Nashville Predators: Predators Look To Be SENS-sational In Ottawa
Some say puns are cries for help, but I think they show signs of a well-adjusted adult. Oh, and the Nashville Predators take on the Ottawa Senators also.
Kyle Turris returns to the city that wept at his exit. While that exit may have been an escape, Turris still speaks fondly of his nation’s capital. He gave an excellent interview on the 31 Thoughts Podcast about what the city and team meant to him. It’s better PR for the Senators than anything Eugene Melnyk’s done over the past few months. Speaking of good PR, a nice tribute video will probably be in order as the Nashville Predators take on an injured Senators.
The Ottawa Senators don’t have much in the way of a top six as many players are injured. Mark Stone is a Selke candidate and the best two-way winger since Marian Hossa. He’s out with a knee injury with no timetable for return. Derick Brassard has been out for a few days with an undisclosed injury, and he will not be in the lineup tonight. He’s actively played as the first line center. Bobby Ryan is out with yet another hand injury, he’s expected to miss another week or so. Alexandre Burrows has also been suspended for 10 games. I’d go more into it but it’s a disgusting act from a disgusting player and I don’t want to give him the satisfaction of talking about him.
Enough negatives, let’s take a look at the positives, or just who’s left on the team.
I think I’m cute, I know I’m SENSY
Nothing better than some WWE puns, and you gotta give some love to the HBK. Speaking of a heartbreak kid, Erik Karlsson is still looking as handsome as ever. He’s got a cool 35 points in 47 games, but he’s been getting better as the season has gone on. Karlsson is also playing on one and a half ankles, so I’m willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. He’s a world beater in his own right and can take over a game if not watched carefully. If the Senators generate any offense, Karlsson’s probably behind it.
One of the best snipers in the game seemingly hides in Ottawa as Mike Hoffman flies under the radar. His name has come up recently as he’s been rumored as trade bait, although no real offers have been reported. The winger has 36 points in 52 games and, while he has been cold recently, he could ignite if the defense gives him any space.
Do we all feel bad for Matt Duchene yet? You can tell he loves Nashville and I really think he wanted to be here. Life isn’t fair though and Duchene ended up in Ottawa. Despite a lack of points in his first 20 games, he’s caught fire as of late and has 14 points in 14 games. That leaves him with 20 points in 38 games as a Senator.
The Nashville Predators
Filip Forsberg will be sitting out the last game of his suspension and will be back on Saturday against the Canadiens. Here’s the lineup:
Viktor Arvidsson–Ryan Johansen–Craig Smith
Kevin Fiala–Nick Bonino–Calle Jarnkrok
Scott Hartnell-Kyle Turris-Austin Watson
Miikka Salomaki–Colton Sissons–Pontus Aberg
Juuse Saros will most likely get the start as Pekka Rinne got the nod last night in Toronto.
Keys
- Expect traffic in the neutral zone: The Senators employ the most boring scheme in hockey, the neutral zone trap. It made Jacques Lemaire famous and brought the Devils a cup or two, but it stinks to watch. The Predators need to be ok with carrying the puck in the neutral zone because almost all passing options won’t work.
- Keep penetrating the slot: The Predators had 18 high danger chances at five on five against the Leafs, if they can keep that trend up then I can almost guarantee they’ll get the win.
Where to watch
Watch the game on Fox Sports Tennesse at 6:30 PM. You can also listen to the game on 102.5 The Game.