The Predators have been playing at an unbelievably high level of play as of late. They are on a three game win streak and, not that it really matters, are atop most power rankings. The games looks like it has become so easy for this team, that it almost feels like they are just messing around when they are on the ice.
The Vancouver Canucks
More from our team sites
More from our team sites
The Canucks are coming off of a two game losing streak ahead of tonight’s game. What really should be a concern for the Canucks is that they have only scored one goal in the last two games. Luckily for Vancouver, they have a couple of games in hand compared to other divisional rivals. They sit at third in the Pacific right now, one point behind the Kings.
Don’t expect their lackluster offense to stick around. They have too much talent on offensive to go dormant for more than two games. Henrik and Daniel Sedin are leading the way for the Canucks in point production (35 and 36, respectively). Radim Vrbata is having an All-Star year, leading Vancouver in goals scored (16). And Ryan Miller has continued to be solid in net.
Vancouver’s offensive problems may continue tonight, though. The Preds are one of the best defensive teams in the league, and play significantly better at home, as opposed to on the road. In the first meeting between these two teams, the Canucks were only able to muster up one goal for the game. I do expect them to be more prepared this time around, but not totally convinced they will be able to score more than 2-3 goals on the Preds.
The Nashville Predators
What is there left to say about the Predators? Shea Weber, Pekka Rinne, and Filip Forsberg will join Peter Laviolette at the All-Star game in Columbus this year. They have won three games in a row and have no signs of slowing down. And let’s not forget, the team is doing this all without their top sniper, James Neal.
The rest of the league took note on Saturday afternoon. You do not make Weber or Mike Fisher angry. They will make you pay, and make you pay dearly. I love seeing the players show some emotion. I’m not sure what was said to make Weber and Fisher that angry, but man, I have never seen anything like that before. It is also worth mentioning that through the half way point of the season, the Preds have five players on pace to break twenty goals this season (Weber, Forsberg, Neal, Colin Wilson, and Craig Smith).
We know what Nashville is capable of playing at home. They will make you work, and they will feed off the crowd all night. They are going to want to jump all over the Canucks early and make them work for possession. I expect them to hold on to their best home record in the league tonight.
Reasons To Watch Go To The Game
Since this is one of the few non-televised games left, I encourage everyone to go down to the arena to watch the Preds live. Besides, what else are you going to be doing on a Tuesday night?
Drink Of Choice For Game Time
Whatever floats your boat at the concessions!
Sights And Sounds
For sights, you’re going to have to go down to the arena for this one, unless you have GCL or Center Ice. You can, however, listen to it on the radio at 102.5 The Game. Puck drops at 7:00 pm CST.