On Monday night, the Nashville Predators extended their hot streak with a monstrous second period, en route to a 5-2 win over Winnipeg.
The Nashville Predators continued their hot streak Monday night with a win over the Winnipeg Jets. The Predators are firing on all cylinders at the moment, as they have won seven of their last eight games and their last four road games. They have scored five or more goals in five of those wins and look as strong offensively as any team in the league right now.
Offense
The Predators offense was at full strength tonight. Kyle Turris, Ryan Johansen, and Kevin Fiala led the way as all three had a goal and an assist. Mattias Ekholm and Nick Bonino added goals as well. Viktor Arvidsson, P.K. Subban, and Roman Josi each added two assists en route to the home win.
Ekholm continued his tear as of late, as he scored in his fourth consecutive game. Bonino tallied his third point in four games, after being injured for a month. Fiala seems to be stepping into his new role nicely, as he now has 6 points in his last 4 games.
All in all, everyone on this Predators offense is stepping up right now. A hot streak like we are seeing doesn’t come from one or two guys. It is a team effort by all facets of the game. Right now, this Nashville offense is as hot as any in the league.
Nashville clocks in with the 6th best power play in the NHL, and it showed tonight. The Predators scored on two of their three power plays. Turris and Ekholm both tallied power play goals in the 2nd period, to help Nashville pull away. The 2nd period has been a strength of the Nashville Predators all season, and tonight was no exception. Nashville outshot Winnipeg 19 to 7 in the 2nd, and completely dominated play.
The offensive chemistry was on full display, and the boys in gold put on a show for a sold-out crowd in Bridgestone Arena.
Defense
Pekka Rinne led the way on defense tonight with 32 saves. Although, he gave up two goals late, Rinne was solid all night. Rinne continues to defy the odds, as the 35 year old goalie is having one of his best seasons.
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The Predators were 1 of 2 tonight on the penalty kill. The Jets have a top 10 power play, which was shown tonight. They move the puck well, keep good spacing, and create quality chances. Their one power play goal was well earned.
The Predators were outshot 35-29, however, it wasn’t a problem like usual.
Nashville was forcing shots from low-percentage areas. Winnipeg was firing shots from the face off dots and beyond for most of the night, as the Predators defenseman were able to hold their ground well.
While it might look bad on the stat sheet, giving up shots from far out is what teams want to do defensively. A ton of low-percentage shots is no better than a few high-percentage shots.
Next Up
On Wednesday night, the Montreal Canadiens come to Nashville. The game will be the last of Nashville’s three game home stand before they go to St. Louis later in the week.
Montreal is struggling right now, having lost their last three games, all at home. The Predators are trending upward at the moment, and the chemistry that we have all been waiting on seems to finally be here.
Next: Mattias Ekholm Continues to Shine
Wednesday night, 7 PM CT.
Montreal vs Nashville
The Nashville Predators look for their eighth win in nine games.