The Predators face the Avalanche after two days off. The team spent some time in Vail and will suit up against the high-octane Avalanche tonight.
Colorado Avalanche
The Avalanche are a massive threat in the Central Division. The talents of Mikko Rantanen, Gabriel Landeskog, and Nathan MacKinnon can’t be underestimated. However, Rantanen and Landeskog both remain on IR and the Avalanche must find scoring from the rest of their lineup. MacKinnon himself has 18 points (8 goals, 10 assists).
Rookie Cale Makar has 12 points (1 goal, 11 assists). The young defender joins former Predator Samuel Girard on the blue line.
Some newcomers for Colorado include Joonas Donskoi, Andre Burakovsky, Pierre-Edouard Bellemare, and Nazem Kadri. With Rantanen and Landeskog out for an indefinite time, the Avalanche might be in the market for another forward.
Philipp Grubauer has finally taken on the starter’s workload in net. He has a solid .915 Sv% over 11 games. Pavel Francouz is Grubauer’s backup.
Nashville Predators
The Predators seem to be scoring by committee these days. Filip Forsberg finally got on the scoresheet since returning from injury, and Nick Bonino has had quite a few weeks. Pekka Rinne still hasn’t lost in regulation, but the Predators need a stiff test like they will get tonight to really gauge their standing in the Central.
After a sleepy first period on Monday, the Predators woke up in a big way against the Red Wings. They can’t have a slow start against these high-powered Avs.
There are nine Predators with 10+ points on the season. Nick Bonino leads the team with eight goals, but Roman Josi leads the team with 16 points (5 goals, 11 assists).
Memories and Feelings
- Hi, Colin Wilson.
- Hi, Vladislav Kamenev.
- Hi, Samuel Girard.
- I think that’s all the former Predators.
- You can’t forget this incredible goal in the 2018 playoffs: /
Reasons to Watch
- Cale Makar and Samuel Girard are really fun to watch.
- Will tonight be the night Mikael Granlund gets back on the scoresheet?
- I am eager to see how the Predators stack up against a banged-up Avalanche squad. /
Tonight’s Theme Song
Will a tough matchup against the Avalanche bring out the best in the Predators? Or will they need a bit of a wake up?
How to Watch
Tonight’s game is a bit later than usual. Puck drop is at 8:00 Central. FS-TN has the broadcast and 102.5 The Game has the radio call.