The Nashville Predators have scratched, clawed, and fought their way this season in becoming an elite team in the NHL. Their efforts have gained them in becoming one of the top teams in the NHL with a record of 14-5-2, 30 points, and 1st in the Central Division. On Tuesday night, the Preds were able to take down the defending Stanley Cup Champion, LA Kings 4-3 in a shootout with James Neal notching the winning goal in the shootout.In their last outing, the Edmonton Oilers lost to the Dallas Stars 3-2 at American Airlines Center in Dallas on Tuesday night. The Oilers were able to get a SHG from Boyd Gordon and a goal in the 3rd period from Taylor Hall, but it wasn’t enough to take down the Stars.
The Oilers are being led in points by Jordan Eberle (15) and in goals by Taylor Hall (8). Within the Pacific Division of the Western Conference, the Oilers are in last place with 14 points on the season. (6-14-2)
Keys to watch
Thanksgiving Games
In the history of the Nashville Predators, the team is 3-1 on Thanksgiving day. The Preds have wins against Los Angeles 4-3 W in 2005, 2006 v. Vancouver 6-0 W, 2007 vs. Detroit 3-2 W, 2013 vs. Edmonton 3-0 L. With the only loss coming on Thanksgiving Day to Edmonton, look for the Preds to reverse last year’s Turkey Day fiasco.
Recent Preds Milestones
In recent games, the Preds have celebrated milestones with certain players. Of course, as noted in the Preds TV broadcast, Shea Weber is now the franchise leader in assists, overpassing Kimmo Timonen. Another area of celebration is with Matt Cullen. Cullen beat the franchise mark, held by Hal Gill, as being the oldest player to play a shift for the Preds. Matt Cullen, 38 years, 23 days, surpassed Hal Gill’s mark of 38 years, 21 days.
Edmonton STRUGGLING
It has been noted through the league of the struggles this season of the Edmonton Oilers and Head Coach Dallas Eakins. The Oilers have lost 7 straight with their last win coming on November 9th against the NY Rangers. This team is hungry for a win and look for them to come out fighting hard to get off this losing skid.
After a day of eating turkey, pumpkin pie, and mashed potatoes, the Preds will look to take on the Oilers at Bridgestone Arena. As always, try to make it out to the arena to support the Preds. If you can’t, you can catch the game on FS-TN or listen live on 102.5 The Game. Also, follow all of the Penalty Box Radio contributors on Twitter to get your Preds updates!
