.500

The Preds (2-3) will try to reach .500 for the first time this season tonight when they visit the New York Rangers (3-3). The irony has not been lost on me that Nashville's 0-3 start is their worst-ever at the outset of what many have anticipated will be their best season yet. It's amazing to think that this talented roster began with three losses (two against Chicago, no less) when far-less skilled squads managed at least one win in the same number of games.

Tonight may be a tough test for the Preds to level out their record. The Rangers lead the Atlantic Division, though their record is only average, and they have been playing well of late. They've been doing what the Preds have not: penalty killing and playing sharp defense. That's a good combination with a roster loaded with scoring talent.

Nashville has looked sharper on defense at full strength and shorthanded during its modest two-game winning streak, but it still has the worst penalty kill percentage (61.9) in the entire league. It is early, but that has to change soon, and tonight would be the ideal time. We'll see.