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Nashville Predators vs. Colorado Avalanche Preview: Winter Has Arrived

Posted on by Anish Patel

The month of December is upon us, and with that comes colder weather, Christmas, and an important month for the Nashville Predators.

After a successful November, the Preds find themselves in a two-game losing streak to start December off. In a tightly competitive Western Conference race, every game is important. Nashville needs to have another good month to cement themselves in the playoff picture.

It all starts by winning crucial division games such as tonight against Colorado.

The Colorado Avalanche

The Avalanche have not fared well against Nashville so far this year. They have lost both games they have played against each other while giving up a total of 10 goals in the two games.

In terms of standings, Colorado is the worst team in the league right now with 19 points in 23 games played. The lack of success on the ice is surprising to me. They have some of the best young talent in the league with Nathan MacKinnon, Matt Duchene, and Tyson Barrie. Those three players also lead the team in points so far this season. On paper, you would think that this team would be competing for a playoff spot, but they aren’t.

Part of the reason could be that they are only averaging 2.13 goals per game. I’m no genius by any means, but it doesn’t take one to know you have to be scoring more to have a chance to win games. They are tied for last in the league in goals scored with Buffalo. No big shocker, but they are also last place in the East.

Goal scoring hasn’t been the only reason of their lack of success on the ice. Goal prevention has also been a big part. Seymon Varlamov and Calvin Pickard just haven’t been getting the job done on the back end. Varlamov has a 3.02 GAA and PIckard is slightly better at a 2.44 GAA. In order to compete in this league, you have to get consistent goaltending, and the Avalanche just haven’t been getting that yet.

The Nashville Predators

As mentioned before, the Predators have cooled off since their amazing month of November. They are looking to snap a two-game losing streak tonight. Luckily for them, they are playing Colorado, who they have had some great success against in two games against them this season.

Nashville has scored a total of 10 goals against the Avs this year so far. They are definitely confident playing against this team, to say the least. After dropping two winnable games over the weekend, Nashville knows they need to come out and take care of business in this one.

It all starts with the leaders on this team. P.K. Subban and Ryan Johansen have been leading the team in production all year long, and I would not expect that to change tonight either. I mean, let’s not forget that Joey had this beauty of a goal last week against the Avs.

The Predators still need to find some consistent scoring in James Neal’s absence. One guy they are look towards is FIlip Forsberg. After scoring 33 goals last year, he only has 2 on the year thus far. I am sure they would be glad if he can get things going while Neal is out on injury.

Reasons To Watch

  • Some of the young guns are still up with all the injuries. I am particularly looking forward to seeing Kevin Fiala again. He always seems to bring me back in with flashes of brilliance and dominance. Not to mention he is tied for 5th on the team in goals scored this year.
  • As mentioned before, Forsberg needs to step up while Neal is out. I know I have tried to predict him having a big game before, but I just feel like he is going to do something great tonight.
  • If the last two games were any indication, we are in store for quite a few goals. Here’s to hoping that tonight’s game will follow suit!/

Drink Of Choice For Game Time

I have been sticking with beer for the most part this season, but I think I am going to switch it up tonight. I’ll be sipping on a glass of Lagavulin tonight.

Sights And Sounds

You can watch the game on FS-TN or on the Fox Sports Go app. You can also listen to it on 102.5 The Game radio. Puck drops at 7:00pm CST.

Talking Points