Game Preview: Nashville Predators vs Seattle Kraken 3/25/23 – Squidbillies

Nashville has already stolen a game from the Kraken — can they complete their weekend sweep?

• By
  
  Bryan Bastin
  

• in March 25, 2023 12:04 p.m.

The new statue, gorgeous weather and a two-game winning streak lead the Nashville Predators (36-26-8) into the final weeks of the season, and the next test is the same one they had two days ago. Once again, the Seattle Kraken (39-24-8) are in Bridgestone Arena for a matchup with (somewhat) playoff implications for both teams. Will youngsters like Luke Evangelista, Kiefer Sherwood and Phil Tomasino be able to replicate their efforts? Can Nashville take offense from more than one line? We are about to find out.

Player to Watch: Seattle Kraken

Author’s Note: I’m reposting this from the previous preview because no matter what, Tolvanen is the story of this series. In Thursday’s game, Tolvanen had 5 attempts and 1 shot on goal in full force, with only one high-danger chance.

F Eeli Tolvanen – This is the biggest story of the night by far, and if you’re worried about a potential “revenge” game from Tolvanen, there’s sadly a good chance that could happen. The former Predators first round draft pick was claimed by Seattle earlier this season after being passed up by 22 other teams, and he has quickly become a valuable and productive scorer for the Kraken. In his 37 games with Seattle, Tolvanen has scored 13 goals and 23 points, totals that top any of his previous extended stints with Nashville, despite playing in fewer games overall.

• 2020-21 – NSH – 40 GPs, 11 goals, 22 points
• 2021-22 – NSH – 75 GP, 11 goals, 23 points
• 2022-23 – NSH – 13 GP, 2 goals, 4 points
• 2022-23 – SEA – 37 GP, 13 goals, 23 points

Tolvanen’s skill set has been used to great effect after a short stint with Kraken, and the sudden burst of offense seems to be a direct indictment of the young shooter’s development and deployment from Nashville.

Player to Watch: Nashville Predators

Kevin Lankinen – As of this writing, I assume Lankinen will start after Saros’s win on Thursday. And it’s not going to be easy. Saros ended up saving +1.84 goals better than expected in the last game, and I expect the Kraken to find their high-attacking ways in 5v5 once again. Juuse Saros made the difference on Thursday, can Lankinen do it against the Great Pekka Rinne?

how to watch

The game airs at 1:00 pm CT/2:00 pm ET on Bally Sports South and 102.5 The Game.

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