The Nashville Predators are looking to earn their first win of the season against a notably tough opponent for them.
The Nashville Predators struggles and season-opening losing streak continued in a bad 7-3 loss to the Seattle Kraken two days ago and the play has to turn for the team soon. Nashville is now 0-3-0 to begin 2024-25.
The Predators' next test is against the Edmonton Oilers, another team that has gotten off to a rough start. But the group just came back from being down 2-0 and then 3-2 late in the third period to defeat the Philadelphia Flyers for their first win of the season. That moved the Oilers to a record of 1-3-0 on the season.
While the Predators self-destructed in the third period of their third game, the Oilers' most recent game galvanized the group in a comeback effort. As Connor Brown said, the Oilers got the "monkey off their back."
Nashville was called out by head coach Andrew Brunette for a careless approach in the loss to the Kraken. The teams were tied heading into the third period and the Predators allowed four unanswered goals to get blown out at home.
There is a history between Leon Draisaitl and the Predators as he has always put up stellar numbers and feasted when playing Nashville. Over his career, the Oilers' star has scored 25 goals and 42 points in just 26 games. That is his most goals against any team in the NHL and he's played more games against seven other teams. It is also Draisaitl's highest points-per-game against any opponent.
The Predators haven't exactly been great defensively either, allowing 14 goals in three games.
Nashville had some odd lineup decisions against the Kraken and it didn't necessarily pay off. I expect Cole Smith to be off the second line and the Predators to start to find more consistency in what will be used for the majority of the season. I get the lineup changes due to being shut out the game prior, but something has to change quickly.
As a team, the Predators haven't gained the confidence of even winning a game yet, whereas the Oilers, who's hard work finally converted to a win, now have the confidence they had heading into the season.
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