Nashville Predators
I’m not sure which starting goalie we see tonight against the Stars. The Predators face the Islanders tomorrow night at home, so it’s really a coaching decision. However, the Preds’ official site notes that “Saros is 12-9-1 in his career vs. Dallas, posting three shutouts, a 2.56 goals-against average and .912 save percentage in 22 games.” That in itself is reason to start him, but he was hung out to dry against Anaheim last week….is it time for a Saros Revenge Shutout? The Predators have a lot of revenge to exact after Tuesday’s poor outing.
The Predators have split games with the Stars this season, going 1-1-0 over 2 of 4 contests this season.
It would appear that Andrew Brunette was not happy with Nashville’s performance against the Ducks on Tuesday. Our friends at Penalty Box Radio posted what appeared to be footage of a bag skate on Wednesday morning on Twitter. Tonight’s game will certainly be a good test of Nashville’s response, resolve, and determination. I’m looking for Filip Forsberg and Roman Josi to lead the way for this Predators squad, but players like Tommy Novak, Jusso Pärssinnen, and Colton Sissons need to make an impact in the lower six.
Dallas Stars
The Stars are chasing the Jets in the Central Division, currently sitting in third place. The Stars have new life in some offseason additions (including #95). Jason Robertson leads the team in points with 15 goals and 26 assists. Roope Hintz has been terrorizing opponents, and he has 36 points in 41 games. The Stars have been excellent, so tonight’s game is a tough test.
Perennial Pred-killer Joe Pavelski has also enjoyed an excellent season so far, and I guarantee he’ll be parked in front of Nashville’s goal looking for tip-ins. Along with former Pred Matt Duchene, we’ll also see Craig Smith (maybe) and Ryan Suter (cue boos) tonight. Also, Dallas’s game preview noted that “forward Jason Robertson has points (3-9–12) in each of his last six games against Nashville, as well as points (6-9–15) in each of his last seven games against them at home. In 18 career games against the Predators, Robertson has posted 21 points (9-12–21), tied for his highest point total against any individual opponent (other: Chicago).”
Dallas has enjoyed some resurgent goaltending after years of mediocrity. Scott Wedgewood has been stellar, posting 12 wins and 4 losses over 18 games started. Wedgewood and Jake Oettinger have split games this season. Oettinger has been out for a few weeks with an injury, but he could start tonight.
Reasons to Watch
It’s a blah Friday night, so stay in and watch the first of a back-to-back against Dallas! Pop open your favorite drink and grab some snacks and settle in. As my little one says, let’s “get cozy and watch hockey.”
Keep Your Eye on This Guy
I’m obviously cheating if I say Matt Duchene, but Matt Duchene has been excellent value for his money in Dallas. Duchene was bought out of Nashville, but he’s found another life and another level of success in Dallas. Duchene has 12 goals and 24 assists in 39 games…that’s an impressive pace for an aging forward who sometimes struggles with injuries.
Tonight’s Theme Song
How to Watch
Tonight’s game is at 7:00 Central. Bally Sports South has the broadcast and 102.5 The Game has the radio call.