The Nashville Predators return to the ice tonight to face the Carolina Hurricanes after a tough loss and the Christmas break.
The Nashville Predators return to the ice tonight to face the Carolina Hurricanes after a tough loss and the Christmas break.
Tonight the Nashville Predators welcome the Carolina Hurricanes to Bridgestone Arena for their second matchup in less than two weeks. The Preds and Canes played in Raleigh on December 15, and the Predators came away with an overtime win courtesy of a Filip Forsberg overtime goal. The game was not flawless for either team. The Predators gave up two power play goals and turnovers in the defensive zone resulted in Carolina scores while goaltender Antti Raanta struggled for the Hurricanes.
Carolina Hurricanes
Since they last played the Predators, the Hurricanes have gone 1-1-2 in their four games. There was an impressive 6-3 win over the reigning Stanley Cup champion Vegas Golden Knights, but two shootout losses and a regulation loss to the New York Islanders before the holiday break indicates the Hurricanes are still trying to find their footing.
After the Predators game, the Hurricanes placed Antti Raanta on waivers. Since then Pyotr Kochetkov has played in net for Carolina and his play in net has helped the team get four points in the their last four games. Kochetkov has earned a .911 save percentage in those games, but yesterday the Hurricanes recalled Antti Raanta from the AHL's Chicago Wolves.
Nashville Predators
Perhaps the biggest challenge for the Nashville Predators tonight will be making sure they put their game against the Stars behind them. It was a brutal loss resulting from two goals in the last fifteen seconds to stun the Predators. Taking time away from the rink and spending it with family and friends for the holiday break will hopefully be the mental palate cleanse Nashville needs to take the ice with a fresh perspective tonight.
Kevin Lankinen got the start in net when the Predators played in Raleigh December 15. Juuse Saros is coming off of a tough game, but with several days of rest, Saros is likely to get the start in net tonight. Andrew Brunette will also have to decide whether Cody Glass will make it back in the line up tonight after being a healthy scratch against the Stars.
With two teams coming off of rocky losses, tonight's game is a chance for one team to earn two points and right the ship a bit. The Predators host the Hurricanes at Bridgestone Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 pm CT. The game will be broadcast on Bally Sports South and 102.5 The Game will have the radio call.