Keys to Watch
Tighten Up Defensively
On Tuesday night, the Nashville Predators gave up six goals in an overtime loss to the Calgary Flames in Nashville. The concern currently for the Predators is not on the offensive side of play, but rather defensively. Until a few years ago, the Predators were a dominant team, offensively. Now, the Predators are struggling allowing 2.75 goals per game. Pekka Rinne was not on top of his game on Tuesday night after getting pulled from the goal, giving up four goals. The Predators will have to stop Jerome Iginla. He has averaged nearly a point per game in his career against Nashville, scoring 39 goals and 26 assists in 66 career contests.
Recent Success
Tonight, the Predators will be going for the season sweep against the last place Colorado Avalanche. The Predators have won all four contests this season against the Avs and and five straight dating back to last season. Colorado has, by far, the worst record in the NHL with only 35 points in 58 games this season. The Predators have a great opportunity tonight to win their sixth straight against the Avalanche and get the season sweep.
Faceoffs
The Avalanche come into Bridgestone Arena ranked second in the NHL in overall faceoff percentage, led by Matt Duchene (63.1). At 50.4 percent, the Predators are just below the Avalanche’s 53.6 success rate in the circle. The Predators will need to come out of the circle tonight with a majority of wins. Over the last 15 contests, the Preators have been on top 13 different occasions. Colorado has many talented forwards that can win consistently on faceoffs.
The Predators will look to get the season sweep tonight against their division rival, Colorado Avalanche. 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!
