Highlights: Predators prospects come up big in the AHL today
The Nashville Predators’ AHL talent pool had a great showing on a day when offense needs to show up.
The AHL’s Chicago Wolves took on the Rockford IceHogs this afternoon. Due to COVID-19 concerns, the Predators’ normal AHL affiliate, the Milwaukee Admirals, opted out of the season, and the Predators are partnering with the Carolina Hurricanes’ affiliate Wolves. Milwaukee’s General Manager Scott Nichol and their coach, Karl Taylor, have been working closely with the Wolves all season. Today’s game featured quite a few highlights from the players in the Predators organization. We’ll have more in-depth coverage for you tomorrow.
The first big moment was this 2-on-1 shot from Philip Tomasino in front of the net for his first goal as a professional:
Philip Tomasino (#50) scores his first pro goal.#Preds pic.twitter.com/MEUpWdc9tJ
— On The Future (@OnTheFutureOTF) February 9, 2021
Not to be outdone, forward Rem Pitlick scored on this breakaway, shorthanded, after seizing the opportunity after a missed slap shot from Rockford. This was Pitlick’s second goal of the season:
Rem Pitlick scores his second breakaway goal in as many games.#Preds #MILHockey pic.twitter.com/BYH8jHqysj
— On The Future (@OnTheFutureOTF) February 9, 2021
It wasn’t long before Tomasino struck back by scoring his second goal of the game (and his career) with this redirect from the left circle:
Tomasino collects his second of the day and pro career.#Preds pic.twitter.com/xr9L49nv01
— On The Future (@OnTheFutureOTF) February 9, 2021
With a few minutes left in the game, Rem Pitlick found himself on the receiving end of a great pass into the slot for this goal, his second of the night and third of the season:
Pitlick with two goals today, too.#Preds pic.twitter.com/tdRqqyT2kn
— On The Future (@OnTheFutureOTF) February 9, 2021
The Wolves ended the game with a victory of 5-2 over Rockford. Tomasino ended the day with 2 goals and 1 assist. Pitlick finished with 2 goals. Defender Jeremy Davies notched 1 assist on the day and forward Tanner Jeannot tallied 2 assists.
It’s also worth noting that Patrick Harper played in his first professional game today for Chicago.
And, while offense has been something of issue for the Nashville Predators recently, it’s certainly nice to see the talent brewing at the AHL level.
After the game, our very own Eric Dunay was able to hear from some of the players and the head coach:
Tomasino postgame:
— On The Future (@OnTheFutureOTF) February 9, 2021
Easy to make plays with the guys he's skating with...Getting more comfortable as the games go on...So much practice at different levels (WJC, Nashville, AHL) has helped with taking advantage of plays against AHL competition.#Preds
.@Chicago_Wolves' Coach Warsofsky:
— On The Future (@OnTheFutureOTF) February 9, 2021
Pitlick has some really good tools, speed is a factor...Time on the PK can be another tool in his toolbox...Dangerous all over the ice...
Harper didn't get tons of TOI w/ all the penalties...Showed good hockey sense on offense...#Preds