Sniper Mired in Slump

Against the Minnesota Wild on November 16th, Paul Kariya was awarded an overtime penalty shot - the rarest, most exciting opportunity in hockey. In fact, teammate David Legwand was the first NHL player to ever score a goal in overtime on a penalty shot. Unfortunately, Kariya's shot was partially deflected and rang off the crossbar inches wide of going in.

Despite being a shootout maestro, Paul Kariya has only converted on two of seven penalty shots in his career. The last time he scored on a penalty shot was against the Phoenix Coyotes on January 23rd, 1997. Nearly a quarter of the way into the season, Kariya has lit the lamp just three times and has 16 points while leading all Predators forwards in ice time and averaging 25.2 shifts per game. Having twice as many goals at this point last year, Kariya finished the campaign with 31 goals and 85 points. Steve Sullivan leads the team with 20 points and a +8 rating.

Kariya threw a season-high six shots on goal last week against the Wild, and his 41 shots on goal are fourth-highest on the team behind Jason Arnott (53), Scott Hartnell (52), and Steve Sullivan (42). But all too often, goalies have been making superb saves or pucks have bounced over his stick in critical situations. Only twice in his career has Kariya finished the season with less than a 10% shooting percentage (currently 7.3%).

"I'd be concerned if I wasn't getting chances or not playing well and not creating," said Kariya.

Trotz added, "I don't bet on a lot of things, but I bet if (Kariya) keeps getting those chances, he's going to score a lot of goals."

Defensive Responsibility

After opening the season with a disappointing 0-3 record, the Predators have gone 12-1-2 over their last 15 contests. Coach Barry Trotz insists the team has gotten back to basics and has become more defensively responsible. The Predators are currently ranked 26th in the league averaging 32.9 shots against per game. After a dismal start to the penalty kill this season, the Predators are currently ranked 22nd in the league with an 81.1% penalty kill rate.

A big focus of the team will be to cut down the opposing team's shots. The Predators have allowed 40 or more shots in three of their last five games. Scrambling to clear the puck out of the zone seems to be an issue. Winning battles for the puck deep in the zone against the boards seems to be an issue, especially in the third period. While outscoring opponents 21-11 in the second period, the Predators have given up a league-high 26 goals in 18 games during the third period.

"It's human nature a little bit (to let down)," Vokoun said. "But you don't want to do that in this league. We have to be better in the third."

Ice Chips

Center Jason Arnott registered his second two-goal game of the season this week. Arnott had gone seven games without a goal.

Winger J.P. Dumont has six points (two goals and four assists) in his last three games.

Goaltender Tomas Vokoun recorded his second straight win and is 9-1-1 over his last 11. Vokoun allowed only 24 goals in that span.

Winger Steve Sullivan has six points (a goal and five assists) in his last three games and 20 points (six goals and 14 assists) for the season.

Defenseman Shea Weber has scored three goals in his last seven games.

Winger Martin Erat has assists in three straight games.

Defenseman Kimmo Timonen is riding a four-game point streak (a goal and three assists). Timonen has notched a point in six of his last seven games (two goals and four assists).

Nashville is 9-0-2 when leading after two periods.

Injuries

Scottie Upshall (groin strain) and Mikko Lehtonen (head injury) are both listed day to day.

Recent Line Combos

Paul Kariya - David Legwand - Martin Erat
Steve Sullivan - Jason Arnott - J.P. Dumont
Scott Hartnell - Vern Fiddler - Josef Vasicek
Scott Nichol - Jerred Smithson - Jordin Tootoo