Preview: Nashville Predators vs. Columbus Blue Jackets 5/3/21: Leading the Charge
Two points and a strong finish are requirements.
Nashville Predators
Erik Haula was Saturday’s hero - will we have another tonight? That’s aside from Juuse Saros, our pint-sized Finnish phenom in net. I’d like to see Filip Forsberg and Matt Duchene get going again now that they’re back from injury.
It’s excellent to see Eeli Tolvanen and Roman Josi in the pregame lineup after their injuries against the Stars.
VERY good to see both Josi and Tolvanen in the lineup after injuries that looked pretty rough Saturday
— Bryan Bastin (@BryanBastin) May 3, 2021
Columbus Blue Jackets
The Jackets have had a rough go of it, but there’s not really too much to pity. Longtime captain Nick Foligno is now with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Coach John Tortorella tends to bench his best guys, but that’s his own (confused) decision.
The Blue Jackets haven’t won an outing in the last 8 games, even though they’ve taken a few loser points lately.
Oliver Bjorkstrand leads the Jackets with 39 points (15 goals, 24 assists). Cam Atkinson has 31 points (14 goals, 17 assists).
Columbus’s goaltending is a struggle. Elvis Merzlikins has a .917 Sv% over 26 games and Joonas Korpisalo has a .894 Sv% over 33 games. Both goalies were expected to take big steps forward this season, but they’ve struggled to keep a floundering team above water.
Reasons to Watch
-Use whatever skills you used on Saturday to will this team to another two points tonight. Now is NOT the time to slack up or play a sloppy game.
-Juuse Saros is certainly a big reason to watch this game.
-Cam Atkinson is one of my favorite non-Predators. He’s very fun to watch.
Tonight’s Theme Song
How to Watch
Yall, puck drop is at 6:00 Central tonight! Yeehaw! (Sorry, I’m old and like sleep). BSSO has the broadcast and 102.5 The Game will have the radio call.