Auto news on Youtube Dec 31 2017

Predators drop first half of home-and-home to Minnesota Wild

PAUL, Minn.

—Minnesota has been inhospitable to the Predators.

Maybe its the arctic-like chill.

Or maybe its just the Wild.

Nashville has lost both of its visits here this season, dropping a 4-2 game Friday to set up an intriguing rematch at Bridgestone Arena on Saturday.

I want to get right back at it right now, Predators forward Colton Sissons said.

That was a frustrating way to go out..

Here are three observations from Fridays loss:.

Wanna be startin something.

Lets face facts — the Predators dont start games well.

That probably is generous.

When Minnesota netted the first goal Friday at 7:34 of the first period, it was the culmination of a game-opening onslaught, with the Wild taking the first 11 shots.

Play was concentrated in the Predators defensive zone, particularly during an early Wild power play that generated serious momentum for the home team.

If not for a wonky P.K.

Subban goal and acrobatic goaltending from Pekka Rinne, then the Predators first-intermission deficit probably would have been larger than 2-1.

The Wilds 18 shots in the first period were the most theyve had in a single period this season.

Nashville eventually engaged itself in Fridays game, outshooting Minnesota 34-20 in the second and third periods in an attempt to salvage its poor start.

When you enter a game mentally and physically, youve got to be ready for the wars and the battles, Predators coach Peter Laviolette said.

We were slow to get out of the hole tonight.

They were first everywhere..

Nashville has allowed 23 first-period goals in 37 games, second-fewest in the NHL.

But the Predators have been outshot 103-52 in their past seven first periods dating to Dec.

14, which is a more accurate reflection of their uninspiring starts.

Forsberg leaves with problem.

Predators forward Filip Forsberg didnt complete Fridays game, last leaving the ice with 8:40 remaining in the third period.

He left with a problem, Laviolette said.

Well have an update probably (Saturday)..

Forsberg walked toward the Predators bus at Xcel Energy Center without visible issue.

He hasnt missed a game since the start of the 2014-15 season, appearing in all of the Predators 283 regular-season games and 42 playoff games during that span.

Rinnes road streak ends.

Rinne brought to Minnesota a four-game road winning streak with no more than one goal allowed in each game, the first NHL goaltender to compile such a streak this season.

That ended Friday, though mostly through no fault of his own.

He single-handedly prevented the Wild from piling on in the first period, then continued to contort himself in an effort to keep the score within a reasonable distance.

He made 34 saves, surrendering a hat trick to Wild forward Mikael Granlund.

(Rinne) is standing on his head giving us a chance to stay in it, Predators center Kyle Turris said.

That shouldnt be the case.

When he does that, we should be ahead after one (period), not chasing the game..