Nashville Predators Week 3 Observations: Still Finding their Footing
There is plenty to talk about with this Nashville Predators squad after a 4-6-0 start. Right now Colton Sissons, Cody Glass and Ryan McDonagh are catching our eyes. We’ve included an extra game as to officially close the book on October for the team.
At the close of the month, the Predators look like they are starting to find a groove, but can’t shake being around .500. That’s okay for now, but they’ll have to pick up the pace and start stringing together wins.
Predators Hanging In With Top Teams
The Maple Leafs are one of the more explosive teams in the Eastern Conference. The Predators were able to limit them to two goals and survived with a bend but not break defense. They gave up 35 shots, but when you have Juuse Saros, you can get away with that. The Canucks beat them for two games too but were competitive in both contests.
The latest loss on Thursday night was another setback as the Seattle Kraken were the more opportunistic team on scoring chances, while the Predators did score two power play goals from Thomas Novak and Roman Josi.
It isn’t out of the realm of possibility that once the Predators are at full strength and truly comfortable with their lineup and system, they can compete with the top teams in the league. Nashville has budding potential that is showing a little bit.
One Down, One Called Up
After waiting hoping for a quick resolution, Cody Glass went on the IR. It hopefully resolves itself soon, as an MRI on his knee was negative, but with a five-game road trip coming up, he’s not helping by taking up a roster spot. Liam Foudy probably stays in the lineup, but why not grab an extra defender?
Enter Marc de Gaizo. After five defensively solid games with the Admirals and an impressive camp and preseason, we’ll see if he can get into a game during the road trip. It will also be telling as to who draws out of the lineup. Speaking of the defense…
Is Ryan McDonagh OK?
The almost 35-year-old Ryan McDonagh hasn’t had a great start to the year. The 2 points are nice, but he’s been getting crushed in the underlying possession stats. Corsi and Fenwick don’t tell the whole story, but they are currently reflecting that he’s been sluggish at best. Going into the season McDonagh was one of the key vets that Barry Trotz held on to.
His current TOI is sitting at just 20 minutes a night, which is still 4th on the team but might be a stat to watch to see if McDonagh starts getting more protected or if his ice is reduced.
light. Related Story. Explaining Colton Sissons Offensive Outburst
Sissons Month of Shine
So normally it’d be a little early to start putting eyes on a career year, but Colton Sissons career high in goals is 15. He’s got 5 after just 9 games.
No assists yet, but he’s found solid footing in the Brunette system and as long as he’s cashing opportunities he’ll keep getting them. A veteran leader is being rewarded and it is paying off early dividends for the Predators.