The 2020-21 NHL regular season is winding down. Hopefully, the Nashville Predators will be in the post-season after their final regular-season game on May 10.
Today, the Predators are in the 4th playoff spot in the Central Division but by a very slim margin. Nashville holds a two-point lead over the Dallas Stars and a three-point lead over the Chicago Blackhawks.
More from Predlines
- Nashville Predators 2023 Training Camp Spotlight: Kiefer Sherwood
- Captain Candidates if Nashville Predators Didn’t Have Roman Josi
- The All-Time 25 Games or Less Nashville Predators Lineup
- Nashville Predators 2023 Training Camp Spotlight: Cody Glass
- Joakim Kemell Flashes his Offense in Nashville Predators Loss to Tampa
The Predators have a crucial game tonight against Chicago, their eighth and final meeting of the season.
After blowing a three-point lead in Wednesday’s game against the Blackhawks, Nashville has to make a statement tonight and secure two more points.
Nashville has dominated Chicago this season, winning six of their seven meetings. They look to continue this domination and move on to their next opponent, who happens to be sitting in 2nd place in the Central Division, the Florida Panthers.
Counting tonight’s game, the Predators only have eight more regular-season games. Every game is crucial, as are the two points associated with each.
The Blackhawks have a game in hand over the Predators but face some very tough opponents in their final games of the season. The Stars have two games in hand over Nashville but also have a tough schedule to finish out their regular season.
The Predators need to continue their winning ways and finish the season strong if they hope to maintain their 4th place spot. With some excellent gameplay and a little scoreboard luck, the Predators could find themselves in the playoffs for the seventh straight year.
This week, we look at a milestone for a Predators player, another prospect that signed a contract, and a Predators player featured on NBCSN.
A Milestone For Ironhook
On Monday, Calle Jarnkrok played in the 500th game of his NHL career. Not only did he play in his 500th game, but he also scored a goal, helping secure a 5-2 win over the Chicago Blackhawks.
Jarnkrok is a valuable player for the Predators and one of their most consistent. In his eight seasons with Nashville, Jarnkrok has scored 205 points (93 goals, 112 assists) and tallied one hat trick.
Congratulation on 500 games, and here’s to 500 more!
Tonight is Calle Jarnkrok's 500th NHL career game! Congrats, Calle! #MakeItCount | @JackDaniels_US pic.twitter.com/Fcig98Wj7I
— Nashville Predators (@PredsNHL) April 20, 2021
The Nashville Predators Sign Another Prospect
On Tuesday, GM David Poile announced that the Predators signed defenseman Marc Del Gaizo to a three-year, entry-level contract.
The Predators drafted Del Gaizo in the fourth round of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. After the draft, he began his college career playing for UMass Amherst, helping the team win an NCAA Division 1 championship.
Welcome to Smashville. We are all looking forward to seeing you in a Predators uniform in the future.
President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced today that the team has signed defenseman Marc Del Gaizo to a three-year, entry-level contract.https://t.co/WZNGwclnuB
— Nashville Predators (@PredsNHL) April 20, 2021
NBC Sports Network Features Grimaldi
The NBC Sports Network aired Wednesday night’s game against the Chicago Blackhawks. Before the game, they featured a segment on Rocco Grimaldi.
The piece talked about Grimaldi’s upbringing and how he never let his smaller size hold him back from achieving his dreams. As a bonus, the legendary Doc Emrick lent his voice and narrated the Grimaldi segment.
"For me I wanna be able to be someone who can say hey, it wasn't easy, but you can make it one day."
— NBC Sports Hockey (@NBCSportsHockey) April 21, 2021
Meet Rocco Grimaldi, who has never let his size determine what is possible in the National Hockey League. 👏#Preds | @PredsNHL pic.twitter.com/ubYmcFW07V
Tolvy Scores In His First Game Back
In his first game back from injury, Eeli Tolvanen netted Nashville’s first goal of the game during Wednesday’s clash with the Blackhawks and ignited the fans with his return to the ice.
Tolvanen has quickly become a fan favorite and has also become an integral part of the Predators lineup. He should also be in the conversation for a Calder Trophy with the way he has played since becoming a regular on the Predators’ roster.
Oh yeah. Tolvanen also celebrated his 22nd birthday on Thursday.
Eeli Tolvanen scored his 12th career goal to help the @PredsNHL even the score. He has averaged 0.31 goals per game through 39 career games (12-10—22), the highest percentage among all rookies in franchise history (min. 30 GP). #NHLStats: https://t.co/LP8Edc6GnG pic.twitter.com/0gJnFrzgq4
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) April 22, 2021