Nashville Predators: December Awards For Predators

Worst Predators Game: December 21 vs. Carolina Hurricanes (4-1 loss)

Here’s the thing: I didn’t see this game. There was some legitimate reason why I couldn’t watch the Predators host the Hurricanes on a Thursday night at the usual time, and I have absolutely no memory of it. Was I sleeping? Did I go to the bar? Was I on a date? I don’t have the slightest idea. I wasn’t sick until the weekend so it probably wasn’t that.

Whatever was going on, I didn’t miss anything! The Hurricanes scored four goals on their first six shots & Pekka Rinne left the game before the first period even ended. It was an atrocious effort from everybody involved, and I’m glad I was doing whatever it was that I was doing.

For whatever reason, the Carolina Hurricanes have the Predators’ number this season. Let’s hope they don’t make it to the Stanley Cup Final.

Most Valuable Predator: Kevin Fiala

The worst ending to the 2016-17 season happened to Kevin Fiala. In game 1 of the Predators’ second round series with the St. Louis Blues, Fiala suffered a broken left femur & a ruptured artery in his left thigh after a collision with Robert Bortuzzo & the boards. It’s the kind of injury that you’re never sure how you’ll recover from.

Early indications are that Fiala is doing magnificently. Hooking up with Kyle Turris & Craig Smith has certainly opened up opportunities that Fiala is taking advantage of. He scored eight goals in a nine-game stretch during the month of December & added five assists to ensure his spot at the top of Nashville’s December points standings.

Next: Five Thoughts For Friday, Dec 29th

Fiala was on the fringe of the Predators’ roster last season. He played fifty-four games & scored sixteen points, but wasn’t ready just yet. Thirty-eight games into 2017-18, Kevin Fiala has more than earned his spot on the team.