Nashville Predators: 38-33-8, 86 pts
Detroit Red Wings: 51-19-9, 111 pts
Nashville heads into tonight’s game with a two point deficit to the Blues/Ducks in the race for the 8th seed in the West. With only two games left including tonight’s game, the time is now for the Predators to make their push for the playoffs; especially with the Wild hot on their tail for the 8th seed and a showdown looming for the final game of the year.
The Red Wings are 2-3 in the season series against the Preds and look to tie it up at home and erase some bad memories, including an 8-0 drubbing back in February. The Predators play their sixth consecutive game against fellow Central Division opponents and are currently at a 2-3 record in those previous five games. The three losses came at the hands of the Blue Jackets and twice to the Blackhawks, while defeating the Red Wings and the Blue Jackets for the two wins.
Nashville has outscored Detroit 20-16 thus far but has been out shot in every game by the Red Wings 198-126. While Detroit boasts the best power play in the league, the Predators have the 3rd best penalty kill in the league and can disrupt the way teams try to put the puck on net. Nashville is very good at using its physical style to alter the opposition’s game plan but the Wings have the speed and passing to make the physical play backfire.
What to look for: Nashville netminder Pekka Rinne has really come on strong and could be the potential “x-factor” in the game tonight. Marian Hossa looks to continue his goal scoring rebound just in time for the playoffs while Tomas Holmstrom continues to get back into game shape and contribute on offense.
Puck drops at 7:30 p.m. and the game will air on FS-D and as always, GO WINGS!
