The Pittsburgh Penguins might have finally found their rhythm.
The Nashville Predators, meanwhile, also have reason to momentarily feel good about things, even amid their rough season.
Riding a three-game point streak, the Penguins look to keep the Predators from winning back-to-back contests for the first time in nearly two months when the teams face off Thursday in Nashville.
Through its first 23 games, Pittsburgh failed to sustain consistent success, winning just seven times overall and two straight only twice through Nov. 23. Since then, however, the Penguins are 7-2-1 and have totaled five points in the last three games following Tuesday’s comeback 3-2 overtime victory over the Kings in Los Angeles.
Defenseman Matt Grzelcyk registered his first goal as a Penguin to tie the game late in the third period and Rickard Rakell won it 1:44 into the extra session. Alex Nedeljkovic stopped 29 shots for Pittsburgh, which collectively believes it might have turned the corner.
“Going back to last season, where we (went) on that hot stretch at the end of the season (closing 8-2-2), I think it’s kind of the same feeling had then,” Rakell told the Penguins’ official website.
“We’re starting to get in (the dressing) room right now.”
Rakell has recorded half of his team-leading 14 goals over the last 10 games, while also adding five assists during that stretch.
Superstar teammate Sidney Crosby has been stuck on 600 career goals for his last 10 contests but has 10 assists during that span. Crosby has eight goals and 20 assists in 23 career games versus Nashville.
The Predators remain tied with Chicago for the fewest points in the NHL with 24 but have won two of three following their franchise-record-tying eight-game losing streak (0-5-3). On Tuesday, Juuse Saros made 25 saves to snap a personal eight-game losing streak and Jonathan Marchessault recorded his sixth point in four games with a first-period goal in the Predators’ 2-0 home victory over the reeling New York Rangers.
Nashville last won consecutive contests during a three-game winning streak from Oct. 22-26.
“The last three (games) feel good. I like the positive energy,” said Marchessault, who has registered seven of his total eight goals at home.
“It’s been a tough run for our group. We’ve had a hard time grabbing that consistency, so we’re just trying to build it. I think the little bit of the identity of the last three games is something that we can hold onto and be proud of.”
Marchessault might finally be enjoying some chemistry with fellow star linemates Filip Forsberg and Steven Stamkos, who have five points apiece in the last four games.
Saros (2.63 goals-against average) has won back-to-back starts just once this season — Oct. 22 and 25. Backup Justus Annunen made 35 saves in his most recent start, a 4-1 victory at Dallas on Dec. 12.
Meanwhile, Nedeljkovic has stopped 87 of the 95 shots he’s faced while winning two of his last three starts for Pittsburgh, which is 16-4-2 against the Predators since October 2010. Teammate Tristan Jarry has a 1.98 goals-against average during his current 2-0-1 stretch on the road.
It’s uncertain if injured Nashville star defenseman and captain Roman Josi (lower-body injury) will miss a fourth straight game.
–Field Level Media
