The Predators want to put the stinker of a game against the Hurricanes behind them, and bounce back against the Blues tonight. Just like the first two games against St. Louis, this game will have first place implications tied into the match up. The Blues will have tired legs as they just played a physical game against the Blackhawks last night, which they lost 4-1. Now is as good of a time as any for Nashville to get off to a fast start and put St. Louis on their heels tonight.
The St. Louis Blues
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More from our team sites
You would think that a four game win streak by the Nashville Predators would create some separation in the division, right? Wrong. The Blues are going stride for stride with the Preds, and not allowing any distance in between them and first place. St. Louis made a move to bring in Martin Brodeur on a one year deal. Brian Elliot (1.82 GAA and .931 SV%) has played well in his starts, but is sidelined indefinitely with a knee injury. Jake Allen (2.16 GAA and .918 SV%) has done a good enough job in relief, but they must not feel comfortable with Allen and Jordan Binnington as their tandem going forward.
The Blues are starting to get healthy as well. We already knew how much of a threat the line of Vladimir Tarasenko, Jori Lehtera, and Jaden Schwartz have been, but know they are getting production from the Americans. David Backes, T.J. Oshie, and Paul Stastny have been playing well as of late. St Louis is now healthy and looking to gain control of the Central division.
Brodeur is starting for the Blues tonight and it’ll be his first game in a while. There is going to be a good amount of rust to shake off, but if he can play well early, the Blues could walk away with two points tonight.
The Nashville Predators
Not much to say after the stinker of a game the Preds played on Tuesday night. This was the first game of the season that they just looked bad. They had five solid minutes of hockey the entire game, and that just happened to be the last five minutes of the game. Nashville has yet to lose two games in a row this season, and I don’t expect them to start now.
If they want to win tonight, they are going to start getting some more production out of James Neal. He has had a quiet few weeks, and needs to start producing like he was in early November. His production will be imperative for the Preds success this month.
Nashville has to get off to a fast start tonight. As I mentioned before, the Blues are coming off of a physical game against Chicago. The Predators need to attack fast, and attack early if they want to win this game tonight.
Reasons To Watch
- Well for one, it will be for first place in division
- A potential Martin Brodeur start in goal
- #PrinceFilip…..that is all/
Sights and Sounds
TV and radio are the normal stations. Puck drops at 7:00 pm CST.
Drink Choice For Game Time
Let’s keep it classy folks. Good ole Jack Daniels. Tennessee’s finest.