Nashville Predators Weekly Recap
The Nashville Predators have been on a roll recently, as they have won five straight games, including three last week.
The Nashville Predators played three tight games this week and won all of them. They won all three games by one goal, including one in a shootout. After losing their first two games in January, they have been winners of five straight games. The Nashville Predators now have a record of 28-11-6, with 62 points. The Predators are in 1st place right now in the Central Division and 2nd in the Western Conference behind the Vegas Golden Knights.
Game Recaps
Vegas Golden Knights
The Predators faced off Tuesday night against one of the best teams in the NHL, and came out with a 1-0 win. Juuse Saros was in goal for the Predators, and stopped all 43 shots he faced. The Predators were without Filip Forsberg and Viktor Arvidsson, and had their backup goalie in the game, and still were able to beat the 2nd best team in hockey. The Predators got their only goal in the 3rd period from Kevin Fiala, as it was assisted by P.K. Subban and Colton Sissons.
Arizona Coyotes
The Predators went from playing one of the best teams in hockey on Tuesday night to playing the worst team in hockey on Thursday night. Although they are the worst team in hockey with a record of 11-28-9, the Predators have struggled with them in the two times the teams have faced off this year. It was a back and forth game, with Ryan Ellis tying the game with under three minutes left to send it into OT. Craig Smith scored the game winning shootout goal for the Predators.
Florida Panthers
The Nashville Predators continued their home stand on Saturday night in a game against the Florida Panthers. The Predators took the early lead just 36 seconds into the game on a goal from Fiala. The Panthers then took the lead on two straight goals. The 2nd period was a good one for the Predators as they scored three goals, coming from Fiala, Subban and Nick Bonino. The Panthers scored a goal midway through the 3rd period, but the Predators were able to hold them off for their 5th straight victory.
Stars of the Week
3rd Star – Nick Bonino – 1 goal, 3 assists
Nick Bonino was a good pickup this offseason to help with the 3rd and 4th line, and he has played well for the Predators since being picked up. He has played inconsistent at times but played great for the Predators this week. He had an assist on Ellis’ goal against the Coyotes. Bonino picked up assists on both of Fialas’ goals and scored his seventh goal of the year on Saturday night.
2nd Star – Juuse Saros – 43 saves, 1.000 Save %
Juuse Saros has a huge task in front of him on Tuesday night and responded great for a young goalie. He was playing one of the toughest teams in the league and shut them out. Saros started out slow this year for the Predators, but has been great since then. He has four shutouts in his last six appearances. It’s great to see this play out of Saros, especially if he is going to be the guy that takes Pekka’s place whenever he retires.
1st Star – Kevin Fiala – 3 goals
Kevin Fiala has been a key asset for the Nashville Predators so far this season. He played great on the 2nd line with Craig Smith and Kyle Turris. Even though he had to move lines because of injuries to other players, he has still played great. He scored the game winner against the Golden Knights on Tuesday, and then scored two great goals on Saturday against the Panthers. Fiala will be a key player for the Predators this season, and should help the Predators make another deep run in the playoffs.
This Week
Tuesday: Tampa Bay Lightning – 31-12-3
This game will be a tough task for the Nashville Predators. The Lightning have the best record in the NHL, so a win in this game would be a huge momentum booster and would add to the Predators winning streak. The Predators will have the task of trying to stop two of the league’s best players in Steven Stamkos and Nikita Kucherov.
Thursday: New Jersey Devils – 24-13-8
After playing in what is likely to be a very tough game on Tuesday, the Predators have to turn around and play a tough Devils team on the road. The Predators would like to close out with a win right before the All Star break, so this would be a big win. The Predators have to keep an eye out for Taylor Hall on the Devils as he leads their team with 48 points so far on the season.