Keys to Watch
Offensive Struggles
After beginning the 2016-17 season with a win on opening night, the Nashville Predators have dropped three in a row, including a 5-3 loss against Detroit last night, and are scrambling to figure out what is the problem. In the last two games, Pekka Rinne has been playing solid, but the offense is not scoring. Tonight, the lineup will be scrambled with multiple players suffering from food poisoning, as well as a lack of offensive production. The Predator offense ranks 26th in the NHL with 10 goals in four games, only two goals have been at even strength. Eight power-play goals ranks the Predators first in the NHL, but only two five-on-five goals ranks them at the bottom. The Predators must fix this problem and the task will be difficult against the defending Stanley Cup Champions.
Where’s Forsberg?
Expectations were high for this Nashville team, but none may have been higher for Filip Forsberg. After leading the team last year with 33 goals, this season Forsberg has yet to hit the back of the net. He has three assists on the season, but the Predators need him to finish chances. Another area of concern is turnovers for Forsberg. Last night, he turned the puck over deep in Nashville’s zone and Gustav Nyquist was able to bury the chance. The Predators need to right the ship and Forsberg is a key to the team’s success.
Stopping the Penguins
The Pittsburgh Penguins are coming into Bridgestone Arena tonight with a record of 3-1-1. This is astounding considering their injury list and most notably missing their captain Sidney Crosby (concussion). The Penguins have not produced as well as usual with only eleven goals on the season. Pittsburgh is only scoring 2.20 goals per game which ranks them 28th in the NHL this season. What they are able to do is find timely scoring and somehow find a way to win. The Predators will have a tough task tonight and will need to be on top of their game.
The Predators will look to get back on track tonight as they return to Bridgestone Arena and welcome the defending Stanley Cup Champions. 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 7:00 pm!
