Keys to Watch
Streaking
The Nashville Predators have won three games in a row. This team, who many wrote off as a possible non-factor moving forward has begun to turn around the ship, thus far. With three wins against Colorado, Boston, and Vancouver, the team has started to play well. Nashville is only one point out of the wild card spot, and four points out of third place in the Central Division. The Predators have begun to play consistent hockey and seems to be getting somewhat healthier in recent weeks. With the hope of getting back some injured players, the sky is the limit for this team, but they can not let up now. They will be facing a very good home team in the Vancouver Canucks.
The Impact of McLeod
On January 13th, the Nashville Predators announced that they had acquired forward Cody McLeod from the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for forward Felix Girard. McLeod is a grizzled veteran that has played in over 600 NHL games and is known for his physical presence. His first game with Nashville was on Saturday against his former team, the Colorado Avalanche. McLeod scored a goal and fought Jerome Iginla. He played an integral role in Nashville’s road victory on Saturday. His enforcer style of play proved to be a much needed roster spot for a team lacking a certain physical toughness this season.
Canucks at Home
The Vancouver Canucks are polar-opposites when they are home versus when they are away. When they are at Rogers Arena, the Canucks are one of the best teams in hockey with a record of 15-6-3, while away from Vancouver they are 5-13-3. This is a different team from the one Nashville defeated 2-1 in overtime one week ago. With a late night contest, the Predators must come out quick, fast, and consistent to leave British Columbia with a win tonight. Typically, the Canucks score more goals during the second half of their contests. If Nashville can get a lead early, their rates of success bode well. A win tonight against another team fighting for the playoffs will inch the closer to playoff contention.
Editor’s addition: Today, the Nashville Predators claimed Brad Hunt off waivers from St. Louis and placed Petter Granberg on injured reserve.
Tonight, the Predators will look to attain their second victory against the Canucks in a week. 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 9:00 pm tonight!
