Predators at Flyers
THE STORY: One can understand why Pekka Rinne didn't want to see January come to an end. After all, the 29-year-old Finn tasted defeat just once during the month and was named the NHL's Third Star in January. Well, February is upon us and Rinne will look to extend his career high winning streak to 11 consecutive games on Thursday when the Nashville Predators visit the Philadelphia Flyers. The Predators have won five in a row and 13 of their last 15 (13-2-0) to rocket up both the Central Division and Western Conference standings. Rinne also got the better of the Flyers in that stretch by stopping 36 shots in a 4-2 victory in Music City on Jan. 14. The road has certainly been kind to Nashville, which has won three straight and six of seven. Coach Barry Trotz's club will look to continue its winning ways at the expense of Philadelphia, which has dropped three straight at home and three of five overall.
TV: 7 p.m. ET, FSTN, CSP
ABOUT THE PREDATORS (31-16-4): Nashville has never been confused with the high-scoring Edmonton Oilers during the 1980s, but a three-goal barrage midway through the third period allowed the Predators to rally to a 5-4 victory over the Minnesota Wild on Tuesday. Mike Fisher tallied twice to extend his points streak to five games. Mr. Carrie Underwood also collected a goal and an assist in his last contest versus the Flyers.
ABOUT THE FLYERS (29-14-6): Veteran RW Jaromir Jagr returned from a groin injury and collected an assist in a 2-1 shootout loss to the Winnipeg Jets on Tuesday. Jagr, 39, joined rookies Brayden Schenn and Matt Read on a line before being eased back with All-Stars Claude Giroux and Scott Hartnell. "I was glad to play," Jagr said sheepishly. "It didn't matter what line. I was glad to play for the first time in 10 days. Probably it was better for me to start on a different line. Probably less pressure and I can slowly get into the game."
OVERTIME:
1. Philadelphia continues to struggle in shootouts, winning just one of five such games this season. All told, the Flyers are 20-38 in shootouts.
2. Flyers C Danny Briere has resumed skating with the team, but admits to having headaches. Briere has been sidelined since Jan. 21 with a concussion.