Nashville Predators take on the Island of Manhattan, Part Two

Some good and some bad

The Nashville Predators took a nice 3-2 victory over the Rangers on Thursday night. As with any game, there are positives witnessed and areas the team needs to improve. On the positive side, Pekka Rinne played up to Vezina levels. The Predators’ netminder saved 34 pucks, including 87.5% of high-danger chances during 5v5 action. After one game, Rinne’s goals-saved above average is 1.47.

Offensively, Filip Forsberg continues to show his scoring ability. With a quick turn of the wrist, Forsberg notched the first Predators’ goal of the season, giving the team 1-0 lead. Colton Sissons gained two points with an assist on P.K. Subban‘s goal and an empty-net goal of his own.

It was Craig Smith who drove the action all game long. Smith generated five high-danger chances and took six shots on the night. His energy put pressure on the Rangers’ defense and propelled the Predators to victory.

But, it was not all great. The defense showed some weaknesses. New York gained 14 high-danger chances at even strength and 15 total on the night. Both goals for New York came at the high-danger areas. On the first goal, Subban was caught watching the puck, allowing Jesper Fast to cut behind him and to the net. The other goal came on a man-advantage in a flurry of action to close the game.

When the defensive was in doubt, they dumped the puck out of the zone. Twenty-six times. While clearing the puck is a solid option when needed, the Predators relied heavily on this technique. It shows a panic-mode atmosphere at times on defense. According to Penalty Box Radio, the defense did generate 23 breakout passes. It would be nice to see the defense increase this number and lower the clearings. That should produce more offensive chances.

Lineup and storylines

Nashville enjoyed a day off yesterday, touring the city of New York. Of course, they made a stop to see Lady Liberty. One question: where is Viktor Arvidsson?

I fully expect the lineup to be similar to Thursday’s game, though the morning skate shows some movement. The top two lines produced both offense and defense and should continue to do so. The third line was exposed. While deployed over 65% of the time in the defensive zone, Nick Bonino, Calle Jarnkrok, and Ryan Hartman were outshot and outplayed. The Rangers’ lone 5v5 goal came while the third line was on the ice.

The Islanders play a physical brand of hockey, dishing out 32 hits and blocking 22 shots against the Carolina Hurricanes. Look for Zac Rinaldo to be on the ice. Here is the lineup during on the morning skate.

As for goaltender, this is a coin flip. Rinne played well during the opener, but allowing Juuse Saros some early time on the road this season may be wise.

Storylines

• The Predators are 14-8-0-3 all-time against the Islanders, including 6-4-0-2 on the road.
• Nashville holds a 2-1-0 record at the Barclays Center
• Filip Forsberg has 3 goals and 3 assists in 8 games against the Islanders.
• Kyle Turris has 4 goals and 10 assists versus the Islanders.
• New York opened their season with a 2-1 overtime win in Carolina.
• Carolina outshot the Islanders 46-20
• The Islanders generated 14 takeaway in their last game.
• Peter Laviolette coached the Islanders from 2001-2003, earning a record of 77-62-19 and making it to the playoffs each season.

Where to watch

Tonight’s game from the Barclays Center begins at 6:00pm  Central Time and will be broadcast on Fox Sports Tennessee. Fans can also stream action on the Fox Sports Go app or listen to 102.5 The Game for Peter Weber’s radio call.