Nashville Predators: Must-Watch Games Early In The 2021-22 Season
By Rich Howe
![Nov 29, 2019; Raleigh, NC, USA; Nashville Predators defenseman Roman Josi (59) skates out onto the ice before the game against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena. The Nashville Predators defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 3-0. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports Nov 29, 2019; Raleigh, NC, USA; Nashville Predators defenseman Roman Josi (59) skates out onto the ice before the game against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena. The Nashville Predators defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 3-0. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/3e9f8fcdbf289b3c76aadda6d3a8958a134907ecc9c026dd957efacdc679c543.jpg)
Another Former Predator Comes Back To Town
The Los Angeles Kings have not stepped foot in Bridgestone Arena since February 21, 2019. The Predators did face the Kings twice during the 2019-20 season, but both games took place in Los Angeles.
This matchup will be another must-watch game because it will be the first time that former Predator Viktor Arvidsson will return to face his old team after being traded to the Los Angeles Kings.
Arvidsson was the first player traded during this offseason, with the Predators getting a 2nd round pick in this past draft and a 3rd round pick in next year’s draft in return from the Kings.
It is always tough to see our favorite players get traded, but Poile felt it was necessary to make roster changes to move the team forward. Unfortunately, this included moving Arvidsson, who had declined a bit since his injury early in the 2019-20 season.
Even though Arvidsson has had his share of struggles in the past two seasons, he will be looking to make a big comeback with his new team in the Kings. I expect he will receive a warm welcome when he steps on the ice in his first game back in Nashville.
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These three games will provide some excellent entertainment for fans, especially the first game against Seattle. However, they will also serve as a good barometer of how the team may perform. It will be imperative that Nashville gets off to a good start next season and build upon the momentum that they had gained in the second half of last year.
We are in for an exciting season, but one in which some Predators fans could experience some heartache watching this team go through some growing pains. But no matter what, you can bet that the Predators will step up to the challenge and continue to work towards their goal of being, once again, the hardest working team in the NHL.