Keys to Watch
Injuries Piling Up
The Nashville Predators are currently in the midst of an injury lull where they have four players currently on injured reserve: Miikka Salomaki, Colton Sissons, Anthony Bitetto, and Ryan Ellis. The Preds are missing some of their best penalty killers, offensive producers, and defensive stalwarts that are significant to this team. Today, James Neal was removed from injured reserve and is expected to play tonight after missing an extended period of time on the shelf. The Predators need these players to come back and pick up where they left off. With two offensive and two defensive players currently out, the Predators need as many skaters to pick up the slack as possible due to the current losing trend.
Colorado Struggling
The Colorado Avalanche (9-13-1) are winless over the last five match-ups after starting the season at a .500 pace. The hope for the Avs is to get away from Denver and build team chemistry on the road as they begin a four-game road-trip tonight in Nashville. The last time these two teams faced off was on November 29th with the Predators coming out on top 5-3. Colorado will be getting back Cody McLeod tonight, but it seems that they will be without Gabriel Landeskog, once again, due to a lower-body injury. The Colorado Avalanche will be looking to get off their five game skid with a win in Nashville tonight.
Subban’s Success
When the Nashville Predators acquired P.K. Subban from the Montreal Canadiens, there were some concerns by the Nashville Predators fanbase. For many, there was uncertainty on what the organization was getting in return for their former captain. Over the past few weeks, Subban has shown his ability to move with the puck, play a tough-nosed defensive game, and produce offensively for this team. Subban is currently tied for first place with six goals, ten assists, for a total of 16 points. His best game was against the Colorado Avalanche on November 29th when he registered an assist, 28:56 time-on-ice, and a +3 rating. The Predators need Subban to continue his positive play for this team to be successful.
Tonight, two struggling teams will be coming into Bridgestone Arena to get off of their losing trend and come out with a victory. 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!
