It’s another game against a Western Conference foe tonight.
Nashville Predators
Last time we saw our favorite Gold Men, they had just posted a sweet shutout against the Chicago Blackhawks. That was Juuse Saros’s 22nd career shutout.
Gustav Nyquist surpassed last year’s points total against Chicago, and so did Ryan O’Reilly. They’ve been a nice addition and proven their worth on Nashville’s special teams units. I’ll also be interested to see if Tyson Barrie and Cody Glass are in ok health – both were scratched on Tuesday. Glass needs consistency and game reps as he’s been injured twice this season.
Filip Forsberg continues to pace the team with points. He has 42 points on the season, 18 of which are goals. I’ve been impressed with him this season, and he needs to remain healthy.
Calgary Flames
The Flames posted a 3-1 win in Minnesota on Tuesday evening. They’ll be looking to establish a streak of some sort. The Flames are a confusing team, filled with a ton of talent who likely just don’t want to be in Calgary. Jonathan Huberdeau, once so dynamic in Florida, has been a shell of his former self in Calgary. Huberdeau scored against Minnesota, though, so perhaps he’s finding himself. No time like the present, right?
I’d expect Jacob Markstrom in net for Calgary. He was great on Tuesday, and he’s a big country music fan. I hear that’s all you need to succeed in Nashville. Markstrom was injured earlier in the season, but he’s got a .936 Sv% since he’s been back, and that’s rather impressive.
Reasons to Watch
While it’s impossible that Elias Lindholm would end up in Nashville, we can dream. Keep your eye on him tonight.
Keep Your Eye on This Guy
Juuse Saros had been on a heater in November-December, but a few bad games before/immediately after Christmas seemed to dim his shine. I expect Saros will be an All-Star nominee in some form, and his play typically rounds into form around this point in the season. It’s widely understood that if Nashville ends up in the playoffs, it’ll be because of Juuse Saros. That can’t be emphasized more. Saros is the backbone.
Tonight’s Theme Song
How to Watch
Bally Sports South has the broadcast and 102.5 The Game has the radio call. Puck drop is at 7:00 Central.