Keys to Watch
Lineup Changes
Tonight, the Nashville Predators will be switching up their lineup to get a spark added after two closely-contested matches. The Preds recalled Juuse Saros and Pontus Aberg from the Milwaukee Admirals and assigned Marek Mazanec and Kevin Fiala to the Admirals. Now, there could be some underlying issues, but this could be due to the negative play of Fiala and lack of trust in Mazanec. Saros has played exceptional in the AHL this season with a 6-1-0 start, 1.99 goals against average, and .929 save percentage. Aberg has also excelled in Milwaukee with nine points (five goals, four assists) in nine games this season. This could possibly be the spark that the Nashville Predators need to get over this early season slump.
Timely Scoring
The Nashville Predators have struggled early on this season. There is no denying this fact. Yet, with a few exceptions, they have been in every game down to the very end. Whether it has been shootout losses or giving up a late goal, the Preds seem to not be able to get that late goal and timely-scoring to push them over the edge. It has been noted in previous posts that the Predators are not getting the goal scoring need from top players (Forsberg, Neal, Johansen). Whatever needs to be accomplished has to take a hold for the team to get back to their winning ways. No need to panic, yet. If the Predators cannot get the scoring fixed, hysteria might settle in among the Loyal Legion.
Scouting the Sens
Statistically, the Ottawa Senators come into Bridgestone Arena tonight as a solid team. They are middle of the pack among the league in most statistical categories. With a record of 7-4-0, their fourteen points places them tied for 9th in the NHL. The Senators have 28 goals scored on the season (22nd) and 28 goals scored against (6th). They are weaker on their special teams, but can play with the top teams in the league. The Nashville Predators will have a tough opponent tonight that refuses to give up and can score. Kyle Turris is their leading goal-scorer with five goals and the ever dangerous offensive threat of Erik Karlsson leads the team with seven assists.
Tonight, the Nashville Predators will try to get a win in front of the hometown crowd. 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!
