Canucks at Predators
THE STORY: Vancouver and Nashville played a hard-fought six games
in the Western Conference semifinals a season ago. The teams have
continued that trend the last two meetings this season, splitting the
tilts by a combined two goals. They will meet for a fourth and final
time in the regular season when the Predators host the Canucks on
Tuesday. "We've played them a couple times already and we know what
they're capable of doing," Predators defenseman Roman Josi said.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, RS Pacific (Canucks), FS Tennessee (Predators)
ABOUT THE CANUCKS (38-15-6):
Vancouver, two points behind conference-leading Detroit, is unbeaten in
regulation in its past 13 games (10-0-3) and will be eyeing a fifth
straight win overall. Having Henrik and Daniel Sedin certainly helps.
The twins, who are the highest scoring teammate duo in the West,
combined for 12 points as the Canucks earned a pair of wins over Toronto
and Edmonton during the weekend. The Sedins have also combined for 12
points in three games this season against the Predators.
ABOUT THE PREDATORS (34-19-6):
Nashville is attempting to catch St. Louis for the fourth spot out
West. The Predators' strong play at home is certainly helping. Nashville
is 7-0-1 its last eight home games, the lone setback being a 4-3
shootout loss to Vancouver. The Predators have been particularly steady
on the power play, ranking second in the NHL at a 21.5 percent clip.
Defenseman Hal Gill, acquired Friday from Montreal, will make his home
debut. He has a goal and seven assists this season.
OVERTIME:
1. Vancouver goaltender Roberto Luongo is 5-0-0 with a 1.71 goals against average in his past five outings against Nashville.
2. Martin Erat leads the Predators in scoring with 42 points, but the right winger is pointless his last four games.
3. Nashville goalie Pekka Rinne has allowed 12 goals in three starts this season against the Canucks.