There is a bit of uncertainty floating around the Predators right now. Mike Fisher went down in Tuesday’s game and is now on injured reserve for at least four games. That makes Nashville’s already thin depth at center even thinner. With all the talk of the Preds possibly acquiring a number one center, there is one thing that is certain, focus on one game at a time.
Nashville looks to carry their new found re-energized offense into tonight’s game. Things finally went their way against the Coyotes as they put in five goals. Let’s see if they can keep this pace up for a full week.
The Florida Panthers
The Panthers have been playing exceptionally well as of late. They have won three games in a row, with the last win being against our divisional foes, the Blues (thanks for that by the way). This team seems to be defying all the odds. They are led by an aging Jaromir Jagr and Roberto Luongo. Jagr seems to never slow down, leads the team in points, and is on pace to make yet another All-Star game. Luongo has also been a pleasant surprise for the Panthers. He boasts a 2.31 GAA and a .926 SV%. The good thing for Luongo is that he doesn’t have to be great, he just has to be good enough.
Tonight’s Opponent
Tonight’s Opponent
Along with Jagr and Luongo, the Panthers have a crop of young talent that will only get better with time and experience. That group consists of Nick Bjugstad, Aaron Ekblad, Aleksander Barkov, and Brandon Pirri. This group of young talent adds a different dynamic to this Panthers team. They are third in their division in goals scored, and these guys are helping to contribute to that.
The Panthers are also in the thick of things in their division. They are going to be in a lot of close games. Unlike past years, Florida has a solid group of players to win those close games.
The Nashville Predators
Everyone can breathe easy for now. The Predators’ offense finally broke through on Tuesday night. All the experts and beat writers said it was only a matter of time before we would see, and I am glad it came sooner than later.
If you look at the possession chart from the game against Arizona, you would be shocked if they didn’t score at least five goals. (But isn’t that what we said against St. Louis and Columbus and New York and…) It finally seems that they have broken through.
A big part of the offensive explosion as due in part to Filip Forsberg. He had a huge game when Nashville needed it the most from him. Is it too early to say that he is back in scoring form? Maybe, but I like what I saw from him during the last game.
Reasons To Watch
- Colin Wilson was seen at practice yesterday. Let’s hope this means that he will be in tonight’s lineup for the Preds. Wilson will only add more offensive power to this team.
- As I mentioned before, #PrinceFilip might be back to his scoring ways. Here’s to hoping for more highlight reels from him.
Drink Of Choice For Game Time
Since we are coming into the winter season, I figure we should stick with some darker brews. I am going to be enjoying a Funky Buddha Doc Brown Ale.
Sights And Sounds
FS-TN locally for TV and 102.5 The Game for radio. Puck drops at 7 pm CST.