Fresh off the bye week, the Predators got right back into action with three home games. Nashville picked up six huge points, going 3-0 this week and running their win streak to five straight victories. We’re starting to get to that point of the season where the games start to mean a little bit more and every point is valuable.
As of Sunday night, the Preds are atop the Central Division with 62 points in 45 games played. Depending on the outcome of the Jets’ current game, they could take over with a win giving them a total of 63 points but in 48 games played. St. Louis rounds out the top three with 59 points in 49 games played. And how about this, you have to go all the way to the bottom of the standings to find the Blackhawks with 50 points on the season. Damn, it feels good to type that. On to the recaps!
The Predators finished off their season series with the Vegas Golden Knights on Tuesday night. In a brilliant move, Laviolette gave Juuse Saros the start since he had been playing in Milwaukee during the bye week and was on a bit of a roll. The move paid off big time, as the Juice was loose and posted a 43-save shutout. Saros has really been playing great lately. Remember when everyone was ready to give up on him on the beginning of the season? Yeah that was dumb. Kevin Fiala got the lone tally of the game off a nice rebound for his 11th of the season. Preds would win this one 1-0 and get a little revenge for the two losses earlier in the season to the Knights.
Another night, another revenge game with the Arizona Coyotes paying a visit to Nashville. The Preds dropped a game they absolutely shouldn’t have two weeks ago in Phoenix, so it was important for them to come out and make a statement. Unfortunately, they didn’t exactly do that. After a sleepy first and second period, Hartnell finally broke through to give Nashville a 1-0 lead with under two minutes left in the second. Somehow, the Preds went into the third tied at one after Arizona scored with 12 seconds left. For some reason, the Preds seem to struggle with the Coyotes and just can’t put them away.
Things looked pretty grim for the Preds as they were trailing 2-1 with little time left in regulation. That is, until Ryan Ellis blasted one past Raanta to tie the game at two and send it to overtime. It would take a shootout to decide this one with goals by Turris and Smith to give the Preds the two points. Preds will take the two points, but you would have liked to see them do it in a more convincing fashion.
The Predators would wrap up the week with a game against the Florida Panthers for their only visit to Nashville this season. Kevin Fiala would continue his hot streak with two more goals, and just missing out on the hat trick. Nick Bonino and P.K. Subban would also add goals and give the Preds a 4-3 win and a clean sweep of the week.
PREDS THREE STARS OF THE WEEK
First Star – Kevin Fiala – After a little bit of a slow start to the season, the goals have been coming in bunches for Fiala lately. With three goals this week, the young forward now has 13 goals and 16 assists on the season. The Preds really needed him to step up while Forsberg has been out and he has in a big way.
Second Star – Nick Bonino – Bonino had himself a big week with one goal and three assists. It has taken him a little time to get comfortable offensively since joining the Preds, but he seems to be putting it together now. Preds will need to rely on him for depth scoring as the season marches on.
Third Star – Calle Jarnkrok – Again, more depth scoring which will go a long way for the Preds in the second half and the playoffs. Jarnkrok picked up three assists this week as he has bounced around from line to line. His versatility makes him so valuable to the Preds lineup.
Only two games this week for the Predators, but they are some BIG games. The Eastern Conference leading Tampa Bay Lightning are in town Tuesday night. This should be a really fun game to watch as two of the top teams in the league square off. I’m pumped for this game. After that, it’s off to New Jersey for a game against the surprising Devils. Another tough match-up for the Preds that should give them an idea on how they stack up against one of the better teams in the East.
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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