Boston Bruins: Three Things to Know Before Matchup with Predators

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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.

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.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 12: Mikael Granlund #64 of the Nashville Predators celebrates his goal with Filip Forsberg #9 and Matt Duchene #95, to take a 1-0 lead over the Los Angeles Kings during the first period at Staples Center on October 12, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

Nashville has five forwards with at least 20 points

Two defensemen lead the team in points, but that doesn’t mean Nashville has a weak offense. The Predators certainly lack the high-end offensive talent of Boston, but they have a number of quality forwards who can put up points.

In fact, Nashville has five different forwards with at least 20 points. Calle Janrok surprisingly is the top-scoring forward with 25 points. While Nashville lists him at center, Janrok plays the right wing on the first line.

Filip Forsberg is next with 24 points, followed by Duchene with 23. Those two anchor Nashville’s second line.

Nick Bonino and Ryan Johansen are the other two forwards with at least 20 points.

Next. McAvoy makes impact on defense. dark

The record may not show it, but Nashville will be a tough matchup for Boston. The Bruins’ top line will need to win the battles against Josi and Ellis, and the defense needs to handle Nashville’s forwards. Look for the Bruins to do all this Saturday night.

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