Opinion
3 min read

Can the Predators Outskate the Capitals at Capital One Arena?

As the Nashville Predators gear up to face off against the Washington Capitals, fans are looking for signs of what to expect in this high-stakes game. The Predators have shown a mixed bag of performances recently, but there's reason to believe they could turn things around when they hit the ice at Capital One Arena.


Oct 13, 2022; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Nashville Predators left wing Filip Forsberg (9) during the third period against the Dallas Stars at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

In their last outing on December 30 against the Detroit Red Wings, NSH demonstrated resilience and offensive prowess by netting 4 goals. However, their defense allowed 5 goals despite a commendable effort with 22 hits and an impressive 19 blocked attempts. The faceoff win percentage stood at a decent 51 percent, but it was not enough to secure victory as they lost in overtime.


The powerplay opportunities were not fully capitalized upon by NSH; failing to score on two occasions with only one shot on goal during these advantages is an area that needs improvement. On a positive note, their penalty kill unit stepped up by scoring shorthanded and successfully defending all but one powerplay shot faced.


Looking back further, we can see that consistency has been an issue for NSH. In their December 28 clash with Carolina Hurricanes at Bridgestone Arena, Nashville struggled in faceoffs winning only 37 percent and gave away nine penalties which led them down a path of defeat despite putting up more hits (39) than their opponents.


Similarly, against Dallas Stars on December 23 also at home ground Bridgestone Arena, while they managed to block more shots (27), their inability to convert powerplays into goals was evident again as they scored just once from four opportunities.


The upcoming game presents both challenge and opportunity for NSH. They must tighten up defensively while finding ways to be more effective during powerplays if they wish to outmaneuver WSH who will have home-ice advantage. The key players need to step up; it's crucial that every line contributes both offensively and defensively if they hope for success.


Fans should mark their calendars for this exciting matchup scheduled on New Year's Eve at Capital One Arena in Washington DC starting promptly at midnight local time. For those unable or preferring not to attend in person can catch all the action live via ESPN+ online or tune into BSSO channel number 646-1 for television coverage tailored specifically towards away team supporters like those cheering for Nashville Predators.

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