The Nashville Predators and Winnipeg Jets are rolling right now with four and five-game winning streaks going into Sunday’s game.
Jets forward Kyle Connor has 15 points in his last 10 games while former Predators forward Nino Niederreiter has eight points in his last 10 games. Niederreiter has been skating with captain Adam Lowry and Mason Appleton, a trio head coach Rick Bowness has enjoyed watching play.
“He’s versatile and he’s a wonderful person he’s a great teammate and works hard every day,” Bowness said of Niederreiter. “He’s a joy to coach. He’s fit in strong now with [Lowry] and [Appleton] that’s been a dominant line on both sides of the puck and Nino has been a great fit for them.”
On the contrary, Bowness has his eyes on the Predators and their blue line. More specifically on a puck-moving defenseman who has 12 points in 19 games this season.
“He’s got them playing like Florida did last year,” Bowness said of head coach Andrew Brunette’s system. “They’ll send two guys up the zone in a hurry and they’ll fly looking for breakaways and odd-man rushes.
“They have one of the elite defensemen in the world in [Roman] Josi who I love watching play but hate coaching against. They’re playing well right now scoring goals like we are. They’re very confident in their game right now and getting the big saves.”
Nashville is coming off an 8-3 win in St. Louis riding high on a wave of confidence. Last time out in Winnipeg the Predators lost 6-3.
“I think we’ve done better in all parts of our game,” Brunette said of what’s changed since Nashville last played Winnipeg. “I think our rush coverage has been a little bit better. I thought it was a little poor on the road so it’s a work in progress. We got contributions throughout the lineup and then some injuries as well.”
The Predators could also see defenseman Luke Schenn make his return after missing the last 18 games. Schenn was activated from the injured reserve ahead of Sunday’s game. He only played against Tampa Bay to kick off the season and if he’s out there tonight it’ll be his first home game as a Predator.
In the meantime, Brunette has enjoyed seeing the competition on the defensive side of the ice. Spencer Stasteny has seen four games this season since he was recalled from the Milwaukee Admirals. He’s been paired with veteran Tyson Barrie each game to this point.
“I love his mobility,” Brunette said of Stastney. “I think the way he can break a puck out by himself and his skating ability is elite. He’s been a fun guy to watch develop here a little bit. Some things away from the puck we still have to work on but he’s been a real good player for us recently.”
One consequence of playing Stastney is Dante Fabbro being scratched.
If he’s not in against the Jets at home then it’ll be his 3rd consecutive game as a healthy scratch and fourth overall this season. Fabbro has five points in 16 games and is tied for first in giveaways by Nashville’s defensemen with 13.
One consistent theme on Nashville’s defense has been Jeremy Lauzon and Alexandre Carrier playing the last nine games together. In that time the duo has combined for 37 hits and nine points.
“They complement each other very well and they like playing together,” Brunette said. “They’re probably besties so they read and communicate with each other. I think their gaps have been tremendous and they’re both competitive guys. Different statures for sure.
“Lauzon is a big lumberjack and Carrier is a little smaller but very mobile. They have fun playing together and when you have fun playing together you have more success.”
Stay tuned for the action starting at 6 p.m. with Max Herz on the pregame show and then Pete Weber on the call with Jay More at 7 p.m.
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