Game #62 - vs Nashville Predators

Game 62

Predators (32-23-5, 69 points) at Penguins (36-22-3, 75 points)

Why does it matter?
The Pens again can catch the Devils and tie for the division lead with a win. They can also go into the Olympic break secure in the top half of the playoff bracket (Ottawa is just one point behind the Pens). A win would make these next few weeks much nicer when thinking about hockey.

What has been happening lately?

• Pens - Too many holes in the D have led to losses in three of the past four.
  
• Predators - They're on one of their bad streaks, going 3-7-2 over the past month.

Questions to be answered

• Can the Pens take advantage of the Preds run of poor hockey? On October 24th, they were 3-6-1. Over the next several months, up until January 15th, they were 26-10-2. Since then, as noted above, just 3-7-2.
  
• Can the Pens win the special teams battle? The Preds have both scored and allowed a power play goal in 5 straight games.
  
• I'm still looking for a shut out from a Pens goalie. Can they get one? (this question is staying here until they do)
  

Keys to the game

• Use the forecheck. The Pens are up against a similar style in Nashville, built using a similar methodology. The game is going to the team that is more successful in establishing offensive zone time.
  
• Give the goalie some support. The Pens have allowed more than 30 shots for three four five straight.