

It was a busy seven days in Smashville as the Nashville Predators faced two Central Division teams and two Metropolitan teams and came away with a 2-2 record on the week.
Nashville started off their four game week against former Predator Nino Niederreiter and the Winnipeg Jets. The last time the two teams met on November 9 the Jets decisively won 6-3. This time the Predators were able to come away with two important Central Division points.
Head coach Andrew Brunette played 11 forwards and seven defensemen in three of this week's four games to help ease Luke Schenn back into the lineup.
After a six game win streak, the Predators faced Central Division rival Minnesota led by former Predators head coach John Hynes who was named head coach of the Wild earlier in the week. What could have been a seventh win was a disastrous let down game for the Predators at home.
Nashville didn't have time to dwell on the loss for long and set their sites on looking ahead to another two games over the weekend.
This week was not without a controversial call or two.
Nov 28, 2023; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Nashville Predators left wing Filip Forsberg (9) scores the game-winning goal against Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Tristan Jarry (35) in overtime at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY SportsThe Predators were not happy about a hit on Alexandre Carrier in the Wild game that didn't get a second look from the officials or NHL Player Safety.
The hit resulted in Carrier being listed as week-to-week with an upper body injury and the Predators recalling defenseman Spencer Stastney from Milwaukee.
This week marked the first quarter of the NHL season, and the Predators took some time to reflect on what the team has learned over their first twenty games.
Nashville had some standout performances worth acknowledging this week beginning with Juuse Saros receiving league wide accolades.
Saros and two "OG" Preds have been outstanding for the team recently, and this was a trio Barry Trotz was counting for Nashville's roster reset.
Oct 29, 2022; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Nashville Predators left wing Filip Forsberg (9) talks with defenseman Roman Josi (59) before a face off during the first period against the Washington Capitals at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY SportsIt wasn't just top line guys who played important roles for the Preds in their games this week. Nashville has been getting impressive performances from a trio of players that may have been overlooked in the past.
The Predators wrapped up this week with an 11-12 record as they prepare for another four game week ahead.