The Nashville Predators practiced this morning in preparation for their Saturday afternoon game against Connor Bedard and the Chicago Blackhawks.
After an off-ice day yesterday, the Nashville Predators got back to work this morning at Centennial Sportsplex ahead of tomorrow's Central Division match up with the 5-9 Chicago Blackhawks. Andrew Brunette has been focused in the last practices on cleaning up little mistakes that have cost the Predators their last four games.
Brunette and the coaching staff spent time today working on breakout drills ahead of tomorrow's game. The team ended Wednesday's practice with blue versus gold team competitions, but today was about detail work.
Andrew Brunette has liked what he's seen from the team in the last few practices,
"I've seen some really good energy, enthusiasm," Brunette said of the team's effort since Tuesday night's loss to the Ducks. "Guys came and worked. We're excited to be here playing hockey together, knowing we're where we're at, some of the mistakes we've made. We're repairing them and we're getting better."
Defensemen Ryan McDonagh and Luke Schenn did not skate today with the team, and after practice Brunette said their status remains day-to-day. Spencer Stastney, who was recalled from Milwaukee on Tuesday was on the ice and is expected to get his first start of the 2023-24 season with Nashville tomorrow. Stastney played eight games at the end of last season with the Predators, and has played ten games this season with the Milwaukee Admirals in which he's scored on goal and four points.
Stastney shared the value of his playing time in 2022-23 in Nashville.
"I think it's just a confidence thing," Stastney said of what he took away from his first NHL experience. "Knowing they believe in me here and they want the best for me."
While it appears that Stastney will play tomorrow, the Predators didn't do any line rushes at practice today. Andrew Brunette also did not confirm whether it would be Juuse Saros or Kevin Lankinen getting the start in goal tomorrow, although Lankinen was first off the ice when practice was over.
The Predators welcome the Blackhawks tomorrow afternoon for a 1:00 pm CT game at Bridgestone Arena.
Marc Del Gaizo Rassigned to Milwaukee; Could Ryan McDonagh or Luke Schenn Be Ready to Return?
Filip Forsberg Set Career Record in First Fifteen Games, Shares Favorite Career Goal