Keys to Watch
Regroup/Refocus
After an extended break for the holiday season, the Nashville Predators will get back on the ice tonight at Bridgestone Arena. Nashville had lost three out of the last five games before December 22. The hope for most fans is that this break could not have come at a better time. The Predators went into the season as a true contender for the Stanley Cup. Now, they just seem like a team that, at best, will limp into the playoffs come spring. They need to regroup and refocus for a push towards the playoffs. It’s not too late to fix the current problems, but if the team waits too long, they could be on the outside looking in.
Stopping the Wild
By far, before the holiday break, the Minnesota Wild were considered one of the best teams in the NHL with a 10 game winning streak. Relying on their defensive play, Minnesota has been near unstoppable winning games with a dominating presence. They have outscored their opponents 37-16 over this span, and goaltender, Devan Dubnyk has not lost in regulation since November 19th. The Wild are playing like a true contender in the Western Conference, and if the Predators want to reach that level of play, they must step their game up. Priority number one for tonight will be ending their division rival’s lengthy streak.
The Puzzle
One of the main concerns this season for the Nashville Predators has been scoring. Specifically, inconsistent scoring from game to game. Tonight, the Preds will take on one of the best goaltenders in the NHL this season. Devan Dubnyk is currently near the top of the NHL in almost every statistical category for goaltender. In 26 games this season, Dubnyk is 17-6-3 with a 1.57 goals-against average, and .948 save percentage. If the Predators plan to stop their division rival tonight, they must solve the puzzle that is Dubnyk. If they can’t get consistent scoring, it could be a long night.
Tonight, the Predators will look to get back on track against the streaking Minnesota Wild. 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!
