Keys to Watch
Figuring Out Holtby
The Washington Capitals have a gem in goaltender Braden Holtby. In their last outing against Minnesota, he stopped 32 of the 34 shots he faced to earn his 35th win of the season. Holtby is third in the NHL in wins, leads in goals-against average (2.03) and ranks fifth in save percentage (.926) among all goaltenders with 20 or more games played this season. The Nashville Predators offense will have a tough road tonight against a very talented netminder. When Holtby is on his game, he is one of the best in the world. The Predators offense will need to step up in a big way tonight.
Defensive Setbacks
Whenever facing the Washington Capitals, the opposing team is always tested on the defensive side of the puck against Backstrom and Ovechkin. The Nashville Predators have not played well defensively over the last few games. Over the last five contests, the Predators defense has given up 3.20 goals per game, Chicago (5) and Winnipeg (4). Nashville is looking like a run at the Stanley Cup is possible, but the defense has got to step up going into the post-season. If the Predators can right the ship, this team looks poised for a deep run, but they’ve got to fix the defensive effort, or lack thereof.
Projected Lineup
The Predators seem to be going tonight without Colin Wilson (lower-body) and will be looking for newly acquired, PA Parenteau to fill the role that Wilson will be leaving void. Here is tonight’s projected lineup:
Forwards
Filip Forsberg – Ryan Johansen – Viktor Arvidsson
Kevin Fiala – Mike Fisher – Craig Smith
James Neal – Calle Jarnkrok – PA Parenteau
Cody McLeod – Colton Sissons – Austin Watson
Defense
Goaltenders
Tonight the Predators will head north to face the Washington Capitals and build upon the success from Monday night’s victory. 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!
