- WHO: Florida Panthers (7-5-5) at Nashville Predators (12-5-2)
- WHEN: 8:00 p.m. ET (LBC GameThread at 7:30)
- WHERE: Bridgestone Arena
- HOW TO WATCH: Fox Sports Florida (local), No home TV
- HOW TO LISTEN: 1470 WWNN (local, note change), 102.5 The Game (home)
- SBN SISTER SHIP: On The Forecheck
Nashville leads the Central Division with 26 points. Florida does not lead the Atlantic, nor are they close, but with points in four of the past five games they’ve remained relevant in the Eastern Conference, a mere three points behind 7th place Ottawa and Toronto. The Preds have dropped only a single contest in regulation at home (6-1-1) while the Cats are 2-1 over the last three road games, including wins in Anaheim (6-2) and San Jose (3-2 SO).
Cats’ last game: 3-2 (so) win at San Jose. The aforementioned nail-biter against the Sharks, who were determined to get a point at any cost, witness Patrick Marleau’s final-minute heroics to send this one to OT. Nick Bjugstad capped a strong game (and week) with 2 goals and the shootout winner.
Who was hot for FLA: Big Nick comes to mind(!), but he had help: Jonathan Huberdeau notched 2 assists and Roberto Luongo stopped 28 shots.
Preds’ last game: 3-2 (reg) loss in Ottawa. From OTF:
No way the Nashville Predators would continue the onslaught of awesome that happened on Tuesday. Though it did look like “same song, different verse” when Shea Weber scored to go up 1-0, the Senators scored 3 in the second and that would be all they needed. Some bad penalties and a gassed offense also didn’t help their cause.
Who was hot for NSH: Weber and – sit down for this – old friend Olli Jokinen, whose 3rd period goal was his point of the season.
Note that this is an 8 p.m. start and WQAM will not be providing the radio feed (see above for alternates). See ya back here at 7:30, and have a great Saturday!