Calgary Flames @ Nashville Predators, 6 PM MT, Bridgestone Arena, Nashville TN

TV: NHLN, TVAS, SN - Radio: Sportsnet 960

Calgary Flames 6-6-2 (14 pts) - Nashville Predators 8-3-1 (17 pts)

NHL Standings

An already tough road trip doesn’t get any easier for the Flames as they make a stop in Nashville tonight to take on the Predators. The Flames are mired in a two losing streak that has seen their offence dry up, yet David Rittich’s GAA and Save% have gotten better while losing. In his last two starts Rittich has allowed only four goals while facing 73 shots. His teammates? They aren’t helping. Calgary has scored two goals in both losses and they’ve been out shot in both losses and the lack of scoring is a disturbing trend. Elias Lindholm is the only Flames player stepping it up lately and combined with David Rittich, the Flames have become a two man show.

The Nashville Predators just keep chugging along. They are one of the most consistent teams in the NHL and this season they’ve been flat out great. The Preds are in the middle of a four game winning streak where they’ve only allowed three goals, including pitching two shut outs. Pekka Rinne has been an absolute rock star between the pipes, sitting in the Top 5 in Save%, GAA, wins and shut outs.

Combine that type of goaltending with their ability to score (4+ goals in 6 of their 8 wins) and Nashville is a machine. The Predators are third in the league in goals scored with 48. They are averaging 33.5 shots per game. They’re tops in the NHL, averaging 4.0 goals per game. The only area that they are really struggling is in the PK. Nashville currently ranks 26th in the NHL, killing penalties at 73%.

Calgary is already 0-1-1 on their current five game road trip and the Preds are very tough at home. In eight home game so far this season they are 6-1-1 at Bridgestone Arena where they’ve scored 34 goals. The good news is the Flames have played well in the hub of country music. In their last 8 trips to Music City USA Calgary is 7-1-0, winning three in a row at the Predators home rink.

Starting Goalies (E=Expected, C=Confirmed)

Flames: Rittich (E)- 5-4-2, 2.86 GAA, .910 Save%

Predators: Rinne- (E)- 7-0-1, 1.74 GAA, .937 Save%

Team Leaders

Flames: Goals: Lindholm (8) Points: Gaudreau (11) PIM: Lucic (26) Save%: Rittich (.910)

Predators: Goals: Bonino (6) Points: Jossi (13) PIM: Jossi (15) Save%: Rinne (.937)

What’s Happening With The Opposition?

Nashville Predators Coverage: On The Forecheck

Last Time Out

Calgary Flames 1 - Carolina Hurricanes 2

Nashville Predators 3 - Chicago Blackhawks 0

Players To Watch

Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Calgary Flames: Elias Lindholm (C): 3 goals in last 4 games

Nashville Predators: Nick Bonino (C): 5 points in last 4 games