The Blues (19-12-5) have points in three of their last four, including a 6-3 win over Philadelphia on Wednesday night. Vladimir Tarasenko continues to be the top threat for the Blues, leading them with 16 goals and 39 points. Kevin Shattenkirk has eight goals and 24 points from the blue line; Jaden Schwartz has 12 goals and Robby Fabbri has 11 on the season. Jake Allen is 16-8-3 in net for St. Louis.
As the Preds look for their last two points in 2016, here are three things to watch:
Embracing the Moment:
The Preds are finding some satisfaction in the way they're playing the game - but the fact they haven't found wins on a consistent basis provides frustration, an attribute they're looking to channel to their advantage. Also playing in a division such as theirs, they're well aware they can't afford to slip too far as they calendar changes to 2017.
"In our division, it feels like everyone is winning," Forsberg said last night. "Especially, now when we lose division games, other teams are going to get ahead of us. We have to realize the moment; we still have half of the season left but at the same time, you can't just push the reset button after the New Year… it's not going to happen like that. You have to get more urgent and string some wins together."
Four in Five:
A good sign for Nashville is the continued production from Forsberg, a player they count on to put the puck in the net. After finding twine last night, Forsberg has four goals in his last five outings, and he's just one of the pieces the Preds will need to have rolling if they're to find more success as the season continues.
"I thought he was really good," Head Coach Peter Laviolette said of Forsberg after Thursday's game. "I thought their line was really good. Arvidsson and Johansen played a strong game as well. They generated lots of chances and lots of looks. It's nice that Filip is finding the back of the net. It helps build confidence."
No Rest for the Weary:
A back-to-back within the Central Division, coupled with a late-night flight isn't the easiest of situations. The Preds won't use that as an excuse in St. Louis, but it'll be a tough task against the Blues. Winger James Neal left Thursday's game with an upper-body injury and did not return. If Neal can't go tonight, forward Colton Sissons could enter the lineup up front.
After a loss last night, the Preds are embracing another chance tonight, led by a mindset from their captain.
"Sometimes, you go through ups and downs and it's how you learn from it, how you come out of it," Fisher said. "It's making us really come together and we need to find ways and just stay up, that's all you can do."
Take It In:
Tonight's 7 p.m. CT start in St. Louis can be seen on Fox Sports Tennessee, beginning at 6:30 p.m. with the Predators Live! pregame show with Willy Daunic, Stu Grimson and Lyndsay Rowley. Pete Weber and Brent Peterson have the call on the Predators Radio Network.
