So how bout them Preds? Nashville had a perfect week, going 3-0, and now sit atop the NHL with 14 points. While it’s still early, it’s really encouraging to see the Predators racking up points, especially against other Western Conference teams. We’ve mentioned it several times before, but the Central Division and Western Conference are no joke, so any time you can pick up two points, you take it.
Here’s what I picked up on this week.
JUUSE TO THE RESCUE
Pekka Rinne started off the week with a win against the Minnesota Wild and got the start in the first set of the back to back with Calgary and Edmonton. Early in the third period though, Kevin Fiala and Pekka collided on a strange play. While Pekka originally stayed in the game, he eventually left and gave way to Juuse Saros. All Juuse did was stop every shot he faced to give the Preds the 5-3 victory. He then followed that up with a shutout against the Edmonton Fighting McDavids. Fun fact, Juuse has two starts against Edmonton in his career and has yet to allow a goal. While no word on what is ailing Pekka, he was placed on IR, meaning Juuse will at least get the next two starts, probably more. I can’t stress enough how valuable having a backup like Juuse Saros is.
KEVIN FIALA GETS GOING
Fiala has been all over the ice this season, but until Friday night, had nothing to show for it. He finally broke through with a PP goal and an assist to get in the scoring column. It’s good to see him put one in the back of the net. A lot of people are expecting a career year out of the young forward, so it’s nice to see him get started this year.
NO BULL
Preds coach Peter Laviolette made good on a bet with the team and wore a bull mask for his post game presser. This has nothing to do with the on ice performance, but it was hilarious to see him take questions like nothing was different. Good job by Lavy on keeping things fun and fresh during the long grind of the season.
PREDS THREE STARS OF THE WEEK
Juuse Saros – The Preds backup came on in relief of Rinne after he left with injury. In the two games he played this week he stopped every single shot he faced. The Preds will rely on Juuse for the next week.
Mattias Ekholm – Ekholm keeps on producing this year. He had one goal and two assists. He’s such an underrated part of the defense that is often overlooked. Good to see him getting on the score sheet.
PK Subban – The Preds superstar had a shorthanded goal and two assists the week. The shorthanded goal was the first of his career. Subban is one of those players that can single-handedly change a game. When he’s going, the Preds are a much more dangerous team.
THE WEEK AHEAD
Three games this week. The Sharks visit Nashville on Tuesday and then it’s off to New Jersey for a meeting with the Devils on Thursday. Quick trip as they turn right around for another meeting with the Oilers on Saturday. The Preds will look to keep their momentum rolling and stay atop the NHL.
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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