Atrocious passing and sloppy defense placed the Nashville Predators on the back foot for much of their penultimate pre-season matchup.
Although the Nashville Predators’ lineup featured most of their top-level players, the coaching staff was clearly experimenting. Defensive pairings provided one example, as P.K. Subban was paired with Alexei Emelin, and Roman Josi played alongside Mattias Ekholm. These pairings exposed some serious growing pains that the Predators will have to overcome as Ryan Ellis recovers from injury.
First period
The game started with a bang as Oliver Bjorkstrand put Columbus up after just 3:36 gone in the first period. The goal was somewhat fluky, as captain Nick Foligno played the puck to the slot and an unlucky deflection directed it behind Pekka Rinne. Shortly after (like, 36 seconds after), a beautiful narrow-angle shot from Scott Hartnell equalized the score.
The period continued with Columbus producing just shy of 58% of the shots on goal. Overall, the Predators’ performance was lukewarm. Cody McLeod and Austin Watson each seemed content in letting the play fly past them as they attempted heavy hip checks against the boards. However, gorgeous puck handling from Kevin Fiala and excellent skating from Vladislav Kamenev provided some nice highlights.
Second period
The first ten minutes of the second period was the worst I have seen the Nashville Predators play in years. I’m not sure what the team mixed into their Gatorade, but apparently, it makes people forget how to pass. Fans grew restless as the Predators failed to clear the puck for almost two full minutes at even strength.
Nick Foligno scored on the power play 30 seconds into the period. Almost 15 minutes later, Zach Werenski put the Jackets up by two with a shot that trickled in between Rinne’s legs. The Predators looked better as the period came to a close, but it was a frustrating one to watch. Apparently, the Predators produced 57% of the shots on goal during the period, but I’m frankly not sure how that was the case.
Third Period
“Welcome to Hockey 101, you can call me Prince Filip.” Holy cow did Filip Forsberg put on a clinic in the third period. At one point, he skated the puck completely around the offensive zone twice, just because he could. His efforts contributed to a goal by Kevin Fiala at 3:56, which breathed some much-needed life into the Nashville crowd.
The home team kept its foot on the gas for the remainder of the period, forcing some excellent saves from Sergei Bobrovsky. A surprisingly quick shot from Matt Irwin found its way through traffic to bring the Nashville Predators level once more, with just under 6 minutes left in regulation. The teams split shot production evenly in the third period, but Rinne bested Bobrovsky and the Predators forced overtime.
Overtime
Kevin Fiala drew a slashing penalty from Seth Jones on a sweet breakaway to give the Predators a man advantage early in OT. Disappointingly, the Predators seemed disinterested in creativity. Even as a Jackets’ defenseman broke his stick blocking a shot, Nashville was content to pass casually around the blue line until the teams were back even. Overtime would conclude with neither team taking advantage of some great opportunities.
In the shootout, Kevin Fiala provided some nifty moves to score for Nashville. Alex Wennberg answered to keep things even. Viktor Arvidsson brought the heat but was negated by Bobrovsky. Artemi Panarin used his slick skating ability to put his team ahead. Ryan Johansen reminded us all that he shouldn’t be taking shootout attempts, and the game concluded.
Michael’s three stars
Filip Forsberg looked fantastic for most of tonight’s game; the Swedish winger is ready for another elite season in Nashville. Kevin Fiala continues to ignore that his leg was in two pieces just five months ago, and should have an absolute breakout year. Finally, Artemi Panarin looked twice as fast as everyone else on the ice tonight. Honestly, I’m just glad he’s in the Eastern Conference now.
Next: Top 3 Potential Breakout Predators
The Predators will have one more preseason opportunity as they host Tampa Bay tomorrow night. Rejoice, hockey fans, the regular season starts in less than a week.