Nashville Predators take on the Island of Manhattan, Part Two
Two days after conquering the Rangers, the Nashville Predators press forward through Manhattan to battle the Islanders.
Nothing like the smell of vulcanized rubber and victory to start the season. The Nashville Predators survived a hard-fought battle against the New York Rangers, earning a season-opening two points. Tonight, the Predators press forward, deeper into Manhattan, to take on an Islanders team under a new general.
That leader is Barry Trotz. The reigning Stanley Cup coach and former Predators leader took his game to the Empire State. Last season, the Islanders finished with 80 points, missing the playoffs for the second season in a row. Trotz has only experienced seasons of 80 points or fewer five times. Those were the first five season of Nashville Predators existence. The Islanders have 8 seasons of 80 or fewer points since 2007.
Both the Predators and Islanders are coming off wins to open their seasons. Nashville has not started the season with a 2-0-0 record in the last three seasons. They haven’t won their first two road games since the 2011-12 season. It was the last season Trotz drove the Predators to the playoffs. Only Roman Josi, Ryan Ellis, Craig Smith, and Pekka Rinne remain from that team.
The teams are different now. Nashville is a perennial contender for the NHL’s ultimate prize. The Islanders are looking to retool their team back into a contender, winning their first Cup since 1983. In a battle to start their season with two wins, which team will come out on top?
Here is what you need to know.
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.