Nashville Predators
The Preds are on a two-game streak! Is that a streak? I’m not sure…you tell me. Anyway, they put together a solid victory against the Minnesota Wild in front of Connor Ingram and then proceeded to look quite good against the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday.
They’ve had four days off since they played San Jose on Tuesday evening. Will extra rest assist this team? It appears David Rittich is back to skating with the team after being placed in Covid-19 protocol. Rest this early in the season could help prevent injury.
I’d like to see Phil Tomasino get some more goals, but I’m very happy with the fact that this team’s highest-paid players are making an impact on the scoresheet.
I’m also fairly happy with the power play…but…is it sustainable?
New York Islanders
We haven’t seen the Isles since the Covid-shortened 2019-2020 season. Welcome back to Bridgestone, Barry Trotz!
The Isles are 3-2-1 on the season and their lineup features many of the same faces—Mat Barzal, Anders Lee, Josh Bailey, Brock Nelson, and…[checks notes]…Zdeno Chara. Bailey leads the Isles in points. Zach Parise, recently bought out by the Wild, joined the Islanders over the summer. Youngster Noah Dobson has three assists on the season and has been trusted to skate big minutes on the Isles’ blue line.
Ilya Sorokin has been in the crease in all six of New York’s games. He’s posted a very nice .933 Sv% and somehow fails to get mentioned in NHL news even though he’s one of the League’s top netminders. The Russian is just 26 and his play strengthens a great Islanders squad.
Reasons to Watch
- A 12:30 game might interfere with your college football schedule, but it’s quite better than watching Tennessee or Vanderbilt (I say this as a Vandy fan).
- Brunch, mimosas, and hockey? Or brunch, beer, hockey? Breakfast + hockey = yes.
- Raise your hand if you forgot that JG Pageau is an Islander. Be honest. Pageau is a ton of fun to watch and should present a challenge this afternoon. /
Keep Your Eye on This Guy
Roman Josi. He is elite, he is handsome, he sticks his tongue out to make hockey plays. In all seriousness, Josi is starting the season at a blistering pace. Can he maintain that over a full season? If so, he should be a Norris contender again.
Today’s Theme Song
How to Watch
Puck drop is at 12:30 Central. Bally Sports South has the broadcast and 102.5 The Game has the radio call.