Boston Bruins: Three things to know before matchup versus Predators

BOSTON, MA - DECEMBER 22: Boston Bruins left wing Brad Marchand (63) tries to jam the puck underneath Nashville Predators goalie Pekka Rinne (35) during a game between the Boston Bruins and the Nashville Predators on December 22, 2018, at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - DECEMBER 22: Boston Bruins left wing Brad Marchand (63) tries to jam the puck underneath Nashville Predators goalie Pekka Rinne (35) during a game between the Boston Bruins and the Nashville Predators on December 22, 2018, at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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BOSTON, MA – DECEMBER 22: Boston Bruins left wing Brad Marchand (63) tries to jam the puck underneath Nashville Predators goalie Pekka Rinne (35) during a game between the Boston Bruins and the Nashville Predators on December 22, 2018, at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The Boston Bruins take on the Nashville Predators for the first time this season. What do Bruins fans need to know about Nashville?

The homestand continues for the Boston Bruins Saturday night against the Nashville Predators. The Bruins hope to bounce back after two straight extra-time losses.

This is the first matchup between the Bruins and Predators this season. Last season, Boston and Nashville split two games, as both teams won at home.

Since the Predators are in the West, the Bruins and their fans only see Nashville two times every year. To get a better feel for Saturday’s game, here are some things to know about the Predators this season.

Like Boston, Nashville started strong but then hit a rough patch

The Predators entered the season with high expectations, especially after the offseason acquisition of Matt Duchene. They lived up to these lofty expectations early on.

Nashville finished October with eight victories, so a playoff spot seemed like a forgone conclusion. November, however was a different story.

The Predators went through a tough six-game losing streak in November. Goaltending and defense were the big reasons why, as Nashville surrendered nine, seven, six, and five goals in that stretch.

December was a little better, and the Nashville did turn things around to an extent. Currently, Nashville sits in sixth place in the Central Division with 38 points. Clearly the Predators still need to make up for that November losing streak.