Special teams has been a challenge for the Nashville Predators this season, but they hope some recent adjustments can give them the special teams edge tonight.
Tonight the Predators face off against the Arizona Coyotes to kick off a final stretch of the season they hope will lead to a postseason appearance. Nashville struggled before the All-Star break, and one area that needed improvement has been special teams.
The Predators rank 21st on the power play and 27th on the penalty kill at this point in the season. Nashville hasn't scored a power play goal since they last faced the Coyotes on January 20. Andrew Brunette made adjustments to personnel and in practice yesterday spent time working with the top unit of Ryan O'Reilly, Filip Forsberg, Roman Josi, Gustav Nyquist, and Cody Glass.
"On the PP we have to be more direct," O'Reilly said after morning skate. "Obviously it's an area we've struggle with lately especially for offensive production. It's something that has to be a lot better."
"We've talked about it, being aggressive with it. We have to get the puck to the net and outnumber them there," O'Reilly said. "That's the key."
Winning puck battles on the power play is also an important focus for the power play units. Nashville needs to be able to maintain possession in the scrums with the extra man.
"On the power play, just executing at a high rate and having an attack mentality," Colton Sissons said when asked about special teams adjustments ahead of tonight's game.
"We don't want to be too perimeter. We felt like we've been a bit passive like that lately, so getting pucks to the net and getting some more action."
Jan 20, 2024; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Nashville Predators center Colton Sissons (10) is checked by Arizona Coyotes defenseman Matt Dumba (24) as he attempts to deflect the puck past Arizona Coyotes goaltender Connor Ingram (39) during the first period at Mullett Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY SportsSissons also talked about what the penalty killers will be facing tonight.
"The Coyotes have a very dangerous group of forwards specifically that move the puck around and see the ice really well."
"We watched a few clips this morning about some seams that they were taking advantage of us our last game there, so we'll clean that up on the PK front," Sissons said.
The Coyotes rank 14th on the power play led by Nick Schmaltz and Clayton Keller. Arizona has gone 2/13 on the power play in their last five games including 0/1 in their loss Thursday night against the Vegas Golden Knights.
Nashville has generated quality chances at five on five play recently but hasn't finished on enough of those opportunities to get wins in their last five of six games. Tonight the Predators need to capitalize on the advantage special teams could provide.
The Predators take on the Coyotes tonight at Bridgestone Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 pm CT.