After big changes before the trade deadline, the Nashville Predators' newly revamped roster takes the ice against Central Division rival Chicago Blackhawks.
It has been an eventful week for the Nashville Predators and the front office as the Predators roster underwent a significant "resetting" up through the trade deadline. The Predators traded away Nino Niederreiter, Tanner Jeannot, Mattias Ekholm, and Mikael Granlund, and in return gained Cal Foote, Tyson Barrie, Rasmus Asplund, Reid Schaefer, and a haul of draft picks.
Tonight the Predators will take the ice with their newly retooled roster. Rasmus Asplund, a former Beffalo Sabre who will go down in history as David Poile's final trade, will start tonight for the Preds. Nashville will get another look at Tyson Barrie and Cal Foote on defense as Alexandre Carrier will miss 4-6 weeks for an upper body injury.
There will again be plenty of young energy in the line up. Luke Evangelista and Phil Tomasino were sent to Milwaukee on paper to be sure they would be eligible for the Calder Cup playoffs in the AHL, but both will be back on the ice tonight for the Predators. Mark Jankowski and Zach Sanford were also sent down to Milwaukee, but only Jankowski was recalled to Nashville. Sanford will remain with the Admirals as Asplund gets the start tonight. Head coach John Hynes confirmed this morning that Juuse Saros will get the start in net in Chicago.
The 21-35-5 Blackhawks will be without Max Domi tonight as he was traded late to the Dallas Stars. Chicago added Austin Wagner and Nikita Zaitzev and both are likely to take the ice tonight at the United Center. The Blackhawks had a five game win streak going before losing their last three games. Andreas Athanasiou scored two goals in those three losses while 23 year old center Cole Guttman scored his third goal in his ninth NHL career game on Thursday in the loss to the Dallas Stars.
Nashville ranks higher in both the power play and penalty kill than Chicago, but the Blackhawks have the edge in the faceoff circle. Chicago is last in the league in goals for per game at 2.46, while Nashville ranks 12th in goals against per game thanks for solid goaltending by both Saros and Kevin Lankinen.
Keys to the Game
1. Play with energy. The Preds have done a good job of channeling the emotions of this past week into energy on the ice. Nashville needs to continue to push play and feed off the energy of the young players like Tomasino, Novak, and Evangelista who are determined to prove their value in the NHL.
2. Take advantage of special teams. While the Blackhawks rank 27th on the power play, giving up the man advantage will interrupt the momentum that Nashville needs. The Preds have been strong on the power play scoring a power play goal in four of their last five games, so if Chicago takes a trip to the sin bin the Preds needs to capitalize.
3. Help Saros out. Juuse Saros is a goaltender who wins games for his team, but tonight a new looking defense needs to provide him the net front support he deserves. The Predators traded Ekholm and won't have Carrier due to injury so look for Tyson Barrie and Cal Foote to step up tonight for their new teammates.
How to Watch
The Predators and Blackhawks play tonight at United Center. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 pm CST, and Bally Sports South will have the broadcast while 102.5 The Game will have the radio call.