If you were in need of fast-past, heart-pumping, adrenaline-filled action, Tuesday night versus the Tampa Bay Lightning was your kind of game, specifically the second period.
The 1st period started off with little scoring, but the Preds got on the board first with a goal by Mike Fisher at 19:07.
The second period had lots of action on both sides with a total of five goals. The back-and-forth action started with two goals from the Lightning, Steven Stamkos (5) at 3:25 and Nikita Kucherov (2) at 8:51. Shea Weber (1) was able to get his first of the season at 10:29. Ryan Callahan was able to give the lead back to the Lightning at 17:41, but James Neal (4) answered at 18:55 to send the game into the third period tied 3-3.
At 5:24 of the third, Eric Condra gave the Lightning at 4-3. For the next nine minutes of play, the Preds scrambled to score until James Neal (5) took control and scored his secondof the night at 14:30 for a tie game.
For the second game in a row, the Preds went to OT. During the OT, both teams went back-and-forth, but no team scored. Preds would go to another shootout.
In the shootout, Pekka Rinne was unbeatable. Filip Forsberg scored for the Preds and Nashville would secure the victory 5-4.
Tonight, the Preds will stay at home and welcome in the struggling Anaheim Ducks (1-3-1).
In their last outing, the Ducks were able to get their 1st win of the season against the Minnesota Wild 4-1.
Keys to Watch
Keep the Streak Alive
James Neal. Wow… I’m not sure of any person in the NHL that is playing as well as Neal. With seven points in three games, he has carried Nashville with his scoring ability. The Whitby, ON, Canada native has been the best player on the Preds lineup and looks to keep the streak alive tonight. Neal is currently tied for 12th in points, tied for second in goals, and seventh in shots. This team is awfully difficult to defeat when “The Real Deal” is on his game.
Wounded Ducks
It is no secret that the Anaheim Ducks come in to tonight’s matchup with only one victory. Their scoring has been abysmal with five goals on the season and they have given up 11. Four of their five goals came in their last matchup against the Wild. The Preds cannot come into tonight’s battle thinking this is going to be easy. Traditionally, these two teams don’t like each other, especially the fanbases. I mean, when you hear, “Perry is a sissy!” from the crowd, you get the idea. Nashville has to come in and be fast, physical, and aggressive to take down the Ducks.
No Help for Frederik
Frederik Andersen has played relatively well this season as the net minder for the Ducks. He has a 1.57 GAA and .947 SV%. In the past, Andersen has been exceptional against Nashville with a record of 3-0-0, 2.61 goals-against average, and a .917 SV% in 4 career games against Nashville. With zero goal support this season, he has needed extra help. If the Preds stifle the offensive-prowess of the Ducks, Nashville should come out on top.
The Nashville Predators will need a focused attack to take down the Ducks tonight. Remember to get out to Bridgestone Arena to catch the Preds in action tonight. If you can’t, be sure to catch all of the action on Fox Sports-Tennessee or listen live on 102.5 The Game.
