[SBN Predators blog - On the Forecheck]
Record: 32-23-5 (7th overall)
Scorers: Patric Hornqvist (23g, 14a), Steve Sullivan (12g, 24a), J.P. Dumont (11g, 25a)
In three career games against the Nashville Predators, Sidney Crosby has never scored a goal. Sure, he's picked up five assists, but it'd be nice to see that goose egg in the 'G' column crack today. As you all know by now, Sid cracked the 40-goal mark Friday night against the Rangers as he picked up both 40 and 41 on the season and is very likely going to surpass the 50-goal plateau before season's end.
For the time being though, let's focus on this game.
These two teams are just about as evenly matched on the power play as can be, which is suffice to say not very well ranked. The Preds are ranked 23rd overall on the PP at 16.8%, while the Pens aren't far off at 26th with 16.3%. But that doesn't mean the opportunity for Pittsburgh's power play doesn't exist, as the difference on the PK is more that substantial. Nashville is ranked almost dead last (29th), something the Pens will hopefully capitalize on if/when the opportunity presents itself. I'm sure we can all agree that the Pens' power play has looked significantly better as of late, but as far as I'm concerned we need a little more proof. As in at least once per game, if ya catch my drift.
Over the past 10 games, Nashville has strung together only three wins. One of these teams will look to head into the break with a win. Who wants it more?
Puck and thread drop today at 1pm.