Nashville Predators vs. Ottawa Senators Preview: An Injured Reserve Christmas

The Predators and the Senators are both missing key pieces from their lineup. They square off tonight at The Bridge.

This homestand sees the Senators, the Canucks, and the New Jersey Devils visit Bridgestone Arena.

Nashville Predators

Having only won 3 of their last 8 contests, the Predators are most definitely seeking some points this week...and some home cooking. With the same injured players still missing team practices and games, the Predators need all the help they can get from their fans.

While Juuse Saros has been below average, Pekka Rinne has continued his incredible play from last season. I’d like to see the Predators start Saros at some point on this homestand, but nothing is guaranteed.

We’ve heard that some injured players could be re-assessed this week. While we still have no idea what’s going on with Kyle Turris, it’s evident that Filip Forsberg and Viktor Arvidsson will still be another month or so.

Turris was practicing in a non-contact jersey Monday:

But then there’s this:

When it rains, it pours.

Ottawa Senators

With Bobby Ryan and Matt Duchene injured, the Senators are lacking a bit of scoring punch. However, they still have Mark Stone in the lineup. He leads the Sens with 35 points (15 goals, 20 assists). Young defender Thomas Chabot is having an incredible season with 33 points (8 goals, 25 assists). Rookie Brady Tkachuk has 16 points (9 goals, 7 assists) and fellow newbie Maxime Lajoie has 12 points (6 goals, 6 assists).

Goaltender Craig Anderson is having a better season than last. In 27 games, he has a .906 Sv%. Backup Mike McKenna has a .899 Sv%.

The Preds and the Sens will have a rematch next Monday in Ottawa. These are their only two meetings of the season.

Memories and Feelings

• It’d feel so good to sign Mark Stone in the coming offseason.
• It’d also feel good to see an injured player make their return to the lineup. Perhaps P.K. Subban?

Reasons to Watch

• I just finished up a huge paper this weekend, but if you’re still studying for finals and working on papers and projects, take a break for some Predators action.

Senators Social Media

• @Senators
• @silversevensens. The Senators’ SB Nation site is Silver Seven Sens.

Tonight’s Theme Song

“A Tender Tennessee Christmas” by Amy Grant.

Tonight’s Drink of Choice

After Saturday’s debacle against the Flames, it’s probably best I step away from coffee. Tonight, I’m going to have some Eagle Rare 10-year old on the rocks.

How to Watch

Per usual, tonight’s contest will be broadcast on FS-TN at 7:00 Central. 102.5 The Game will have the radio call.