Nashville Predators @ Minnesota Wild: Game Day Preview

The Nashville Predators have a chance to get back on track this afternoon against the Minnesota Wild, who sit tied with the Preds at 22 points. Nashville's coming off a 2-1 loss to the Blues, while the Wild got blown out by the Flyers on the same night. It's a matinee edition of Nashville Predators hockey, so lets go with the quick bullet points:

• I saw David Legwand after Wednesday's game, and he didn't seem to be favoring his injured leg. Apparently, things are worse than I thought, as Legwand was placed on injured reserve yesterday, retroactive to Saturday.
• The Wild are 2nd in the NHL on the power play, converting at a 25.3% clip, and led there by Brent Burns and captain Mikko Koivu. Since the Toronto debacle, Nashville has not allowed a power play goal, moving up to 17th in the league at 82.0%. Needless to say, this is an important test for the Predators.
• Cal O`Reilly leads Nashville with 13 points, and Steve Sullivan has 10. After that, two players have 9 points, five have 8, and two have 7. On paper, its impressive balance, but it underscores a more alarming trend that shows the Predators' best players are not contributing like they should. There's no better time to fix that than tonight, Martin.
• According to Star Tribune beat writer Mike Russo, former Predator Marek Zidlicky is doubtful this afternoon, while Jose Theodore will get the start in goal.
• I'd expect Pekka Rinne to start against a Western conference foe, and Anders Lindback to get the call tomorrow night against the Rangers.