Red Wings Vs Predators: Why Monday’s Detroit game in Nashville starts at 2 p.m.
The red wings vs predators matchup on Monday is listed as a special Monday afternoon tilt at Bridgestone Arena, scheduled to begin at 2 p. m. ET (1 p. m. CT), and the Predators have adjusted their morning routine accordingly.
Red Wings Vs Predators set for a true afternoon puck drop at Bridgestone Arena
The game is the second and final meeting between the clubs this season, and it is scheduled as an afternoon contest at Bridgestone Arena on March 2. With a 2 p. m. ET start time, the Predators will not hold a morning skate prior to puck drop, a specific operational change tied to the afternoon scheduling.
Predators managing a tight March stretch
Nashville begins the March portion of its schedule with this afternoon tilt and opens a stretch of three games in four days that includes a back-to-back set against Detroit and Columbus. The Predators enter the game having beaten Chicago on Thursday and then losing 3-2 in overtime to Dallas on Saturday; Steven Stamkos tallied his 30th goal of the season and Michael Bunting scored on the power play in that 3-2 overtime loss, with Juuse Saros taking the loss in net in his first appearance since returning from the Olympics.
Lineups and recent form ahead of puck drop
Filip Forsberg and Alex DeBrincat are expected to lead their respective clubs into the matchup. Forsberg has 25 goals and 23 assists for 48 points; DeBrincat has 30 goals and 58 points. Nashville’s roster notes include Ryan O’Reilly with 21 goals and 57 points, Luke Evangelista with 36 assists and 44 points, and Roman Josi with 11 goals and 40 points from the back end. Goaltender Juuse Saros is 21-17-6 in net; Justus Annunen is 6-7-2.
Detroit arrives after beating Ottawa in overtime following the Olympic break and then losing 5-2 to the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday night. Lucas Raymond leads Detroit with 19 goals and 43 assists for 62 points; Dylan Larkin has 28 goals and 54 points. Goaltenders John Gibson and Cam Talbot are listed at 23-12-2 and 11-8-4, respectively.
Game-day decisions and what fans should expect
With the noon-to-afternoon scheduling, Nashville opted not to hold a morning skate before the 2 p. m. ET puck drop, and Preds Head Coach Andrew Brunette said Saturday the week is an opportunity to "grow our game, build our game" and to work through stretches where the team can show more poise with the puck. Forward Steven Stamkos added, "We're excited to play games... This is the time of year you want to be playing meaningful hockey, and we are. "
This afternoon’s start time aligns with the Predators’ scheduling choices for the week and the club’s compact slate: the team will follow the Detroit game with the back half of its back-to-back against Columbus as part of the three-games-in-four-days stretch.
