We’re approaching Game Three of John Hynes’s 14-game “playoff mindset-paloozathon,” and it’s one of the toughest remaining games yet. The Nashville Predators host the Florida Panthers tonight for an early-evening tilt at Bridgestone Arena.
After a dismal loss to Buffalo left Preds fans a little more anxious about their playoff prospects, Nashville has rebounded with back-to-back wins: a 6-2 beatdown of the Minnesota Wild and a 3-2 road win over the Ottawa Senators. Their next test comes in the form of the Panthers, owners of the best record in the Eastern Conference and winners of six straight games (which included not one, but TWO four-goal comebacks).