The Nashville Predators have one last game before the holiday break–a matinee against division rivals the Dallas Stars. It’ll be the first time this season these teams face off.
Former Pred Matt Duchene has settled in well in Dallas, coming in third in points (29), third in assists (18), and tied for second in goals (11) with Roope Hintz. He’ll likely be motivated tonight to show the team that unexpectedly bought him out what they’re missing out on. Craig Smith has also landed in Dallas, but he’s slowed down offensively this season (and picked up a fighting major).
39-year-old Joe Pavelski is the teams goals and points leader, with 30 points and 13 goals. Jason Robertson ties Pavelski in points and leads the team with 20 assists, while Miro Heiskanen is just behind him with 19. Tyler Seguin and Jamie Benn are still contributing as well, while most of the team’s younger forwards are still looking for opportunity and something to do with that opportunity when they get it.
The Stars have had a lot of success on special teams, backed up by solid on-ice play. They’ve been great defensively, helping out goalies who’ve struggled a little with the shots they have gotten. Jake Oettinger (currently injured) clocks in at a .901 sv% on the season, and backup Scott Wedgewood at a .903%, playing behind one of the better defensive teams in the league. The Preds will have to work hard and play smart.
The game airs at 1PM Central on Bally Sports South and 102.5 The Game.
Statistics from naturalstattrick.com. Additional background from hockeyviz.com.