Keys to Watch
“Not Good”
These two words werestated by Predators Head Coach Peter Laviolette regarding their performance on Tuesday night against Montreal. Nashville’s inconsistencies are continue to rear its ugly head up again and again. The Predators received an OUTSTANDING performance from Pekka Rinne, but the offense was not able to capitalize on opportunities and turnovers were an issue. The game against Montreal is in the past and the Preds have to look forward to beginning a three-game road trip tonight against Tampa Bay. Their performance needs to go from “not good” to great to turn this ship around.
Two Struggling Squads
If you keep up with the Predators on a regular basis, you know the struggles they have encountered over the last ten games. The Tampa Bay Lightning has not fared much better with a 5-3-2 record, where Nashville is 4-3-3 over the last ten. Both teams were predicted to go far in this year’s Stanley Cup playoffs, but both have been a disappointment. The issues with the Lightning are on defense. They have always been known for their ability to score, a perennial top-ten offense, but this season they are 18th in the NHL allowing 2.79 goals-against per game. Nashville and Tampa Bay are in dire need for a win tonight and both will come out strong.
Bitetto Recalled
It’s been a long season for Tony Bitetto. Two major injuries have kept him out of 33 games this season. Before the injury, the Island Park, NY native was playing excellent as a stay-at-home defenseman that could shut down some of the best in the NHL. With only four games in this season, it will be interesting to see how his level of play will be after being out of the lineup for so long. He is predicted to be in tonight’s lineup, so keep an eye on his conditioning, time-on-ice, and overall level of play.
The Predators will look to get back on track and improve their road record this season. Be sure to catch all of tonight’s action on Fox Sports-Tennessee or you can listen live on 102.5 The Game. The puck will drop at 6:30 pm!
