With the Titans’ season all but wrapping up soon, it’s time for Nashville to turn it’s attention to hockey. Yes, football season has been a bit of a disappointment, but the Predators are on a damn roll right now. In case you’re just now joining the hockey season, you’ve been missing out on a great season so far. I’m a fan of both teams, and I can say without a doubt the Preds are far more enjoyable to watch. So go ahead and hop on board the Predators bandwagon. There’s plenty of room, and no one will blame you for making the switch.
The Preds went 3-0 this week, sweeping their western Canada road trip. They now sit atop the Western Conference with 46 points in just 32 games played. St. Louis also has 46 points, but they’ve accomplished that in 35 games played. Winnipeg is right on their heels with 43 points in 34 games played. Tampa Bay leads the Eastern Conference with 50 points in 32 games.
First up last week for the Predators was the Vancouver Canucks and a chance to avenge a loss from two weeks ago. This game was just weird all around. Every goal seemed like it left the fans asking what the hell just happened? P.K. Subban scored twice, once on a change-up from the face-off circle and once again off a bomb from center ice. Viktor Arvidsson would score on a 2 on 0 breakaway while on the PK, Filip Forsberg scored while trying to make a cross ice pass that would deflect off a Canuck player into the net. It was just a weird ass game. Craig Smith, Kevin Fiala, and Calle Jarnkrok would also add goals. This game was never in question, as the Preds would win 7-1.
Edmonton was up next for the second half of a back to back. Juuse Saros would get the start and was thrown immediately into the fire. The Oilers came out and peppered Saros with 22 shots in the first period. Juuse stood tall, or as tall as he can, and stopped all 22 shots. The Predators seemed inspired to get Saros the win after the great first period performance and put four goals on the board in the second period. Pontus Aberg, Fiala, Kyle Turris, and Roman Josi would all light the lamp. That was all the scoring Saros would need to secure the win. Nashville would go on to win by the final score of 4-0. Juuse would finish with 46 saves which set a franchise record for most saves in a shutout. Very impressive win for Saros.
For the last game of the road trip, it was off to Calgary. This game started off very similarly to the Oilers game, with the Predators allowing quite a few shots in the first period. Pekka was up to the task, stopping all 12 shots he faced. No score after one. The second period was once again money for the Predators. Ryan Johansen got the scoring started after getting to the front of the net and knocking in a rebound off his initial shot. Great effort there from Joey. Just before the period ended, Fiala would continue his torrid streak and tip-in the pass from Subban. That’s all the scoring in this one, as the Predators would record their second straight shutout, Pekka’s third shutout of the season. With the win, the Predators would sweep the western Canada road trip gaining six out of six possible points.
PREDS THREE STARS OF THE WEEK
First Star – Kevin Fiala – Fiala is just flat out on fire right now. He scored in all three games this week and picked up an assist. He’s now tied for third on the team with 23 points. I don’t mean to brag, but I remember saying a few weeks ago that once Fiala got one goal, he was going to break out. Damn I’m good.
Second Star – P.K. Subban – Subban picked up two goals and two assists this week. When Subban is on his game, this is exactly the kind of streaks you can expect. He now leads all Preds D-men with 22 points.
Third Star – Pekka Rinne & Juuse Saros – Both goaltenders played lights out this week. Pekka allowed only one goal in the two games he played, picking up a shutout against the Flames. Not to be outdone, Saros set a franchise record with a 46 save shutout against a very dangerous Oilers team. Great week for both the Predators’ goalies.
Three games this week before a small Christmas break for the Preds. First up, a big divisional game in Nashville against the Jets on Tuesday night. On Thursday, Eastern Conference foe, the Carolina Hurricanes visit Nashville for their only visit to Bridgestone this year. To wrap up the week, the Preds will head to Dallas on Saturday night for their last game before the break.
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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