Tag: Nashville Predators

Nashville Predators Enter a New Era

The Nashville Predators enter a new era in the team’s history as Barry Trotz takes over as General Manager going into the 2023-24 season.

2022-23

Record: 42-32-8 (92 pts) – 5th in Central

Playoffs: Did Not Qualify

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Key Losses

Ryan Johansen (F – COL), Matt Duchene (F – DAL), Mark Borowiecki (D – Retired), John Hynes (Head Coach), David Poile (General Manager)

Key Additions

Ryan O’Reilly (F), Luke Schenn (D), Gustav Nyquist (F), Denis Gurianov (F), Andrew Brunette (Head Coach), Barry Trotz (General Manager)

2023-24 Preview

The Nashville Predators had a mixed performance during the 2022-23 NHL season. They finished with a record of 42-32-8, accumulating a total of 92 points. This placed them in 5th place in the Central Division. Unfortunately, the Predators did not qualify for the playoffs.

Juuse Saros will look to continue his dominance between the pipes as the Nashville Predators enter a new era. – Photo Courtesy of the Nashville Predators

New Vision

At the conclusion of the 2022-23 season David Poile, the franchise’s only General Manager in team history, would retire, and Barry Trotz would take over as the new GM. With Trotz taking over the Predators, he would look to put his stamp on the organization. One of the first moves Trotz would do is relieve John Hynes as head coach, and name Andrew Brunette the new head coach. The moves would be symbolic to the Predators. Trotz was the first coach in Predators history, and Brunette was on the inaugural team and scored the franchise’s first career goal.

Personnel Changes

With Trotz overseeing the personnel, changes were bound to be made. Starting on offense, forwards Matt Duchene and Ryan Johansen were bought out and traded respectively. Inbound, Trotz would sign forwards Ryan O’Reilly, Denis Gurianov, and Gustav Nyquist. On defense, Trotz would add some grit by signing defenseman Luke Schenn. With these personnel changes, Trotz is looking to improve the Predators’ offense, which ranked 28th last season, and powerplay (27th).

As the Nashville Predators enter a new era, Ryan McDonagh will look to have another solid season with the Predators. – Photo Courtesy of the Nashville Predators

While the previous season did not result in a playoff appearance, the Predators are determined to bounce back and make a strong push for the postseason in the upcoming 2023-24 season.

Read our other 2023-24 Team Previews: ANA, ARI, BOS, BUF, CAL, CAR, CHI, COL, CLB, DAL, DET, EDM, FLA, LA, MIN, MON

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2022-23 Team Preview – Nashville Predators

2021-22

Record: 45-30-7 97p (5th in the Central)

Playoffs: Lost in First Round to COL

Key Losses

D – Philippe Myers (Trade – TB), F – Luke Kunin (Trade – SJ), G – David Rittich (WIN), F – Nick Cousins (FLA)

Key Additions

G – Kevin Lankinen, F – Zach Sanford, F – Nino Niederreiter

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2022-23 Preview

Last year the Predators made the playoffs and lost in the first round to the eventual Stanley Cup champions in the Colorado Avalanche. Nashville is hoping to build off a solid season and look to advance further in the playoffs. Unfortunately for them, they’re in a very loaded and stacked Western Conference. This team features strong performers in Filip Forsberg who’s a scoring dynamo, Roman Josi who anchors the defense both offensively and defensively, and Jusi Saros in between the pipes who had a phenomenal season last year.

I do see Nashville making the playoffs but, I think they’ll continue to struggle to get past the first round unless they can get more scoring firepower up front on the wing and some more speed as well. What the Predators have now is solid and good, unfortunately it’s not enough to be a Stanley Cup contender.

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Avs Powerplay Tames the Preds

The series between the Nashville Predators and the Colorado Avalanche shifts to Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. The Avalanche won the first two games of the series, by the scores of 7-2, and 2-1 in OT.

Here is how the two teams would line up today:

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In the first period, it would be the road Avalanche who would get on the board first. The goal would be scored by Artturi Lehkonen, his second goal of the playoffs, with the assists on the play coming from Devon Toews and Samuel Girard. The goal came via the power play.

Six minutes later, the Avalanche would double their lead in the game. While on the power play, Nathan MacKinnon would score his fourth goal of the playoffs. The assists on the play would come from Gabriel Landeskog and Cale Makar.

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A minute later, the Predators would get on the board to cut into the Avalanche lead. The goal came from Matt Duchene, his third goal of the playoffs. The assists on the play came from Luke Kunin and Alexandre Carrier. The period would end with the Avalanche up 2-1. At the end of the period, the starting goaltender for the Avalanche was hit with a stray stick in the eye, which saw him exit the game and saw the backup goalie Francouz enter.

Early in the second period, the Predators would tie up the game via the power play. The goal would come from Eeli Tolvanen, his first goal of the playoffs. The assists on the play would come from Mattias Ekholm, and Alexandre Carrier, his second assist of the game.

Five minutes later, the Avalanche would re-establish their lead. The goal would be scored by Gabriel Landeskog, his second point of the game. The goal came via the power play, the third power play goal of the game. The assists on the play would be tallied by Mikko Rantanen and Cale Makar, his second assist in the game.

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Two minutes later, the Predators would once again tie up the game. The goal coming via the power play, their second power play goal of the game. The goal was tallied by Roman Josi, with the assists on the play coming from Ryan Johansen and Mikkel Granlund.

The Avalanche would once again take the lead in the game. The goal coming from Gabriel Landeskog, his second goal of the game, his third point of the game. The assists on the play coming from Nazem Kadri and Josh Manson.

Before the end of the second period, the Avalanche would add another goal, giving them another two goal lead. The goal coming from Nazem Kadri, his first goal of the playoffs, the play was unassisted. It was also a power play goal, their fourth of the game. The Avalanche would take a 5-3 lead heading into the third period.

In the third period, the Avalanche would get two insurance markers. The first one coming from Devon Toews, his second point of the game, and his second goal of the playoffs. The assists on the play coming from Cale Makar and Gabriel Landeskog. The second insurance marker coming from Valeri Nichushkin, his first of the playoffs. The assists coming from Mikko Rantanen and Erik Johnson.

The Avalanche would win Game 3 by a score of 7-3, to take a commanding 3-0 series lead.

Three Stars:

Gabriel Landeskog
Cale Makar
Nazem Kadri

Boxscore

Next Game:

The next game for these two teams will be on Monday May 9th at 930p on TNT

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NHL Daily – Pulling Even

NHL News and Notes from Thursday, May 5th, 2022

News

  • The NHL Department of Player Safety doled out a pair of fines for actions taken during Game 2 on Wednesday night.
    • Boston Bruins forward Brad Marchand and defenseman Derek Forbort would both be fined $5,000 for slashing and high sticking respectively.
      • Marchand would be fined for slashing Carolina Hurricanes netminder Pyotr Kochetkov, and Forbort would be fined for high sticking Hurricanes forward Teuvo Teravainen.
      • Both fines would be the maximum allowed under the CBA.

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Game Recaps

  • Pittsburgh Penguins v. New York Rangers – 7p ET – Game 2
    • In New York City, the Rangers look to even their first round series with the Penguins. In the first period, Andrew Copp gives the Rangers the 1-0 lead but then Pittsburgh ties the game up when Jake Guentzel scores his third of this postseason. In the second, Ryan Strome scores his first of the postseason to give New York the 2-1 lead and then the Rangers lead grows by two when Chris Kreider scores his second of the playoffs. Pittsburgh then responds when Sidney Crosby nets his first of the postseason to bring the Pens within a goal. In the third, Artemi Panarin scores his first of the postseason to make it a 4-2 New York lead and then Frank Vatrano seals the win for New York with his first of the postseason as the Rangers get the 5-2 win and even the series at a game a piece.
    • Dickson’s TXHT Game Recap – Rangers Defeat Penguins 5-2, Even Series
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  • Washington Capitals v. Florida Panthers – 730p ET – Game 2
    • In South Florida, the Capitals look to jump out to the 2-0 series lead while the Panthers look to even the series. In the first period, Aaron Ekblad scores his first to give Florida the 1-0 lead and then the Panthers take the 2-0 lead when Aleksander Barkov scores his first of the playoffs. In the second, Washington gets on the board when Nicklas Backstrom scores his first of the postseason but then Florida responds when Mason Marchment scores his first of the postseason to give the Cats the 3-1 lead. Florida then makes it a 4-1 lead after Anton Lundell’s first of the postseason and then they shut the door or the contest when Carter Verhaeghe nets his first the playoffs to give the Panthers the 5-1 win over the Capitals and tie this series at a game a piece.
    • Scott’s TXHT Game Recap – Panthers Even Up Series With the Caps
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  • Nashville Predators v. Colorado Avalanche – 930p ET – Game 2
    • In Mile High City, the Avalanche look to take the 2-0 series lead, while Nashville looks to bounce back and tie the series. In the first, Colorado takes the 1-0 lead with Nathan MacKinnon scoring his third of the postseason but then Nashville ties the contest when Yakov Trenin scores his first of the postseason to tie the contest. In the overtime, Cale Makar scores his second of the postseason to give the Avalanche the 2-1 win and the 2-0 series lead.
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  • Dallas Stars v. Calgary Flames – 10p ET – Game 2
    • In the Saddledome, the Flames look to take the 2-0 lead while Dallas hopes the Stars align in their favour to tie the series. In the first, Joe Pavelski scores his first of the postseason to give Dallas the 1-0 lead. In the third, Michael Ruff scores late to give the Stars the 2-0 win and tie the series at a game a piece.
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Today’s Games

  • CAR v. BOS – 7p ET – Game 3
  • TOR v. TB – 730p ET – Game 3
  • MIN v. STL – 930p ET – Game 3
  • EDM v. LA – 10p ET – Game 3

Noteworthy in Hockey

  • Wright, Slafkovsky top Central Scouting final 2022 NHL Draft rankings (NHL.com)
  • Coyotes’ deal with ASU officially complete; multi-purpose arena will be ready to host NHL games in October (PHNX)
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NHL 3 Stars of the Month – Josi Assists His Way to Top Honors

Today the National Hockey League has announced the Stars of the Month for the month of March 2022.

First Star – Roman Josi (D – NAS)

  • Josi would lead the League with 24 assists and 28 points in 14 games played for the Nashville Predators. Josi would record at least one point in every game with the exception to his last game of the month, and he would record eight multi-point games that featured four straight games with a minimum of three points per game. Josi also recorded two four point games.
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Second Star – Johnny Gaudreau (LW – CAL)

  • In 16 games played for the Calgary Flames, Gaudreau would record 11 goals and 15 assists for 26 points in the month of March. Gaudreau would record points in 13 of the 16 games that he played in, and started the month with a seven game point streak.
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Third Star – Sergei Bobrovsky (G – FLA)

  • Bobrovsky would have a perfect 7-0-0 month for the Florida Panthers that saw him post a 2.13 goals against average, .924 save percentage, and 2 shutouts.
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* All Graphics Courtesy of the NHL

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NHL Stars of the Week – Josi’s Assists Earn Top Honors

Today the National Hockey League announced their Three Stars of the Week for the week of March 14th through 20th.

First Star – Roman Josi (D – NAS)

  • Josi would record a League leading nine assists for 9 points in three games played for the Nashville Predators, and Josi would record three assists in all three games that he appeared in this past week.
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Second Star – Kyle Connor (LW – WIN)

  • Connor would come second in the League with eight points after recording two goals and six assists in three games for the Winnipeg Jets. Connor would start the week with a goal and two assists in a 7-3 victory over Vegas on March 15th. Then on March 18th he would record an assist in a 4-2 loss to Boston, and to close out the week Connor would record a goal and three assists in a 6-4 victory over Chicago on March 20th.
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Third Star – Lawson Crouse (LW – ARI)

  • Crouse would lead the League with five goals as he would end the week with seven points in four games played for the Arizona Coyotes. Crouse would start the week by netting his first career hat trick in a 5-3 victory over Ottawa on March 14th, and then on March 15th he would record a goal and an assist in a 6-3 victory over Montreal. On March 19th he’d be held off the scoresheet by Pittsburgh, but to close out the week Crouse would record a goal and an assist in 4-2 loss to San Jose on March 20th.
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*All Graphics courtesy of the NHL, Nashville Predators, Winnipeg Jets, and Arizona Coyotes.

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Kraken Weekly: Finding the Silver Lining

After a week of struggles, there was one bright spot this week as the Seattle Kraken were able to get off the schneid and end their seven game losing streak. This week we saw the Kraken take on the San Jose Sharks on the road, returned home to play the Nashville Predators, and head out east to play the Washington Capitals in their first trip ever out to the District of Columbia. Let’s take a look back at the week that was and what’s ahead:

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Sharks take a bite out of the Kraken, win 3-1 (2/27/22)

Kraken snap 7 game losing streak, beat the Preds 4-3 (3/2/22)

Capitals flex their muscles vs the Kraken, win 5-2 (3/5/22)

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How’s it Kraken? My thoughts on the week and what’s ahead

The major bright spot of the week was the Kraken ending a seven game losing streak by beating the Nashville Predators at home on Wednesday night. I was really impressed with the resolve of this team in this game as they at one point found themselves down 2-0, came back to tie, had a lead then game was tied again yet found a way to win it on a great effort as Colin Blackwell scored a short handed goal early on in the third period as Seattle held on to win that game. I’ve always been a fan of Blackwell’s game going back to his Rangers days and is a big part of this team’s future in the bottom six. Obviously, the other two games weren’t as good as this one. Especially the game against Washington where there were definitely some goals I know goalie Chris Driedger wished he could have back. They played well for a nice stretch in that one but ultimately, the Capitals flexed their muscles with a couple power play goals and great effort to win this one. Speaking of the game against the Capitals, I was lucky to go the game and see the Kraken play live and in person for the first time which was really awesome. Their road jerseys look even better up close. Here are some photos I took at warmups:

Looking ahead, half of the week looks to be a brutal schedule for the Kraken. Today they play the second of a back to back on the road against the Carolina Hurricanes. On Tuesday night, Seattle begins a Canadian road trip to play the high scoring Toronto Maple Leafs & then the rest of the week will play against the Ottawa Senators (Thursday night) and end it with a matchup against the Montreal Canadiens (Saturday night). I think the Kraken could potentially take the game against the Hurricanes as they’ve been struggling plenty lately and are missing key defenders from their lineup. It can go either way honestly. I definitely think the game against the Maple Leafs will be a loss. The matchups against the Senators and Canadiens are very winnable games although, Ottawa has shown they can really play and have greatly improved despite their record. We’re almost two weeks away from the NHL trade deadline and remember, keep any eye out on who the Kraken deal and what they get back in return. I think guys from the Kraken like Mark Giordano (he’s definitely getting traded to go chase a cup), Marcus Johansson, and Calle Jarnkrok will be a hot commodity as we get closer to the deadline if other teams need a defenseman or forwards who can play in the top and middle six part of the lineup. Things are slowly getting more interesting and something to pay attention to…stay tuned Seattle!

Upcoming Games

3/6/22- Seattle Kraken @ Carolina Hurricanes 7pm EST/4pm PST

3/8/22- Seattle Kraken @ Toronto Maple Leafs 7:30pm EST/4:30pm PST

3/10/22- Seattle Kraken @ Ottawa Senators 7pm EST/4pm PST

3/12/22- Seattle Kraken @ Montreal Canadiens 7pm EST/4pm PST

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NHL 3 Stars of the Month – Huberdeau Pounces with the Assists for Top Honors

Today the National Hockey League has announced the Stars of the Month for the month of January 2022.

First Star – Jonathan Huberdeau (LW – FLA)

  • Huberdeau would lead the NHL in assists (19) and points (25) in 15 games played as the Florida Panthers would rise to first place in the League. Huberdeau would record six goals during the month of January along with recording at least a point in 13 of the 15 games he played in for the month. Huberdeau would also record seven multi-point games for the Panthers.
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Second Star – Juuse Saros (G – NAS)

  • Saros would go 8-2-2 in 12 games for the Nashville Predators, and he would record a 2.49 goals against average with a .934 save percentage to help the Preds into second place of the Central Division. Saros would make 35+ saves in eight games, and would highlight the month with a 46 save victory over Los Angeles earlier in the month.
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Third Star – Bryan Rust (RW – PIT)

  • Rust would net ten goals and 11 assists for 21 points in 11 games played for the Pittsburgh Penguins.  Rust would have seven multi-point games, and would start 2022 with 7 goals and 4 assists for 11 points in his first three games of the month.
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* All Graphics Courtesy of the NHL, Florida Panthers, and Pittsburgh Penguins.

Kraken Weekly: 50/50

This week was an OK one as we saw the Seattle Kraken went 2-2-0 as they took on the Florida Panthers, Nashville Predators, Pittsburgh Penguins, & the New York Rangers. First two games this week were at home in Seattle, while the other two were on the road in Pittsburgh and in New York City. Let’s take a look back at the week that was:

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Home ice win vs the Florida Panthers (1/23/22)

Predators hold off the Kraken (1/25/22)

Another franchise first, Kraken win in OT @ Penguins (1/27/22)

Heartbreaking loss in the Big Apple to the Rangers (1/30/22)

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How’s it Kraken? My thoughts on the week

I have to say things have been going rather well as of late for the Kraken. Since the losing streak, they have won 4 of their last 7 games overall. Definitely a step up from a long losing streak that’s for sure. It was nice to see victories against two of the top teams in the league in the Florida Panthers and Pittsburgh Penguins. As I mentioned previously, upsetting and winning one or two of this weeks four games would be a great thing to be positive and happy about. Those wins this week were very gutsy and played with heart.

The losses against the Predators and Rangers were against two of the more recently hot teams, especially the New York Rangers. All that team seems to do lately is win. Anyway, overall it was a pretty solid week to be a Kraken fan. The only complaint I and probably others had is that the Kraken weren’t able to force overtime and secure a point against the Rangers when they should have after tying the game up on a late Yanni Gourde power play goal. You should definitely secure a point at bare minimum. Unfortunately that wasn’t the case. Next week is a short one as the Kraken will play back to back games on the road against the Boston Bruins and New York Islanders. Then it’s All Star weekend in Las Vegas…don’t forget to cheer on Kraken All-Star Jordan Eberle & the Pacific Division. Let’s see what happens next week…stay tuned Seattle!

Upcoming Games

Tuesday (2/1/22)- Seattle Kraken @ Boston Bruins 7pm EST/4pm PST

Wednesday (2/2/22)- Seattle Kraken @ New York Islanders 7pm EST, 4pm PST

*No games rest of the week (All Star break)

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NHL Stars of the Week – Landeskog Rocking Top Honors

Today the National Hockey League announced their Three Stars of the Week for the week of January 3rd through 9th.

First Star – Gabriel Landeskog (LW – COL)

  • Landeskog would lead the League with seven points as he would record four goals and three assists in three games for the Colorado Avalanche. Landeskog would open up the week with an assist in a 4-3 overtime victory over Chicago on Jan. 4th, and then on Jan. 6th he would record three goals and an assist for his fourth career hat trick and sixth career four point game in a 7-1 victory over Winnipeg. Then to close out the week Landeskog would record a goal and an assist in a 5-4 overtime victory over Toronto on Jan. 8th.
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Second Star – Juuse Saros (G – NAS)

  • Saros would backstop the Nashville Predators to a perfect 3-0-0 week in the three games he would play in. Saros would also record a .954 save percentage and a 2.00 goals against average. He would open the week with a 41 save 3-2 victory over Vegas on Jan. 4th, and then a 46 save 4-2 victory over Los Angeles on Jan. 6th. To close out the week Saros would make 38 saves in a 4-2 victory over Arizona on Jan. 8th.
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Third Star – Tomas Hertl (C – SJ)

  • Hertl would record four goals and two assist for six points in three games played for the San Jose Sharks. Hertl would open the week with an assist in a 6-2 loss to Detroit on Jan. 4th, but would bounce back with a goal and an assist in a 3-2 victory over Buffalo on JAn. 6th. To close out the week Hertl would record a natural hat trick to give the Sharks the 3-2 overtime victory over Philadelphia on Jan. 8th.
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*All Graphics courtesy of the NHL, Colorado Avalanche, San Jose Sharks, and Nashville Predators.