The Preds and Stars faced off already this season…back in November. This was the game in which Viktor Arvidsson injured his thumb. The Preds held on for a 5-4 OT win in Dallas.
Nashville Predators
After a particularly rough road trip, the Predators face the Stars tonight 22-13-2. That’s not entirely awful with 4-5 major pieces out of the lineup at various times. We don’t need to reiterate the injury issues that Nashville faces, but Santa gave us a nice present with the potential for either Viktor Arvidsson or P.K. Subban to return to the lineup tonight. As Coach Laviolette mentioned last week, they will play as soon as they are ready.
Yannick Weber sustained a possible injury in Boston before Christmas. There’s been no update on his status, but here’s hoping the Swiss d-man was able to heal up over the last few days. There has also not been an update on Colton Sissons.
Pekka Rinne expressed some on-ice frustration in Boston by slamming his stick to the ice during a TV time-out. He’s upset, the Preds are upset, we are all upset. This team has been struggling in the wake of injuries to key players and the team’s depth has not been able to meet the challenge. The big Finn cannot bail his team out every game. Hopefully tonight’s game can serve as a reset before the calendar turns to 2019.
Dallas Stars
The Stars are 18-16-3 going into tonight’s contest. The Islanders defeated the Stars before the Christmas break. Dallas has been quietly chugging along in a Central Division that’s very Colorado-, Winnipeg-, and Nashville-heavy.
Tyler Seguin leads Dallas in points with 32 (11 goals, 21 assists). Jamie Benn has 30 points (15 goals, 15 assists), and Alexander Radulov has 29 points (11 goals, 18 assists). Young rookie Miro Heiskanen leads defenders in points with 17 (7 goals, 10 assists). It’s safe to say that the Stars can boast balanced scoring like Nashville can.
Both Ben Bishop and Anton Khudobin have been good for Dallas in net. Bishop has a .923 Sv% over 23 games. Khudobin has a .912 Sv% over 17 games. Bishop has managed to stay healthy this season and that’s paying off for the Stars.
Memories and Feelings
- I’m sick and tired of the injuries!!!!! Bring back a healthy team, please!/
Reasons to Watch
- Tired of too many Christmas obligations? Annoyed by family who won’t stop playing your new Nintendo Switch? (This is my house.) Sneak out tonight and catch the Predators in action at Bridgestone Arena. /
Stars Social Media
- @DallasStars
- @DefendingBigD : The Stars’ SB Nation Page is Defending Big D. /
Tonight’s Theme Song
“Rewind” by Rascal Flatts
Tonight’s Drink of Choice
Great Lakes Christmas Ale
How to Watch
Tonight’s game will be on Fox Sports-TN, and 102.5 The Game has the radio call. Puck drop is at 7 Central.