Instead of their usual 7:00 contest, the Predators face the Kings tonight at 5:00 Central. Here’s your preview!
Nashville Predators
Matt Duchene sits alone atop the Preds’ points list with eight. His goal on Thursday evening against Washington was his first of the season. His line, including Mikael Granlund and Filip Forsberg, seems to be rolling right along. I expect to see both “top” lines making waves in Los Angeles today.
According to practice notes before the Predators left Nashville, it appears that Dan Hamhuis will slot back in on the third defensive pair in place of Matt Irwin. Irwin did not play spectacularly this week, so expect him to enjoy some popcorn in the press box tonight. Daniel Carr appears to remain in the lineup in place of Rocco Grimaldi.
This afternoon’s game is the first on a four-game road trip. Road trips are excellent for team bonding and picking up points against Western Conference opponents that aren’t having themselves a good 2019-2020 thus far.
LA Kings
The Kings are 1-3 on the season. They’ve lost a handful of games to opponents some thought they might be able to compete against this season. Drew Doughty and Anze Kopitar lead the team in points. Doughty himself had a monster night against the Calgary Flames earlier last week, taunting Flames fans after scoring the OT winner.
In net are Jonathan Quick and Jack Campbell. Quick looks like a shell of his former self and Campbell has had a rough start to the season. The youth movement is partially ready in LA, but exciting youngsters like 2019 first-rounder Alex Turcotte are still playing in college.
Memories and Feelings
- It seems to be a complicated time in Los Angeles. They’re in the middle of a rebuild, but their stars are still good at hockey. There’s lots of feelings in their locker room.
- Doughty himself ripped into his team after an “embarrassing” loss to Vancouver last week. (The final score was 8-2 for the Canucks).
- Who remembers that ridiculous hat trick Calle Järnkrok scored against the Kings last season? Can he repeat that tonight? It looks like #19 is staying on the top line…for now. /
Reasons to Watch
- An earlier hockey game tonight means you can watch Predators hockey and still enjoy your Saturday evening! You might be able to make it to Margaritaville after the game! (see below.)
- MORE POINTS FOR MATT DUCHENE!
- It’s 5:00 somewhere!/
Tonight’s Theme Song
Tonight’s Drink of Choice
“Pour me something tall and strong, make it a hurricane before I go insane.”
How to Watch
As mentioned above, tonight’s puck drop will be a bit after 5:00 Central Time. You can catch the game on Fox Sports-Tennessee or listen to the radio call on 102.5 The Game.