Keys to Watch

Influence of the Trade

General Manager David Poile makes large scale trades every year. We all look for the trade, we expect it at some point, but always over analyze. The Nashville Predators were able to sign veteran, Kyle Turris, to a six-year deal. Turris has played in 544 NHL games with 136 goals and 184assists. On the season in 11 games, the New Westminster, BC, Canada native has three goals and six assists. Now, it would be surprising to see Turris in the lineup tonight. From previous trades, the team team allows players to become acclimated with their new surroundings and may not be in the lineup until Thursday. Turris is a top six center that will build this team for the long haul.

Finishing Up on the Road

Tonight, the Nashville Predators will end a four-game road trip in Columbus against Seth Jones and the Columbus Blue Jackets. Jones is tied for the team lead with 12 points (three goals, nine assists) with Artemi Panarin (two goals, ten assists). The Jackets have been struggling recently, having lost two straight against New York Rangers and the Tampa Bay Lightning. One major problem recently has been their lackluster play defensively. The team has given up ten goals in the past two contests. Look for the Jackets to come out firing on all cylinders,trying to get back in the win column. Columbus is currently 2nd in the Metropolitan Division with 19 points on the season, and a record of 19-5-1.

Special Team Struggles

The opposition tonight has one glaring weakness that continues to trend throughout the entire season: SPECIAL TEAMS. The Columbus Blue Jackets are one of the most inept squads in the NHL when they have a man-advantage, or are at a disadvantage on the penalty kill. On the power play, the Jackets are ranked last, 31st in the NHL, with a conversion of 11.4 percentage with a man-advantage. Onthe flip side, Columbus is 24th in the NHL on the penalty kill with a rate of 78%. The Predators have an extreme advantage tonight on special teams, and must take advantage of the opportunities provided. This a struggling team and Nashville has a great opportunity to win three out of four games on an extended road trip.

Tonight, the Predators will end a four-game road trip in the state of Ohio. 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 6:00 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!