Filip Forsberg closing in on Predators' rookie record

Filip Forsberg's potential place in the franchise record book comes as news to him.

The forward is on the verge of tying the most notable mark for rookies — points in a season — as the Predators open 2015 with a back-to-back set at Los Angeles and Anaheim this weekend.

"I didn't know that actually," he said. "I guess that proves I've done something right thus far."

Forsberg's team-leading 35 points (14 goals, 21 assists) trails only Alexander Radulov's 37 points in 2006-07. Consistency is a big reason the 20-year-old Swede is a leading candidate for the Calder Trophy, however, and it goes beyond scoring.

If his plus-24 rating holds up, it would beat David Legwand's franchise record plus-23 of 2006-07. Radulov's best was plus-19, also in 2006-07.

Finding consistency outside of scoring production and improving his physical shape were Forsberg's driving forces in the offseason.

"Last year I was playing really good one game and really bad the next game," Forsberg said. "That's what the organization told me — I need to be more consistent."

Forsberg has been a fixture at right wing on the top scoring line. He scored in six straight games earlier this season — something only Patric Hornqvist, J.P. Dumont and Radulov have done in the franchise's 16-year history.

"You see flashes of what he's done this year, but I think this year he knows he can do it and he's doing it consistently," Predators captain Shea Weber said. "He's bringing that effort every night. Hopefully it doesn't stop. I don't think it will."

Coach Peter Laviolette said he doesn't discuss scoring with any player. The priority is making sure everyone fits into a team-based approach.

"In that sense, I think he's been really effective for us and a key contributor," Laviolette said of Forsberg. "We just keep moving forward slowly with him ... avoid heaping any expectation on him."

Carb-loading: The back-to-back games are afternoon affairs — 1 and 5 p.m. Pacific. Throw in the two-hour time difference from Nashville and the breakfast choices can get interesting.

"You have to hammer down some pasta and try to force down some carbs," goalie Pekka Rinne said. "Other than that, personally, I like afternoon games. They're a lot of fun, and once the game is over with you still have some good hours — time to go for dinner or do whatever you want to do."

Arcobello update:Mark Arcobello, acquired from Edmonton on Monday, skated on a forward line with Eric Nystrom and center Calle Jarnkrok in his second practice with the team Friday at Centennial Sportsplex.

"He's going to get into some games here and we'll get a look at him," Laviolette said. "He seemed more comfortable out there today."

Arcobello could see action against the Kings since forwards Matt Cullen (injured reserve) and Taylor Beck (illness) are not making the trip to California.

Reach Eric Stromgren at 615-259-8325 and on Twitter @estromgren.

NEXT GAME

PREDATORS AT KINGS

When: 3 p.m. Saturday

TV/radio: SportSouth/102.5-FM