Thursday, March 22, 2012

Pens vs Predators Preview

The Pens host the Predators tonight for the first meeting between the teams this season.

The Pens are 45-21-6 and 4th in the Eastern Conference with 96 points, only three points away from the Rangers. The Predators are 42-23-8 and 5th in the Western Conference with 92 points, only one point away from the 4th place Red Wings.

The Predators were a busy team during the trade deadline adding former Penguin Hall Gill, Andrei Kostitsyn, and Pual Gaustad.

However the biggest addition is Alexander Radulov returning after four years in the KHL. Radulov was a two time MVP, won a pair of scoring titles, and earned an league championship while in the KHL. He makes his re-debut tonight against the Pens. Look for him to come up big for the Predators.

Even with these additions the Predators are a good defensive team with Rinne in the net. Rinne (39) is tied with Flower for the most wins for a goalie in the NHL.

The Pens are not without their own weapons. Flower has been solid in the net and will look to overtake Rinne for the most wins. I expect him to come up big for the Pens like he always does.

Sid has notched nine assist in just four games (since his comeback). The Pens have tallied up twenty goals while going 3-0-1 since his return. His hasn't scored a goal, but that doesn't stop him from setting up the rest of his teammates with goals. His scoring will come and it will be some beautiful looking goal or maybe just him working hard and getting to the front of the net. He will score soon and hopefully tonight.

Some good stats for the Pens. They have gone thirteen straight games without a regulation loss, 12-0-1, going back to Feb. 19. Pens have also won eight straight home games, which is a season high, and the longest active steak in the NHL. A win tonight would tie the Pens for the 3rd longest home winning streak in franchise history.

Injuries

Pens
Johnny with an undisclosed injury
Vitale with an undisclosed injury

Predators
Roman Josi with an upper body injury
Colin Wilson with a groin injury
Pau Gaustad with an upper body injury

If they Pens get at least a point tonight they would clinch a playoff spot. 

LETS GO PENS!!! 




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