We are just over a week into the new NHL season, and there have already been several big stories. I figured a weekly recap would be the easiest way to keep up with all the notable news from the Predators and around the league. Sorry, I’m not doing a recap of every single game, I do have other things going on. Unless we start selling a lot more t-shirts and Stoney wants to start paying me to do this, then I’ll find some time. Until then, once a week sounds like a happy medium. So keep an eye out for this column at the start of every week for a review of what’s going on around the league.
The Preds enter the week with a record of 2-2-1. Good for five points and 5th in the division. They do hold the second wild card as of now, but it’s way too early to be worrying about standings and playoff positions. There’s still 77 games left in the regular season. No need to panic yet.
If you follow me on Twitter, you know that I missed the first two games of the season while on vacation in Hawaii. I know, I know, it was terrible. From what I was able to gather though, it looks like I didn’t miss a lot. The Preds opened the season against the Bruins and Penguins, dropping both of those games. Sounds like the Preds were still trying to figure out line combinations and gel both offensively and defensively. One thing to point out is that Juuse Saros got the start against Pittsburgh. In my season preview, I said it would be smart to let Saros get a few more starts, especially early in the season to keep Pekka fresh. It will be worth keeping an eye on to see if the coaching staff continues this trend.
After two games on the road, it was time for the Preds to head back home to Nashville for the emotional home opener. If you want a more extensive review of the ceremonies, you can read what I wrote earlier this week here. The banner raising seemed to fire up the Predators, as they jumped out to a 3-0 lead midway through the 2nd period. Then the wheels fell off. Philadelphia stormed back to score five straight goals to take the lead. Some late game heroics from Scott Hartnell (two goals including the game tying goal with just over three minutes left) and Filip Forsberg (two goals including the game winner with 36 seconds left) sent the rabid Bridgestone crowd home happy. It was a great way to kick off the home portion of the season.
There was no time to celebrate though, as a Central Division rival, the Dallas Stars, were coming into town. The Stars have been a popular pick to win the division this year after a busy offseason, so the Preds were going to have their hands full. The game started off pretty sloppy for the Predators, trailing 1-0 after one. Then midway through the 2nd period, Sam Girard, the 19 year old rookie, blasted his first career goal to tie the game at one goal a piece. The youngster’s goal seemed to fire the team up, with Forsberg scoring a few minutes later on the power play off a shot by Girard that Bishop couldn’t control the rebound on. From then on, it was all Preds. They scored two more to win the game 4-1.
It was then off to Chicago for a matchup with the Blackhawks. This was a goalie duel the entire game. I actually loved the way the Predators played the entire game. They were pushing the play and outshot the Hawks the whole way through. Forsberg put Nashville up 1-0 with another power play goal. Are you sensing a theme with Forsberg yet? That’s four PP goals so far this year. Then on a very controversial call, the Blackhawks tied the game up. I’m not saying the refs have to see everything on the ice, but when Hartman grabs Irwin’s stick and then throws it into the corner, it has to be called. There’s no excuses for letting that go. It wasn’t called, and the Blackhawks scored to make it 1-1. This game went to the Predators’ old nemesis, overtime, where Brandon Saad beat Rinne for the game winner. Nice to get the point, but you can’t help but feel a little cheated here.
PREDS THREE STARS OF THE WEEK
1st Star – Filip Forsberg – Five goals in five games will do that for you. Forsberg has started off red hot and a been carrying the team offensively so far.
2nd Star – PK Subban – It’s kind of weird to say this, but Subban has quietly been putting up a lot of points. Through five games, PK has seven points, which is the most ever by a Preds D-man through the first five games of the season.
3rd Star – Samuel Girard – The 19 year old made his NHL debut in the Preds home opener and picked up an assist. Against the Stars, he scored his first career goal to tie the game and added another assist on what would become the game winning goal.
NEWS AROUND THE NHL
– How about the Vegas Golden Knights? Starting the season off 3-1. Former Pred, James Neal has six goals already……sigh…..
– Speaking of Vegas, they unveiled their new mascot Chance, and it’s….something. Apparently Chance is supposed to be a gila monster, but I think it looks like The Thing from Fantastic 4 and Barney the purple dinosaur had a love child. Other comparisons I’ve seen are a Goomba from the awful Super Mario Bros. movie and a Sandshrew, so not sure they hit the mark with that.
– Alex Ovechkin has had a pretty good start, with back to back hat tricks to start the season. He’s got nine goals in 6 games so far. Yes, that leads the league in case you were wondering.
– The Colorado Avalanche have surprised everyone this season (including me). They are playing like an actual hockey team racking up a 4-2 record so far.
Keep an eye out for this column at the beginning of every week. The Preds have three big games this week against the the Avalanche, Flyers, and Rangers. Should be a fun week of hockey.
Herbie Brooks is the Lead Hockey Analyst for SoBros Network. He knows three things: beating Commies, winning Gold Medals, and having great hair. Follow him on Twitter: @SoBroHerbie_B
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