Predators vs. Red Wings: A Clash at Bridgestone Arena
This afternoon, the Nashville Predators will drop the puck against the Detroit Red Wings at Bridgestone Arena, with a 1 p.m. CT start time. This matchup marks the second and final meeting between these two teams this season, following a disappointing 3-0 shutout for the Predators in Detroit just last Saturday. As the Preds look to turn their fortunes around, the stakes are high in this early-season contest.
Recent Struggles
The Predators enter this game with a record of 0-4-0, having fallen to the Edmonton Oilers 4-2 on Thursday. Despite the loss, there were glimpses of improvement in Nashville’s performance after a rough 7-3 defeat to the Seattle Kraken earlier in the week. The team is eager to shake off this tough start and find their rhythm as they face off against a familiar opponent.
Colton Sissons, a forward for the Predators, expressed a sense of calm amid the early-season struggles. βWe’re not going to fracture and hit the panic button yet,β he stated after Fridayβs practice. βWeβve got too much talent in here, too much characterβ¦ We understand that teams, even great teams, go through stuff like this.β This resilience will be crucial as the Predators aim to build momentum.
Key Focus Areas
As the Predators prepare for todayβs game, defenseman Brady Skjei emphasized the importance of playing to their identity. βWeβve talked a lot about playing faster and being more predictable,β he said. Skjei believes that returning to their fast-paced style of hockey will not only improve their performance but also boost team morale. Sissons echoed this sentiment, stressing the need to keep things simple and engage everyone from the start. βIf we do that, I think we’ll be in a good spot,β he added.
Roster Updates
In a move to bolster their lineup, the Predators have recalled defenseman Marc Del Gaizo from the Milwaukee Admirals of the AHL ahead of todayβs game. This addition could provide a much-needed spark as Nashville seeks to secure their first win of the season.
Last Time Out
In their last outing against the Oilers, Jonathan Marchessault scored his first goal as a Predator, converting on a power play opportunity. Filip Forsberg also found the back of the net, marking his second goal of the season. Goaltender Juuse Saros made 33 saves, but it wasnβt enough to clinch a victory. Forsberg currently leads the team with four points (2 goals, 2 assists), while Marchessault, Ryan OβReilly, and Roman Josi each have three points.
The Opposition
The Red Wings, on the other hand, come into this game with a record of 1-3-0. After their victory over the Predators last Saturday, they faced two losses against the New York Rangers, being outscored 9-3 in those games. Lucas Raymond leads Detroit with four points, while J.T. Compher, Dylan Larkin, and Alex DeBrincat each have three points. In goal, Cam Talbot holds a 1-1-0 record, while Alex Lyon has yet to secure a win.
Historical Context
Historically, the Predators have faced the Red Wings 114 times, with Nashville holding a record of 46-53-(4)-11 against them. At Bridgestone Arena, the Predators have fared slightly better, with a record of 27-24-(2)-3. In recent years, Nashville has enjoyed success against Detroit, going 10-4-1 in their last 15 matchups, including a six-game winning streak from February 2021 to January 2022.
Notable Performers
Several players have made their mark in past encounters with the Red Wings. Steven Stamkos has scored 23 goals against Detroit, the second-most among active NHL players. Jonathan Marchessault has also found success against the Red Wings, recording a hat trick while playing for Vegas. Roman Josi leads the Predators with 28 points in 39 career games against Detroit, while Juuse Saros boasts an impressive 8-3-1 record with a 1.79 goals-against average in his career against the Red Wings.
Milestone Watch
As the season progresses, several players are on the verge of reaching significant milestones. Luke Schenn played in his 1000th career NHL game on Thursday and is just two points away from 200. Gustav Nyquist is also closing in on his 200th career goal, while Tommy Novak is three points shy of the 100-point mark.
Broadcast Information
Fans can catch all the action starting at 12:30 p.m. CT with the Predators LIVE! pregame show on Bally Sports South. The game will be called by play-by-play announcer Willy Daunic, analyst Chris Mason, and rinkside reporter Kara Hammer. For those tuning in on the radio, Pete Weber and Jay More will provide coverage on 102.5 The Game and the Predators Radio Network, with Spanish-language coverage available on El Jefe.
As the Predators look to turn the tide against the Red Wings, todayβs game promises to be a crucial test for a team eager to find its footing in the early stages of the season.