Nashville Predators: Seeking Consecutive Wins Vs Red Wings

The Nashville Predators were able to avert a major disaster on Thursday after Dante Fabbro scored the game-winning goal with under a minute left in regulation.

With that victory in the rearview mirror, they return home for the back half of this two-game series against the Red Wings.

Thursday’s contest proved to be tough, as the Red Wings got plenty of opportunities and controlled the pace of the game for several minutes.

Fortunately, the Predators were able to hold up when it mattered and get their first regulation win for the first time since January 16.

A win is a win, but they are hoping to win in slightly more convincing fashion than last time.  Here is how they can accomplish that.

Ride the hot hand

Last year was a tough year for Pekka Rinne, and many including myself thought that his time as starting goaltender for the Predators was over.  Little did we know how the veteran net-minder would respond.

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Rinne has come back with an absolute vengeance, posting an impressive 2.56 GAA and .911 save percentage in eight games played.

Thursday night, in particular, was a tremendous outing for him, as he made several point-blank saves and ultimately saved the Predators from an embarrassing defeat.

John Hynes would be smart to start Rinne again tonight, and assuming he does, that is good news for the team.

The Red Wings have been arguably the most offensively challenged team in the NHL so far this year, as they are averaging a meager 1.93 goals per game, which is tied for dead last in the league.

That is an extremely favorable matchup for Rinne, and it especially helps out that he has so much momentum right now.

Teams that can keep the puck out of their own net have a chance to win any night, and Rinne is giving the Predators a chance to win night in and night out with the way he is performing.

Build off improvements in weak areas

The Predators’ issues are well documented at this point in time.  They have major work to do before they can officially overcome those deficiencies, but any and all progress in those facets of the game is a good thing.

That’s what happened for them last game.  It’s rare that the Predators win the special teams battle in any game they play, but they did on Thursday night, as they went a perfect four for four on the penalty kill and converted one of their four power play chances.

They managed to get the first goal and get out of the second period tied, both of which have not happened since January 27.  And in that game, the Predators didn’t record a goal until the third period.

Obviously, the bigger picture is that this season has been a disappointment for the team, but once again, even small improvements are a good thing.  And against a team as bad as the Red Wings, the Predators have a great opportunity to continue to improve in those areas, which could build some confidence moving forward.

Pressure is on

The victory on Thursday night gave the Predators a four-point advantage over the Red Wings in the standings, but they are still flirting with last place in the Central.

A loss tonight would put them right back in the mix, and Thursday’s game proved that emerging victorious will be a tough task.

On top of that, the Red Wings have found major success in Nashville over the past few years, as I tweeted after the game ended on Thursday.

All hope is not lost yet, but it might be if they fall to the last place team in their division.  Let’s hope they can get it done.