After the Nashville Predators went on an 18-game point streak and dominated in every facet of the game, things have gone off the rails a little bit over the past two games. This isn't to say that the team is in trouble or can't recover quickly, but they will have to focus on doing so soon as the playoffs are right around the corner.
Coming off back-to-back losses against the Arizona Coyotes and the Colorado Avalanche by a combined score of 15-8, the team defense and goaltending needs to tighten up a bit more. This upcoming week will not be easy to bounce back as there is one team fighting for the top spot in the league and division while the three others chase playoff hopes.
First up for the Predators is the Boston Bruins who have already clinched a playoff spot, but are in no way done trying during the regular season. They sit at 101 points, which is tied for third in the league and only three behind the New York Rangers for the top spot. The Bruins, being 23-9-6 at home this season and always good in their own building, will want home ice advantage throughout the playoffs if they can get it. The team also sits just two points ahead of the Florida Panthers for second in the division. I'm betting Boston would like to play a wildcard team more than either the Tampa Bay Lightning or Toronto Maple Leafs. As a top team, the Bruins are going to likely be the biggest test for the Predators this week.
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Moving on to Thursday, the Predators welcome the St. Louis Blues for the second of two home games this week. The Blues are the closest team to catching the Vegas Golden Knights for a playoff spot in the west and the only team who could have any sort of hope of kicking the Predators out of theirs. With the Blues fighting for their playoff lives, they will be coming in full force, maybe even more so than the Bruins, but are a weaker team. Both the Bruins and Blues have had great goaltending this season, so the Predators will have to allow less than seven goals in a game if they want any hope in winning.
The Predators' final two games of the week come on the weekend in a back-to-back in New York. The New York Islanders are the first game followed by the New Jersey Devils. While both teams have noticeably struggled at the worst time when they are chasing a playoff spot, neither are out of the race as of right now. Both play three games before meeting the Predators this week, so either or both could realistically take themselves out of the race by the weekend as well.
Assuming they don't, both have failed to reach expectations and will want to push for the last glimmer of hope to sneak into the playoffs, fight for jobs next year, and end on a good note. Goals shouldn't be that hard to come by, but a desperate team is a dangerous team as well. No opponent is a walk in the park, especially not one playing with the season on the line.
I'm not worried about the Predators just yet. I don't think they peaked too early as it was perfect timing, but they have to get back to the sound and dominant game they were playing for the last month.
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