Vegas Golden Knights Vs. Nashville Predators Storylines
There is no rest for the wicked as the Vegas Golden Knights prepare to take on the Nashville Predators in the second game of a back-to-back.
After taking down the Carolina Hurricanes on Friday in their first game back after the bye week, the Vegas Golden Knights will look to make it a superb weekend by beating the Preds.
It won’t be easy, though, given that the Predators are a desperate hockey team too as they try to chase a wild card spot.
On that note, let’s delve into some storylines to keep an eye on during the showdown between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Nashville Predators…
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Storyline 1 – Riding the momentum
It was a successful return to action on Friday for the Vegas Golden Knights who showed little signs of rust after the All-Star Break and the bye week.
Although it was far from perfect, the Golden Knights recovered from a road bump in the third period to score late and pick up a big two wins.
They must now build on that and ride that momentum coming into today’s game as the Knights look to take down the Nashville Predators.
Both teams are considered legit contenders but have failed to really live up to expectations this year, and today’s contest should be considered a real litmus test for both Vegas and Nashville.
If the Vegas Golden Knights can ride the momentum from Friday’s win in Carolina into today and claim what would be another significant victory, then it would be one hell of a weekend for all concerned.
Storyline 2 – Fleury back
Marc-Andre Fleury is expected back today after completing a one-game suspension for skipping the 2020 NHL All-Star Game.
Fleury missed the win over the Carolina Hurricanes as a result, but the future Hall of Famer should be back between the pipes for the Golden Knights in Nashville.
It will be a welcome boost for Vegas and hopefully over a week off has helped Fleury to recharge the batteries.
This hasn’t been a vintage year for the goalie and subpar goaltending in general has hurt Vegas, but if Fleury can bounce back after the bye week then that will be huge for the Golden Knights down the stretch.
Storyline 3 – Fourth line starters again?
When there is a change behind the bench it is only natural for new ideas to be implemented, and that is certainly the case under Vegas Golden Knights Head Coach Peter DeBoer.
Given the bye week to fully implement his way of doing things, it was a subtle but effective tweak that laid the foundations for a successful night in Carolina on Friday night.
DeBoer opted to start his fourth line of Tomas Nosek, Nicolas Roy and Ryan Reaves against the Carolina Hurricanes, which set the tone for what was a dominant first period.
The Golden Knights outshot the Hurricanes 16-6 and jumped out to a two-goal lead thanks to Paul Stastny and Jonathan Marchessault.
Nosek, Roy and Reaves is a bruising fourth line and maybe DeBoer could be tempted to start the game with those three out on the ice against the Nashville Predators in order to send a message and set the tone.
Storyline 4 – Beware, Josi
Roman Josi has been an offensive juggernaut for the Nashville Predators this year, leading his team in points with 51 (14 goals, 37 assists) through 51 games.
Josi also tallied two points (two assists) against the Golden Knights when these teams met on Nov. 27, 2019.
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When Roman Josi goes the Nashville Predators go and if the Vegas Golden Knights hope to win the second game of a back-to-back tonight, they will have to put the shackles on the Predators Captain.