Preds Prey: Road Bumps & a Home Game

The Nashville Predators look to break their six game losing streak and get some points while playing three of four games on the road.

The Predators get off to an early start this week with a matinee game against the Washington Capitals on New Years Eve. They will then round out the week with a home game against the Philadelphia Flyers, followed by two road games, one against the Detroit Red Wings and another in Montreal to take on the Canadiens.

Monday, Dec. 31 @ Capitals- 12:30 p.m.- NHLN

The Capitals and Preds seem to be heading in two different directions at this point in the season. The Caps have one four straight while the Predators have managed to lose six straight. Nashville is finally starting to get some players back from injury so that should help the team turn things around going into the new calendar year.

If the Predators want to steal two points on the road they'll need to get good goaltending since the Capitals have no problem creating chances and burying them. Discipline is also going to be a key factor in this game since the Capitals have a dangerous power play. The road has not been a kind place to play for the Preds lately so the team is going to want to get off to a good start by establishing the pace early with a good cycling game to spend some time in the offensive zone. The biggest keys to this game is going to be keeping Alex Ovechkin and company off the board and avoiding costly turnovers.

Tuesday, Jan. 1 vs. Flyers- 8:30 p.m.- NHLN

The Predators will look to avenge their loss to the Flyers on Dec. 20 in Philadelphia where they lost 2-1 in regulation. This will be a game of two teams who just can't seem to get it going right now, but a revenge game at home is something that could get the Preds going in the right direction. The Flyers aren't getting blown out as much lately, but they are having a problem closing out games.

If you can stop Claude Giroux and his line, then you'll likely shut down the Flyers offense since it goes as he goes. This would be the perfect game for the Predators to get their awful power play going because the Flyers are one of the worst teams at killing penalties in the League. The Flyers will need to keep an eye on the Predators blue line since they like to create offense and play solid defense. The pace needs to be set early in this game with either some extended offensive zone time or a goal. The key to this game is going to be getting pucks on net and plenty of them since the Flyers goaltending has been anything but stellar so far.

Friday, Jan. 4 @ Red Wings- 7:30 p.m.

The Predators will have off for two days before playing a game against the Red Wings. The Predators should easily be able to get the regulation win and pick up two points, but this team just can't seem to win on the road right now. The Red Wings just can't seem to win games right now as they have struggled to put the puck in the back of the opposition net and keep it out of their own.

The two bright spots for the Red Wings have been Dylan Larkin and Gustav Nyquist, and they rank first and second on the team in points. The Red Wings are only killing 69.3% of their penalties on home ice so the Preds need to find a way to simplify their power play and cash in on some opportunities. They shouldn't have a problem getting some pucks on net, as the Red Wings give up over 34 shots per game, but finishing will be the key to this game.

Saturday, Jan. 5 @ Canadiens- 7 p.m.

The Canadiens have been one of the surprise teams of the first half of the season, and are currently fifth in the Atlantic Division. For the Predators, this will be the second game of a back-to-back situation having played Friday night and travelled.

The Predators need to jump on the Canadiens early and often because they may not have a late game comeback in them. They'll need to be smart with and without the puck to limit turnovers especially when Max Domi and Jonathan Drouin are on the ice together. The Preds want to avoid the penalty box and establish the cycle game early. The key to this game will be testing Antti Niemi early and often since he can let in some goals.

Preds Prey Prediction for the Week

The Predators will finish the week out with a 2-1-1 record. The road stuggles with continue with a loss to the Capitals on New Years Eve. The team will bounce back with regulation wins against the Flyers and Red Wings, who are two teams towards the bottom of the League standings. They will finish off the week with an overtime loss to the Canadiens, since they'll be coming off of a game the night before in Detroit.

Flying Forward: Weekly Preview 3/11/18-3/17/18

The Philadelphia Flyers will look to move up the playoff standings this week, but it won't be easy.

On Monday night, they'll face the Vegas Golden Knights, who are first in the Pacific Division. The Blue Jackets come to town on Thursday night in a game that could loom big for both teams. The Flyers end their week with a visit to Carolina on St. Patrick's Day.

The Flyers need to get off to a fast start against the Golden Knights tonight. They should set the tone early and be prepared to play with some energy from the beginning of the game. Philadelphia will want to establish the forecheck and cycle game early to get sustained offensive zone pressure to get some pucks on net and scoring chances. Petr Mrazek needs to have a stellar game and make saves. The Flyers should keep an eye on Jonathan Marchessault and William Karlson since they are the two top point producers for Vegas.

Vegas should get plenty of shots on goal in this game and test the Flyers goalie early, who has been inconsistent the past few games. The Golden Knights need to get the first goal of the game to take the home crowd out of the game. Vegas should try to win the battle of special teams with some power play goals. The Golden Knights want to play a solid road game and keep an eye on the Flyers top line since they have been playing well since being put together.

The Orange and Black will host the Blue Jackets on Thursday night and expect this game to be a close one. The Flyers need to be discipline because they have a poor penalty kill. The team is going to need to limit their mistakes and watch out for the speed of the Blue Jackets. Philly will need to get a ton of traffic around the front of the net for screens and deflections. The goaltending for the Flyers will need to come up big since Columbus has been playing good hockey of late and averages 34 shots per game.

Columbus will also want to play with some discipline even with the Flyers power play struggling of late. The Blue Jackets should try to win the special teams battle since the teams are both decent at even strength hockey. Columbus needs to get off to a fast start and get a goal early or make a play that gets the team energized. The Blue Jackets will want to have the lead after two periods since they are a much better team when leading heading into the third period then when trailing. Columbus should know where Claude Giroux and Jake Voracek are on the ice at all times ice since they have decent career numbers against them.

The Flyers end the week with another divisional foe in the Carolina Hurricanes. Philly needs to get the first goal of the game to take the home crowd out of the game. The Orange and Black want to play a solid road game and not make it easy for the Canes to do whatever they want on the ice. The Flyers need to win the battle at even strength since the opposition has outscored the Hurricanes 142-118 at even strength play this year; The Flyers will need to keep an eye on Jeff Skinner and Justin Williams since those two have not been kind to the Flyers in their careers.

The Hurricanes will want to play a team defense game with the forwards helping out. Carolina needs to get a good game from the starting goaltender. The Canes need to get the first goal of the game and keep attacking and not sit back. The Hurricanes should avoid the penalty box at all costs since their penalty kill has been an area of concern this season. Carolina will need to be aware of then defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere is on the ice since he has 10 points in 11 career games played against them.

Rapid Review: All-Star Edition

It's that time of the year again where teams across the NHL go on their bye week, and the NHL announces its All-Star rosters. The game will once again be played in a 3-on-3 tournament to decide who wins the $1 million prize. As usual, every team must be represented by one player so there were definitely some snubs.

Here are the players selected for the Buffalo Sabres, Dallas Stars, Nashville Predators, Philadelphia Flyers, Tampa Bay Lightning and Toronto Maple Leafs.

1.) BUFFALO SABRES- JACK EICHEL

Jack Eichel being the lone All-Star representative for the Sabres was the easy and right choice. He will be on the Atlantic Division All-Star Squad. This is Eichel's first All-Star selection of his young career. He leads the Sabres with 17 goals, 22 assists and 39 points. The selection of Eichel was an easy one especially since the Sabres have been struggling and are one of the worst teams in the NHL.

2.) DALLAS STARS- JOHN KLINGBERG & TYLER SEGUIN

The Dallas Stars will have two representatives in Tampa Bay for the All-Star Game. This will be John Klingberg's first time at the All-Star game while Tyler Seguin gets the nod for the fifth time in his career. Klingberg leads all NHL defensemen with 39 points and is first on the Stars with 33 assists. Seguin leads the Stars in goals with 21 and points with 40. He is having another good year and is on pace for just under 80 points. Since being traded to Dallas, he has been nothing but consistent and has developed a nice chemistry with Jamie Benn.

3.) NASHVILLE PREDATORS- PETER LAVIOLETTE, PK SUBBAN & PEKKA RINNE

The Preds will be represented by two players and their coach. Peter Laviolette will coach the Central Division All-Stars, while PK Subban was the fan elected captain. Pekka Rinne has had an outstanding season for the Predators and will be an All-Star for the second time in his career. Subban is second on the Preds with 32 points while leading the team in assists with 23. Subban is ranked fourth among all NHL defenseman with 32 points and third in goals with nine. Rinne ranked eighth in save percentage, sixth in wins (21) and 10th in goals against average in the NHL.

4.) PHILADELPHIA FLYERS- CLAUDE GIROUX

The lone Flyers representative is their captain, Claude Giroux. The center moved to the left wing to start the season and it has paid off. He is 5th in the NHL in scoring with 52 points. Giroux leads the Flyers in points with 52 and is second on the team in assists (38) and goals (14). The forward is taking part in his fifth All-Star Game in his career. He should have been joined by, at least, one other teammate as Jake Voracek has 51 points, Sean Couturier is having a break out season and Shayne Gostisbehere has bounced back with 32 points, which is fifth among NHL defensemen.

5.) TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING- JON COOPER, VICTOR HEDMAN, NIKITA KUCHEROV, STEVEN STAMKOS & ANDREI VASILEVSKIY

The Lightning have four players and one coach going to the All-Star game so the hometown fans will have plenty to cheer about. The Bolts are the best team in hockey so it makes sense that they are sending four players. Hedman has been outstanding on the defensive side of the puck and is a +24 while putting up some points (33). Kucherov leads the NHL in points (60) and goals (27). Stamkos has managed to stay healthy so far this year, and is a big part of the success of the Lightning. Vasilevskiy leads the NHL in wins (27), is second in save percentage (.933), and second in goals against average (2.10).

6.) TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS- AUSTON MATTHEWS

The lone player going for the Leafs is Auston Matthews. This is his second selection and he will be playing with the Atlantic Division All-Stars. Matthews hasn't had to be the man in Toronto this year so his numbers are a bit lower than most, but he has had help with the balanced scoring. He leads the Leafs in goals (19) and points (33).

Flying Forward: Weekly Preview 12/10/17-12/16/17

The Philadelphia Flyers look to extend their winning streak to four games after having four days off. It won't be an easy task as they face some good teams this week, but they will play in front of the home crowd all week.

On Tuesday night, the Toronto Maple Leafs come to town, and it won't be an easy task to get a win whether or not Auston Matthews is in the Leafs lineup. The Buffalo Sabres will visit the Wells Fargo Center on Thursday night. The Flyers finish off their week against the Dallas Stars, who have struggled on the road so far this year.

The Flyers will need to keep the balanced scoring going that they have had the past three games. Philadelphia will ned to get the first goal of the game and build off of it. The Orange and Black will need to keep attacking and establish a good forecheck game early in the game to make the Leafs defend. The Flyers will need to limit their mistakes especially in the neutral zone since the Leafs have some good transition speed. Philly will need to keep James van Riemsdyk and Mitch Marner in check.

Toronto needs to find a way to stop the recently red hot Michael Raffl, who has scored five goals in his last eight games after scoring zero in his previous 42. The Leafs will need to get some good goaltending the Flyers can also get some pucks on net. The Maple Leafs will need to have a solid, road effort and get scoring from the depth lines. Toronto will need to stay out of the penalty box since the Flyers have a good power play. They will also need to watch the Philly defense since they like to join the play in the offensive zone, and will pinch to keep a play alive.

The Flyers will need to keep the new look lines and balanced attack going against the Sabres. Philly needs to not play down to their opponent since they have been known to do this the past few years. The Flyers will need to get in on the attack, establish a forecheck early in the game and force a ton of turnovers throughout the game. The Orange and Black need to be better with the puck, and limit their mistakes since they have had plenty of costly turnovers lately. Philly needs to avoid the penalty box since the penalty kill has been in the bottom of the League all season long. The Flyers need to be aware of where Jack Eichel and Jason Pominville are on the ice.

Buffalo will need to get the first goal of the game since the Flyers are a better team when playing with the lead. The Sabres will need to keep attacking and get some sustained pressure in the offensive zone to keep the new balanced lines off the board for Philly. Buffalo will need to stay out of the penalty box since the Flyers have a decent power play even though they have allowed four shorthanded goals against this year. The Sabres will need to keep Jake Voracek and Shayne Gostisbehere in check since they play a big part in the offense. Buffalo will need to be aware of the Philadelphia defense since they have no problem joining the play in the offensive zone.

The Flyers will end their week playing the somewhat inconsistent Stars. Philadelphia will need to stay out of the penalty box since the Stars have a power play that can be dangerous. The Flyers will need to contain Tyler Seguin, who leads the Stars in both goals and total points. The Orange and Black will also need to pressure the puck carrier and force the Stars into making turnovers. Philly will need to limit their mistakes with and without the puck because the Stars can make you pay for your mistakes. The Flyers will need to be sure to get some traffic in front of the goalie, get a ton of shots on net and make sure that they have someone in front for rebound opportunities.

The Stars will need to somehow figure out a way to cure their road woes that they have had so far this year. It would help if they could play a solid, defensive, 60 minute game and avoid the mistakes. Dallas will need to find a way to keep Claude Giroux and Sean Couturier off the board since they have contributed a lot to the offense this year. The Stars will need to stay out of the penalty box since the Flyers have a power play that can be dangerous. Dallas will need to get the forecheck and cycle game going early for a chance to get the first goal of the game, and make Philly play from behind.

Flying Forward: Weekly Preview 11/12/17-11/18/17

The Philadelphia Flyers have yet another week of facing Western Conference opponents. The early season has been filled with opponents from the West, and very little of the East.

 It won't be an easy week, but they somehow need to find a way to get into a grove since they are tied for last in the Metropolitan Division with the Carolina Hurricanes. The good news is that even with being in last place the team is only six points out of the top spot in the division. The Flyers will finish the back end of a home-and-home with the Wild in Minnesota tonight. They will then take on the Jets in Winnipeg, and may have some help back in Nolan Patrick, who has been out with an upper body injury. Philadelphia will then fly home and take on the Calgary Flames and Johnny Gaudreau.

The Flyers will need the secondary scoring to start showing up this season, and what better time for them to show up than tonight in Minnesota. The Flyers have been shut out four times already this year, so when the top line is shut down then there's a good chance the team will take a loss. Philadelphia will need to have a better start to the game and play a solid first 10 minutes by limiting their turnovers and better play in the neutral zone. Philly is going to need to find a way to get through the tight checking of the Wild, and that is where the stretch passes by the defense, specifically Shayne Gostisbehere, could help. The Orange and Black really need to get the power play back on track since it has fizzled after a hot start. It will be interesting to see how the new line combinations work out for the Flyers tonight, and how much chemistry they have.

The Wild just need to have a repeat performance of Saturday night to shut down the Flyers offensively. They did a really good job of taking the cross ice pass away from the top line, and the line just didn't adjust their game. Minnesota needs to get the first goal of the game since the Flyers are only 1-6-2 when their opponents score first. The Wild need to take advantage of a Flyers team that doesn't have the best penalty kill in the NHL so they should use their speed and force Philly into taking some unnecessary penalties. The Wild are going to need to stay out of the penalty box themselves because even though the Flyers power play has been struggling lately, there's always a threat of them scoring a goal.

On Thursday night, it could be a homecoming for Nolan Patrick, who hopes to return to the lineup when the Flyers face the Jets in Winnipeg. Philadelphia needs to get off to a fast start, establish the forecheck and cycle game early and often in the first 10 minutes of the game. Once they have established those two things then they'll need to keep it going for the remainder of the game, and not just play that way for half the game. The Orange and Black need to find a way to stop Blake Wheeler and Mark Scheifele, who are the two leading scorers for the Jets. Philly will need to take advantage of the horrible home penalty killing of the Jets so far this year, and just throw everything they can at the net. They will need to be crisp with their passes and avoid the turnovers in the neutral zone since the Jets can capitalize on mistakes.

The Jets need to stop the top line of Claude Giroux, Sean Couturier and Jake Voracek. Winnipeg needs to play a solid game, and not fall off in the second period where they are getting outscored by opponents by a wide margin. The Jets will need to get the first goal of the game to keep the home crowd in the game and they are a better team when they score first as opposed to their opponent scoring first. The goaltending will need to be sharp for the Jets since the Flyers will throw pucks at the net. Winnipeg is going to need to play a disciplined game and attack with speed.

The Flyers end their week with a visit from the Calgary Flames. Philly will need to stop the duo of Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan, who are the top two scorers for Calgary. A way to do that is to keep the puck in the offensive zone with a good cycle game. The Flyers will need to play a solid even strength game, and get some big & timely saves from their goalie. Philadelphia will look to get their secondary scoring going in this game, since they aren't doing much of anything right now. The Orange and Black need to get off to a good start and set the tone early in this game. Philly needs to get someone in the front of the net for rebound chances.

Calgary will need to attack the Flyers with their speed so the Flyers defensemen can't stand them up at their own blue line. The Flames need to take advantage of a weak penalty kill and get their own power play going. Calgary will need to watch out for the Philadelphia defensemen since they like to join the play in the offensive zone, and will make the pinch along the boards to keep the puck in the offensive zone. The Flames will need a good game from their goalie since the Flyers have been getting pucks to the net.



Flying Forward: Weekly Preview 11/5/17-11/11/17

The Philadelphia Flyers haven't been very good in their last 10 games played having a record of 4-4-2 in those games.

Philadelphia will be coming off of a much needed four day break in game action. The Flyers have dealt with some injuries all season, but recently to the defense corps and the time off could possibly mean the return of Radio Gudas, who has been out since last Wednesday after suffering an upper body injury. There are other players like Wayne Simmonds who are battling through injuries so the time off couldn't have come at a better time.

The Flyers will look to hand the Blackhawks a loss after being shutout by Corey Crawford last Wednesday. On Saturday, Philadelphia will take on the Minnesota Wild, who have had their own struggles to start the season. The Wild are without Zach Praise in their lineup.

The Flyers need to avoid a slow start especially after having the last four days off from game action. Yes, they have been practicing, but that isn't the same as playing in a game. The Flyers need to have their skating legs early in this one and establish a tone to the game, which could be a physical one or a hardworking one. The Orange and Black need to be sure to get plenty of traffic in front of the opposition net especially if Crawford is the starter. The more traffic, the better chance for a second chance goal from a deflection or rebound. The Flyers need to find a way to keep Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews off the board since they may be on the same line. The Flyers need to avoid the turnovers and get in on the forecheck to spend some time in the offensive zone.

The Blackhawks need to make sure that they get off to a fast start since they are outscoring opponents 15-9 this season in the opening period of games. They need to take advantage of the fact that the Flyers have been off for four days, and establish some attack time in the offensive zone early in the game. It should be interesting to see how the new look lines of Chicago manage with chemistry, is it instant or will it take a period  or to two to start clicking? The Blackhawks need to play a full, 60 minute game and not just decide to take the middle period off because that has been part of the problem so far this year. Chicago may want to stay out of the penalty box since the Flyers have a good power play, and Shayne Gostisbehere will be back in the lineup for Philadelphia. He missed the game last week due to injury. If there is a chance to shoot the puck then Chicago needs to get the shot off since goalies for the Orange and Black haven't been good this year.

On Saturday night, the Flyers will face the Wild at the Wells Fargo Center. Philadelphia will need to take advantage when they are on the power play since the Wild are only killing penalties at a 75% rate on the road. The Orange and Black need to keep an eye on defenseman Jared Spurgeon since he will contribute on the offensive side of the puck, and already has 10 points on the year. The Flyers will need to play a solid defensive game and limit the chances of the Wild. Philly needs to get off to a better start in this one since they have been outscored 13-9 in the first period of games.

The Wild are going to need to find a way to contain the Flyers top line of Claude Giroux, Sean Couturier and Jakub Voracek since they have a combined 53 points through the first 15 games of the season. Minnesota will also need to be aware of when Shayne Gostisbehere has the puck because he will try for the stretch pass out of the zone or even skate the puck out of the defensive zone. The Wild are going to need to play a disciplined game since the road penalty kill hasn't exactly been stellar this season, while the Flyers power play can put the puck in the net. Minnesota will need to have quick puck movement to get the puck through to the goalie since the Flyers like to block shots (237). The Wild need to be prepared for a physical game at times since Philadelphia doesn't shy away from throwing hits.

Leafs Notes: Weekly Preview 10/22/17-10/28/17

The Toronto Maple Leafs look to take advantage of having home ice this week for three games.

The Leafs will take on LA Kings, who have yet to lose in regulation, tonight. The Carolina Hurricanes will visit the Air Canada Centre on Thursday night. Toronto ends its week by taking on the Philadelphia Flyers in a Saturday night matchup.

The Leafs look to hand the Kings their first loss of the season, but it won't be easy to accomplish. The Maple Leafs are going to need to bring its balanced attack, and bring it throughout the game. They just can't get a lead, and then sit back. A way to stop the Kings is for the Leafs to use their speed through the neutral zone to force the Kings defensemen to back into their own zone and not be able to stand up at the blue line. Toronto needs to move the puck quickly, but also be smart in their decision-making. The Maple Leafs are going to need to watch out for Anze Kopitar and Dustin Brown, who are tied for the lead in points on the Kings. The Leafs will all five players on the ice at any give time to be better defensively, which has been a problem early in the season.

Los Angeles can slow down the speed of the Leafs by attacking the defensemen with a good forecheck game, and then go to work on the cycle game to keep the puck in the offensive zone. The Kings are going to need to have a good, solid defensive effort from everyone on the ice including the forwards. If the Kings can get their road power play going against the weak Leafs home power play then that would be a bonus, and help the Kings to another two points. Los Angeles needs to play the game with discipline since Toronto has a really good power play. The Kings will need to keep an eye on Auston Matthews, who leads the team in goals and points.

The Maple Leafs will have two days off before facing the Hurricanes. Toronto needs to make sure that they have the lead at intermission since the Hurricanes are a better team when they are playing with the lead rather than chasing it. The Leafs should try to capitalize on their chances because Carolina doesn't seem to give up a whole lot. The Leafs want to win the even strength battle, which they've been doing for most of the season. Toronto needs to come into the game with the mentality that they are going to play a full 60 minute hockey game since their problem has been that they tend to get comfortable with the lead, and then get outplayed in the second period.

The Canes need to get the first goal of the game to take the crowd out of it. They need to bring a balanced attack because they won't beat the Leafs with just one or two lines producing. Carolina is getting shots, but they just need to learn to finish. The Hurricanes will need to keep attacking if they get down because the Leafs do tend to allow teams to get back into games.

Toronto ends its week with a visit from the Flyers to the ACC. The Leafs need to be aware of the Flyers speed, and stay out of the penalty box. They will need to take care of the rookies that are playing on the blue line, and the potential of new pairs since Andrew MacDonald is out 4-6 weeks with a lower body injury. The Maple Leafs need to get the first goal since the Flyers have yet to win a game when their opponent nets the first goal. The Leafs are going to need to keep an eye on the top line of the Flyers, and defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere, who heading into this week lead the team with 11 points.

The Flyers will need to get off to a fast start and get the first goal of the game. Philly can neutralize the speed of the Maple Leafs by spending time in the offensive zone with a good cycle and forecheck game. The Orange and Black need to bring the balanced attack that they have all season long to wear down the Leafs. The Flyers need to take advantage when they are up a man because Toronto doesn't have the best home penalty kill percentage (76.5%). Philly will need to win the even strength play, which is an area where they have been much better at this season as opposed to last season.

Flying Forward: Weekly Preview 10/15/17-10/21/17

The Philadelphia Flyers are looking to take advantage of playing in front of the home crowd this week.

The Flyers will have a tough week ahead as they take on the Florida Panthers, Nashville Predators and Edmonton Oilers. The Panthers have struggled on the road, the Predators will likely be without Nick Bonino and the Oilers are just struggling to start the season off. It may not look like it's going to be a tough week, but it could be if the Flyers don't get decent goaltending and play defense.

On Tuesday night, the Flyers take on Jonathan Huberdeau and the Panthers. Philly has to get the first goal of the game since they have won all three games in which they have done so. The Orange and Black will need to use the crowd to get off to a fast start and establish the forecheck and cycle game early so they can spend some time in the offensive zone. The Flyers need to bring its balanced attack that they have and roll out all four of its line. It would be nice if Philly could get its third line of Dale Weise, Nolan Patrick and Travis Konecny going with some attack time and chances in the offensive zone. The Flyers need to keep an eye on the top six forwards of the Panthers especially Jonathan Huberdeau and Evgeni Dadonov since those two lead the team in points.

Florida will need to win the special teams battle, and take advantage of a somewhat weak penalty kill by the Flyers. The Panthers should establish the forecheck game early so they can spend time in the offensive zone to minimize chances by Philadelphia. Florida will need a solid 60 minute road effort to beat the Flyers since they seem to get better as the game goes on. The Panthers need to bring their skating legs and keep short shifts especially in the third period since that it is the Flyers best period. Florida needs to find a way to stop the top line of Claude Giroux, Sean Couturier and Jake Voracek because the managed to rack up 10 points in an 8-2 win over the Capitals on Saturday night.

On Thursday night, the Flyers will have a rematch against the Nashville Predators, who they lost 6-5 to last week in the final three minutes of the game. The Orange and Black need to use its speed to attack the Predators and force turnovers. The Flyers need to get the first goal, not sit back and then start taking penalties. The will have to watch out for the speed of the Predators in transition especially Filip Forsberg. Philly will need be disciplined and stay out of the penalty box since the can really score with the man advantage.

The Predators need to be careful since this is a revenge game for Philadelphia. Nashville is going to need to stay out of the penalty box since Philly's power play can put the puck in the net. The Preds will need to figure out a way to stop the balanced attack of the Flyers. If Nashville learned anything in its 6-5 win against Philly last week, it should have been to get the puck on net because Brian Elliott and Michal Neuvirth can be shaky at times during a game. The Predators need to watch out for the defense of the Flyers joining the play in the offensive zone.

The Flyers end the week with a visit from the struggling Edmonton Oilers and Connor McDavid. Philly need to keep the top six of the Oilers off the board. They'll need to get pucks on net with traffic for deflections. The Oilers penalty kill hasn't been great so far this year so the Flyers need to take advantage when they are up a man. Philadelphia needs to skate, keep its feet moving, draw penalties and have speed going through the neutral zone to keep the defensemen of the Oilers honest.

Edmonton will need to win the special teams battle since the Flyers penalty kill isn't the best in the NHL. The Oilers need to get the first goal of the game. Edmonton needs to have better starts to games since they have been outscored 6-2 in the first period. The Oilers will need to play a full 60 minutes and limits its mistakes. Edmonton are going to need to keep an eye on the speed of Philadelphia especially through the neutral zone.

Preds Prey: Weekly Preview 10/15/17-10/21/17

The Nashville Predators are dealing with some key loses to it lineup. The Predators already knew they would be without defenseman Ryan Ellis until January, but now they could be without center Nick Bonino for an extended period of time.

The Preds start off its week by hosting  Central Division opponent, the Colorado Avalanche. On Thursday night, the will travel to Philadelphia to face the Flyers. Nashville ends its week on Saturday in New York to face the struggling Rangers.

Nashville recalled forward Frederick Gaudreau from the AHL. He is likely to take the roster spot of injured center Nick Bonino. The Predators need to make sure that they are solid in all phases of the game, but especially even strength play since they have more power play goals than even strength goals entering tonight's contest with the Avs. Nashville needs to pressure defenseman Anton Lindholm, if he draws into the lineup for injured Patrik Nemeth, since he has only played in two games so far. If Semyon Varlamov is in net for the Avalanche tonight then the Preds need to make sure that they elevate the puck to get deflections out in front of the net. The Avs have yet to win a game when trailing after two periods so the Predators may want to have the lead heading into the third period.

Colorado needs to get the first goal of the game since they are 4-0-0 when doing so. If Pekka Rinne starts then the Avs need to get the puck elevated and get him moving laterally. The Avalanche special teams are going to need to be better than they have to start the season. Colorado is going to need to establish the forecheck and play a physical game. The Avalanche will need to keep an eye on Filip Forsberg and Scott Hartnell.

The Predators need to be careful since this is a revenge game for Philadelphia. Nashville is going to need to stay out of the penalty box since Philly's power play can put the puck in the net. The Preds will need to figure out a way to stop the balanced attack of the Flyers. If Nashville learned anything in its 6-5 win against Philly last week, it should have been to get the puck on net because Brian Elliott and Michal Neuvirth can be shaky at times during a game. The Predators need to watch out for the defense of the Flyers joining the play in the offensive zone.

On Thursday night, the Flyers will have a rematch against the Predators, who they lost 6-5 to last week in the final three minutes of the game. The Orange and Black need to use its speed to attack the Predators and force turnovers. The Flyers need to get the first goal, not sit back and then start taking penalties. The will have to watch out for the speed of the Predators in transition especially Filip Forsberg. Philly will need be disciplined and stay out of the penalty box since the can really score with the man advantage.

The Predators end its week facing the struggling New York Rangers, who went 1-5-0 to start the season. Nashville will need to take advantage of it power play opportunities, and have good energy from the start of the game. The Preds will need a good forecheck and offensive zone time. They will also need to keep attacking since the Rangers have given up eight third period goals. The Predators are going to need to keep an eye on Mika Zibanejad, who may have new linemates for tonight's game, since he leads the team with five goals.

The Rangers just need to have a better effort all around, but especially at even strength. New York needs to be better defensively and that starts with every player on the ice being responsible with and without the puck including the goaltender. The goalies for the Rangers need to start making some saves, and the bottom six need to start producing more. The Blue Shirts need to get off to a fast start including the first goal, and keep attacking. The Rangers need to play a complete 60 minute game especially since they have struggled in front of the home crowd in the early going.