The last 2 contests from the Nashville Predators with much to desire, dropping 2 rather ugly games to the Dallas Stars. The Preds are back at home tonight to face the Los Angeles Kings, and will need to make adjustments to have a better showing than the home opener and subsequent rematch 2 days later. Let’s take a look at 3 keys to help the Preds get back to the “Predator Way.”
Stop Puck Watching
If there’s one thing that stuck out to me in both matches, it was the whole team starting to puck watch and be out of position mainly on defense as the games went on. We’ve seen this before, and especially on defense it can really leave goaltender Juuse Saros out to dry with little help.
When the team is playing sound defense in front of Saros, being in the right places, blocking shots, the team actually protects the net rather well. As these last 2 games went on, however, the team slowly started to lose their positioning and began to puck watch, putting them out of position for the majority of the games.
With 3 days off, my guess is that it will give the team a mental reset, and they can get back to their defensive structure. Puck watching usually is a curse that only lasts for the game its in, typically after frustration. The Nashville Predators need to come out hot and play smart to avoid slipping into this trap.
Get Back to that Aggressive Forecheck
If there’s one thing that has been a little lacking, the forecheck hasn’t been as strong as we have become accustomed to. Lots of zone entries have been forced, sloppy, and allowed lots of open ice for counter attacks.
The Predators need to get back to their forechecking game, which normally puts lots of pressure on the defense when the puck crosses the blue line into the offensive zone. Lots of this is usually driven by the “Herd” line, with Tanner Jeannot, Colton Sissons, and Yakov Trenin.
Speaking of the Herd, they have been rather quiet as of late. The Nashville Predators will need them to be at their best to set the tone, and establish that aggressive forecheck to wear down the defense and allow the offense to go to work.
Get the Top Lines Going
The first line consiting of Filip Forsberg, Mikael Granlund, and Matt Duchene has been nearly invisible, and that is something that is going to need to change for the team. This line scores the majority of goals for the team, so seeing them be extreme quiet is a little worrying, but again with a mental reset I firmly believe this line can get back to their scoring ways.
The second line has actually been the best line by far, consisting of Nino Niederreiter, Ryan Johansen, and Eeli Tolvanen. This line has been the only one that has connected for 2 combined goals, the only 2 goals, that were scored in the 2 matches vs. the Stars.
Niederreiter in particular has been a beacon of light for the Preds, as he has the team lead in goals with 4, and doesn’t show any signs of slowing down. If the Preds can get the first line going with the second line pitching in, we will be in for a great showing.
Closing Thoughts
Overall, the Nashville Predators just need to get back to their game. Forechecking, scoring, and sound defense will be needed to top an up and coming Kings team.
The Preds can bounce back tonight, and show the fanbase that there is no reason to panic. Slumps like these happen in a season, the main concern is keeping this from becoming a losing streak that plagues the team.
Tonight’s game is a late start, beginning at 8:30 Central Time. The game will be aired on ESPN and on the radio on 102.5 The Game.