Nasvhille Predators (based on last night’s lines)
Arvidsson – Johansen – Neal
Forsberg – Ribeiro – Fiala
Wilson – Fisher – Smith
Jarnkrok – Sissons – Watson
Josi – Ellis
Ekholm – Subban
Carle – Weber
Rinne/Mazanec
Los Angeles Kings (based on last night’s lines):
King – Kopitar – Toffoli
Pearson – Carter – Setoguchi
Clifford – Shore – Lewis
Brown – Dowd – Andreoff
McNabb – Doughty
Muzzin – Martinez
Forbort – Gilbert
Budaj
(Campbell)
What Kings fans will be watching for: Dwight King, Tyler Toffoli, Devin Setoguchi, and Jeff Carter have combined for two goals so far this season. Tanner Pearson finally failed to score a goal on Tuesday; if he cools off, will the rest of the top six pick up the slack?
What Predators fans will be watching for: Where to begin? Last night Anaheim demolished the Predators 6-1, as both aspects of the Predators’ special teams let them down in the second period. Nashville had only one successful penalty kill in four opportunities, and they got no respite on the power play, as they allowed two shorties. It’s gotta get better than that.
What everyone else will be watching for: I guess that depends on whether you’re Team P.K. Subban or Team Shea Weber.
Stat of the Day: The Kings and Predators have a combined goal differential of -8 this season. Not great.
The Key Players: Peter Budaj and… whoever is in the net for Nashville? Peter Budaj has won three straight despite up-and-down performances; what happens when he has to try and steal one? Meanwhile, Pekka Rinne had one of his worst outings in a Nashville uniform yesterday, and backup Marek Mazanec has given up seven goals on 36 shots in two games this year. Ouch.
The Prediction: Two of King, Toffoli, Setoguchi, and Carter get goals.