So, a big win in Winnipeg has the Preds with a chance to win two in a row for the first time of 2016 as they take on the Edmonton Oilers tonight in Edmonton. If you think it is cold and snowy in Smashville right now, well… I think Oil Country may have us beat.
The Oilers have been playing .500 hockey over their last ten, but only have two wins in their last eight games. The Preds have gotten points in three of their last four games and won two of the last three which may constitute the beginning of a turnaround for Nashville who have certainly been struggling. Thursday’s game in Winnipeg was one of the most solid, complete efforts from the team for quite awhile… now comes the hard part… doing that consistently.
Pekka Rinne looked better than he has in a few weeks, moving well and seeming to gain confidence with every save. The forwards were converting on opportunities and the defense looked very solid… more of that please. Expect the goaltending match up to be Rinne against UAH alum Cam Talbot who always seems to play well against the Preds.
Edmonton is playing their last game before the All-Star Break, they don’t play again until 2/2. They are a bit banged up, but played well in Dallas Thursday, dropping a 3-2 decision to the Stars.
Game time is 9pm central on Fox Sports Tennessee and the Predators Radio Network, 102.5 the Game is the flagship station, pregame starts at 8:30. ------------------------------------
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Random Notes
- “Where They Stand… - Entering tonight’s play, the Nashville Predators stand 6th in the Central Division 3 points behind Colorado (2 games in hand.) The Predators trail MIN by 4 points, STL by 14 points (4 GIH) Dallas by 15 points (1 GIH) and Chicago by 18 points (4 GIH.) The Predators are also currently three points out of the second wild card slot.
- It has been over a year since the Preds visited Edmonton… last time was in October of 2014.
- Blue Jackets coach John Tortorella was injured at practice yesterday and may not be behind the bench tonight.
- The Jonathan Drouin situation rolls on as several reports are out there that teams are reducing their interest in the youngster. The asking price from Tampa is pretty steep
- Eleven games on the NHL schedule today (all start times CT) – PHI @ NYI PPD due to snow. 11:30am – VAN @ PIT. 3pm – MIN @ SJS. 6pm – CBJ @ BOS, MTL @ TML, ANA @ DET, TBL @ FLA, NJD @ WPG. 7pm – COL @ DAL. 8pm – LAK @ ARI. 9pm – NSH @ EDM.
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