The countdown to Nashville’s All-Star Game began yesterday, but there is a lot of hockey to play over the next year starting tonight. The Predators hit the ice for practice and the big news out of that practice was that Pekka Rinne skated before it and that a timetable for return for Ryan Ellis (two more weeks) was also announced. Tonight’s game against the Colorado Avalanche begins a critical three game in four nights stretch against Central Division foes. This is something Pred Nation is well aware of… the start after the All-Star break is critical. For this Nashville team… given the injury situation… it may be even more important.
The Colorado Avalanche hit town with a chip on their shoulder, trying to get back into the playoff mix after a horrendous start to the season. It is no surprise that this team started winning when Semyon Varlamov returned from his injury. The Av’s are 7-1-2 in their last ten but bring a sub-.500 road record into the unfriendly confines of Bridgestone Arena tonight where the Predators have been simply dominant. 18-2-1 home record kind of dominant. Colorado has a large task ahead of them as all the teams they are competing with for that last wild card spot in the West all have games in hand on them and the competition for that last playoff spot looks to be coming down to a battle royale among five teams, all within seven points of the second wild card.
Injuries continue to be an issue for Colorado as their top blueliner Erik Johnson will miss the next 3-8 weeks due to arthroscopic surgery on his knee. Not good news for team with a weak defense to begin with. The loss of Johnson also means a loss of scoring as he is the Av’s 4th highest goal scorer.
Since Pekka Rinne went down in the win over Vancouver, the team has gone 1-1-1. Playing two solid games and one stinker. Carter Hutton is coming off a solid performance against Montreal and the backup goalie has been very good at home posting a save percentage of .932 at Bridgestone Arena since Rinne was injured.
Special teams performance may be the key here as Colorado has a worse performing power play than Nashville oft maligned man advantage unit. To be fair, the Predators have righted the ship on the PP, scoring 11 power play goals in their last 12 games after only scoring 9 in their first 23 games of the season.
Game time is 7pm at Bridgestone Arena, coverage on FS Tennessee and 102.5 the Game.
Here is the preview, from NHL.com
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I’d like you to know about the Peterson for Parkinson’s fundraiser happening on February 16th at the Franklin Theatre. It’s called “Songwriters and Storytellers” and will feature performances from some of Nashville’s premier songwriters. Writers of hits for artists like Brad Paisley, Tim McGraw, Kenny Chesney and Jason Aldean… just to name a few. For more information, including how to purchase tickets
Click here. Doors open at 7pm, show starts at 8pm… it should be an awesome show for a great cause.
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Random Notes
- Coming out of the NHL All-Star Break, Nashville leads the NHL with a .722 winning percentage and a 30-10-5 record, having claimed points in 11 of their last 12 games (8-1-3).
- Brendan Leipsic tallied a hat trick in last night’s AHL All-Star Game. Magnus Hellberg also represented the Admirals at the game in Utica, NY.
- Seems those folks that were screaming on social media for the NHL to postpone tonight’s Rangers / Islanders game may have been a little premature., but then again… the snow hasn’t stopped yet.
- Mike Richards on waivers… I suppose it could’ve been predicted, especially given the contract, but it still is a bit shocking. It may be even more shocking that he doesn’t seem to be drawing interest.
- Zac Rinaldo’s suspension of eight games was appropriate… especially given his lack of contrition for his actions.
- The NHL schedule resumes tonight with eleven games; Rangers @ Islanders, Coyotes @ Flyers, Jets @ Penguins, Capitals @ Blue Jackets, Lightning @ Hurricanes, Stars @ Canadiens, Red Wings @ Panthers, Avalanche @ Predators, Sabres @ Flames, Wild @ Oilers, Ducks @ Canucks.
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