Nashville Predators
The Preds dropped their last game against the Oilers, so tonight’s game is largely about response. Do they go into tonight’s game with energy and effort, or do they focus too much on Tuesday’s game?
Mikael Granlund and Matt Duchene are spicy hot. We’ll expect Filip Forsberg to be out of action for a bit, and I’m hoping guys like Phil Tomasino and Yakov Trenin can get going. I know I mentioned these two just the other night, but I’m mystified at Tomasino playing on the third or fourth lines…this is not helpful. Give him a shot with Duchene or Granlund.
I’d expect Juuse Saros back in net with David Rittich backing him up. We are thrilled to have Rittich back with the Preds after being out on Covid-19 protocol.
Vancouver Canucks
The Canucks took the Rangers to overtime earlier this week, and goaltender Thatcher Demko had this ridiculous save:
Another angle of this cause we’re still not over it 🤯 pic.twitter.com/kRS1wO1JGU
— Vancouver #Canucks (@Canucks) November 3, 2021
Note his blocker…it’s missing. Eek!
JT Miller leads the Canucks in points with 11 (3 goals, 8 assists). Conor Garland, newcomer from the Coyotes, has 10 points (3 goals, 7 assists). Quinn Hughes, as expected, leads the Canucks blueline with 7 points (2 goals, 5 assists).
One of my favorite youngsters, Vasily Podkolzin, has two goals in this young season. Podkolzin is a force and will only get better as he plays in more NHL contests.
Demko has started in eight games and has a very nice .923 Sv%. Backup Jaroslav Halak, signed in the offseason, has a .917 Sv% in two starts.
Tonight, Vancouver will celebrate their fifth annual Diwali Night.
Keep Your Eye on This Guy
Mikael Granlund. He’s potted a ridiculous eight assists (and two goals), and #64 just keeps rolling.
For Vancouver, I’m keeping my eye on Thatcher Demko. He had an unbelievable pad-stack save earlier this week, as mentioned above.
Reasons to Watch
– What else to do on a beautiful fall…evening?
– I like to watch Roman Josi get more points.
Tonight’s Theme Song
How To Watch
Tonight’s puck drop is at 9:00 PM Central. Bally Sports South has the broadcast and 102.5 The Game has the radio call. Drink some coffee and rest up, y’all.