Red Wings vs Predators Preview - Game 21
Nashville Predators (7-10-0) at Detroit Red Wings (5-12-3)
2-23-2021
Tonight's Venue: Little Caesars Arena
All-Time DET vs NSH Record at Venue: 1-2-0
Season Series vs NSH: 1-1
Goaltender Probables
J. Bernier (.910 SV%, 2.74 GAA)
P. Rinne (.908 SV%, 2.65 GAA)
DRAFT KINGS ODDS
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DET: Puckline +1.5 (-195), Moneyline +140
NSH: Puckline -1.5 (+160), Moneyline -162
Players to Watch
Players to watch (DET): D. Larkin, M. Brome, A. Mantha
Players to watch (NSH): F. Forsberg, R. Josi, D. Fabbro
Detroit Red Wings vs Nashville Predators Predictions
Jesse's Prediction: 4-2 Wings
Matt's Prediction: 3-1 Wings
Mike's Prediction:
The first series between the Red Wings and Predators was less than two weeks ago, so not much has changed in regards to their standing in the Central Division. While the Wings continue to dig their heels into the bottom of the standings, the Predators are stuck middling in an area that pushes them far from being a playoff contender, but not far enough for them to wave the white flag.
The Red Wings and Predators split the first couple of games, the Predators taking the first game 3-2 and the Red Wings taking the second game 4-2. The standouts in that first series were Luke Glendening (1 G 2 A for Detroit) and Filip Forsberg (1 G 2A for Nashville).
The big difference appeared to be Pekka RInne’s performance, while the offensive performances (in both games) came up with similar results for the Predators. Rinne, in the first game, allowed only 2 goals and finished with a .923 SV%. The second game ended early for Rinne after he was pulled in favor of Saros, mostly due to his 3 goals allowed, despite an expected goal against 1.16. The goals for Glendening and Erne were arguably on the softer side, so it’s not something we can depend on, but take advantage if you smell blood in the water.
Keys to the Game (DETvs NSH)
Pepper the Net - It was obvious that Rinne wasn’t at his best in the second game of the series, between these two teams. Test Rinne, see if you’re going to be able to sneak some rubber past him, and adjust accordingly for the 2nd and 3rd.
Slow Down Forsberg - Your opponents have leaders and it usually isn’t a secret. That being said, the Red Wings allowed Filip Forsberg to control play when he was on the ice, which probably led to his 3 points over two games. Take advantage of your ability to change last, stop Forsberg, and make sure you match up well to do so.
Djoos Up The Power Play - Give Christian Djoos more opportunities on the power play. Over the last three seasons, Djoos has one of the highest xGF% of all power-play defensemen combined with the lowest on-ice shot percentage. Djoos can move the puck the way it supposed to be moved on the power play. Let him demonstrate that with more time with the top unit.
The Wings and Predators are probably going to be fighting for the bottom of the Discover Central up until May. This game isn’t going to mean a ton to the rest of the NHL, but it means a lot to these two franchises, so look out for some rough play. Neither team wants to waste this opportunity at a bottom feeder.
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