Tonight the Predators and Kings battle for two important points in a close wildcard race. The LA Kings have plenty of talent on their roster but a record that doesn't reflect that potential of late. LA is on a four game losing streak and has only won two games in the month of January.
The Predators are coming off a frustrating loss in Ottawa in which Nashville got a three goal lead in the first only to lose in overtime.
"It's kind of rare for us to have a lead early," Ryan O'Reilly said of the Senators game. "It was us in uncharted waters. They had their push and we just didn't adjust to it. It's a lesson for us."
Tyson Barrie Back In
It looks like Tyson Barrie will be back in the lineup tonight for the Predators. Barrie has only played one game in January after dealing with an upper body injury, and he has just 31 games on the season after being a healthy scratch for long stretches.
Barrie will take the ice tonight for his 800th career NHL game. Barrie played 484 games with the Colorado Avalanche who drafted the defenseman in the third round of the 2009 NHL Draft. He played 70 games with the Toronto Maple Leafs and 190 games with Edmonton before being traded to Nashville as part of a deal that sent Mattias Ekholm to the Oilers.
Head coach Andrew Brunette knows how challenging this season has been for Barrie.
"It's extremely hard, especially what he's done in his career not to get in the lineup," Brunette said of Barrie's situation.
"He's been a pro," Brunette went on to say. "He took the time with the injury really to get himself in better condition from the start of the year. He really put the work in."
Brunette pointed out that the defense has been in a good groove so getting Barrie back in the line up has been challenging. Despite the frustrating circumstances, Brunette remained highly complimentary about how Barrie has navigated this.
"He's handled himself like a true pro. He's really good with his teammates. He comes to work every day and he's going to get an opportunity tonight, and he's going to be on the first power play and it's a great chance for him to get himself back on track."
Alexandre Carrier left Monday's game in the second period and didn't return. Brunette said he will be a game time decision.
Phil Tomasino's Playing Time
After scoring a goal and assist in the first period of Monday's game in Ottawa, Phil Tomasino's ice time dropped off in the third period and he didn't take a shift in the overtime. Today Andrew Brunette was asked about that.
Tonight's Game Against the Kings
The Predators and Kings are in a three way tie with the St Louis Blues for a wildcard spot with 54 points.
"We're right with these guys in the standings, and they're a very good team. Their record of late hasn't showed it, but they are a very good team." O'Reilly said of the Kings.
O'Reilly expects tonight's game to be a tough, tight checking game
"It's going to be a very high pressure playoff atmosphere," Cody Glass said.
"Playing a Western conference team going into the break, you want to leave on a positive note."
Juuse Saros is expected to get the start tonight in net for Nashville.
The Predators take on the Kings tonight. It is an earlier than usual puck drop at 6:30 pm CT, and the game will be broadcast on TNT.
More must-reads: