Predators Game Day Preview: Phoenix @ Nashville

by Chris Burton on Mar 25, 2010 2:00 AM EDT in Nashville Predators Game Previews

[SB Nation] - [Five for Howling] - [NHL] - [Tennessean] - [AZ Republic]

Between being short on time, and wanting to keep things fresh, we're going with a different style today.

In a game that surely will make those who think hockey is Canada's game unhappy, the hottest two teams in the league face off tonight at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. The Predators and Coyotes do battle for the third time this year, with Nashville losing both previous matchups (once in a shootout). The game bears extra importance for both squads as the Preds would probably like to knock the Coyotes down a notch in order to draw them in the first round, while Phoenix needs to keep the heat on Chicago to have a chance at the top seed.

With that as the backdrop, continue below for more.

ROSTER UPDATE: Tom Callahan reports no Jason Arnott tonight, who "just didn't feel quite right". Phooey. We'll see both Nick Spaling and Cal O'Reilly.

Game Notes

Recaps from the last two games against Phoenix. [2/2, 1/21]
Nashville has won seven of nine, Phoenix nine of ten. [Standings]
The Coyotes don't have a single player over 25 goals, yet are challenging for the conference lead. Thats balance...
...then again, Nashville leads the league with 9 players over 30 points. [Stat sheet]
The Predators are a league best 23-1 when leading after one, and are second best when trailing after one (8-9-2).
Shane Doan isn't David Legwand cold, but he hasn't scored in 18 games. Not good for the Predators.
Chris Mason scored the ninth goal in NHL history by a goalie against the Coyotes. Irrelevant? Yes. But awesome.
Look for Jason Arnott to return tonight, but Joel Ward to sit. I'm wagering Nick Spaling plays instead of Cal O'Reilly, due to their playing styles.
We'll get our first look at Wojtek Wolski, Lee Stempniak, Derek Morris, and Mathieu Schneider in Coyotes uniforms, all deadline acquisitions.
During the Coyotes' franchise record nine-game win streak, five of them were in the shootout. Lets hope it doesn't come to that.

Lineups

Nashville:

Forwards

Wilson - O'Reilly - Erat

Sullivan (A) - Goc - Hornqvist

Tootoo - Spaling - Dumont

Boyd - Legwand - Smithson

Defense

Suter (A) - Weber (A)

Hamhuis - Franson

Bouillon - Klein

	GP	MIN	W	L	EGA	GA	GAA	SA	SV	SV%	SO
2009 - Pekka Rinne	51	2814	28	14		122	2.60	1310	1188	.907	6

Phoenix:

Forwards

Wolski - Lombardi - Doan (C)

Vrbata - Hanzal - Prucha

Stempniak - Fiddler - Pyatt

Nokelainen - Winnik - Korpikoski

Defense

Jovanovski (A) - Michalek (A)

Schneider - Aucoin

Yandle - Morris

	GP	MIN	W	L	EGA	GA	GAA	SA	SV	SV%	SO
2009 - Ilya Bryzgalov	63	3711	39	19		141	2.28	1790	1649	.921	8

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Comments

The preview of the playoff series you want. Hope you are disappointed.

"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich

by Carl Putnam on Mar 25, 2010 2:06 AM EDT reply actions

Indeed. Phoenix is tough; no doubt, but until I’m convinced otherwise, I like our chances in a series.

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by Chris Burton on Mar 25, 2010 9:04 AM EDT up reply actions

What is up with AZ Central's Coyotes page?

All their news is from 11 months ago

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by Aditya T (smashville) on Mar 25, 2010 9:34 AM EDT reply actions

Their coverage is worse than the Tennessean? Thats the Coyotes’ paper, though.

On the Forecheck: a blog that's more productive than a Predator power play!
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by Chris Burton on Mar 25, 2010 9:46 AM EDT up reply actions

The sports editor doesn’t care about hockey and their worst beat writer has the Yotes beat.

"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich

by Carl Putnam on Mar 25, 2010 10:57 AM EDT up reply actions

3rd A

Does the 3rd A alternate between players on a game by game basis? I noticed that Legwand had it last game, now Suter, Who decides who wears the 3rd A whe the Captain is out?

by Hoelke11 on Mar 25, 2010 2:53 PM EDT reply actions

I’m pretty sure Suter wore it against Dallas, which is why I left it with him. So I’m actually not informed on that, just an educated guess. I missed the STL game, so Leggy may have worn it then.

In my experience, when an extra letter is needed, it goes to Suter or Legwand and very rarely Hamhuis. Those are really the only 3 I can see wearing it, though.

On the Forecheck: a blog that's more productive than a Predator power play!
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Now Cycling like the Sedins

by Chris Burton on Mar 25, 2010 2:58 PM EDT up reply actions