Offensive explosion in Toronto… I think so. On Tuesday night, the Nashville Predators were clicking on all cylinders when they demolished the Toronto Maple Leafs with a 9-2 win. The Preds got out to an 8-0 lead before giving up two goals late. Colin Wilson was able to tack on the final goal at 17:28 of the 3rd period. Tonight, the Predators make their way to Ottawa (8-5-4) to face the Senators with former Predator, David Legwand.
In their last match, the Calgary Flames defeated the Senators 4-2. The Senators had a rough third period, giving up three goals to Markus Granlund (3), PPG-Josh Jooris (4), and Lance Bouma (5). Craig Anderson struggled in goal, stopping 20/23 shots at even strength, but giving up the PPG to Josh Jooris.
On September 10th, these two teams faced off at Bridgestone Arena. The Preds were successful in a 3-2 win against the Senators. Eric Nystrom had the game winning goal and Pekka Rinne was solid in net. The overlying statistic from this matchup was the Preds ability to get pucks to the net (37 shots).
In tonight’s matchup, Pekka Rinne will receive a break in net. The Preds have announced that backup goaltender, Carter Hutton, will try to stop the Senators offensive attack.
For the season, the Senators are being led in points by Clarke MacArthur. The Lloydminster, AB, Canada native has collected 8 goals (leads team), 5 assists for a total of 13 points. Kyle Turris and Erik Karlsson are tied for the team lead with 8 assists.
Keys to watch
History shows equality
In the last 10 games that these two teams have faced off, the Nashville Predators lead the series 5-4-(0)-1. These two teams have not dominated each other over their history. There has been streaks where a team would win 3 in a row, but overall this is traditionally a close series. Look for tonight’s game in Ottawa to be a close affair. Don’t expect a blowout like the Preds witnessed in Toronto on Tuesday night versus the Maple Leafs.
Offensive production. Consistency.
On Tuesday, the Preds showed an offensive prowess that has not been seen by fans since March 18th, 2006 when the Preds put up 9 goals on the Calgary Flames. Was this a look to the future? Are the Preds becoming an offensively-dominant team? Only time will tell if they will be able to keep up this momentum of offensive production. It does seem that the team’s offensive emphasis is paying major dividends.
Weber on the verge of history
With one more assist, Shea Weber will hold the record for Most Assists by a Defenseman in Nashville Predators history. Currently, The Captain is tied with former Predator Kimmo Timonen with 222 assists for the franchise. Will he get the record tonight? Only time will tell if the Preds captain will have that opportunity against the Senators.
Due to the game being in the Eastern Time Zone, the game will start at 6:30 CST. Be sure to catch the game on FS-TN or listen live on 102.5 The Game. Catch all of the @PenaltyBoxRadio updates on Twitter and Facebook for news, and game previews every week.
