Toronto Maple Leafs at Nashville Predators: Thursday game preview
The Leafs’ Willilam Nylander will try to extend a 12-game points streak.
https://www.thestar.com/sports/leaf...ashville-predators-thursday-game-preview.html
By Kevin McGranSports Reporter
Wed., March 29, 2017
BRIDGESTONE CENTRE
TIME: Thursday, 8 p.m.
TV: TSN 4
RADIO: Sportsnet 590 The FAN
KEY PLAYERS
Forsberg vs. Nylander
A battle of emerging Swedish stars: The Predators’ Filip Forsberg, 22, is tied for the lead among Nashville shooters with 29 goals, though he has cooled since scoring 10 in five games to close out February. The Leafs’ William Nylander, 20, is riding a 12-game point-scoring streak and has 27 points in his last 26 games.
NEED TO KNOW
The Predators (39-26-11) were one point ahead of the St. Louis Blues for third place in the Central Division through Tuesday’s games (the Blues played in Arizona last Wednesday) . . . Nashville had won four games in a row, their longest winning streak of the season, before dropping a 4-1 decision in Boston on Tuesday . . . The Predators are the highest scoring team since the all-star break, with 88 goals. The Leafs are third, with 85 . . . Nashville captain Mike Fisher has missed four consecutive games with a lower-body injury, but might be ready to return against the Leafs.
UP NEXT
Saturday, at Detroit, 7 p.m.
Game Day: Maple Leafs at Predators
By Lance Hornby, Toronto Sun
First posted: Thursday, March 30, 2017 07:05 AM EDT
http://www.torontosun.com/2017/03/29/game-day-maple-leafs-at-predators
TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS at NASHVILLE PREDATORS
Thursday, 8 p.m., Bridgestone Arena
TV: TSN4; Radio: 590 AM
THE BIG MATCHUP
Maple Leafs defence vs. Viktor Arvidsson
One of two Predators looking for 30 goals (Filip Forsberg is the other), Arvidsson is thus far the only player to surface from the latter rounds of the 2014 draft and make an impact. He has been effective in many situations for the Preds, including a combined nine power-play and short-handed goals. Toronto’s defence remains its biggest question mark when other teams put the hammer down.
SPECIAL TEAMS
TORONTO -- PP 23.3% (2nd), PK 82.4% (9th)
NASHVILLE -- PP 20.0% (13th), PK 80.7% (16th)
SICK BAY
TORONTO -- RW Nikita Soshnikov (undisclosed); RW Josh Leivo (undisclosed); RW/C Eric Fehr (broken finger)
NASHVILLE -- F Mike Fisher (lower body)
LEAFS HISTORY versus NASHVILLE
ALL-TIME RECORD: 8-10-1-1
ALL-TIME on the ROAD: 3-3-0-1
2016-17: 1-0-0
LAST 5: 2-3-0
LAST 10: 5-5-0
LEAFS CAREER LEADERS versus NASHVILLE
GAMES: Roman Polak (32), Ben Smith (14), Brian Boyle (12), Matt Hunwick (12)
POINTS: Tyler Bozak (8), Nazem Kadri (7), James van Riemsdyk (6)
GOALS: James van Riemsdyk (4), Nazem Kadri (3), Three players tied (2)
ASSISTS: Tyler Bozak (6), Nazem Kadri (4), Roman Polak (4), Morgan Rielly (4)
PENALTY MINUTES: Roman Polak (20), Matt Martin (9), Brian Boyle (6), Matt Hunwick (6)
Game Day: Maple Leafs vs. Preds
Nashville Hosts Toronto Looking to Inch Closer to Clinching a Spot in the Postseason
by Brooks Bratten @brooksbratten / Communications & Content Coordinator
March 29th, 2017
https://www.nhl.com/predators/news/game-day-maple-leafs-vs-preds/c-288227778
The Nashville Predators return home tonight, inching ever closer to clinching a spot in the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Toronto Maple Leafs are tonight's opponent at Bridgestone Arena, the second and final time the two clubs will see each other this season.
The Kids Are Alright:
Auston Matthews scored four goals in his first NHL game back in October. Sure, he hasn't kept up that pace, but he's still worth a look. Matthews leads the Leafs in scoring and tonight marks his first visit to Nashville as an NHL player and first time Preds fans will get a look at not only Matthews, but other rookie stars William Nylander and Mitch Marner. The matchup between Toronto's rookies and some of the best defensemen in the League with the Preds will be one to watch.
When You Go:
All fans attending tonight's game will receive a team poster, courtesy of Fifth Third Bank. It's Thursday, and Bridgestone Arena doors open at 5 p.m. CT for Hockey Happy Hour - half-priced domestic draft beer and sodas at bars between Barrel House and FOX Sports Tennessee Bar until 6:30 p.m.
Take It In:
Tonight's game comes with a 7 p.m. CT puck drop, with pregame coverage beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Fox Sports Tennessee and 6 p.m. on 102.5 The Game and the Predators Radio Network.
