We are about a month and a half into the Nashville Predators‘ season, and already injuries are piling up. They have been down Ryan McDonagh for a few weeks, Luke Schenn for all but the first game, and their center depth just took a big hit with Tommy Novak going on IR, and Cody Glass going back for a second stint on IR.
The good news is that the Predators look to be returning closer to full health in the near future. McDonagh and Schenn were back on the ice for this past Monday’s morning skate, so we could easily see one of them back this week, or even as soon as tonight’s game against the Calgary Flames.
Ryan McDonagh and Luke Schenn on ice for morning skate. 👀 pic.twitter.com/r52bVydFH4
— AnnK_ (@AnnK_MamaOnIce) November 20, 2023
The bad news, however, with the defense getting their guys back, is that now Head Coach Andrew Brunette has some tough lineup decisions to make. The Predators defense has been very stable for the season, and even after Schenn’s injury, there was not a guy you could look at and say that they do not deserve to be in the lineup each night.
But remember that Schenn was on the top pairing during the regular season opener, indicating that Brunette sees him as having a real place on the team.
Ultimately there just is not room for everyone, and the Nashville Predators will have to think very carefully about which three pairings give them the best chance of winning games.