The Preds square off against the Jets tonight at The Bridge. You can guarantee it’s going to be pretty chaotic at 5th and Broad.
Nashville Predators
After a wild evening against the Capitals, the Predators face a much more formidable opponent in the Jets tonight. The Preds trail the Jets by just a few points in the standings. Juuse Saros has put up some incredible starts when he’s had the opportunity. He’s riding a solid .966 Sv% in his last 6 contests. If I’m Coach Laviolette, I’d give Saros another opportunity against Winnipeg or Florida on Saturday. Rest Pekka Rinne as much as possible.
Mattias Ekholm has surpassed captain Roman Josi in points with 36 (6 goals, 30 assists). He’s second only to Ryan Johansen who has 42 (8 goals, 34 assists). Rocco Grimaldi has surprised everyone with his 4 goals and 4 assists. Colton Sissons and Nick Bonino both have 22 points.
Yannick Weber was activated from injured reserve on Tuesday. Miikka Salomäki and Kyle Turris remain on IR. Phillip Di Giuseppe cleared waivers and has been assigned to Milwaukee.
Winnipeg Jets
The Jets are 30-14-2. They beat the Vegas Golden Knights on Tuesday. The Predators routed them at the beginning of the season at home in Bridgestone Arena. Since then, the Jets have taken off with their usual solid team play and strong goaltending. The good goaltending, however, has come from backup Laurent Brossoit.
Brossoit has a .943 Sv% over 12 games. Connor Hellebuyck has a .908 Sv% over 35 games. It seems like Winnipeg has finally found a reliable backup for Hellebuyck.
It’s no surprise that Blake Wheeler leads his team in points. He has 60 points (9 goals, 51 assists). Mark Scheifele has 58 points (25 goals, 33 assists) and Kyle Connor has 37 points (18 goals, 19 assists). Sniper Patrik Laine has 25 goals and 8 assists on the season.
The Jets see scoring come from up and down their lineup.
Dustin Byfuglien is on injured reserve for the Jets. Nikolaj Ehlers and Ben Chiarot are also injured.
Memories and Feelings
- These two teams are destined for a playoff matchup. There’s so much animosity and hate between the players.
- Remember this from October?/
Reasons to Watch
- The Jets seem to make Mattias Ekholm angry. Will we see an Angry Ekholm tonight?
- More hat tricks are always nice. /
Jets Social Media
- @NHLJets
- @arcticicehockey: Winnipeg’s SB Nation site is Arctic Ice Hockey. /
Tonight’s Theme Song
“More Than a Feeling” by Boston.
Tonight’s Drink of Choice
I’m moving, so I’m not sure what I’m going to find in my fridge or freezer that can be combined for an adult beverage.
How to Watch
Tonight’s game will be on FS-TN at 7:00 Central. 102.5 The Game has your radio coverage.