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Nashville Predators @ Ottawa Senators Preview: A Quick Stop in Canada

After scoring a touchdown and a safety on Tuesday against the Islanders, the Predators look to pick up two more points in Canada’s capital.

Nashville Predators

After two wins in New York, the second against the stingiest team in the NHL, the Predators are in Canada’s capital city for a tilt with the Senators.

Yakov Trenin skated most of Tuesday’s game on the top line with Filip Forsberg and Ryan Johansen. Will this lineup decision stick for tonight’s game? Craig Smith has been heating up, so keep your eye on him and your glass empty for some Craig-Nog.

Tuesday’s win was much-needed for our elder netminder, but Pekka Rinne’s numbers are still a little rough. We could see either Rinne or Juuse Saros in net tonight. Saros has been rock-solid in his last few outings.

More points on the road tonight means the Predators have a better chance of creeping toward a wild card spot as we leave 2019 and head into 2020.

Ottawa Senators

The Senators are 14-18-3. They’re still fighting low attendance, mediocre results, and a general lack of direction from team management.

After a rough few seasons with various clubs, Anthony Duclair seems to have found his scoring touch with Ottawa. Duclair has a ridiculous 19 goals and 7 assists on the season, good for the team lead in points with 26. JG Pageau has 24 points (16 goals, 8 assists) and Connor Brown has 21 points (6 goals, 15 assists).

Youngster Brady Tkachuk has 19 points (11 goals, 8 assists). Look for him to try to mix it up for the Senators tonight.

In net, the Senators have had a rough season. Craig Anderson is 5-8-0 in 14 games with a .901 Sv%. Anders Nilsson hasn’t fared much better, going 9-9-2 in 18 games with a .908 Sv%. Marcus Hogberg was recently recalled and has played in 3 contests but is still looking for his first NHL win.

Reasons to Watch

– I’m not sure what else you’re doing on a Thursday night, but I hope it involves staying at home and not freezing in this weather.

– Will Kyle Turris and Matt Duchene have big games against their former club?

– I hope Turris has a chance to visit with his Capital City Condors kids.

– Is this a trap game? Or will the Preds come out firing against a weaker opponent?

– Tonight is Country Night for the Senators. Make of that what you will.

Tonight’s Theme Song

How to Watch

Tonight’s contest is a bit earlier. The puck will drop at 6:30 Central. FS-TN and ESPN+ have the broadcast and 102.5 The Game has the radio call.


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