Carolina Hurricanes look to upset Nashville Predators – NHL Preview
Nashville Predators have handsomely transformed their dull form into severe aggression and have got a very good opportunity to end the month on a positive note after starting it with a failure.
After two successful games, they are hitting the road to play a National Hockey League (NHL) game against the lowly Carolina Hurricanes on Tuesday, February 28, 2012, at RBC Center, Raleigh, North Carolina.
The only thing scary about the Hurricanes is their knack of registering upsets and that is where Predators have to be slightly cautious.
Let’s have a look at both the teams.
Predators
Out of the first seven games Predators played in the month, five resulted in defeats.
However, the team has surged quite strongly after winning four of the five games played after that.
They are on a two-game winning run with the recent victories (both on the home ice) coming against San Jose Sharks (6-2) and Los Angeles Kings (2-1).
If the defence continues to perform like it is doing of late, Hurricanes stand no chance of defeating Predators.
Predators’ centre, David Legwand, said after the recent victory:
"That's a big thing with our home games starting our run here. We've got to be winning, and we've been doing that at home. That's a positive thing for us winning at home.”
Predators are ranked at fifth spot in the Western Conference with 81 points after 63 games.
Hurricanes
Out of the last four games, Hurricanes have lost three and are currently on a two-game losing streak with the recent defeats coming against Anaheim Ducks and Florida Panthers.
The noticeable aspect, however, is the level of competition they put forward for the opponents.
The last two games were decided after shootout and this goes to show how hard Hurricanes are trying to get to the winning road.
Hurricanes’ coach, Kirk Muller, said of the team:
"Our guys are playing as hard as they can. I think, as a coach, I cannot ask more from our guys. We have young guys, and I think they're giving it everything they've got right now."
Hurricanes are ranked at 14th spot in the Eastern Conference with 59 points after 62 games.
Predictions
A possibility of upset cannot be ignored, but Predators can be favoured.
The sum of goals scored by both the teams might stay under six.
If Hurricanes win, the winning margin will be less than two goals.
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