Penalties cost the Predators, but perspective is the name of the game in preseason.
Penalties cost the Predators, but perspective is the name of the game in preseason.
It wasn't the prettiest way to open preseason play as the Nashville Predators dropped both games in their split squad double header against the Florida Panthers on Monday. The Panthers scored four power play goals in game one that led to a 5-0 shutout in the early afternoon game. Nashville's second roster was able to score twice, but four first period goals by Florida resulted in the Predators' second loss of the day by a score of 5-2.
Penalties
Just like at the rookie showcase held in Florida eleven days ago, penalties played a big part in Nashville's struggles especially in game one in which the Panthers scored four power play goals. Game one was also Nashville's least experienced roster of the split squad doubleheader which also contributed to the high number of stick infractions.
Penalties were a big problem for Nashville last season where they ranked in the top ten for penalties committed in 2022-2023. It makes it challenging for young players to gain experience playing in a new system when they are spending so much time shorthanded. Cleaning up penalties will be a focus not just in preseason but in the regular season for Nashville as well.
Players
Despite the losses, there were a few players who may have caught the eye of their new head coach. Although they were not able to score, the line of Phil Tomasino, Tommy Novak, and Kiefer Sherwood was able to generate a few quality offensive opportunities. This is a combination that may get more time together in the preseason.
Yaroslav Askarov came in for Juuse Saros a little less than halfway through the second game, and Askarov handled the remainder of the shots the Predators faced in game two including a two on one from Florida's Nick Cousins and Matthew Tkachuck.
Perhaps the player who did the most to improve his preseason stock was defenseman Marc Del Gaizo. Del Gaizo played solid defense standing up Tkachuk at the blue line, won puck battles, recorded an assist, interrupted Panthers' power play chances on the penalty kill, and played more than any other Predators in game two. Del Gaizo admitted he came into camp with a "chip on his shoulder" after not being called up from Milwaukee last season as veterans went down with injury, and that may have helped fueled his strong performance on Monday.
Perspective
Nashville's losses were underwhelming performances, but the preseason is all about keeping perspective. Head coach Andrew Brunette wanted to get a look at many of the young players, and veterans Roman Josi, Filip Forsberg, Ryan O'Reilly, Ryan McDonagh, Luke Schenn, and Tyson Barrie didn't participate in either game Monday. Meanwhile Florida played many of their top performers.
This is also a team still in the beginning stages of learning a completely new system which also involves the almost equally challenging task of unlearning former ways of doing things. Inexperience of rookies combined with a new system led to a disappointing first look at Nashville's next chapter.
The two split squad games may be a letdown after last season's exciting late push and a training camp that has been described as "fast" and "fun". There isn't much fun about being outscored 10-2. As Andre Brunette and Barry Trotz piece together the 2023-24 roster and as the players become more familiar with what Brunette is envisioning, the team will make improvements on the ice. Nashville isn't expected to be back in postseason contention right away, so fans may need to balance expectations with excitement as the Nashville Predators work their way through this transition.
Predators - 0. Panthers - 5: Nashville Penalties Lead to Four Power Play Goals
Predators - 2, Panthers - 5: First Period Florida Flurry Too Much to Overcome
Nashville Predators Week: Brunette's Message at Training Camp and Saros for Vezina