One of the first things you look at regarding the Nashville Predators against the Islanders is the record they have against us. It its last eight games, the Music City machine has a 6-0-2 record, the last match being a resounding 5-0 whooping on the Isles.
The second thing to look at is the Predators' current record of 25-15-4, good for sixth in the Western Conference and tenth in the NHL. They're on a four-game winning streak, the last win against the Flyers, 4-2. (Transitive property: If the Flyers beat US, and THEY beat the FLYERS... just sayin'.)
The third thing to look at is their overwhelming lack of offense. Top scorer and captain Shea Weber has 32 points, only nine of those goals. Their top goal scorers are David Legwand and Patric Hornqvist, each with 12. So how are they winning?
Well, defense and goaltending certainly help. During their current streak, the Preds have only allowed five goals against, and this is no real easy feat particularly against Philly. After some early-season defensive and goaltending woes, everything seems to be getting right on track- Pekka Rinne has a 2.54 GAA and .920 save percentage after 40 starts.
What can the Islanders do to bust through that entire juggernaut? Just stick to the script. The top line has been doing everything right so far; secondary scoring is the real main concern. Josh Bailey and Michael Grabner had some excellent chances against Buffalo that failed to convert, but Grabner did end up scoring twice (including an empty-netter), which gave him three goals in three games. Maybe this will give him the confidence he needs after looking a lot more like his old self in recent matches. As for Bailey, he's showing the slick hands and the drive to the net. Now all he needs is a bit of accuracy.
Expect the goalie matchup to be Nabokov vs. Rinne. Nabokov got win #300 on Saturday night and, despite a recurring goof, played a solid game. Unless Jack Capuano wants to give him some well-deserved rest, I can foresee him being in net.
Let's go, Isles!
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