Game Day: Maple Leafs vs. Preds Preview

The Nashville Predators had a record-setting night on Thursday against the Philadelphia Flyers, but they'll look to get back to their winning ways this evening when they host the Toronto Maple Leafs. This evening's contest (6 p.m. CT) is the second and final meeting between Nashville and Toronto this season; it's the first and only at Bridgestone Arena.
The Preds had won two-straight games heading into Thursday's game in Philadelphia, but after surrendering two goals in the game's final five minutes for a 5-4 loss, Nashville was displeased with their effort, and they know there are corrections to be made. The Predators are currently sitting in the first Wild Card spot in the West, and collecting as many points as possible will remain of paramount importance as the regular season continues.

"I think in this League, no matter where you play, you've got to be able to play your game," said Preds Captain Roman Josi following the loss Thursday evening. "You've got to play to your identity. And if you don't do that, you're not going to be successful."
"You're not going to win every game the rest of the season," Preds Head Coach John Hynes said Thursday evening. "But we're talking with our group about playing consistently to the identity that gives us the best chance to win regardless of who we play."
Predators defenseman Matt Benning did not play on Thursday and is day-to-day with an upper-body injury. Blueliner Mark Borowiecki (day-to-day, lower-body) was also absent. The Preds did not practice on Friday, but they are expected to hold a morning skate prior to facing the Maple Leafs.
Update:The Preds recalled defensemen Jeremy Davies and Matt Tennyson from Milwaukee (AHL). Additionally, the Predators have placed defensemen Matt Benning (upper body) and Mark Borowiecki (lower body) on IR.

The Good Guys:

A total of four Preds - Tanner Jeannot, Philippe Myers, Ryan Johansen and Filip Forsberg - scored Thursday evening in the 5-4 loss. Despite the result, Forsberg tied the franchise's all-time goals record with 210 career tallies. Josi set the franchise record for assists in a single season with 55 and now has 10 points in his last three games. Additionally, Jeannot set the team record for the most hits in a season with 212. Goaltender Juuse Saros made 28 saves, but ultimately took his 19th loss of the season.
Predators rookies have scored 32 goals, the most in the NHL this season. Nashville rookies have compiled 87 points and account for 16.1 percent of the team's points, the second- and third-most, respectively, in the NHL in 2021-22.
Josi continues to lead the Preds in points with 72 (17g-55a), followed by Matt Duchene with 61 (31g-30a) and Forsberg with 56 (32g-24a). Johansen has 45 points (16g-29a), Mikael Granlund also has 45 (9g-36a), and Jeannot has 35 (20g-15a). Saros is now 29-19-3 in net; netminder David Rittich is 5-2-1.

The Opposition:

The Maple Leafs have won three of their last five games including a 3-2 win at home versus the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday. Auston Mathews - who is coming off of a two-game suspension - currently leads the League in goals scored with 45 and is fifth in the NHL in points with 77 (45g-32a). Mitchell Marner has 65 points (24g-41a), John Tavares has 58 (20g-38a) and William Nylander has 57 (23g-34a). The Leafs have said goaltender Erik Kallgren will start tonight against the Preds; the rookie has backstopped Toronto to their last two wins and is 2-0-1 in net.

All-Time Meetings:

The Predators are 13-11-(1)-2 all-time against the Maple Leafs, including a 5-5-(0)-1 record at Bridgestone Arena. The Predators are 2-3-0 in their last five games vs. the Maple Leafs; they are 3-5-2 in their last 10; and 1-3-1 in their last five at home. Overall, the Predators have earned at least a point in eight of their last 13 games (6-5-2) against the Maple Leafs.

Notables Versus Toronto:

Johansen has averaged close to a point per game vs. Toronto in his career, tallying 14 points (6g-8a) in 17 games. Haliburton, Ont., native Duchene owns 12 points (4g-8a) in 18 career meetings with the Maple Leafs. He has points in three of his last four games against Toronto (1g-2a).
Myers has four points (1g-3a) in six career games against Toronto. He posted a career-high three points (3a) on Dec. 3, 2019 vs. the Maple Leafs. Matt Benning made his NHL debut on Nov. 1, 2016 at Toronto.
Rittich appeared in four games for Toronto at the end of the 2020-21 season, going 1-1-1 with a 2.72 goals-against average. Toronto forward Wayne Simmonds posted three points (1g-2a) in 17 games for the Predators in the 2018-19 season.

Watch & Listen:

Coverage for tonight's 6 p.m. CT puck drop from Nashville begins at 5:30 p.m. with the Predators Live! pregame show on Bally Sports South hosted by Lyndsay Rowley and Terry Crisp. Willy Daunic, Chris Mason and Kara Hammer have the call on the television side, while Pete Weber and Hal Gill will broadcast on 102.5 The Game and the Predators Radio Network. Pregame coverage on the radio begins at 5 p.m. with Darren McFarland.