It’s a Central Division Showdown in Saint Louis as the Nashville Predators invade Scottrade Center for the second time in six days for another tilt against the Blues. The Preds took the first game 2-1 to snap a seven win streak for St. Louis. The battle for Central supremacy is only one storyline tonight, the match up of a couple of young players lighting the league on fire is another.

Vladimir Tarasenko is leading the Blues in goals and total points with 9g-10a- 19points. The youngster is on a six game scoring streak and has set tongues wagging on quite a few sick goals over the streak. On the other side is Filip Forsberg, also on a six game point streak scoring six goals in his last five games. Both players anchoring lines that have driven the bus for each of these teams.

Between the pipes, the Predators are expected to start Pekka Rinne, who is back in pre-hip surgery form. The Blues will counter with Jake Allen, who has been other worldly in his starts, posting a 4-1 record with a GAA of 1.40 and a save percentage of .944.

In other words; irresistible force… meet immovable object.

The clear advantage for the Blues comes in special teams. Their power play is clicking along at a 26.3% conversion rate with a penalty kill rate of almost 79%. The Predators special teams are showing signs of life, but not consistency… this may be the X-factor for tonight’s game.

Puck drop is at 7:08pm tonight. Coverage on Fox Sports Tennessee and the Predators Radio Network (flagship is 102.5 the Game) begins with pregame on both media at 6:30pm.

Here is the preview from nhl.com…


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Random Notes

- The Predators are off to their second best start in franchise history… 22 points in 15 games… the best start was 23 in 15 back on 05-06.

- Saturday night is Hockey Fights cancer Night at Bridgestone Arena.

- Colin Wilson is still listed as day-to-day for Nashville.

- Mike Fisher continues to ramp up his activity, rotating out of the fourth line in practice yesterday. His return appears to be close.

- The Blues’ T.J. Oshie continues to skate with the team, but no timetable has been set for his return to the lineup.

- What a crazy game in Anaheim last night… and they go at it again on Saturday in LA.

- Soon to be top draft pick, Connor McDavid’s hand injury is being used for all kinds of agendas, but the “Next One” is expected to miss the next 5-6 weeks, giving Canada hope that he may get well in time for the World Juniors.

- Nine games tonight… Av’s @ NYR, Jets @ Canes, Bruins @ Habs, Sharks @ Lighting, Preds @ Blues, Sabres @ Wild, Coyotes @ Flames, Senators @ Oilers, Stars @ Kings.

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