The Nashville Predators suffered their first loss of the season on Monday night by a score of 4-2 to the Carolina Hurricanes. The dream of going 56-0 is officially over.
The Predators played extremely well for much of the game, but unfortunately could not take advantage in some pivotal moments.
Some might argue this was actually their best game of the season, despite the loss.
KEY PLAYS
In the 1st period, the Predators earned two power play opportunities, only to commit penalties of their own mere seconds later, resulting in fruitless 4-on-4 play.
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Filip Forsberg and Nick Cousins both had shots ricochet off the crossbar in the 1st and 3rd periods, respectively.
The Predators gave up a goal on the penalty kill halfway through the 2nd period, then Forsberg quickly answered with a goal of his own. He now has scored in all three games so far this season.
The Canes took advantage of a turnover at the blue line early in the 3rd to take a 2-1 lead.
After a great series from the JOFA line, the Canes scored on a breakaway play to go up 3-1.
Viktor Arvidsson slammed an absolute laser beam past Carolina goaltender James Reimer, bringing the score to 3-2.
This was Arvidsson’s first goal of the season, and the first power play goal for the Predators this year:
Arvidsson went to the bench grimacing in pain due to an awkward hit earlier in the game, and even went down the tunnel. He eventually returned to score the goal.
Pekka Rinne had multiple spectacular saves throughout the course of the game, but especially towards the end of the 3rd period as the Canes attempted to increase their lead.
Rinne was pulled with less than two minutes left in the game, but the Preds couldn’t score with the 6-on-5 advantage. The Canes ended up with an empty-net goal which was nearly blocked by Matt Duchene, ending the game 4-2 in favor of Carolina.
TAKEAWAYS
The Predators offense was energetic and aggressive even while losing, which is very encouraging.
Defensively, the Predators were mostly very good. Two goals were scored on fluky plays, and one was an empty net goal. Overall, the Predators did a good job of keeping the puck out of their own zone.
Even with a few mistakes, the Predators passed the puck well and seemed to show chemistry on the ice. As this develops through the season, the Predators should be a very scary team offensively.
Rinne looked like his old self, making numerous “how-in-the-world-did-he-stop-that” saves to keep the Predators’ hopes alive.
Duchene was aggressive and physical with several attempts that barely missed the net. The goals will come for him soon as long as he keeps playing like he is.
MOVING FORWARD
Although the box score may disagree, this was a very good game for the Nashville Predators. Some of the issues that plagued them last year are clearly being addressed, such as poor defensive play and lack of energy especially while playing from behind.
This isn’t a perfect and polished team just yet, but they show tons of potential and growing chemistry. Fans should be optimistic about what the Predators can accomplish this year if things continue to improve.
The Predators have a rematch against the Carolina Hurricanes later tonight as part of the first true back-to-back of the season. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 P.M. CDT and will air on Fox Sports Tennessee and 102.5 The Game.