Nashville Predators: Preseason Start Shows Promise for Fiala

Following a career year in 2017-2018, and a 5 point game during Monday’s doubleheader, Nashville Predators’ Fiala is poised for a breakout season.

Monday afternoon, the Nashville Predators swept the Florida Panthers in a preseason doubleheader, on the road. Game 1 was an emphatic 5-0 victory, highlighted by 24 saves from Juuse Saros, a goal from P.K. Subban and Calle Jarnkrok, and a point from 12 different Predators.

Game 2 was a 5-3 Nashville win, led by a flawless game from the team’s top line. The only difference though, Viktor Arvidsson was replaced by Kevin Fiala. The line of Filip Forsberg, Ryan Johansen, and Fiala, tallied all 5 goals, and combined for 13 points. Forsberg led the way with 3 goals and 1 assist, Fiala had 1 goal and 4 assists, and Joey had 1 goal and 3 assists.

Everyone knows how productive the line of Forsberg, Johansen, and Arvidsson has been for Nashville the last few seasons, but this line…wow.

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Yes, it’s only the preseason, and yes they were shooting on a backup goalie. But still!

For the last few seasons, Forsberg’s play has made him a bigger name in the NHL, and Johansen seems to be the same. However, Kevin Fiala’s name is one that is lesser known throughout the league, but probably not for much longer.

The 22-year-old Swiss winger has only gotten better since his debut in the back half of the 2016-2017 season. In this upcoming year, Fiala seems set for a potential All-Star season, with loads of talent of his own, and a great supporting cast.

Last Season

Last year for Nashville, Fiala was arguably the best newcomer for the Predators. After two clutch goals in the 2017 playoffs, Fiala made a huge jump during the 2017-2018 year. He tallied 23 goals and 25 assists in 80 games, good for 7th most points on the team, and 4th most goals. There was a point in December 2017, where Fiala scored in 8 of 9 games and totaled 12 points on 37 shots.

For those 9 games, Fiala was playing to the point that every time he touched the puck, he was a legitimate threat. His line, with Kyle Turris and Craig Smith was absolutely wreaking havoc on opponents for those 9 games.

The trio tallied 13 goals and 30 total points in those 9 games, and that was due much in part to Fiala’s offensive explosion. Fiala finished out the rest of the year with solid numbers,and added 3 goals and 1 assist in 12 playoff games.

Fiala’s 55.9% Corsi rating in 2017-2018 was good for 17th best in the NHL, among players who skated in at least 70 games. Simply put, when #22 was on the ice for Nashville, the Predators had more offensive chances and more control over the puck. Fiala’s 55.9% rating was second best on the team, behind his linemate Craig Smith’s 56.8%. With numbers like that on the same line, it’s no wonder why they were both top 4 on the team in scoring, and such a deadly line all season.

A Look Ahead

For the 2018-2019 campaign, expectations are high around the team, and specifically for Fiala. He is the cream of the crop right now, for a very young and talented group of Predators. Fiala, age 22, could be well on his way to a 55-60 point year in my opinion, a number that is very attainable, and seemingly expected of him.

After the 5-3 win over Florida on Monday, Head Coach Peter Laviolette said that, “He’s somebody who’s put on a lot of muscle and a lot of power. He already had the skill and the talent, and now it all seems to be coming together.”

Lavi added that, “He’s [Fiala] gotten stronger every year, and he look like he’s ready to make more of a difference.”

Although Fiala said his 23 goal last season, “were good”, he says that he, “set a number, but it’s my secret”.

If I were a betting man, I’d imagine that number is north of 30 goals.

After this season, Fiala is set to become a restricted free agent. He is on the last year of his rookie deal and is sure to be in line for a substantial payday, compared to his current $832,500 salary. He is a key piece to the puzzle for Nashville right now, and certainly needs to be a central player in the future.

If Fiala were to spend this upcoming season alongside Smith and Turris, like last season, he is sure to stuff the stat sheets more nights than not.

He has been a rising star since Nashville drafted him #11 overall in 2014, and has shown nothing but upward growth in talent, hockey IQ, and production.