Nashville Predators host the improving Minnesota Wild – NHL Preview
The Nashville Predators have finally qualified for the National Hockey League (NHL) playoffs and the rest of the games in the regular season will certainly not be pressure games for them.
However, Predators need to find consistency before the playoffs begin and they have got a chance to start a new winning run as they are going to face Minnesota Wild on Tuesday, April 03, 2012, at Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, Tennessee.
Wild, on the other hand, are already eliminated from the playoff contention, but they have played quite well in their last few games and are capable of staging an upset.
Let’s take a look at both teams.
Predators
They are ranked at fifth spot in the Western Conference with 98 points after 79 games. Out of their last three games, Predators have lost two with the recent defeat coming against the Chicago Blackhawks, who have also qualified for the playoffs.
Blackhawks had a good start to the game, but Predators managed to hit back sharply. However, the latter just could not finish the game as they conceded a goal in the final period.
Blackhawks scored one goal in the first period and added three more in the second before Predators could get their first scoring move.
Predators scored twice in the second period and added two more goals in the final to level the score, but Blackhawks managed a goal in the end and won.
Predators’ coach, Barry Trotz, said after the game:
"If you win tonight, you have a little bit of breathing room. They forced us to win all three of our games now ... So it's still in our control in terms of the 4 or 5 seed. What's not in our control now is home-ice advantage."
Wild
They are ranked at 12th spot in the Western Conference with 78 points after 79 games. At present, they are on a three-game winning streak with the victories coming against Florida Panthers (3-2 in overtime), Los Angeles Kings (4-3 after shootout)
and Chicago Blackhawks (5-4 after shootout).
Wild’ right wing, Devin Setoguchi, said after the last victory:
"These games are important for a lot of teams. These games are about pride and building toward next season. People might think, `They're out of it," but it's big for our club to finish strong and do things the right way instead of taking a vacation here."
Predictions
Wild have a slight edge.
The sum of goals scored by both teams will be six or more.
If Predators win, the winning margin will be two or more goals.
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