Nashville Predators: Three Keys To Beating The Panthers
By Rich Howe
![Nashville Predators players celebrate after a goal by defenseman Mattias Ekholm (14) as Florida Panthers center Eetu Luostarinen (27) skates off during the second period at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports Nashville Predators players celebrate after a goal by defenseman Mattias Ekholm (14) as Florida Panthers center Eetu Luostarinen (27) skates off during the second period at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/bf947d8ab0b5468682652e06a440753ed5fb3941f3aedbaf9753c6166b39a8b7.jpg)
The Predators have suffered in the power-play category for quite some time. In fact, they haven’t scored a power-play goal in their past nine games.
In those nine games, they had 23 power-play opportunities but could not find the back of the net. Mikael Granlund scored the Predators’ last power-play goal on April 6 against the Detroit Red Wings.
The Predators’ power-play had gotten a boost with the addition of Eeli Tolvanen. He leads Nashville with six power-play goals this season.
With Tolvanen becoming a bit of a specialist, it is probably no coincidence that the Predators started having issues with their power-play when he came out of the lineup due to injury.
With the season coming to a close and the race for the fourth playoff spot in the Central Division winding down, the Predators have to fix their power-play issue quickly.
With Tolvanen back in the lineup and the critical need for points to get into the playoffs, the Predators need to get back on track during this matchup with the Panthers and take advantage of any power-play opportunity that may arise.