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.
Predators - 2, Ducks - 3: Predators Can't Hold On to Two Goal Lead, Lose Fourth Straight
Mental lapses cost Nashville two points against Anaheim, and Andrew Brunette felt that game management was an issue for the team.
Brief Mistakes and Game Management Costing Predators Valuable Points
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.
There 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.
Tommy Novak Placed on IR with Upper Body Injury, Preds Recall Spencer Stastney
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.
Predators Center Cody Glass Staying Positive Despite a Challenging Start
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.
Filip Forsberg Sets Career Record in First Fifteen Games, Shares Favorite Career Goal
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.
After Parting Ways with Their Head Coach, Will the Oilers Call Nashville for Goaltending?
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.
There Is No Reason to Worry About Juuse Saros
This 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.