The Nashville Predators continued their strong play going 2-0-1 and racking up five of a possible six points. The hot week actually gave the Preds the top spot in both the Central Division and Western Conference, but the Blues would wind up taking first overall back by the end of the week.
They lead the Central with 42 points in 30 games. The Preds are right on their tails though with 40 points in 29 games. The Jets are right there too, with 39 points in 30 games played. It really seems like it’s going to be a battle between these three teams for the division crown all year long.
The Predators would start off the week by avenging their Opening Night loss to the Boston Bruins. The Bruins came in red hot, so this was going to be a major test for the Predators, and they were up to the test. Craig Smith had an outstanding night scoring twice in the first period. I was critical of Smith last year, but it seems like whatever bad juju he had last year is long gone. Nick Bonino and Kevin Fiala would add two more goals to put the Preds up 4-0. The Bruins came storming back, however, making it 4-3 before Filip Forsberg would put the game out of reach on a breakaway. Nice win for the Predators against a very good Bruins team.
It was then off to Dallas, for the second half of a back-to-back set. Dallas was another team playing very well, so the Predators would need to be up to task, and boy were they. The Predators would build a 5-0 lead and chase Bishop from the game. It was great to see the team play so great after having to play and travel the night before. Fiala, Cody McLeod, Pontus Aberg, Kyle Turris, and Calle Jarnkrok all found the back of the net. The other big story from this game was Juuse Saros. The backup has struggled a little, and this was just the kind of game he needed to put away any doubt. He ended the night with 43 saves and the two goals he did give up were well after the game had been decided.
After a few days off, it was time to head home for the first ever game against the Vegas Golden Knights. This one had been circled on many fans’ calendars since not only was it the first look at the expansion team, but also the return of fan favorite James Neal. Neal got a great standing ovation and a nice tribute video. It was easy to see how much he meant to Nashville and how much Nashville meant to him.
Anyway, on the game. The Preds got off to a little bit of a slow start, falling behind 2-0. Karlsson and yep, you guessed it, Neal scored for the Knights. Jarnkrok would get the Preds on the board before the end of the second period and momentum seemed to be swinging back in Nashville’s favor. The Predators would come out on fire to start the third, taking the lead 3-2 off goals by Viktor Arvidsson and Bonino. However, Erik Haula tied the game up with just 39 seconds left. This game went to a shootout, where finally Reilly Smith would finally score after six rounds to give Vegas the victory. Tough one to lose, but make no mistake, Vegas is a very good team.
PREDS THREE STARS OF THE WEEK
First Star – Craig Smith – The Craig Smith redemption tour continues. Smith finished the week with two goals and an assist. He’s easily been the biggest surprise of the season for the Preds so far.
Second Star – Juuse Saros – Saros only got in one game this week, but he played lights out. Saros made 43 saves against a very potent Dallas offense. The two goals he did give up were after the game had been decided and one of those was off Bitetto’s skate. The Preds will need Saros to play like that for the rest of the season in order to give Pekka some rest here and there.
Third Star – Viktor Arvidsson – Arvi had one goal and two assists this week, but was vital in the comeback against the Golden Knights. He scored the game-tying goal and then made a great play behind the net to steal the puck and get it to Bonino to give the Preds the lead. Without Arvi, the Preds don’t get the crucial point.
The Predators will get a few days rest before heading off to western Canada for three games this week. First up, it’s the Vancouver Canucks on Wednesday night. Quick turnaround, as the team will then head over to Edmonton for a game against the Oilers on Thursday. Finally, the Preds will wrap up the road trip Saturday night against the Calgary Flames. Some big games this week, so make sure to stay up to date with all the Predators news here.
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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