Nashville Predators vs. Winnipeg Jets Preview: Seeking a Win in Winnipeg

Last night’s game was far from ideal. An early push in the first period was quickly answered by Minnesota, and the Preds had no solution for the desperate Wild. They have an opportunity to return to their winning ways tonight in Winnipeg.

The Nashville Predators

Nashville did not play a good game last night. What’s worse is the apparent injury to both Yannick Weber and Austin Watson. Yes, the Predators have depth. However, losing guys in late March is not ideal when a majority of the teams Nashville faces over the next two weeks will be desperate teams looking to boost their standings.

It’s likely most fans just want the Nashville Predators to remain healthy at this crucial point in the season.

Not much can be said about last night’s loss aside from Ryan Johansen’s gorgeous goal. it was his 10th of the season.

Coach Laviolette was rightfully incensed after a Scott Hartnell penalty that was uncalled on ice, and his anger toward the referees resulted in him going to the locker room early.

The Predators had very poor coverage in front of Pekka Rinne last night. They failed to clear the net-front crease for all three of Minnesota’s even-strength goals. Guys like Mike Fisher might have been better suited to the Wild’s net-front puck jamming. That’s an area of concern for the Preds moving forward.

P.K. Subban is quietly having a career season. He has 53 points on the season, good for third place on the team behind Viktor Arvidsson and Filip Forsberg. The output from Nashville’s defenseman cannot be underestimated.

Expect Juuse Saros to get the start against Winnipeg tonight since Pekka Rinne took last night’s tilt against Minnesota.

The Winnipeg Jets

There’s also not much that can be said about Winnipeg that hasn’t been extensively covered before. Patrik Laine is back from an in-game injury last week where he blocked a shot. Laine missed no games.

The only real news out of Winnipeg is the recent scrap that some Jets players had in practice. Perhaps this is a sign of their desire to move into the playoffs and succeed? I’m not one to guess, but I do know that Winnipeg’s drive is incredible right now. They are motivated to not only get to the playoffs, but they are also motivated to win a series or two.

Winnipeg has been consistently putting together wins. They’re currently six points behind Nashville for first place it the Central Division.

Expect Connor Hellebuyck in net tonight.He takes the lion’s share of starts, and he always provides a challenge for Nashville shooters.

Memories and Feelings

-I’m not sure if you saw the video of Patrik Laine mic’d up in the last Winnipeg game, but maybe someone can shut him down again.

-The Predators need a bounce-back game after two humbling losses. Will tonight’s game be the night? Their schedule doesn’t get any easier going into next week.

Reasons to Watch

-Nashville-Winnipeg is an anticipated matchup for many reasons. Both teams are powerful Central Division teams.

-Winnipeg never seems to lose unless it’s against Nashville, so maybe we can make that happen tonight.

-How will the Predators respond to Thursday and Saturday’s lopsided losses?

Tonight’s Theme Song

“Roots” by Imagine Dragons.

How to Watch

Tonight’s game is at 6 pm Central. Fox Sports- TN will have the broadcast and 102.5 The Game has the radio call.