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Predators, Blues to lock up in Central Division battle

Jan 19, 2008 - 2:21 PM Nashville (22-20-4) at St. Louis (22-16-6) 2:00 pm EST

ST. LOUIS (Ticker) - The Nashville Predators have had trouble scoring recently, and the inspired play of late by Manny Legace could keep them slumping for at least one more game.

The Predators will look to pound the net when they visit the St. Louis Blues on Saturday in a Central Division battle.

After scoring 18 goals in their first four games of the New Year, Nashville has hit a dry patch offensively. Losers of three of their last four, the Predators have managed just four goals in the three setbacks.

Top scorers Jason Arnott and J.P. Dumont have combined for just two goals in the past four games. Dumont, however, has been successful as a playmaker and is currently riding a franchise record-tying 10-game point streak.

Legace, who was named to the Western Conference All-Star team last week, will be charged with keeping Dumont from making franchise history. Legace was removed after the first period of Wednesday's 6-1 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks due to an injured right arm.

But he should be ready to go against Nashville, which he has beaten three straight times with a combined goals against average of 0.67. Legace is 4-0-1 in his last five full games with a 1.05 GAA.

The Blues, who have lost three straight, have outscored the Predators 9-4 in winning all three meetings this season.