Preview: Nashville Predators vs. Carolina Hurricanes 5/10/21: For Pekka
In tonight’s final regular season contest, will we see the elder Finnish netminder occupy the crease?
Nashville Predators
The Predators clinched their 2021 playoff spot on Saturday night. They should, however, look to play a strong game because they’re about to face the Hurricanes in Round 1. The Hurricanes might be resting players, but Nashville needs a confidence-boosting game that doesn’t involve injuries to our oft-injured boys in gold.
This might be an opportunity for some taxi squad guys to get some playing time as the Predators try to rest the regular players a bit before the playoffs start.
Carolina Hurricanes
As mentioned above, the Canes will likely sit their big stars. The Canes will see the Predators in at least 4 games starting in a few weeks for Round 1 - do they need to risk injury? Nope.
Our friends at Canes Country preview tonight’s matchup here.
There’s many worrying stats about this fun Canes team, but here’s one that is particularly concerning: “Petr Mrazek has a 10-1-0 record against Nashville in his career with a .931 save percentage.”
Reasons to Watch
-Pekka Rinne has NOT said that he’s retiring at the end of the season, but there’s plenty of speculation that this could be his last regular-season game with the Predators. Again, we won’t know specifics until the team or Rinne releases a statement. However, it’s just good to see our big Finn in net, and he should get the chance tonight.
-Erik Haula is quietly rounding into form at the end of the season. More from him, please.
-Luke Kunin, too.
Tonight’s Theme Song
How to Watch
Puck drop is at 7:00 Central. BSSO has the broadcast and 102.5 The Game has the radio call.