Dallas Stars @ Nashville Predators
7:00 P.M CT Saturday, March 26
Regroup, rebound, refocus. Whatever the word is, the Stars need to get over that Wednesday loss against the Ducks and do whatever they can to get points against Nashville (really, how did Nashville get a team!?). The Stars now embark on a five game road trip, one that will determine their playoff fate. Despite all the cries of doom and gloom, Dallas is still only one point out of the playoff race after Nashville managed to beat the Ducks 5-4 (despite Ryan Suter’s best attempts to do otherwise).
Dallas, at 86 points, is one point behind Anaheim and two points behind Chicago. Nashville sits on that next plateau, four points ahead of Dallas, and have won 7 of their last 8 games so it’s just another hot team about to play the Stars. Dallas currently holds the edge in the season series with a 2-1-0 record, which includes a 4-2 win at Nashville back on Dec. 28.
more after the jump…
About Dallas
- The Stars will be without Adam Burrish (leg), Nick Grossman (MCL sprain), and Karlis Skrastins (lacerated thigh) unless they get ahold of a magical elixir and make a miraculous recovery.
- Dallas comes into the game with a 18-14-2 record on the road which is the second worst among all the playoff or bubble teams in the Western Conference. Only Calgary has a worse record. However, Dallas has won 4 of their last 5 road games with their only loss to Anaheim in overtime.
- Kari Lehtonen has started 24 of the last 25 games, dating back to Jan.24. He has played in 61 games this season, only the second time in his seven year career that he will play in at least 50 games, let alone 60.
- Steve Ott has a four game point streak going on, his longest of the season. It’s his longest since an eight game point streak back in the 2008-2009 season.
- Dallas has been able to hold star defensman Shea Weber to one assist and a zero plus/minus rating in three games this season.
- Loui Eriksson had a goal and an assist in each of his last two games against Nashville. He as two goals, two assists and a +4 rating against Nashville.
About Nashville
- The Preds will be missing Cal O’Reilly (broken leg), Steve Sullivan (groin), and Frankie Bouillon (concussion). Hopefully, they won’t find elixirs in time for the game.
- Nashville has a 21-8-7 home record. They are one of only three teams in the league with single digit home losses. The others are Vancouver and Washington, first and second in their conferences respectively. They have won 7 of their last 8 home games.
- Nashville has two players with five game point streaks, C David Legwand and LW Sergei Kostitsyn.
- C Colin Wilson has been the man getting the points against the Stars. He has three goals, one assist and +1 rating in the previous three meetings.
Season Series
| Dallas Stars |
Nashville Predators |
|
| Record | 2-1-0 | 1-2-0 |
| Game 1 at Dallas | Dallas – 0 | Nashville – 1 |
| Game 2 at Nashville | Dallas – 4 | Nashville – 2 |
| Game 3 at Dallas | Dallas – 3 | Nashville – 2 |
| Leading Goal Scorer | Loui Eriksson 2 Goals |
Colin Wilson 3 Goals |
| Shots on Goal Per Game | 26.67 | 32.33 |
| Penalty Minutes Per Game | 11.33 | 11.33 |
| Power Play | 1 for 12 (8%) | 1 for 11 (9%) |
| Hits Per Game | 27.67 | 29 |
| Last 10 Games | 4-2-4 | 7-2-1 |
