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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SUNRISE, FL – NOVEMBER 30: Ryan Ellis #4 of the Nashville Predators chats with teammate Roman Josi #59 during a break in the action against the Florida Panthers at the BB&T Center on November 30, 2019 in Sunrise, Florida. (Photo by Eliot J. Schechter/NHLI via Getty Images)

Roman Josi and Ryan Ellis lead the way for the Predators

Make no mistake about it. Even with Nashville’s inability to keep opposing forwards off the scoresheet, defenseman Roman Josi and Ryan Ellis are the top players to watch.

Fresh off his contract extension, Josi leads the team with 31 points. He has 11 goals and 20 assists this season.

Ellis isn’t too far behind Josi, as he’s second with 27 points. He has a whopping 22 assists but only five goals.

It’s not too often you see two defensemen lead their team in scoring, but that’s the case in Nashville. Josi and Ellis are the real deal.

Not only do Josi and Ellis lead the team in points; they also average more time on ice than any other Predators. Josi is first with 25:13 ATOI, while Ellis is right there at 23:44.