Predators look to bounce back after disappointing Game 3 performance
The Nashville Predators are back in action tonight in Denver, Colorado, as they take on the Colorado Avalanche in Game 4 of the first round.
The Nashville Predators put up a dissappointing performance in Game 3 on Monday night. The Avalanche came out firing once again, scoring on their second shot of the game. Pekka Rinne allowed 4 goals in the first two periods before he was pulled and Juuse Saros was put it.
The Predators couldn’t get much offense going through the first two periods, but were able to make a late push and score some goals to make the game look closer than it was.
Possible Lineup Changes
The Predators haven’t released a lineup yet, but I do believe they should make a few changes. It all depends on the health of Calle Jarnkrok, but if he’s healthy, I believe he should be in the lineup tonight. I have nothing against Mike Fisher, but the Predators need more speed in the lineup. Fisher has been a good role player for the Predators this year, but they need Jarnkrok back. Jarnkrok was having a great year for the Predators before he got injured, so hopefully he’s the same once he comes back from injury.
I fully believe that Rinne will be in goal again tonight for the Predators. He hasn’t looked his best all series, but the defense hasn’t been great either. Although Saros did really well in goal for the Predators during the end of Game 3, you really don’t want to take the starting goalie out of a playoff series, as it could ruin his confidence.
Thoughts for Tonight’s Game
The Predators have to come out of the gate firing, which is something they haven’t done all series. Rinne has allowed goals on their first or second shot of each game so far. If the Predators want to control tonight’s game, they will need to start better. The Avalanche crowd got into the game on Monday night, and the Predators could have a good chance to silence them if they come out of the gate firing and getting the game’s first goal. If the same offense that showed up for the Predators in the 3rd period last game, they should be in for a good night.
The Predators played a very physical game on Monday night and I believe they will do the same thing tonight. They looked to get in the Avalanche players’ heads, and it looked like it worked.
Despite the bad performance on Monday night, Rinne should start in goal tonight. The defense was bad in front of Rinne and they were hanging him out to dry.
If the Predators can slow down Nathan MacKinnon’s line and get a good performance from Rinne, they will have a good chance to get a win tonight and head back to Nashville with a 3-1 series lead.
Catch the Game
The Predators have a late start once again. Puck drop will be around 9:00 PM Central time, and the game will be broadcasted on NBCSN, as well as FoxSports Tennessee. You can also listen to the game on 102.5 The Game.