One week they go 0-for-3, the next they win three in a row. Will the real Nashville Predators please stand up?
Let’s take a look at what’s on the menu for this week…
Tuesday vs Chicago Blackhawks
Everybody’s least favorite traveling fan base makes another visit to Bridgestone Arena as the Chicago Blackhawks bring their high-flying offense to combat the Preds. If you thought the boys did a good job shutting down Joe Thornton & Patrick Marleau Saturday night, against Chicago they’ll face a team with six(!) double-digit goal scorers to date, led by the NHL’s #2 scorer in Patrick Kane.
Thursday at Tampa Bay Lightning
Despite losing superstar goal scorer Steven Stamkos to a broken leg, the Lightning are hanging around in the Atlantic Division, currently standing in 3rd place with a 19-11-3 record (5-6-3 without Stamkos). Tampa fans are anxiously following every aspect of Stamkos’ recovery, but, in the meantime they look to the ageless Martin St. Louis to lead the way, along with goaltender Ben Bishop, who is enjoying a breakout season:
Saturday vs Montreal Canadiens
Les Canadiens de Montreal visit Nashville for the first time in two years on Saturday, and my youngest son will be happy because he’ll get a chance to wear his #9 Rocket Richard jersey to a game. Currently cruising along in 2nd place of the Atlantic just ahead of Tampa Bay, the Habs are 6-3-1 in their last 10 games, but the biggest story in Montreal may be whether or not the reigning Norris Trophy winner will be included on Canada’s team at the upcoming Winter Olympics in Sochi:
So how do you think the Predators will perform against these three playoff-caliber teams this week? Vote in the poll and sound off in the comments below!
How many points will the Preds earn this week?
| 0 | 9 |
| 1 | 4 |
| 2 | 30 |
| 3 | 44 |
| 4 | 54 |
| 5 | 14 |
| 6 | 12 |