Predators Continue Canadian Road Trip After Win in Vancouver

Following a dominant 7-1 win in Vancouver, the Nashville Predators look for a victory in Edmonton on the second leg of their Canadian road trip.

Last night in Vancouver, the Nashville Predators poured it on the Canucks, in a 7-1 win. Vancouver was the first stop in a three-game Western Canadian road series. Next up, the Predators head to Edmonton tonight, to face the Oilers, led by superstar Connor McDavid.

Last Night

Everything that could’ve gone right last night, went right for Nashville. P.K. Subban scored an early goal on a fluttering puck that slipped past Anders Nilsson. Subban followed that with a slap shot goal from center ice. Yes, he scored from center ice.

That's @PKSubban1 from wayyyyyyyyyyyy back. https://t.co/rzNlZVDKTU
— NHL (@NHL) December 14, 2017

The Predators had some outstanding chances last night, however, seemed to score on the flukes instead.

Nashville put up 48 shots on Vancouver, a season high, and only allowed 26.

Viktor Arvidsson tallied his 6th shorthanded goal in the last two seasons, a league high.

P.K. Subban recorded his 5th career multi-goal game.

The line of Kyle Turris, Kevin Fiala, and Craig Smith added 6 points last night, to bring their 15 game total to 43.

Tonight

Who: Nashville Predators vs Edmonton Oilers

When: 9 PM ET

Where: Rogers Place – Edmonton, Aleberta, Canada

How to Watch: FoxSports Tennessee

How to Listen: 102.5 The Game

Nashville sits 3rd in the Western Conference with 42 points, while Edmonton sits second-to-last with a mere 28. Don’t be fooled though, this Edmonton team is explosive, led by reigning Hart Memorial Trophy winner, Connor McDavid. Although the season hasn’t been too exciting for Edmonton, they are coming off of a 7-2 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Tuesday.

Keys for Nashville

Power Play – Nashville’s 26.3% power play conversion rate is 2nd best in the NHL. Edmonton’s 73.3% penalty kill percentage is WORST in the league. One easy way for Nashville to pour it on the Oilers tonight, is on the power play. The Predators were 1 for 4 last night on the power play.

Protect Rinne – Pekka Rinne is 6-3-1 in road starts this year. If the Predators defense can keep the shots to a minimum, and in low-danger areas, Rinne will have an easy night. Edmonton doesn’t have too many weapons, however, the ones they do have, are very good. There is a chance Juuse Saros starts tonight, but the Predators have not named their starting goalie yet.

Frustrate Edmonton’s Weapons – Edmonton lives and dies through Connor McDavid, Milan Lucic, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. When they are able to find time and space, and create shots, good things happen. When opponents make a point to shut them down, they have no other viable offense. If the Predators win tonight, it will be because they kept McDavid, Nugent-Hopkins, and Lucic quiet.

Line Combinations

Despite Ryan Johansen‘s return from the IR last night, the JoFA line was mixed up. Scott Hartnell returned after over a month off, leading to some moves on the 4th line. Tonight, we expect the same lines that we saw in Vancouver.