The Nashville Predators will start the new year by playing Connor Bedard and the Chicago Blackhawks tonight at Bridgestone Arena. This will be the third meeting between these Central Division teams. While the Predators are 2-0 against the Blackhawks so far this season, the games have not been easy.
"They were hard games," Andrew Brunette said of the previous matchups. "We were kind of fortunate to get the overtime win in Chicago. I didn't think it was one of our best games. I thought they played really hard. Same with the game here."
On November 18, Nashville defeated Chicago 4-2, but it was a one goal game until Cole Smith scored the empty net goal in the final minute to seal the win. On December 5 the Predators needed a shootout to get the 4-3 win over the Blackhawks.
Nov 18, 2023; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard (98) battles Nashville Predators left wing Filip Forsberg (9) for the puck during the third period of their game at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Alan Poizner-USA TODAY SportsThe Predators know this will be a game in which the Blackhawks come in with an edge after their New Year's Eve 8-1 loss to the Dallas Stars.
"We've got to be ready for their push because they're hungry," Michael McCarron said after morning skate. "They're probably a little bit mad so to say coming into tonight's game after losing 8-1 to the Stars."
"We're going to be ready for their push. I think we'll dictate play."
A focus tonight for the Predators is getting back to winning hockey at home. Nashville has lost their last three games at Bridgestone Arena, something Andrew Brunette is not happy about.
"I just want to play our game," Brunette said this morning. "I think we've been talking about being consistent. We've been a little inconsistent at home. We've had some good games and some stinkers in some ways. We want this place to be a really hard place to come in and play."
It appears Juuse Saros will get the start in net tonight. Tyson Barrie did not practice with the team and is out day-to-day with an upper body injury. Cody Glass was the extra skater in line rushes at morning skate.
The Predators host the Blackhawks tonight with puck drop scheduled for 7:00 pm CT. Bally Sports South will broadcast the game and 102.5 The Game will have the radio call.