The Nashville Predators look to rebound and gain a win tonight as the Detriot Red Wings visit Bridgestone. Will Music City or Rock City sing in victory?
It was a great streak while it lasted. The Nashville Predators earned points in seven straight games, and in 15 of their last 16. But, a loss at home on Thursday ended the streak and has left fans questioning their recent play.
Still, the Predators sit atop the Central Division and in great shape for the playoffs. Though they are now tied with Winnipeg. Starting a new points streak will be necessary to keep up with the powerful Jets offense. And there is no better way to start that streak than with a win over the Detroit Red Wings.
The Red Wing enter tonight’s game in Bridgestone with a 24-25-9 record, outside of the Eastern Conference’s playoff standings. While not mathematically out of the running, they are 9 points behind the second wild-card spot, with four teams ahead of them. The Red Wings are led by center Dylan Larkin, who has 9 goals and 34 assists on the season. Anthony Mantha leads the team with 19 goals, followed by Gustav Nyquist and Tomas Tatar with 15 each.
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Detroit sits in the middle of the pack in terms goals allowed in the NHL, though possess a -20 goal differential. They sit in the bottom four of goals scored and bottom six in penalty kill. Advantage Nashville.
At least it should be Nashville’s advantage. The Predators rank third in goals allowed all season, with Pekka Rinne leading the charge in net. And, with the recent struggles on the power play, the Predators need to break through with a goal or two.
Projected Line-up
Kyle Turris missed the last game against Calgary due to illness, but should be back for tonight. With the lack of firepower on offense lately, expect Coach Laviolette mix of the lines in hopes to find a spark. Also, look for Juuse Saros to be in net giving Rinne the night off.
Kevin Fiala – Ryan Johansen – Viktor Arvidsson
Filip Forsberg – Kyle Turris / Calle Jarnkrok – Craig Smith
Scott Hartnell – Nick Bonino – Pontus Aberg
Miikka Salomaki – Colton Sissons – Austin Watson
Defense
Goaltenders
Juuse Saros
Pekka Rinne
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Where to watch
Tonight’s Nashville Predators game coverage starts at 7 p.m. CT start time with Predators Live Pregame beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Fox Sports Tennessee. You can also listen to the broadcast on 102.5 The Game and the Predators Radio Network. Streaming the game is also possible on the Fox Sports Go app.