The season has officially kicked off, and what a way to do it for the Preds. They fell behind early in the game, but fought back and claimed a good win over the Ottawa Senators. Filip Forsberg was the highlight of the night as he notched two assists. The team as a whole looked good (except for most of the second period) and it showed on the ice. Craig Smith,Shea Weber, and Eric Nystrom all had the goals for Nashville. Overall, I would say that this game did not disappoint in the excitement level, especially in the third period.
Random Observations
- It’s interesting to see Gabriel Bourque on the top line with James Neal and Mike Ribeiro. I guess Laviolette is going to give not only him, but everyone a shot at the top line. I really hope we get to see #PrinceFilip on the first line at some point tonight.
- What a great first shift by Neal. Great on the forecheck and even better at creating opportunities. It almost looks like Neal is out to prove that he can get it done without Evgeni Malkin.
- The first power play looked decent. They did a good job of keeping the puck in the offensive zone. I would still like to see more shots on goal though.
- WOW! What a diving save by Seth Jones to keep the puck out of the net on the penalty kill. ‘Murica!
- With one period in the books, I can definitely see a change of style in this Predators team. There is a high sense of urgency to get to the puck, and offensive zone pressure is great. I know it’s very early, but it looks like coach Laviolette has this group buying in to a change of system.
- Kyle Turris just pinged it off the post and in for the goal. Pekka Rinne just got beat on that one.
- I love how David Legwand went to the wrong penalty box on that penalty. I guess it was just second nature to him.
- That was a pretty lackluster period by the Predators (with the exception of the final three minutes). They seemed flat for the most of it and couldn’t get anything going really. Calle Jarnkrok had a great chance towards the end, but couldn’t capitalize on it. At least they get some carry over power play time.
- GOAL! Craig Smith gets the PPG for Nashville. The Predators finally have some momentum going their way now. Great setup by Forsberg as well. That duo looks like it might be the start of something special.
- Shea Weber looked like he has been practicing his puck handling skills in the off season with that wrap around. The crowd was itching for that second goal, and they got a good one.
- Now this is the type of offense I expected to see under Peter Laviolette. Nystrom scores just 1:27 after the Weber goal. Now the Preds are rolling!
- Even with a new coach and system, it looks like Nashville still knows their roots. They are playing solid defense in the third and have only allowed three shots with more than half the period gone.
- As I was writing that last bullet point, the Senators score to pull within one goal. Looks like I spoke too soon.
- Pekka Rinne looks like he has returned to his consistent form. He made some great saves at the end of the game to keep the lead for the Preds.
OTF’s Super Duper Stars of the Game
- Olli Jokinen’s hair. It is hard to stay focused when his head full of hair is flowing on the television screen. Maybe that’s just me, being a bald man, living vicariously through Jokinen.
- Shea Weber. How can I not give the captain a spot here after that sweet wrap around goal.
- Filip Forsberg. He looked like a man out there tonight. #PrinceFilip created great opportunities all night long. That is what I like to see from a young prospect.
**OTF’s Super Super Star of the Game**
The official who sent Legwand to the opposing penalty box when he tried to go into the home box. He’s the real MVP!
Boxscore – Game Summary – Event Summary
Roll the video highlights…