The Predators' 2.9 average goals per game add up to 172 total, which makes them the 22nd-ranked scoring team in the league. On defense, the Predators have allowed 203 goals (3.4 per game) to rank 27th in NHL play. They're ranked 27th in the league with a -31 goal differential.
The Rangers have won five of their last six games, with all five wins coming off strong efforts. The one game in the middle is the one that broke many, the Tampa game, but it appears that was the blip and not the five wins in six games. But now the NHL's best team comes to MSG for a matinee matchup.
Of course, try telling any 19- or 20-year-old they can't do something and they'll tell you why you're wrong. That's the plus side of having a young team, and why Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith and company might have a chance tonight. Celebrini and Smith are likely still riding high from last night's win against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden, and the duo put together a combined nine-point night.
The Florida Panthers (3-2) will do battle with the New Jersey Devils (2-1) tonight at The Rock in Newark, marking the third tilt of five-game road trip that has gotten off to tough start for the two-time defending champions. Los Gatos could only muster up 21 shots and a single tally in a 4-1 defeat at the hands of the Detroit Red Wings last night. Brad Marchand was the only lamp-lighter, halving the deficit with 4:55 remaining in the second period with a wrap-around goal after Anton Lundell won an offensive zone faceoff.