Nashville Predators face tough road test in Arizona
The Nashville Predators are staring in the face of franchise history and taking on every challenge. Tonight, it means playing a complete game in Arizona.
The facts are clear. With 100 points so far this season, this version of the Nashville Predators is one of the best in franchise history. And, right now, they are “kings of the hill” in the NHL. While they are tied with Tampa Bay in points, the Predators have one more game to play than the Lightning. They also enter a demanding stretch of games as five of their next six games are on the road. Four of those games are against playoff contenders, including Winnipeg, Minnesota, and Toronto.
Tonight, however, may be their toughest assignment. The Predators start their trek in Arizona to face a team at the bottom of the standings. As much as we want to say Nashville should win this game, anything can happen. It already has against the Coyotes this season. In their first matchup this year, the Predators fell to the Coyotes 3-2 in overtime. It was Ryan Ellis‘s second game on the season and included his first goal.
More from Predators News
- Joakim Kemell Flashes his Offense in Nashville Predators Loss to Tampa
- Nashville Predators 2023 Training Camp Spotlight: Luke Schenn
- Nashville Predators 2023 Training Camp Roster Officially Announced
- Nashville Predators Rookie Camp will Showcase Loaded Prospect Pool
- How Crazy Would Signing Phil Kessel be for the Nashville Predators?
Two weeks later, Arizona visited Bridgestone and the results were strikingly similar. The Predators earned a 3-2 victory in a shootout. And, like the first game, Ryan Ellis notched a goal. Additionally, Filip Forsberg missed both games.
In order to be the best, you have to beat the best; however, you should also dominate the teams considered low-caliber. There is no denying the Coyotes are a tough team, but they are also one of the worst. You are who your record says you are.
Can the Nashville Predators put together a full 60-minute game and win?
Projected Lineup
Tonight should be a game when the offensive salivates. Goalie Antii Raata is out due to an injury meaning the Predators will see the Coyotes’ backup. The Predators announced today that Calle Jarnkrok will miss the remainder of the regular season with an upper-body injury after being boarded on Tuesday. Coach Peter Laviolette will shuffle up the lines a bit to expand scoring options. Pekka Rinne will likely get the start in goal.
Scott Hartnell – Ryan Johansen – Viktor Arvidsson
Kevin Fiala – Kyle Turris – Craig Smith
Filip Forsberg – Nick Bonino – Ryan Hartman
Miikka Salomaki – Colton Sissons – Austin Watson
Defense
Mattias Ekholm – Ryan Ellis
Goaltenders
Pekka Rinne
Next: Preds hit 100 points for sixth time
Where to watch
Tonights game from Arizona will start at9:00 p.m. Central Time, with pregame at 8:30 p.m. Tune in to Fox Sports Tennessee to watch, or stream on the Fox Sports Go app. You can also listen to the game on 102.5 The Game in Nashville.