GAME TIME IS 8 pm ET
Coach Trotz is back in Nashville, this time with all his Boyz. Maybe this time the Caps will be able to show up coach’s former team. This is the first of three games on the road and the start of meeting Western Conference teams they have yet to play. After a travel day into Nashville, the team was given some time off to settle in before morning skate on Tuesday and an evening game in front of one of the best fan arenas in the NHL.
The Preds need the win to hold onto the Wild Card spot and to advance into a playoff position. Nashville defeated the Sharks on Saturday with a 6-2 win at home.
Caps Stars
The hockey world continues to stand in awe about the Caps and the amazing depth of the team. These team leaders that have been wowing us lately include:
Andre Burakovsky has at least a point per game in seven games, some games he had multiple points. On Sunday it was clear that he intends to keep the streak. We would say his Sophomore slump is over
Evgeny Kuznetsov is amazing. He has 53 points with 15 goals and 38 assists. He leads the league in +/- with a +25. He is 3rd in the NHL in assists. He has 12 points in his last seven games.
Alex Ovechkin recorded his 30th goal for the season—his 11th consecutive season with 30 goals. He is now catching up to Patrick Kane’s 32 goals.
Braden Holtby leads the league with 33 wins on the season.
Injury Report and Team Scratches
Jay Beagle: He continues to recover. He continues to work with the coaches.
Brooks Orpik and Marcus Johansson traveled with the team. No word on if or when they might actually play.
Predator Posture
Ryan Johansen leads the Preds with 40 points, although only 14 of those points came from playing in Nashville after the January 6 trade from Columbus. Filip Forsberg has notched 15 goals and 18 assists this season and recorded one goal and two assists in their game against the San Jose Sharks. And we can’t overlook Mike Rbeiro with six goals, 27 assists for 33 points. Mattias Ekholm created havoc both times the Caps met the Preds. So far this season the defenseman has 22 points including 6 goals and 16 assists.
Let’s put it this way—the Nashville Predators have the potential to give the Caps their first loss on a challenging road trip. They spread the wealth around just as the Caps do, which will make this one of the more exciting matches.
Coming Up
Tuesday, 9 Feb, morning skate at Bridgestone Arena
Tuesday , 9 Feb, Nashville 8pm ET (CSN and 106.7)
Wednesday, 10 Feb, Practice, 1 pm CT at Xcel Energy Center
Thursday, 11 Feb, Wild, 8 pm ET (CSN and 106.7)
Photos by Brittney Marcum &Mel Abernethy
