Nashville Predators: Preds capture two big wins during NYC road trip

The Nashville Predators ended their first road trip of the season with two victories against the Islanders & Rangers. Here is a recap of the previous week!

The Nashville Predators jumped out to a 2-0-0 start on the season, as they took part in their first road trip of the season. They captured wins against the New York Rangers and the New York Islanders.

Here is a recap of the previous week for the Nashville Predators, including game recaps, stars of the week, and a preview of the week ahead!

Game Recaps

3-2 Win over the New York Rangers

The Nashville Predators headed to Madison Square Garden on Thursday night to begin their 2018-2019 campaign, facing off against new coached New York Rangers team.

It took a while for both teams to work their kinks out, as neither team managed to score in the first period. It didn’t take long for the Predators to get on the board in the second period, as Filip Forsberg gave the Predators their first lead of the game. Forsberg, who jumped out to a fast start in the preseason, didn’t miss a beat, scoring the first goal for the Predators on the year.

The Rangers tied things up just four minutes later on a goal from Jesper Fast, as he was able to sneak in front of the lackluster defense by the Predators.

The Predators regained their lead early in the third period on a classic P.K. Subban slapshot goal from the top of the blue line. The Rangers were able to get a good bit of chances, but Pekka Rinne came up big all night. Colton Sissons added an empty-netter with over a minute left in the game, which ended up being huge for the Predators, considering the Rangers cut the lead to one goal again with just 35 seconds left on a goal from Pavel Buchnevich.

Rinne was solid in goal all night long for the Predators. He stopped 34 of the 36 shots he faced over the course of the game.

4-3 Win over the New York Islanders

After spending a day touring New York City, the Predators had another matchup in New York, this time in Brooklyn against the New York Islanders. This was the home opener for the Islanders, as they were welcoming in former Predators and Capitals head coach Barry Trotz.

Fans were welcomed with scoring early when Viktor Arvidsson put one in the back of the net for the Predators just three minutes into the game. Arvi can make a case for an early goal of the year, as he put a nifty move on the Islanders defender and sneaking the puck past Thomas Greiss.

Mathew Barzal tied things up with eight minutes left in the first. Mattias Ekholm had an answer though, giving the Predators a 2-1 lead just before the end of the first period.

Valtteri Fippula tied things up early in the second period, sneaking it past Juuse Saros. Craig Smith scored his first goal of the year, as both Kyle Turris and Ryan Ellis picked up an assist. Arvidsson scored his second goal of the game to give the Predators a 4-2 lead. Anders Lee cut the deficit to one on a powerplay goal, but that was all they were able to get, as the Predators picked up their second win of the season.

Saros got the start on Saturday night, saving 26 of the 29 shots he faced.

Stars of the Week

3rd Star of the Week – Colton Sissons – 3 points (1 goal, 2 assists)

Yes, both Sissons and Ekholm outscored Arvidsson, but Arvidsson came up clutch for the Predators and scored an amazing goal.

Sissons was in the right spot for Nashville in both of their games so far. Sissons picked up an assist on Subban’s goal, as he won the faceoff. He also scored an empty-net goal after getting a rebound on a blocked shot, sending it down the ice. Sissons also picked up an assist on Saturday night on Ekholm’s goal.

2nd Star of the Week – Mattias Ekholm – 3 points (1 goal, 2 assists)

Like Sissons, Ekholm found himself in the right spot at the right time. Ekholm also picked up an assist on the goal from Subban after a faceoff win from Sissons. He then picked up another assist on Sisson’s empty-netter.

Ekholm gave the Predators the lead on Saturday night, as he scored his first goal of the year with just four minutes left in the first period.

1st Star of the Week – Viktor Arvidsson – 2 points (2 goals)

Arvidsson deserves this spot after the goal he scored to open the game up on Saturday. He is no stranger to the move he pulled on that goal, as he has done that many times in the past.

He was also able to stretch the Predators lead to two goals in the second period, assisted from Ryan Johansen and Anthony Bitetto.

The first line, like always, came up big for the Predators in the opening week, including two goals from Arvidsson.

Upcoming Games this Week

Calgary Flames – Tuesday, October 9th – Bridgestone Arena

The Nashville Predators will have their first home stretch of the year, playing three home games this upcoming week alone. The Flames will head into this game with a 1-1 record with a win and a loss against the Vancouver Canucks.

Winnipeg Jets – Thursday, October 11th – Bridgestone Arena

A rematch of the second round playoffs will occur just four games into the year, as the Winnipeg Jets head to Nashville. The Jets, like the Predators, headed into this season with a lot of hype, so this matchup will garner a ton of hype.

The Jets will have a matchup with the Los Angeles Kings on Tuesday before heading to Nashville.

New York Islanders – Saturday, October 13th – Bridgestone Arena

The Predators will face off against the Islanders again, this time in Nashville. The Predators will look to get another win out of this series.

The Islanders will play on Monday against the San Jose Sharks, but will then have a decent break before facing the Predators on Saturday.