Key Takeaways from Nashville Predators Doubleheader Preseason Loss to Panthers

The preseason is a time to not focus so much on the final score and more on working out the kinks, and that's especially true for the Nashville Predators after dropping both of their games against the Florida Panthers on Saturday.

The Predators lost 3-2 in Game 1 of the doubleheader and then got roasted for six goals in Game 2 of the doubleheader, but it wasn't all bad despite the lopsided goal margin.

Preds go with young lineup in Game 1

As you would expect, the Predators held out most of their top core players in the opening game of the preseason, and yet still held their own and made a valiant comeback attempt in the third period after falling behind 3-0 in the 2nd period.

Guys such as Joakim Kemell, Zachary L'Heureux, Fedor Svechkov and Adam Wilsby were just some of the top prospects within the organization who got the start in Game 1 of the doubleheader.

As for the Panthers, they threw in some of their top guns including Sam Bennett, Matthew Tkachuk and Aaron Ekblad. So despite the loss, I like how the Predators depth players and prospects held their own on the scoreboard.

The shots on goal also favored the Predators by a 26-23 margin while the more experienced Matthew Murray saved 13 of 15 shots and the much younger Ethan Haider saved seven of eight shots faced.

Kemell and Smith light the lamp in Game 1

Seeing Joakim Kemell get a goal is very encouraging to see as he looks to build off his successful rookie season in the AHL with the Milwaukee Admirals last season.

Kemell has a little ways to go before being considered for the NHL level, but he's certainly showing he's on the right track. He finished the game with two shots on goal.

Cole Smith is going to be vital for the bottom six of the Predators once again this season. He knows his role and plays it great. If he continues to progress in his offensive game, then it's bonus offense for what's already going to be a much-improved scoring offense for the Predators.

Shaky opening for Wedgewood in Game 2

Even if it's just preseason, it was a pretty alarming 1st period for the Predators and Scott Wedgewood in Game 2 of the doubleheader. The Panthers put up four goals in the first 16 minutes of game time, and three of those coming on the power play.

To put it bluntly, a sloppy performance and some learning moments for this team. That's the purpose of the preseason. Learn from this mishaps.

Dante Fabbro and Jeremy Lauzon take two tripping penalties early in the game that leads to power play goals by Sam Reinhart and Josh Davies. Later on Luke Evangelista takes a holding penalty which leads to another Panther power play goal.

Despite the penalties, you would like to see Wedgewood erase some of those opportunities with some stronger play in net. Again, the preseason is about working out the kinks so it's nothig to raise any alarm bells on.

Wedgewood's final stat line ends up being atrocious with only 17 saves on 23 shots faced for a .739 save percentage. He also gave up three goals at even strength.

It's Stammer Time for Smashville

It wasn't all ugly for the Predators in Game 2. At least we got our first Steven Stamkos one-timer, hopefully the first of many many more to come. This one comes with the game well out of reach, but getting the in-game live reps on the power play is essential, and it was great to see them cash in with a Stamkos one-timer.

It was a methodical power play set-up for the Predators with highly-touted prospect Ryan Ufko running the point, and Ryan O'Reilly setting up shop down to the side of the net. I love the patience they show in setting it up.

What caps everything off is of course what's going to be critical to Stamkos replicating all of his success from Tampa and over to Nashville, and that's the set up pass which Luke Evangelista does beautifully on this play.

Perhaps an early window into what Head Coach Andrew Brunette is thinking on his power play units? Will he spread the wealth around on both units and feature Evangelista into a top power play unit? I would personally welcome that. Feature a two-headed monster with your two power play units.

Roster Cuts and What's Next in the Preseason

The Predators roster now sits at 58 players with the most recent roster cuts, which is just reassigning prospects to their respective junior clubs.

Dylan MacKinnon, Joey Willis, Jakub Milota, Miguel Marques and Kalan Lind will now report to their junior teams.

Some notable players who have yet to make their preseason debut for the Predators are Filip Forsberg, Roman Josi, Alexandre Carrier, Brady Skjei, Jonathan Marchessault and Juuse Saros.

Next up is two games against the Tampa Bay Lightning, one in Tampa on Friday and one at Nashville on Saturday. I would expect to see a few more preseason debuts in one of the two games.

Building more line chemistry is the most important factor in the upcoming preseason games and working on the details are the tasks at hand. I don't see a lot of dramatic position battles for a roster spot as this starting lineup looks set.