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Game Day Watch, 12/22: Los Angeles Kings @ Nashville Predators

Posted on by Eric Kveton

HOW TO WATCH

Game Time: 5:00 PM Pacific
TV: Fox Sports Tennessee, Fox Sports West
Radio: KABC AM 790
Stream: Fox Sports Go (requires cable subscription)

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

if you’re a Kings fan: Dustin Brown is likely going to be in today. LA lost both games without their ex-captain; given that Anze Kopitar’s two most common linemates this season have been Dwight King and Trevor Lewis, a healthy Brown and a productive Gaborik would be very nice for the current captain to have.

if you’re a Predators fan: P.K. Subban is likely going to be out again. Nashville has gone 2-0-1 in his absence, so they certainly won’t be helpless, and they got five points from the blue line in Tuesday’s win over the Devils. Can the defense continue to drive the offense?

if you’re a hockey fan: These teams have faced off four times in the last two years. Three of the games have been won by the Kings in 3-on-3 overtime. Should be exciting!

PLAYERS TO WATCH

for the Kings: Derek Forbort. Forbort was impressive on Tuesday night, leading to effusive praise from both Darryl Sutter and Drew Doughty. With Brayden McNabb eyeing a return by the end of 2016, Forbort will be trying to prove he still deserves 20 minutes a night.

for the Blue Jackets: Matt Irwin. The journeyman was almost an unfortunate trivia answer for Kings fans, as he scored the first goal in 2014’s Game 7 between the Kings and the Sharks. Now he’s in Nashville and he’s taken the bulk of PK Subban’s minutes with the Norris winner out of the lineup.

LEAGUE/WORLDWIDE WATCH

  • 30 Thoughts! Interesting comparison of Kris Letang to Drew Doughty and Ryan Suter; the Pens want the oft-injured Letang to emulate the others in that “there are moments (mostly score-dictated) where they know it’s not the time to take or give up a hit.” [Sportsnet]
  • “Devan Dubnyk is elite.” [Hockey Wilderness]
  • The schedule for the EPIX behind-the-scenes outdoor game lead-up is out, in case you needed more Blackhawks outdoor game coverage. [Second City Hockey]/

WATCH THIS

There is another team in the Winter Classic, though! And I’m a sucker for these videos.

Talking Points