The Nashville Predators welcomed in the streaking Calgary Flames on Tuesday night at Bridgestone Arena.
The Preds offense started off very aggressive getting the first four shots on net. Cody Hodgson was awarded a penalty shot at 5:09 of the first period after he was hooked on a breakaway. Hodgson was able to beat Karri Ramo glove side to take a 1-0 lead.
TJ Brodie was able to tie the game up as he traveled down the blue line, in a direct lane in the slot. It was very bad defensive play from Nashville.
The game would be tied and would be sent to overtime.
In the overtime, the Flames would get a 2-1 breakaway. Johnny Gaudreau was able to give Kris Russell (2) the opportunity to beat Pekka Rinne and the Preds would lose 2-1.
The Nashville Predators (15-10-6) are now in St. Louis to take on the Blues. On Tuesday night, the Blues defeated the Winnipeg Jets 4-3.
Keys to Watch
Priority #1: Stop Steen and Tarasenko
The Nashville Predators defense will have a tall task tonight as they try to stop two of the best in the NHL in scoring. Vladimir Tarasenko and Alexander Steen have already put up 63 points between both players. Tarasenko currently has 19 goals and 13 assists for total of 32 points, while Steen has 11 goals and 18 assists for 29 points. These two players lead their team in power-play points. Tarasenko has six power-play goals along with two game winning goals and one overtime goal. The Preds will need to combat these two offensive juggernauts or it will be a long night in St. Louis.
Jackman back in St. Louis
Before this season, Barret Jackman only knew one city as home for his NHL career: St. Louis. He was the 17th overall pick in the 1999 NHL Entry Draft and spent every season with the Blues organization until he signed with Nashville in the off-season. Tonight will be an emotional match-up for Jackman nonetheless. Since the night will be the first time he has been back to St. Louis not in their colors, it will be interesting to see the crowd’s reaction to #5 when he steps on the ice.
Defenseman Leading
Two of the top three offensive scorers for the Nashville Predators call their home on the blue line. Roman Josi and Shea Weber are currently first and third with 43 points between the two. Josi has seven goals, 15 assists and leads the team with 22 points. Shea Weber is not far behind with nine goals and 10 assists for a total of 19 points. Nashville has a necessity to get more forwards involved in the offensive production of this team. The Preds need Craig Smith, Colin Wilson, and Calle Jarnkrok to step up and be offensive leaders on this team.
