Peepin' Foes: Nashville Predators

She-yoot, while NASCAR nation takes a week off to prepare for the calamity that is racing in Bristol, the Rangers are down to cause some calamity in Tennessee against the Predators on Thursday. Somehow I don't think a lotta Dale Jr. fans are going to fill the Sommet Center to see the crashes and collisions (between Wade Redden and Michal Rozsival, as the puck slides right past them).

All kidding aside, it is sad to see that the Predators will not have Scotty Hockey favourite Jed Ortmeyer in their lineup. After a knee injury last year, Jed had more blood clots that cost him the start of this season. He got back on the ice but has been unable to get out of Milwaukee. He is doing pretty well - 21 points in 45 games - despite playing on a team that features Huge Mistake Hugh Jessiman. Well, congrats to him on making it back to playing, those blood clots are serious business. At least he gets to wear the best jerseys in professional hockey. But back to our game ahead:

Where We Are: Struggling for our playoff lives. After a pathetic performance in Carolina, the Rangers need to get points where they can and Nashville needs to be two points that they get. Especially seeing as coming up after this is a home and home with Philly that it is quite difficult to be optimistic for.

Where They Are: The Rangers will be the third Eastern team the Pred face in a row and Nashville lost the first two - a 4-1 smacking at the hands of the Flyers and a 2-1 OT loss to the Caps. Nashville is currently holding down the last playoff spot in the West, even though they have five less points than the Rangers, who are ninth in the East.

Who To Watch For: Jason Arnott is just as big, just as skilled and more experienced then he was when he was a Ranger killer with the Devils. I heart Stevie Sullivan, who battled all the way back to the NHL after nearly two years off dealing with back issues. Shea Weber, the defenseman, has 211 shots - that is more than any Blueshirt aside from Scott Gomez. Gomez has two more shots but two less goals 15. And Gomez is a first line center. But with Weber, Dan Hamhuis, Ryan Suter and Greg Zanon, Nashville's defense blows the Blueshirts way. Outside of Zanon, the other three are young and have scary skills.

What To Watch For: A stellar performance by Pekke Rinne. Somehow the young Finn has been lost in the rookie of the year conversations despite some top notch work. He is carrying a 2.27 gaa and .921 save percentage after unseating apparent one-year-wonder Dan Ellis. With Hank suffering from stomach issues (even though he says he's fine), the Ranger net will not be as well protected as Nashville's. Outside of the paint, see if the Rangers have any chemistry as the new coach has decided to start the line juggling. Nice to see Borat Antropov already claiming injury - the same thing he did when they put the screws on him in Toronto.

What We'll (Hopefully) See: Wade Belak - the former goon of the Leafs - is plodding along for the Preds. It would be nice to see Colton Orr make short work of him but you never know, Belak may get lucky like he did against No Brains Brashear. Hopefully we will also see a Avery/Tootoo tilt, just because it would be funny.

Also Check Out: The Mighty Mirtle actually took a road trip to NASCAR land to check out the Grand Ole Opry and you can check his impression of the city in Part 1 and Part 2. He managed to find someone literate down there to write about the Preds for SBN at On The Forecheck although one of Hockey's Ladies of Greatness is a Pred blogger so you should also give her a glance, hehe.

 Peepin' Foes: Nashville Predators - Exploring the Matchup

As the New York Rangers prepare to face off against the Nashville Predators, fans are gearing up for an exciting clash between two teams with distinct identities. The Rangers, a historic franchise based in the heart of Manhattan, and the Predators, a relatively newer team hailing from Nashville, Tennessee, offer an intriguing matchup. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the Predators and answer some frequently asked questions about this exciting inter-conference matchup.

The Nashville Predators: A Brief History

The Nashville Predators were established as an expansion team in 1998 and quickly made a name for themselves in the NHL. Despite their relatively short history, the Predators have built a strong hockey culture in Music City. Here's a snapshot of their journey:

1. Early Struggles:

Like many expansion teams, the Predators faced challenges in their early years. They had to build a competitive roster from scratch and establish a fan base in a non-traditional hockey market.

2. Playoff Success:

The Predators found their footing in the mid-2000s and became known for their defensive prowess. They made their mark in the playoffs, with deep runs that earned them a reputation as a tough postseason opponent.

3. Smashville Identity:

Nashville's Bridgestone Arena is affectionately known as "Smashville," reflecting the passionate fan base and the team's aggressive style of play. The Predators have embraced their musical roots and created a unique game-day experience for fans.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Predators

Who are the key players to watch on the Nashville Predators?

The Predators boast a talented roster, and players like Roman Josi (captain and star defenseman), Filip Forsberg (dynamic forward), and Juuse Saros (goaltender) are essential contributors.

What is the Predators' style of play?

The Predators are known for their strong defensive play, aggressive forecheck, and physicality. They often rely on their goaltender to make key saves and transition quickly to offense.

How has the rivalry between the Rangers and Predators developed over the years?

While not traditional rivals, the Rangers and Predators have had exciting matchups in inter-conference play. Their infrequent meetings make each encounter a unique and intriguing battle.

Key Storylines for the Matchup

Goaltending Duel:

The matchup between Igor Shesterkin of the Rangers and Juuse Saros of the Predators promises to be a goaltending showcase. Both netminders have been outstanding for their respective teams.

Offensive Firepower:

The Rangers' high-powered offense, led by Artemi Panarin and Mika Zibanejad, will be pitted against the Predators' strong defensive core. It's a classic battle of offense vs. defense.

Special Teams Battle:

Special teams often play a crucial role in determining the outcome of games. The Rangers have a formidable power play, while the Predators boast a solid penalty kill. Whichever team can capitalize on special teams opportunities may gain an edge.

The matchup between the New York Rangers and the Nashville Predators promises to be an exciting clash of styles and identities. The Rangers, with their fast-paced offense and historic pedigree, will face off against the Predators, known for their defensive tenacity and passionate fan base in "Smashville." While not traditional rivals, these inter-conference games often provide memorable moments and unexpected storylines. Hockey fans can look forward to a thrilling showdown on the ice as both teams vie for victory in this unique NHL matchup.