The Nashville Predators showed another solid outing on Sunday night at Rogers Arena in Vancouver after defeating the Canucks 3-1. The Preds were led by young forward Filip Forsberg (2 goals, 1 assist, +2 rating) and Pekka Rinne was solid in net. The Preds look to continue their winning ways tonight against the Winnipeg Jets tonight at 7:00pm CST at MTS Centre in Winnipeg.
The previous meeting between these two Central Division opponents was on October 17th. The Predators shutout the Jets 2-0. Pekka Rinne stopped 31 shots on way to the victory in Winnipeg. According to the Predators website, the probable starter for the Preds in net tonight will be Carter Hutton. This will also be a Hockey Fights Cancer night at MTS Centre.
The Jets (6-5-1) are currently riding a hot streak on the back of their two goalies. They have been able to shutout the New York Rangers and the Chicago Blackhawks. Both goalies, Ondrej Pavelec and Michael Hutchinson, have combined for 71 stops and a 128:27 shutout streak. C Bryan Little currently leads the team in points (9) and goals (5). On their recent road trip, the Jets were successful with timely scoring and outstanding goaltending.
Keys to watch
Filip Forsberg
You can’t say enough about the effort and recent production of Filip Forsberg. He is leading the team in points (11), assists (8), +13 rating. Forsberg is tied for 1st in the NHL based upon his +/- rating. Offensively, Forsberg has been the lightning rod for this team. In order for a win in tonight’s matchup, look for this young, talented forward to excel and put up points.
Breaking the Jets streak
The Preds will need to break the defensive stronghold that the Jets have been causing over the past few games. With Pavelec in net tonight, the Preds will see the Jets best in goal. On the year, Pavelec is 5-4-1 with 2.10 GAA and .921 SV%. It will take a complete offensive effort to break through the Kladno, Czech Republic native.
Predators strength of defense
Much has been said about the new offensive system being put in place by Coach Laviolette. The defense for the Predators has been stellar in this young season. The Preds are currently ranked 4th in the NHL in Goals against average per Game. It has taken a complete team effort, but all players are contributing to the success defensively.
Tonight’s matchup will be another early season test. The Preds are leading the Central Division with 16 points, and with a win tonight, they can extend this early season success. As always, you can catch the game on FS-TN, 102.5 The Game, or via the app for the Nashville Predators.
