Keys to Watch
Back at Home
Well, for those keeping score at home, the Nashville Predators were terrible in their two recent games away from Bridgestone Arena. First, the Predators lost a 5-2 decision against Dallas on Thursday, and another road contest 4-1 on Saturday against the worst team in the Western Conference, Arizona Coyotes. The Predators are currently 3-9-2 away from Nashville this season. If the Predators plan to make the Stanley Cup playoffs this season, this is their number one priority moving forward. The Preds are very good in the state of Tennessee with a record of 9-2-2. So, needless to say, it’s good to have the Predators back in the Music City for the next three games.
Josi Producing
The Nashville Predators have always been known for a team that received ample production from their defensive corps. This year has been no exception with two of the top five players to receive points coming from the blueline (Josi, Subban-17). Over the last three games, Roman Josi has taken his offensive game to a new level with a goal against Arizona and another tally against the Avs on December 6th. The Predators are still looking for some of their top offensive talent to put the puck in the back of the net (I’m looking at you, Forsberg). While their down goal scoring is taking place, the defensive corps has stepped up and Roman Josi has been the prime example of production from the blueline.
The Blues on the Road
Now, let us turn our attention to the opponent coming into Nashville, the St. Louis Blues. The Blues are coming off a 3-1 loss against the Minnesota Wild on Sunday. The Blues are very similar to the Predators in the fact that they are great at home and mediocre away from their home. This season, the Blues have a record of 4-8-1 away from St. Louis, but at home, they have only lost one game in regulation (12-1-3). They are currently trying to right the ills of their road “blues”. The Nashville Predators will try to thwart a hungry, determined Blues squad tonight.
Tonight, the Predators will turn their focus away from their recent deplorable road-trip. Be sure to catch all of the action tonight on Fox Sports-Tennessee or you can listen live on 102.5 The Game. Puck drops at 7:00 pm!
