For the first time this season, the Nashville Predators struggled at Bridgestone Arena as they lost to the Chicago Blackhawks in a 3-1 Central Division battle. The lone score for the Preds was by Colin Wilson at 00:34 of the 3rd period. Nashville looks to bounce back against the Colorado Avalanche tonight in Pepsi Center at 8:00 pm.
The Colorado Avalanche are one year removed from the playoffs, but are showing signs of significant struggle on the ice. In their last outing, the Avalanche lost to the Winnipeg Jets 6-2. Colorado gave up a hat trick to Winnipeg’s Bryan Little. These types of struggles are a common theme shown throughout the season that Colorado is having.
On the season, Colorado is being led in points by defenseman Tyson Barrie with 20. The Avalanche are being led in goals by Matt Duchene and Alex Tanguay with 9 goals.
Keys to watch
Injuries Galore
One of the biggest issues this season for the Colorado Avalanche has been their ability to fight against the injury bug. Currently, Colorado has Ben Street on injured reserve due to a hand injury. Also, the team has placed John Mitchell on a day-to-day designation due to a leg injury. With starting goalie Semyon Varlamov battling a day-to-day groin injury, injuries are showing why their record is where it is. With nine players currently on IR or day-to-day, the Avs look to break away from this injury mold.
Struggles vs Colorado last season
Last season, the Nashville Predators struggled mightily against the Colorado Avalanche. With a 1-2-1 record against the Avs last year, the Preds look to fix the record from last season. Since 2008, the Predators are 14-7-2 against the Avs. These two teams will start the first of five games this season, three of which will be in Colorado.
Colin Wilson on fire!
As of recent games, Colin Wilson has shown his ability to score. On the season, Wilson has five goals and three assists for a total of eight points.with the game-winning goal against St. Louis and the lone goal against Chicago, Wilson has shown his ability to hit the back of the net. This type of scoring prowess is what many Preds fans have been looking out of Colin Wilson and he has shown signs of brilliance. Look for him to continue this upward trend of goal-scoring, and help the Preds get back on the winning path.
After a tough game against Chicago, the Preds look to bounce back and get a “W” in Colorado. This game has a later start as it will begin at 8:00 PM CST. You can catch the game on FS-TN or you can listen live on 102.5 The Game. Be sure to follow at @PenaltyBoxRadio on Twitter and Facebook. Also, make sure you share our articles to spread the word of the success of the Nashville Predators!
