The Nashville Predators would take on another division opponent on Thursday night as they faced the St. Louis Blues.
The Preds started off on the right foot as they got a power-play goal from Roman Josi at 7:14 of the first period.
The game would go into the third period with Nashville up 1-0. The Preds would collapse late once again.
St. Louis would get two goals in the third period to give St. Louis a 2-1 victory.
Nashville will try to right the ship as they welcome in the Minnesota Wild to Bridgestone Arena.
The Minnesota Wild have a point in their last nine games (6-0-3).
In their last outing, the Wild defeated the New York Rangers 5-2.
Keys to Watch
Shaking Things Up!
The Nashville Predators have seen over the past six weeks that change is needed. Some of the line combinations are just not clicking. The coaching staff will be mixing some things up against the Wild tonight. The first line will have no big surprises with Filip Forsberg, Mike Ribeiro, and Craig Smith. The big surprise for tonight is Colin Wilson skating with James Neal and Calle Jarnkrok. The thought will be to get Wilson going offensively. It’s no secret that he has struggled this season but the coaching staff believes in his abilities. If this doesn’t work, there’s no telling what will happen next. Look for Wilson to get some quality chances tonight on the second line.
Close Games
The recent string of games for the Nashville Predators has not been a pretty one. In the 19 days in the month of December, the Predators only have two wins and five one-goal game losses. These close games have not been good for the Preds. The best example was on Thursday night against St. Louis when the Predators collapsed with a 1-0 lead going into the third. Nashville has to find a way to win these close games. If they can’t win some close games and build some confidence, look for a long season ahead.
Missing Fisher
The Nashville Predators have missed Mike Fisher since he has been out of the lineup. His leadership as the second line center and positive play has truly been missed. Fisher has been on injured reserve due to a lower body injury since December 1st. During the morning skate, Fisher participated in line rushes with the defensive pairings but is not expected to play tonight. Nashville needs Mike Fisher to come back. They are missing his style of play right now.
The Preds will look to do something to fix this losing trend. You can catch the game on Fox Sports-Tennessee or you can listen live on 102.5 The Game.
Puck drops at 7:00 pm!
