Light work week for the Preds, but that doesn’t mean the points were any less important. The Predators were able to collect all four points this week with a sweep of the Avalanche and the Stars. The Central Division is such a tight race every year, so any points you can gather are huge. The Preds are also now a perfect 8-0 on the road this season. This team just feels like they are on a mission this year. With the four points, the Preds still sit atop the NHL with 26 points. They also hold a two point lead over the Wild in the division.
NEVER SAY DIE ATTITUDE
The Preds came back three different times against the Stars before they eventually won in OT. The Preds trailed 1-0, 3-1, and 4-3 and managed to get the equalizer every time. You love to see the team have this kind of resiliency. And how clutch was that PP at the end of the game? Johansen threaded the needle to get the puck to Roman Josi to tie the game up with just under a minute left. It was a thing of beauty. Ekholm’s goal to end it in OT was just as nice. Quick saucer pass from Turris and Ekholm buried the winner. These are the types of games that can really define a season. If the Preds can play with this type of attitude all the time, you can never count them out.
FIRST LINE SISSONS
While Arvidsson was out, Laviolette tinkered with the top line a little bit. On Wednesday, it was Colton Sissons’ time to show what he can do and he definitely stepped up with a hat trick. Sissons is normally asked to play a defensive role, but he does have a little skill. He has a knack for showing up in big moments. The hat trick against the Ducks in the WCF comes to mind. It’s good to see him get rewarded for all the dirty work he’s asked to do on a nightly basis.
PREDS THREE STARS OF THE WEEK
First Star – Colton Sissons – You get a hat trick, you get the first star of the week. Those are the rules. He single-handedly outscored the Avalanche. Big night for Sissons.
Second Star – Ryan Hartman – Hartman just keeps showing up. You think he wants a new long term contract? Two more goals this week.
Third Star – Ryan Johansen – A few players could have cracked the stars of the week, but I’m going with Johansen just for the pass he made to Josi at the end of regulation against the Stars. The vision Joey has is just amazing. He’s put on a passing clinic so far this year.
THE WEEK AHEAD
Four games on tap this week. The Preds kick things off on Monday with a game in Anaheim followed by one in San Jose on Tuesday night. Then a quick trip over to Phoenix for a game with the surprising Coyotes on Thursday. To wrap things up, the Preds finally return home for what feels like the first time in forever when the Kings visit Bridgestone Arena. The Preds have been road warriors so far this season, so it’ll be huge to end this road trip on a positive note before returning home.
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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