Nashville Predators head coach Andrew Brunette speaks to the media following a 4-1 loss to the Anaheim Ducks at Bridgestone Arena. Speaking to the media following a 4-1 loss to the Anaheim Ducks Thursday at Bridgestone Arena, Nashville Predators head coach did not hold back with his criticisms of the team's lack of energy in the loss – and throughout the season as a whole. "I feel for the players," Brunette said. "It's not a fun time of the year to be playing when you have nothing to play for... In saying that, it's not really an excuse to not find a little bit of energy." The Predators (25-35-8, 58 points) entered the 2024-25 season with the expectation of making the playoffs for a second consecutive year. Instead, they find themselves in seventh place in the Central Division, 13 points behind the Utah Hockey Club. Offensive struggles have plagued Nashville all season, despite the offseason additions of Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault in free agency. The Predators are currently in the midst of a four-game losing streak in which they have found the back of the net a total of just three times. "Everybody here has something to play for," Brunette said. "It's too late in the season to find out exactly who we are. But just a little piece [of our identity] is kind of all I'm asking for, begging for, from this group." The Predators will wrap up their three-game homestand when they host the Toronto Maple Leafs Saturday at Bridgestone Arena at 6 p.m. CT.
