Before the Christmas break, the Nashville Predators took on the Montreal Canadiens at Bridgestone Arena.
The defensive scoring strength continued to lead the Preds as Shea Weber (1st-8:40), Roman Josi-power play (2nd-8:22), and Ryan Ellis (3rd-3:08) scored the first three goals for the Preds.
Calle Jarnkrok was able to put the Preds up 4-0 at 8:58 of the third period.
The Preds would give up the only goal of the night to Alex Galchenyuk (8), a power-play goal at 12:08.
Colin Wilson would get the final goal of the game, an empty-net goal at 17:55 of the third period to give the Preds a 5-1 win.
Tonight, the Preds will end their Christmas break and welcome in the Detroit Red Wings to Bridgestone Arena.
In their last outing, the Red Wings lost to the New Jersey Devils 4-3 on Tuesday.
Keys to Watch
Keep it Rollin’
Before the break, the Nashville Predators put together two of their best performances of the season with wins against Minnesota and Montreal. Nashville was able to get a well-rounded game from many key players. Colin Wilson was able to get involved in the offense. The defense continued their “offensive” dominance. This team is playing well. The key will be sustained performances like they were able to put together. If they can continue games like that, this team can be one of the most dominate in the NHL.
Clipped Wings
The Detroit Red Wings needed the break to get better. Many of their key players are currently on injured reserve. Johan Franzen has been on IR since October 13th due to concussion-like symptoms. Kyle Quincey has only played in seven games this season due to an ankle injury. Teemu Pulkkinen is out due to a dislocated shoulder and Drew Miller has a broken jaw. Now, Johnathan Ericsson is day-to-day with an upper-body injury and Dylan Larkin is out day-to-day with an upper-body injury. Needless to say, the Red Wings will be down and the Preds must take advantage.
Rinne looking like Rinne
Pekka Rinne has been very good over the last four games. In this span, the Kempele, Finland native has posted a record of 2-1-1, 1.75 goals against average, .938 save percentage, and only allowed five even strength goals. Pekka Rinne will need to continue to play at this level to keep the Preds in the playoff hunt. This team lives and dies on the play of Rinne. He is the catalyst on offense and defense. If he makes a great play, you can see the team get an extra jump in their step. Rinne has to be Rinne for the Preds to continue to play well.
The Preds will look to continue to play well as they end their mini break. You can 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!
