The Nashville Predators have a tough road ahead of them in the month of January, but this week they earned four of six possible points in a solid start to 2024.
The Predators are hoping to make a postseason run in the first year of Barry Trotz's roster reset, but the schedule in January has the Predators playing plenty of playoff contending teams. This week they faced off against the Chicago Blackhawks, Calgary Flames, and Dallas Stars.
Nyquist Continues Point Streak, Saros Earns Shutout as Predators Defeat Blackhawks
Brunette Saw "Lots of Good, Lots of Bad, and Some Ugly" in Predators Win Over Blackhawks
The win over the Blackhawks wasn't the sixty minute performance that Andrew Brunette wanted from the team, and the mistakes and lapses the Predators made came back to haunt them in their game against the Calgary Flames.
Predators Give Up Four Goals in First Period, Lose at Home to Flames
Andrew Brunette on Predators' Loss to Flames: "They Exposed Us"
It was a frustrating loss for the team who had to go on the road and face Central Division rival Dallas Stars on Saturday. The Stars beat the Predators at home December 23 by scoring two goals in the final :13 seconds of the game. After one of the Predators' worst games of the season against the Flames, Nashville needed to make adjustments in their performance.
Forsberg Scores Twice, Nyquist Extends Point Streak in Win Over Dallas Stars
Forsberg's two goals in the third period were key to the Predators win and were his 20th and 21st goals of the season in 40 games. This week Forsberg was also named to the NHL All Star team.
Forsberg Named to NHL All Star Team
This was a week of ups and downs for several players on the Predators roster. Juuse Saros had a shutout against the Blackhawks but was pulled after two periods in the game against the Flames. It was the fifth time Saros has been pulled this season.
How Concerned Should the Predators Be about Juuse Saros?
Michael McCarron has been a reliable depth player for the Predators. He scored against the Flames this week and is just one goal away from tying his season high. He is also a high energy guy in the locker room.
Predators' Forward Michael McCarron Working Hard, Having Fun
The Predators have played 40 games in the 82 games season, and with a roster that has several young players who are working their way through their first full NHL season, managing the rigorous NHL schedule is a big part of Andrew Brunette's focus.
Predators' Young Players Navigating Ups and Downs of First Full NHL Season
Nashville made a roster move this weekend by recalling Denis Gurianov from Milwaukee. He made his Predators debut against the Dallas Stars, the team who drafted him in 2015.