At the risk of mixing my sports metaphors… the famous Ernie Banks quote was being bandied about as the NHL preseason had its’ kickoff in Music City yesterday. The Nashville Predators and Florida Panthers played a split squad double header at Bridgestone Arena, splitting the evening as Nashville won 5-2 in the lidlifter and the Panthers won the nightcap 3-2 in overtime.
It was great to be back in Smashville for another season of Predators hockey, a special season as the league will be coming to Music City for the All-Star Weekend in late January and this team has some pretty high expectations being placed upon it.
Some general observations from last night’s action…
Filip Forsberg – It is obvious that Filip put in the work in the offseason. He was flying on the ice, showing his patented “come of the half-wall snipe… but the physical aspect of his game showed last night. Winning battles on the boards and leaning into the play. If last night is an indicator, there shouldn’t be any kind of “sophomore slump… for Prince Filip.
Vladislav Kamenev – Five shots, three on goal, one goal, solid ice time… the 19 year old was impressive in his first NHL experience. Most impressive was his penalty killing… this is a prospect that bears watching. He may not start the year in Predators gold, but he is impressing thus far. Milwaukee fans will enjoy watching this player.
Three-on-three – Holy heavens… that was fun! The second game had an overtime scheduled and the teams complied by end up tied. A lot of open ice, a lot of chances, and a decision in the OT period. Just how the league designed it… The fans may have loved it, the officials may have a different take as they looked a tad gassed after two minutes of crazy up-and-down action. Conditioning will be key for these.
Juuse Saros – Looked pretty solid in the second game of the doublebill… Smashville got a good look at the potential future in net for the Predators. Saros made 12 saves in about 30 minutes of action.
Steve Moses – Speed, speed, hands, speed, speed… Moses is a smallish speedster in the Steve Sullivan / Cliff Ronning mold. He got tossed around a little bit last night but he was dangerous whenever he touched the puck. The Massachusetts native will definitely contend for a spot on this roster… a spot that may be between Moses and…
- Kevin Fiala – The youngster showed well in game one. He was in the mix throughout the game, drawing a penalty or two and committing a penalty or two. He was focused and ete3rmined in his play. The speedy forward seemed more solid in his game and MUCH more sturdy on the puck.
The Preds are back on the ice today before game three of the preseason in Tampa tomorrow night. Nashville is back home against those very same Lightning on Wednesday night. Both Tuesday and Wednesday games are scheduled to be 3-on-3 OT games no matter what the score…
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Random Notes
- Solid game from Seth Jones last night… No Shea Weber, Cody Hodgson or Barret Jackman in last night’s twin bill.
- Ryan Ellis’ beard is an awesome thing! And so was his game last night… three assists got a lot of attention but the hip check he threw, sending Jon Racine head over heels was a thing of beauty. The classic hip check is a lost art in the NHL.
- It was good to see Eric Nystrom on the ice again after recovering from a high-ankle sprain that sidelined him for the last few months of last season.
- The First Pred is prepping for a new season. 35 year old David Legwand is the grizzled vet on the really young Buffalo Sabres.
- Ryan Whitney announced his retirement after a 10 year NHL career.
- Interesting doing in Brooklyn as prospect Joshua Ho-Sang was back to Juniors after oversleeping for a camp session… hard lesson for thje youngster.
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