Ducks at Predators
THE STORY: Pekka Rinne desperately wants to have Music
City singing a happy tune on Saturday. The Vezina Trophy finalist will
vie for his 100th career win when the Nashville Predators host the
Anaheim Ducks at Bridgestone Arena. “It’s a big one for us,” Rinne said.
“Saturday is our next challenge.” Lately, the Ducks haven't been much
of a challenge for the Predators, who eliminated Anaheim in six games in
the Western Conference quarterfinals last season. In addition,
Nashville has taken three of the four regular-season meetings in each of
the last two years. Back to the present, the Predators will vie for
their second straight win at home after snapping a four-game skid with a
5-3 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday. For its part, Anaheim
broke out of a three-game losing streak with a 3-2 win over the
Minnesota Wild. The Ducks have split the first two contests of their
current seven-game road trip.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, KDOC
ABOUT THE DUCKS (5-3-1): Reigning Hart Trophy winner
Corey Perry has recorded four goals and three assists during his
team-high six-game point streak. Perry's red-hot play could continue
against Nashville, against which he has collected 19 points in 22 career
games. Veteran Teemu Selanne is averaging more than a point per game
(50 in 42 career contests) versus the Predators. The 41-year-old Finn
has three goals and five assists in his last five contests.
ABOUT THE PREDATORS (4-4-1): Playing in his second game
since recovering from offseason shoulder surgery, Fisher secured his
first two goals of the season in Thursday's triumph. "Mr. Carrie
Underwood" fared well against the Ducks in the postseason, collecting
three goals and three assists in six games. After being held off the
scoresheet for four straight games, rookie Craig Smith has recorded one
goal and three assists in his last three contests.
OVERTIME:
1. After mustering just four goals on its first 35 power plays, Anaheim
netted a pair of tallies with the man advantage against Minnesota.
2. Nashville right wing Martin Erat is questionable to return to the
lineup on Saturday. He has been sidelined since Oct. 8 with an upper
body injury.