Nashville Predators vs. Calgary Flames Preview: Heat of the Moment
A Western Conference Wild Card Showdown.
The Predators squeaked into a playoff spot on Thursday after a few other games fell their way. The Flames are in a very similar boat, but injuries in their lineup forced them to make a few trades on Monday.
Nashville Predators
The Predators have actually put together a string of wins over the last few weeks to bump themselves back into the playoff race. John Hynes is finding ways to motivate his team, and some of our favorite names are showing back up on the scoresheet.
Viktor Arvidsson scored on Tuesday for the first time in what feels like an eternity. Ryan Johansen, Ryan Ellis, Colin Blackwell, and Mikael Granlund have all been contributing as well. Matt Duchene, Filip Forsberg, and Craig Smith need to find a way to get going. Our heroes need to put on their capes and play the way we know they can play.
Pekka Rinne was ill on Tuesday, but Connor Ingram was returned to Milwaukee. It looks like Rinne is well enough to either play or back up Juuse Saros.
Calgary Flames
The Flames bolstered their blue line on Monday by acquiring Erik Gustafsson from Chicago and Derek Forbort from the Kings. With Mark Giordano still out, it makes sense to add blue line depth at this time.
Sean Monahan has heated up lately. He has 4 goals and 1 assist over the last five games after struggling earlier in the season. The center has 45 points this season (21 goals, 24 assists). Matthew Tkachuk leads the Flames in points with 54 points (21 goals, 33 assists). Johnny Gaudreau has been racking up assists and has 53 points (13 goals, 37 assists). Elias Lindholm has 50 points (27 goals, 23 assists).
David Rittich has looked pretty solid in net for the Flames this season. In 45 games, he has a .908 Sv%. Cam Talbot has played 23 games and has a .914 Sv%.
Reasons to Watch
- I’m really hoping we don’t have a deflating OT goal from Matthew Tkachuk. That was the most heartbreaking thing I’ve seen at Bridgestone in a while...and it really deflated the team, too.
- Juuse Saros For Starter
- Star Wars night at Bridgestone Arena!!
- The possible debut of Korbinian Holzer? (that was meant with sarcasm)
- More points?
Tonight’s Theme Song
How to Watch
Tonight’s game is at 7:00 Central. FS-TN has your broadcast and 102.5 The Game has the radio call.