Predators vs. Flyers, 7 p.m., CSNWells Fargo Center
Records
Flyers: 29-14-6 (fourth in Eastern Conference, second in Atlantic Division)
Predators: 31-16-4 (fourth in Western Conference, second in Central Division)
Previous games
The Flyers lost in a shootout (yes, again) on home ice on Tuesday, this time to the visiting Winnipeg Jets. Despite the loss, goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov did play a strong game, stopping 23 of the 24 shots he faced in regulation and overtime.
Like the Flyers, the Predators showed signs of rust in their last game, Tuesday against the Minnesota Wildespecially through the first two periods. However, unlike the Flyers, the Preds shook off the lasting effects of the All-Star break late in their game, and rallied to defeat the Wild, 5-4.
Whos hot
Scott Hartnells 25 goals still lead the Flyers. And of course, the rookies continue to find success on the score sheetthe sole goal of Tuesdays loss arrived care of Brayden Schenn. The marker was his fourth of the season.
For the Preds, Mike Fisher has five goals in his last three games. Hes one of nine skaters on the team with at least 10 goalslike the Flyers, the Predators have spread their scoring around. In net, Pekka Rinne has been a big part of Nashville's success this season. He has a 2.40 goals-against average and .924 save percentage. Rinne was one of the NHLs three stars of January.
Storylines
These two teams hold parallel spots in the standings, but in reality, theyve been on different paths of late. In recent games, the Flyers have lost as much as theyve won (especially at home) and have had a bit of trouble finding the back of the net. The goals have been flowing for the Preds, who won 11 of their 13 games in January.
In the teams only other meeting this season, the Flyers fell to the Preds, 4-2, in Nashville.
NHL
Injuries
Flyers: Danny Briere (concussion), Zac Rinaldo (upper-body injury), James van Riemsdyk (concussion).
Predators: Jerred Smithson (upper-body injury), Francis Bouillon (upper-body)
Sound off
If the Wells Fargo Center is truly one of the toughest arenas to play in for visiting teams, why have the Flyers struggled to win on home ice?