Keys to Watch

Home Ice Advantage

After the dramatic 6-5 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers on Tuesday night, the Preds look to get back on the ice at Bridgestone Arena against the Dallas Stars. The arena was rocking on Tuesday night, and there was no shortage of theatrics. Nashville showed that the 7th man was alive and well with standing ovations and out-of-this-world noise volumes. The Predators will need the fans to be just as loud tonight as they begin division play against the Dallas Stars. Dallas is coming off of a 4-2 victory against the Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday in the Motor City. Nashville will need to use the home-ice advantage to win their second in a row.

Lackluster Defense

The Nashville Predators have been awful, defensively, so far this season. There, I said it. The penalty kill is ranked 20th in the league at 80%. Nashville has given up 13 goals this season, which averages out at 4.33 goals against per game. If one area needs to improve, it is the defense. They were very fortunate to win on Tuesday night. The goaltenders need to get some help in front of the net. There are way too many odd man chances and soft plays in the defensive zone. Now, the Preds are dealing with multiple injuries on defense, but something has to give. Giving up four goals a game can not continue.

Keep Pressing 

The positive part of the Preds early this season has been the offense. The power play is ranked second in the league at 31.2%. Filip Forsberg and Scott Hartnell lead the team with three goals each.  PK Subban leads the team with four assists. The offensive part of the team is clicking on all cylinders and has picked up right where they have left off in June. The offense needs to keep pressing and keep hitting the back of the net.

The Predators will get back on the ice tonight as they welcome in the Dallas Stars to Bridgestone Arena. 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!

Brandon Eldridge

Brandon was born and raised in Lebanon, Tennessee but eventually moved to McMinnville, Tennessee after marrying his wife, Lindsey. He is a graduate of Cumberland University (GO BULLDOGS) with a Master of Arts in Education. Growing up in Middle Tennessee, hockey was not an interest early in life. He is a hockey convert. His introduction to hockey was through free tickets from his grandmother for a game between the Predators and the Dallas Stars. After this initial introduction, it has truly been an obsession. Along with his wife and son, Brandon goes to as many games as he can. From statistics to player interactions, he has become the ultimate hockey fan. He is a proud father, teacher, history nerd, music-lover, and true sports fanatic!