Keys to Watch

That’s More Like It

At the beginning of this very young season, the Nashville Predators looked rough. The defense looked weak, the offense was decent, but not great. For the first time all season, theNashville Predators put together a complete game in a 4-1 defeat of the Dallas Stars. The rookie, Samuel Girard, scored his first NHL goal, Filip Forsberg continued his scoring streak, and Pekka Rinne was great, stopping 30 of 31 shots with a save percentage of .968. The Predators will need to continue this style of play tonight as they travel to the Windy City to take on the Chicago Blackhawks (3-1-1).

United Center Atmosphere

The fans of the Nashville Predators are still, somewhat, gloating over the sweep of the Chicago Blackhawks from the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Yet, not to burst any bubbles, that was last season. The United Center is a notoriously difficult building to play in with an average of 21, 751 in attendance last year. The Predators will need to score early. If anything was learned from last post-season, you have to get their fans out of the game as soon as possible. The Preds need a goal in the first five minutes of play to get the fans out and take advantage of their youth. Also, the Blackhawks are coming off of a 5-2 loss against the Minnesota Wild and will be itching to get a win.

Blackhawks Offense

Early in this young season, the Chicago Blackhawks offense has been phenomenal. The Blackhawks are currently ranked 2nd in the NHL with 4.60 goals per game, 1st with 23 goals scored, and are averaging 31.4 shots per game. Ryan Hartman leads the Hawks with eight points, and is currently ranked fifth in the NHL in total points. Hartman is also ranked 10th in the league with six assists. The total offense of Chicago has been clicking and tonight will be a tough test for Nashville. The Predators defense will have to step up to get the victory.

The Nashville Predators will look to continue their winning streak against the Chicago Blackhawks, going back to last year’s playoffs. 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 7:30 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!