The start of the NHL season is bringing excitement around the league. Two atrocious performances have Nashville Predators fans reaching for the panic button.
The games were not easy to watch. As a matter of fact, they were down-right ugly. In two performances, the Nashville Predators looked more like an expansion team than the defending Western Conference champions. Certainly, this is not the true Predators team we will see all year, is it?
What is alarming to most is the lack of accountability on defense. Teams are penetrating the Nashville blue-line with relative ease. Additionally, the Predators gave away the puck 14 times in two games. Alexei Emelin has a CorsiFor rating of 8.3%. Kevin Fiala‘s is at 33.3%. Overall, 13 of the 20 skaters on the roster have more starts in the defensive zone than the offensive zone.
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However, our Jordan Ison believes it is not time to hit the panic button yet. We have seen this song and dance before. Last year even. In 2016-17, the Nashville Predators started the season 1-3-0. Is was an excellent second half of the season the propelled them to the playoffs.
We know the rest. It can happen again, so let’s just see what happens next.
Around the NHL
Tonight, is the Predators home opener. While we are excited to have hockey back at Bridgestone, the game will be the second most exciting of the night. What will be better? Teh home opener for the Vegas Golden Knights.
A week after the atrocity that took place in Las Vegas, the Golden Knight will open the first major professional sports season in the city. As the city recovers, the celebration and excitement of hockey will provide some movements of levity. The city deserves just that.
Our thoughts, prayers, and support goes out to everyone in Las Vegas.
In other news:
New defensive pairings are working well for the Chicago Blackhawks (Blackhawk Up)
Colorado Avalanche notch another win, this time agains Boston. (Mile High Sticking)
A team finally held Alex Ovechkin scoreless. It was Tampa Bay! (NHL)
Basketball broadcater Dick Vitale teams up with Lightning to fight cancer, and talks about the Nashville Predators? (NHL)
Next: Breaking Down Bonino’s First Two Games
With the Predators’ home opener tonight, there will be tons to discuss! Keep checking in with Predlines to see what is going on!