Nashville Predators Puck Drop: Playoff Push Continues

Welcome to The Puck Drop, a weekly roundup of all things Nashville Predators. We look at news stories, social media posts, and everything else that has to do with, cue Paul McCann, YOUR NASHVILLE PREDATORS.

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After a short break, the Nashville Predators Puck Drop is back!

And what an exciting time to be a Predators fan. The last few weeks have been a whirlwind with how the Predators finally came together and began their improbable playoff push.

A few weeks ago, the playoffs seemed out of reach for the Predators, but with excellent goaltending and the younger players stepping up their games, they find themselves in the fourth playoff spot. Now they have to fight to stay there.

Three other teams are vying for that fourth spot, and all are either tied with the Predators or within striking distance. The Predators, Chicago Blackhawks, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Dallas Star are all within five points of each other and have a legitimate shot at the fourth spot.

This week we look at some “Stars of the Game,” a historic hat trick, and yet another baby Predator.

Saros Named Third Star Of The Week

There is no denying that Juuse Saros is on fire. During the Predators’ six-game winning streak, Saros was one of the best goaltenders in the league. His four starts during that time were some of his best of the season.

The Predators are going to need Saros playing at this same level for the remainder of the season. If they are to keep their playoff spot and have any hope of making it out of the first round, he will have to be at the top of his game.

Saros’ GAA sits at 2.39 with a .923 SV% on the season. The heir-apparent to Pekka Rinne, Saros is making a case for himself for next season as the undisputed starting goaltender.

A Historic Hat Trick

It’s no secret that Rocco Grimaldi is one of the hardest-working players on the team. However, this season has been challenging for Grimaldi as he has spent time as a healthy scratch for some games.

If there were any doubts about his abilities on the ice or his place on the Predators’ roster, he put them to rest with a stellar performance against the Detroit Red Wings.

Grimaldi scored his first-ever hat trick during the first period in an eight-minute time span. He also went on to record a fourth goal in the 3rd period.

Grimaldi is just the second Nashville Predator in franchise history to score four goals in a single game. His hat trick was also the 22nd fastest in NHL history.

Congratulations, Rocco. That is quite an accomplishment.

Arvidsson’s Welcome A Baby Girl

The Predators have had lots of new babies arriving within the past few months. The latest couple to welcome a bundle of joy is Viktor Arvidsson and his wife, Moa.

The Arvidsson’s welcome a baby girl on Thursday named Navy Celie Arvidsson. It is the couple’s first child.

Congratulations to the Arvidsson’s!

Forsberg’s Epic Prank

Thursday, being April Fool’s Day, found Filip Forsberg getting in on some prank action.

Earlier in the day, Forsberg posted an Instagram photo in which he was without the famous mustache, stating that it had to go. Some on social media couldn’t believe he had done such a thing, while others were skeptical.

There was a collective sigh of relief later in the day when he revealed his prank and said his mustache was not going anywhere.