Since we last threw down with the Nashville Predators…
IN: Gaustad and Andrei Kostitsyn are settled into the lineup this time.
OUT: Kevin Klein (upper body)
Enemy reading: On the Forecheck
Possible Predators lineup:
A. Kostitsyn-Legwand-Hornqvist
S. Kostitsyn-Fisher-Erat
Bourque-Gaustad-Smith
Wilson-Spaling-Tootoo
Suter-Weber
Gill-Josi
Bouillon-Hillen*
Rinne
*Ellis, who’s been out with a stomach bug, may replace Hillen tonight.
Game outlook: The Preds are used to being slaughtered in the shot battle as they were in their last game against LA, so the Kings will have to bear down and create havoc in front of Rinne as they did so successfully last season. The series is tied 1-1.
Though Trotz sent Weber and Suter out against the Kopitar line almost exclusively, expect Jeff Carter to be on their radar as well. In his former life as a Blue Jacket, he’s scored five goals and added two assists against them already this season. Keep it up, Jeff.
The power play unit with Alec Martinez and Slava Voynov has also been clicking. Dwight King continues to surprise me. Go kids!