These guys again?
It seems like since last week’s game in Winnipeg, all anyone can talk about it Nashville vs. Winnipeg in the Central Division. Since Nashville won last Tuesday, they’ve put a 6-point gap between themselves and the Jets.
Winnipeg played Monday night against the Washington Capitals, so we are seeing a tired team tonight. Don’t let that fool you. Winnipeg is dangerous.
The Nashville Predators
After a shootout loss Saturday to New Jersey, the Predators are rolling with an 11-game point streak. It’s not certain who will be the healthy “maintenance” scratch tonight, but it’s clear that this team can always use extra rest.
Expect to see Pekka Rinne in net tonight against the scary-good Jets. As a reminder, he’s got a .928 save percentage in 50 games played.
Viktor Arvidsson leads the team in points, and 14 players have 20+ points this season. Even with the shootout loss, the Predators are rolling right along, pacing the leading teams in the League.
Expect the line roulette to continue tonight. Although we all have our favorite combinations, it’s undeniable that the JoFA line is explosive.
Saturday, it seemed like the Predators hit more posts than anything. Craig Smith missed a wide open net. It was one of those games where nothing was going to go right. That’s ok. It’s time to re-focus and get ready for tomorrow’s home game and upcoming road trip.
The Winnipeg Jets
I mean, Hutchinson isn’t a slouch. He’s still going to provide solid goaltending for Winnipeg https://t.co/OV2z6BI8Oz
— Kristopher Martel (@kmartel_sports) March 12, 2018
It looks like the Predators will face Michael Hutchinson tonight with Connor Hellebuyck taking Monday’s game against the Capitals.
Patrik Laine is playing ridiculous hockey right now. He’s chasing Alexander Ovechkin for the lead in goals in the League. The known quantities with Winnipeg stay mostly the same. Blake Wheeler is having a career year, and Nikolaj Ehlers has 52 points. Like Nashville, nearly every Jets line is a threat.
Recently acquired Paul Stastny is meshing just fine with his new team. He had a goal in his Jets debut against the Predators.
On the injury front, Mark Scheifele is back to practicing with the team after returning from an upper body ailment. Jacob Trouba is practicing after sustaining a lower body injury, as is Tobias Enstrom. Neither are expected to return to the lineup against Nashville.
Memories and Feelings
-Ryan Hartman’s gorgeous tap-in goal from last week!
-The 7th Man. Because duh.
Reasons to Watch
-Can the Predators defense stop Patrik Laine from scoring more goals tonight?
-Less posts, more net.
Tonight’s Theme Song
“Peace of Mind” by Boston.
How to Watch
Per usual, tonight’s game is on Fox Sports-TN. 102.5 The Game has the radio call, and puck drop is at 7 pm.