The Predators could only collect one point in their last two games before the break, but Filip Forsberg's performance in the All Star Games is a reminder that there is plenty to build on in the last 31 games of the regular season.
January was a tough month for the Nashville Predators who ended this week with two tough games. On Monday, the Predators wrapped up a three game road trip against the Ottawa Senators. Nashville got out to a quick lead but ended up coming home with just one point after losing in overtime.
Predators Buckle After Strong First Period; Giroux Scores Senators' OT Winner
The Predators lost more than an extra point in the Senators game as defenseman Alexandre Carrier left the game with injury. Carrier would be a game time decision for Andrew Brunette on Wednesday against the Kings.
Alexandre Carrier Injured in Ottawa: Who Is the Next Man Up on Defense in Nashville?
Nashville had one game before the All Star break to turn things around after going 5-4-1 in the month of January, but facing a desperate LA Kings team was not an easy challenge for a Predators team also trying to get back in the win column after a loss to the Edmonton Oilers and the overtime loss in Ottawa.
Predators Game Against Kings Feels "Must Win" for Both Teams
Head coach Andrew Brunette announced that Tyson Barrie would return to the lineup against the Kings after being a healthy scratch for most of January. It would be Barrie's 800th career game.
Predators Morning Skate: Barrie In, Tomasino Playing Time, Facing the Kings
One of the roles Barrie played in his return to the lineup was quarterbacking the top power play unit. The Predators spent time changing personnel and working on the power play ahead of the game against LA's top penalty kill.
Predators Power Play Gets New Look Against Kings' Top Penalty Kill
The Predators did a lot of things well in the game against the Kings, but it was LA that got the win as Nashville headed into the All Star Break with another loss.
Kings End Losing Skid with 4-2 Win Over Predators
While most of the Predators roster headed out of town for a vacation during Nashville's nine days off, Filip Forsberg headed to Toronto for All Star Weekend. Forsberg was selected by Auston Matthews, Morgan Reilly, and celebrity captain Justin Bieber to join Team Matthews on Thursday at the All Star Draft, but he was a spectator in the Skills Competition.
Filip Forsberg Will Be Watching the All-Star Skills Competition Tomorrow
When it came time for the three-on-three games, it was Forsberg's time to shine as he and Team Matthews won the tournament.
Forsberg Scores Two in Regulation; Team Matthews Advances to Championship Game
Filip Forsberg Splits a Million Dollars with Team Matthews at NHL All Star Game
Filip Forsberg wasn't the only player acknowledged for outstanding play this week. Milwaukee Admirals goaltender Yaroslav Askarov was named the AHL's Goalie of the Month and forward Mark Jankowski was named AHL Player of the Month. Askarov and Jankowski helped lead the Admirals to a twelve game win streak in January.
Yaroslav Askarov, Mark Jankowski Receive January AHL Honors
One former Predator player also received some belated honors as Mark Borowiecki was gifted a special present to acknowledge his career.
Predators Celebrate Mark Borowiecki's NHL Career with the Perfect Gift
Nashville may not have anyone in the NHL Award conversation after the first 51 games in a reset season, but here are the candidates from the Predators' roster for each award.
Nashville Predators Mid-Season Awards
The Predators have a little more time off but will return to action next Saturday night as they host the Arizona Coyotes.