The Predators split their two games this week but lost a key player as Tommy Novak went on IR with an upper body injury.
It was a down and up week for the Nashville Predators who have been stuck in a frustrating stretch of hockey recently. This week the Predators played two similar games but ended up with two different results.
Tuesday night Nashville welcomed the Anaheim Ducks to Bridgestone Arena. Despite getting off to a two goal lead, the Predators allowed the Ducks to score three unanswered goals and lost their fourth game in a row.
Mental lapses cost Nashville two points against Anaheim, and Andrew Brunette felt that game management was an issue for the team.
After losing four in a row, the pressure was on as the Predators welcomed Connor Bedard and the Chicago Blackhawks to Nashville for a Saturday afternoon game.
Nov 18, 2023; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Nashville Predators defenseman Dante Fabbro (57), Predators center Yakov Trenin (13) and left wing Cole Smith (36) celebrate an empty net goal during the third period of their game against the Chicago Blackhawks at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Alan Poizner-USA TODAY SportsThere were ups and downs this week besides a win and a loss. The Predators will be without one of their most productive offensive weapons as Tommy Novak was placed on IR with an upper body injury.
Novak has centered one of Nashville's most consistent lines with Luke Evangelista and Kiefer Sherwood. With Novak out four to six weeks, Cody Glass stepped in to replace Novak. It hasn't been as easy start to the season for Glass who has dealt with injuries and is still looking to get his first points of the season, but he is trusting the process and staying positive as he gets back on the ice.
One player who is finding his stride early is Filip Forsberg. Forsberg started the season with a slew of assists, but now his points are coming with goals. His hot start broke a career record for the Swedish forward.
Another Nashville Predators star player who is generating a lot of conversation is goaltender Juuse Saros. Saros' name continues to pop up in trade rumors.
Saros has been a topic of conversation for another reason too. Although known to be a perennial slow starter, Saros has had some of his toughest games already this season.
Oct 24, 2023; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Nashville Predators goaltender Juuse Saros (74) during player introductions before the game against the Vancouver Canucks at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY SportsThis week the Predators celebrated Ryan O'Reilly's 1000th career NHL game with a pregame ceremony. To commemorate the milestone, O'Reilly was given a silver stick to add to an already impressive collection of personal hockey memorabilia. O'Reilly shared what he has done with some of his special hockey momentos.