds would end the second period with a 1-0 lead.
Offensive struggles, once again, plagued the Predators in the third period. The Nashville offense was unable to produce scores against Arizona, and the Coyotes were able to capitalize on a Preds penalty. At 7:27, Kyle Chipchura, the man who tried to stand up to Paul Gaustad, beat Pekka Rinne for a PPG. The regulation time would end with a 1-1 tie.
In the overtime, the Predators stars began to shine. After multiple chances, James Neal was able to score at 2:45 to give the Preds a 2-1 OT victory.
Tonight, the Preds will travel to SAP Center to take on the San Jose Sharks (33-26-8).
In their last time out, the Sharks took on the Pittsburgh Penguins. In a hard fought, defensive struggle, the Sharks were able to come out on top 2-1 in a shootout.
San Jose started the scoring at 19:03 of the 1st period when, Matt Nieto knocked home his 7th of the year. The 2nd period was scoreless, and Sidney Crosby tied the game up at 07:22 Of the 3rd period. After a scoreless OT, the game went to a shootout. In the 8th round, Tommy Wingels scored to give the Sharks a 2-1 victory.
Joe Pavelski leads the Sharks in scoring. In his 67 games this season, Pavelski has amassed an astonishing 61 points (32 goals, 29 assists). He is an offensive threat that the Preds will have to keep an eye on in tonight’s game.
Keys to Watch
Don’t pop the cork, yet!
Yes. The streak is over which is great news for any Preds fan. Let me be clear… The Preds STILL struggled against one of the worst teams in the NHL. The Coyotes recently traded their two best players in Keith Yandle and Antoine Vermette. Nashville’s offensive production is still not where it needs to be, and the tests will only get tougher as this road trip continues. With San Jose tonight, they are getting a team that is desperately trying to make the playoffs. Before we get to excited, let’s see how Nashville fares against a much more talented Sharks organization.
Catch’em while they’re hot!
The Nashville Predators will be getting s team tonight that has been one of the hottest teams in the month of March. With wins against Pittsburgh, Montreal, and Vancouver, the Sharks have a goal differential of +8 in their last 4 games. The Preds MUST be on top of their game to come out of the SAP Center with the win.
Rookie slump?
If you haven’t noticed in recent games, Filip Forsberg has not found the back of the net. The Ostervala, Sweden native only has one point in his last 5 games. In fact, the last goal he scored was on February 24th against Colorado. All this being said brings up the question, “Has Forsberg hit a rookie wall?” The Preds need this young All-Star to catch fire, once again, and bring back that scoring edge.
The Preds will look to continue their winning streak against a very hot Sharks team. This game will keep you up late as the puck will drop at 9:30 CST. FOX Sports Tennessee will carry your Preds TV coverage, and 102.5 The Game will be live for your listening pleasure! Don’t miss a minute!
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