After the biggest trade in franchise history, the Nashville Predators are finally ready to take the ice for the first time this 2016-17 season. They will take on Central Division rival Chicago Blackhawks at Bridgestone Arena tonight, the first of a back-to-back against the Blackhawks this opening weekend.
The Blackhawks are counting on six rookies to help round out their lineup. Most of them are of the two-way variety and will mostly play stand-in to the usual cast of characters that make the Hawks a tough team to beat. Guys like Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, and Marian Hossa. Returning also is last year?s Calder winner Artemi Panarin, 2nd line center Artem Anisimov, and most of their defense including Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook. Corey Crawford is still in goal.
The Hawks lost their opening night match-up against the Blues on Wednesday, falling 5-2 in the United Center. The Blues out-shot the Hawks 34-19 in the game, but the difference was on special teams. Chicago couldn?t stay out of the penalty box in the 2nd and 3rd periods, which led to three power play goals for the Blues. Overall, it wasn?t a great debut for the Hawks. They will probably be eager to forget that performance and try to steal one at the Bridge tonight.
The feeling is that Subban and Josi will be an absolute delight to watch together on the ice for Nashville. Tune in just for that, if anything.
See how Kevin Fiala fares on the big stage. He won't be expected to just impress the coaches, but actually produce out on the ice. Watch to see how he reacts to adversity as well as how he reacts to success.
That 4th line of the Predators.
Last year, the snoozes began as soon as ole #28 trotted out onto the ice. Not so this season. Keep your eyes peeled for whenever Sissons, Salomaki, and whoever else they are paired with take their shifts. They are absolutely ferocious.
The Blackhawks are counting on six rookies to help round out their lineup. Most of them are of the two-way variety and will mostly play stand-in to the usual cast of characters that make the Hawks a tough team to beat. Guys like Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, and Marian Hossa. Returning also is last year?s Calder winner Artemi Panarin, 2nd line center Artem Anisimov, and most of their defense including Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook. Corey Crawford is still in goal.
The Hawks lost their opening night match-up against the Blues on Wednesday, falling 5-2 in the United Center. The Blues out-shot the Hawks 34-19 in the game, but the difference was on special teams. Chicago couldn?t stay out of the penalty box in the 2nd and 3rd periods, which led to three power play goals for the Blues. Overall, it wasn?t a great debut for the Hawks. They will probably be eager to forget that performance and try to steal one at the Bridge tonight.
The feeling is that Subban and Josi will be an absolute delight to watch together on the ice for Nashville. Tune in just for that, if anything.
See how Kevin Fiala fares on the big stage. He won't be expected to just impress the coaches, but actually produce out on the ice. Watch to see how he reacts to adversity as well as how he reacts to success.
That 4th line of the Predators.
Last year, the snoozes began as soon as ole #28 trotted out onto the ice. Not so this season. Keep your eyes peeled for whenever Sissons, Salomaki, and whoever else they are paired with take their shifts. They are absolutely ferocious.
