Thursday, October 9, 2014

Bridgestone Arena in Nashville

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Thursday night, the Ottawa Senators take on the Nashville Predators in the opening game of the season for both clubs.   Both the Senators and Predators will look to start the season strong.

The 2013-2014 season for the Senators ended with a 37-31-14 record that kept them out of the playoffs.  And from the looks of things, this season may end the same way for Ottawa.  The Senators still have a squad that doesn’t inspire much confidence among fans, the media and most hockey observers.  The loss of Jason Spezza will definitely hurt the team. But behind new captain Erik Karlsson is a cast of young guns eager to prove themselves.   If Ottawa can fix some of the defensive woes that cost them last season, as well as maximize their scoring chances, the season could turn into a pleasant surprise for the Ottawa faithful.

Meanwhile, the Nashville Predators are also looking to shake off the results of last season.  Nashville missed the playoffs after a 38-32-12 season and the franchise immediately started making changes.  The Predators will take the ice under the guidance of new head coach Peter Laviolette, who will attempt to replicate some of the success he had as coach of the Philadelphia Flyers.   Behind captain Shea Weber, the rebuilding Predators will try to use a mix of new players and old ones to put together a team that can contend for a playoff spot this season.   

Injuries to Watch

Ottawa Senators

10/06/14 D Marc Methot Back out indefinitely

Nashville Predators

10/06/14 C Mike Fisher Achilles out indefinitely
09/26/14 LW Viktor Stalberg Lower Body expected to miss 2-4 weeks

Guy's Pick: Take Nashville

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