Predators at Rangers
THE STORY: If the Nashville Predators were interested in
moving out of the Central Division, perhaps they should test the waters
in the Atlantic. After all, the Predators have dispatched both the
Philadelphia Flyers and New York Islanders on consecutive outings as
they matched a season high with five straight victories. The Music City
residents will look to keep the good times going Tuesday when they visit
the Atlantic Division-leading New York Rangers. Despite winning 14 of
its last 18, Nashville resides in fourth place in the Central Division -
despite being in sixth in the Western Conference. Tuesday's contest
won't be easy as John Tortorella's club has made Madison Square Garden a
tough place to play. The Rangers, who are 13-4-2 at home, will look for
a better effort than the one they put forth during Sunday's lackluster
4-1 road setback to the Original Six rival Montreal Canadiens.
TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, NBCS, TSN2
ABOUT THE PREDATORS (26-15-4):
Nashville continues to get out of the blocks quickly. Sergei Kostitsyn
and David Legwand collected their third goals in as many games and Matt
Halischuk also tallied during the three-goal first period as the
Predators cruised to a 3-1 victory over the Islanders on Monday
afternoon. Nashville has outscored its opponents by a 13-6 margin during
the last 11 first periods. An early lead can prove fatal for foes with
Pekka Rinne in net. The Finn has yielded only 17 goals in his last nine
contests.
ABOUT THE RANGERS (28-11-4): Right wing Marian
Gaborik collected his 300th assist when he set up John Mitchell on
Sunday. That was the lone bright spot for New York, which has dropped
two of three after winning 10 of its previous 11. "It was
uncharacteristic, some of the breakdowns we had," said center Brad
Richards, who has been held off the scoresheet in the last four
contests. Richards has fared well versus the Predators, posting 23
points in 20 career games.
OVERTIME:
1. Predators
All-Star defenseman Ryan Suter exited Monday's game in the first period
with an upper body injury. Coach Barry Trotz stated that Suter is
"doubtful" to play on Tuesday.
2. All-Star goaltender Henrik
Lundqvist received the night off Saturday, but is set to face Nashville.
The Swede has won three of five career outings versus the Predators.