Red Wings-Predators: Game Day Updates/Key Matchups

Game Day Updates

Cholowski’s bobblehead night is Thursday, so hopefully he’ll be well-rested for that one.

Key Matchups

1. Somehow, someway, find offense!

In my opinion, the Predators have by far and away the best Top 4 D in the NHL as Subban, Josi, Ekholm and Ellis continue to dominate on the blue line. They have 132 points between them and headline a team that is 4th in the NHL in goals allowed with 151. The Red Wings have the 6th worst offense in the league, and haven’t scored more than 3 goals in any of their last 7 games. If these two units continue to do what they have all season long, it could be a long night for Detroit. Larkin, Nyquist, Mantha and Athanasiou all need to be on their A-game offensively otherwise the losing streak will continue.

2. Preds top line vs. Detroit’s D

One of the more underrated lines in all of hockey is the top line for the Nashville Predators. Forsberg-Johansen-Arvidsson have combined for 118 points, including 12 points their last 3 games, and can be an absolute nightmare for opposing teams both offensively and defensively. It’s no secret how bad the Red Wings defense is, but if they struggle again tonight like they did last game in Chicago, these three could have a field day in the Red Wings offensive zone.

3. Depth players.

Outside of Nashville’s top line and top 4, they don’t have a ton of talent next up, although that’s usually all they need. Yes, they are a skilled, well-balanced team but lines 2-4 and the final D pairing of Dan Hamhuis and Yannick Weber aren’t much more than situational players. This is not the same in Detroit as outside of just a couple of players, pretty much everyone is a situational player. However, this is where the Red Wings could excel tonight. If they can take advantage of being on the same skill level as ²⁄₃ of Nashville’s lineup, they have a chance. They certainly did not do that in Chicago, so hopefully the Wings can fix that tonight.