The Nashville Predators split a preseason doubleheader with the Panthers to open things up. Whose stock is heating up after the first two preseason games?
Six goals over the doubleheader ends with the Nashville Predators winning one and losing one against the Panthers. The finals scores aren’t all that important, but seeing how the depth is rounding out is crucial.
This is a first look at the Predators following their Stanley Cup run that gripped the attention of the entire sports world. A Stanley Cup hangover might occur during these preseason games as the players look to put last season in the past and focus on repeating that run. Heck, maybe even top that with a hoisting of the Stanley Cup.
Kevin Fiala’s Return
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Maybe the biggest story for this preseason will be how Fiala looks returning from his horrific injury. Who knows if the Predators would be the reigning Stanley Cup champions if Fiala doesn’t go down against the Blues in the second round of the playoffs.
As the starter for Game No.1 of the doubleheader, Fiala is clearly recovered and ready for the start of the regular season. This is great news obviously, and he made his impact by assisting on Viktor Arvidsson’s goal.
Fiala is going to be a vital part of this offense, so seeing him already assist on a pretty goal to Arvidsson is nice to see. His fingerprints should end up being all over this preseason when it concludes.
Emil Pettersson’s Huge First Impression
A big part of the preseason is seeing the young prospects in action, and if they have any chance of charging onto the regular season roster. Pettersson is on the radar of everyone after his first game in Predators gear.
Pettersson, a forward who previously has been playing professionally in Sweden, looks bound for the AHL to start. His goal in the first preseason game was a big one to tie the game:
Look for a steady dose of Pettersson the rest of the preseason to see what we have in him. We will see him plenty in the coming years scoring goals and setting up scoring chances in the offensive zone.
Colton Sissons Ready To Ascend
If you don’t candidly remember Sissons’ magical playoff performance, then your Predators fan card needs to be pulled. His goal in Game No.2 of the doubleheader put the Predators ahead 2-1, and it was a beauty:
Sissons is about to ascend into one of the key contributors of this team. He just keeps getting better in all facets of the game, and the playoff hat trick was just a taste of things to come. I’d like to see him dominate the remaining four preseason games and go into the regular season riding a hot streak. If you’re picking one player to make a huge leap forward in 2017-18, bet on Sissons.
Miikka Salomaki Scores Twice
Scoring two goals in a game will naturally put you all over the radar. Especially when it’s a overtime winner, and gives the Nashville Predators their first taste of victory after the Stanley Cup loss. His two goals kept the squad from losing both games of a doubleheader. Even if it’s exhibition games, you don’t want that happening. Here’s a look at the game-winner, via Thomas Willis of the Predators official website:
Next: Who Dominated Possession in First Preseason Game?
Salomaki will provide key depth at right wing and might end up blossoming as his role will be bigger in 2017-18. Beautiful start for him in the preseason.