The Nashville Predators 5-2 win over the Chicago Blackhawks Saturday night at Bridgestone Arena was noteworthy for a number of reasons.
Before 2017, the Preds’ best finish in the Central Division was second place – which they accomplished six times (2005-06, 06-07, 07-08, 10-11, 11-12 and 14-15). Now, here they are, celebrating consecutive division championships – the first two in franchise history
“We just started talking about maybe we should start fighting for the Central Division 11 days ago because there weren’t a lot of odds in our favor,” Preds coach Peter Laviolette said.
“We didn’t have the tie-breaker, you have games out on other teams, we were behind by a point or two, so things weren’t looking our ways. But a stretch run of 8-2-1 in 11 games and here we are. So, I’m really proud of our guys for how hard they worked for it.”
“Every time you can hang a banner, it’s great for the organization,” Preds captain Roman Josi added. “We’re in a tough division and I think the guys can be really proud of that. It’s a big accomplishment. It wasn’t easy this year, there were a lot of ups and downs, but we stuck together and I think it’s a great accomplishment.”
On top of the history-making division championship win, Viktor Arvidsson made some history of his own. Tied 2-2 in the third period, Arvidsson tallied his 34thgoal of the year on the power play, breaking the franchise record for most goals in a single season – topping teammate Filip Forsberg (2015-16) and former Pred Jason Arnott (2008-09).
“I got really happy, I had so many chances before that and it was just nice to finally see it go in,” Arvidsson said. “He (Cam Ward) made a bunch of saves on me on the power play there before in the second, so it was nice.
“I was just trying to get it. In the last three games, I was just trying to shoot as much as I can.
“He’s been unbelievable,” Laviolette added. “He is relentless with his game, he is relentless with trying to make a difference. Viktor has had a special year. He was knocked down a little bit by the injury, but it didn’t seem to stop him. I kept pressing him and now he holds the record for the franchise for the most goals scored.”
And if that weren’t enough, Preds rookie defenseman Dante Fabbro scored his first career NHL goal – one that sparked a two-goal comeback and kicked off a string of five unanswered goals for Nashville.
“I saw a little bit of room on the glove side, but I pretty much kind of blacked out there,” Fabbro said. “I was aiming for the high, far side and luckily it went post and in. It was a pretty good feeling.
“I saw Fil come around, and he kind of got a handle of the puck, so I saw a little gap to jump through. I was screaming and luckily he dropped it. It went in.”
“That was a huge goal by Dante and that got us on the board,” Laviolette stated. “Then once you think about a lead swing, right… 2-1 or 3-0, that’s a big swing. So, that goal was really important.”
Now, the Predators focus shifts to the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs and the Dallas Stars. Nashville won the season series with Dallas 3-2.
Series schedule:
