Keys to Watch
Streaking
Every team that is trying to make a push toward the Stanley Cup playoffs wants to get hot at the right time. The most important part of making a run towards a championship is all about timing. With nine games remaining, the Western Conference seeding is starting to take shape. The Predators are 5-1-0 in their past six games and have won six of their past seven at home. If the Predators plan to make a run this year, they must keep up their current trajectory. The Predators have four home games remaining, and need to take advantage with a win in each of those contests.
The Rinne Wall
As goes Pekka Rinne, so does the Predators. This has been THE mantra for this team for the most recent past. When Rinne plays well, the Predators are one of the most difficult teams to play in the NHL. With the system of Peter Laviolette, the offense clicks on most given nights. In the last four contests, Rinne is 4-0-0, .935 save-percentage, and 1.75 goals-against average. The Predators need Rinne to continue his dominance for Nashville to have a fighting chance during the postseason. Editor’s note: Rinne will be playing in his 500th game tonight.
Sharks Falling
While the Predators are doing well, the Sharks have lost five in a row and are even in points with the Anaheim Ducks for first place in the Pacific Division. San Jose is coming into Nashville for the first time since the 2016 postseason. The Sharks are coming into Nashville after a 6-1 loss to the Dallas Stars and will be looking to stay in first place in the playoff push. They can’t afford another loss. Another loss could spiral this team out of control and they will be looking for answers.
Tonight, the Predators will be looking to inch closer to the postseason, while the Sharks will be trying to get back in the win column. Be sure to catch all of the action tonight on Fox Sports-Tennessee or you can listen live on 102.5 The Game. Puck drops at 7:00pm!
