So, that was certainly a forgettable week. After coming out with a strong performance against Buffalo, the Nashville Predators laid an egg in back to back games to close out the week. While it’s disappointing to see the Preds in a bit of slump, you have to keep in mind four of the team’s top players are on IR right now. We’re also only 30 games into an 82 game season. Slumps will happen. There is still plenty of time to get healthy and right the ship. So while most of Preds social media (you know who you are) is panicking, keep in mind, you’d rather have to deal with these injuries now as opposed to in February and March. I’m not worried one bit about the team. They’ll get it figured out.
ELLIS GETS OFF THE SCHNIDE
Ryan Ellis got his second goal of the year, but his first with a goalie defending the net, on the PP against Buffalo on Monday night. Good to see him get one in the back of the net. Ellis has been picking up the assists this year, but the Preds will really need him to start bombing away with the man advantage. I’ve noticed his accuracy seems to be a bit off. Several of his shots have been missing the net completely. Hopefully, getting one in will settle him down and help him get some of these bombs on net.
JUUSE SAROS STRUGGLING
It had been a while since Juuse Saros had started a game and he had been having some struggles in the net. Peter Laviolette chose to ride the hot hand with Pekka Rinne leaving Juuse on the bench. Well Saros got his first opportunity in quite a while, and things didn’t go as planned. Saros made 20 saves on 24 shots. Not exactly what the Preds were hoping for from the young goalie. I know it’s tough to work out the kinks on the bench, but if the Preds are going to make another run this year, Juuse will be a big part of it.
PREDS THREE STARS OF THE WEEK
First Star – Roman Josi – The Preds’ Captain picked up three assists this week. He’s quietly been having a very strong season on both ends of the ice. He now has 16 assists on the season to go along with five goals.
Second Star – Ryan Johansen – It doesn’t matter who you put on his line, Joey is going to find a way to rack up the points. While he’s certainly missing Forsberg and Arvidsson, it’s encouraging to see him still getting on the score sheet. Two more assists this week for Johansen.
Third Star – Craig Smith – One goal and one assist for Smith this week. He continues to find himself on the scoresheet. It will be interesting to see if he can continue this pace once Turris returns from injury.
THE WEEK AHEAD
The Predators are back home this week for three games. Tuesday night, it’s the first matchup of the season with the Ottawa Senators. On Thursday, the Preds will seek revenge for that ugly game they just had against the Canucks. They’ll wrap things up on Saturday night as the New Jersey Devils come to town. Hopefully a little home cooking is all they need to get back into the win column.
Be sure to check out the Talking Preds Podcast. New episodes almost weekly. Be sure to follow along on Twitter and Facebook for live tweeting during the games along with something new we’re trying out. For certain games, I’ll be jumping on live during intermissions, pre-game, or post-game with thoughts on the game. Love to have some good hockey discussion so follow along and let me know what you guys think.
Herbie Brooks is the Lead Nashville Predators 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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