Nashville Predators Look To Continue Strong Preseason Against Carolina

NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 25: Carolina Hurricanes forward Lucas Wallmark (71) defends against Nashville Predators center Ryan Johansen (92) during the NHL preseason game between the Nashville Predators and the Carolina Hurricanes, held on September 25, 2018, at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Danny Murphy/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 25: Carolina Hurricanes forward Lucas Wallmark (71) defends against Nashville Predators center Ryan Johansen (92) during the NHL preseason game between the Nashville Predators and the Carolina Hurricanes, held on September 25, 2018, at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Danny Murphy/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The Nashville Predators head into tonight’s game with a 3-1 record in the preseason, as they look to continue their momentum into the regular season.

Last time out, the Nashville Predators won a 5-4 OT thriller against the Tampa Bay Lightning off of a Rem Pitlick goal, with goals from Filip Forsberg, Eeli Tolvanen, Viktor Arvidsson and Matt Duchene.

Today, they head into tonight’s game without Pitlick and Tolvanen, as they have been sent back down to Milwaukee for the time being.

The Carolina Hurricanes head into today’s game with a 2-1 record, with their last game being a 3-2 loss to the Washington Capitals.

More from Predlines

The Hurricanes are off to a shaky start offensively, as Brock McGinn leads them offensively with two points in the two games he played in, including one goal that he scored against the Capitals on Sunday night.

As for the Nashville Predators, Nick Bonino leads them in points thus far, scoring two goals and adding two helpers for four points in his two games played.

Viktor Arvidsson also has a goal and an assist while only playing in Saturday night’s victory against the Tampa Bay Lightning thus far.

One interesting thing to watch for this preseason should be line combinations, as Peter Laviolette has started to test new combinations in practice.

Yesterday, he placed Filip Forsberg on a line with Matt Duchene and Mikael Granlund, while Kyle Turris took Forsberg’s usual spot alongside Ryan Johansen and Viktor Arvidsson.

It should be interesting to see how these combinations work if they show up in tonight’s game, especially with Kyle Turris on the wing on the Johansen line.

Another player to look out for is Austin Watson, as he has had a solid start to the preseason, scoring one goal and one assist in his only preseason game, which helps his case in his fight for a spot in the bottom-six forward group.

As for the Hurricanes, Sebastian Aho could be a major factor this preseason. He has yet to register a point this preseason, but he will always be a major factor for the Canes, especially after his new five-year deal that was signed this offseason.

Jake Bean has also looked like a solid piece for the Carolina Hurricanes on the back end, as he is solid in the back end and also added an assist in Sunday’s loss to Washington.

The Nashville Predators are going to have a tough challenge against the Hurricanes tonight, but it is another step in the road to getting ready for the regular season.