When you’ve got it, you’ve got it and when you don’t, you don’t. Early on, the Nashville Predators (26-9-4) didn’t have “it” against the Carolina Hurricanes. The Preds were struggling in the offensive zone and at the end of the 1st the Preds were down 1-0. Carolina was able to capitalize on the PP as Eric Staal scored at 17:25.
The 2nd period had the Preds pick up the intensity and they had some quality scoring chances, but were unable to come through. Pekka Rinne was outstanding as he was able to stop all of Carolina’s chances. The 2nd period ended with Carolina still leading 1-0.
In the 3rd period, scoring became plentiful. The scoring started as Ryan Ellis snuck one past Cam Ward and the Preds tied the game 1-1. Soon after, the Canes were able to regain the lead as Justin Faulk put away Carolina’s 2nd PPG of the night at 8:14. Mike Fisher returned the favor to tie the game back up at 10:29 from Colin Wilson and Filip Forsberg. The final goal of the night was scored by Roman Josi at 15:17 to give the Preds the final lead of the game as the Preds went on to win 3-2.
Tonight, the Preds will host Central Division rival, the Dallas Stars (18-15-6) at Bridgestone Arena.
The Stars last faced off against the Columbus Blue Jackets and seemed to be outmatched for much of the matchup. By the end of the 1st period, Dallas was already down 2-0 with goals by James Wisniewski (4) at 05:21 and a PPG by Ryan Johansen (13) at 07:26.
Dallas was able to mount a comeback, but it was not enough. The Stars got two goals in the 2nd period from Ales Hemsky (5) at 05:28 and Antoine Roussel (10) at 13:14. Dallas would go on to lose to Columbus by a final of 4-2.
Dallas is being led by Tyler Seguin in points with 47 points. Seguin also leads the team in goals with 26. He is the leader of the team on the offensive side.
Keys to Watch
Filip Forsberg Breaks Record
Filip Forsberg was able to take over the spot for the most points in a rookie season. Forsberg was able to get his 38th point. One more than Alexander Radulov’s 37 points in 64 games in his rookie campaign. If this continues, look for Forsberg to bring home some hardware at the end of the season. It’s looking up for this young phenom.
Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star!
One bright spot on this year’s Dallas Stars team has been the play of Tyler Seguin. With struggles at goaltender, their offense has been required to step up and Seguin has done so. Leading the team in points and goals has been required in his game. When they are able to get decent play defensively, this team is a tough team to beat due to the offensive play by Seguin and his teammates.
Let the Boo-Birds Rain!
In the off-season, the Nashville Predators were looking to sign various players to beef up their team. One player that was looked at, from a fan’s perspective, was Jason Spezza. When he said that he did not want to come to Nashville, this put a bull’s eye when he enters Bridgestone Arena. Expect the boo-birds to fly tonight!
Tonight’s matchup will be another test for this year’s Nashville Predators! The Preds need to continue their home winning ways, with a record of 15-2-1, and take down the Stars. You can catch the game on FS-Tennessee or listen live on 102.5 The Game.
