The Nashville Predators faced off against the Florida Panthers after returning home from their first road trip of the season. The Preds last played in Arizona against the Coyotes and were defeated 5-2.
After a disappointing road loss, the team looked to find a win at home. However, the Panthers came out on top with a 3-2 victory in overtime. Captain Roman Josi talked about the mindset coming into the game and early play. Line changes were forced to be made with Yakov Trenin and Miikka Salomaki entering the lineup, as well as Filip Forsberg being scratched. Yakov Trenin made his NHL debut and was alongside Craig Smith and Nick Bonino. Miikka Salomaki replaced Rocco Grimaldi on the fourth line with Austin Watson and Colton Sissons. Filip Forsberg was listed as a scratch and Kyle Turris filled in on the second line. Matt Duchene and Mikael Granlund were on the wings with Turris centering. Head Coach Peter Laviolette mentions his liking with the adjustments made on the second line.
The Nashville Predators went into the regulation down 2-0. The Florida Panthers struck first with goals in the second period from Brett Connolly and Denis Malgin. Entering the game on Saturday night, the Predators lead the NHL in goals scored in the third period with 17 goals. Roman Josi put the Predators on the board and Kyle Turris evened things up with a powerplay goal. Laviolette spoke on his team’s desperation push in regulation.
Have no fear. The Predators are on a losing streak, but there’s no reason to lose hope. Young defenseman Dante Fabbro has performed well and shows promise making veteran plays each night. Defenseman Ryan Ellis claims the leaderboard in points with 11 for the season. Following right behind Ellis is Smashville’s new favorite, Matt Duchene. Matt Duchene has fit seamlessly into the Predators’ system and leaderboard. He holds 10 points for the season.
The Predators face off against the Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday night in Bridgestone Arena to try and break the losing streak.
