Because it’s the Predators final preseason game they will likely roster a set of players that resembles the team they would have opening night. Roman Josi will be making his preseason debut and will likely play with PK Subban. On a tangential note, I think keeping Ellis and Ekholm together is a good idea because then you can have at least one defensive pairing that already has good chemistry. Anyways, players are still fighting for roster spots on the opening night roster (like Kevin Fiala and Viktor Arvidsson) and lines are coming together so this is a huge game.
The other game to watch is Boston University’s home opener, which will probably be streamed for free on BU’s website (I’ll provide a link below in the comment section when I find it.) With 4 1st round NHL draft picks (all from the 2016 draft,) 4 2nd round picks, 1 3rd round pick, and 2 5th round picks this team is possibly the deepest teams in all of #collegehawkey. Oh, and did I mention two of the Predators 2016 draft picks are on this team in Dante Fabbro (1st round) and Patrick Harper (5th round?) Patrick Harper played like he was shot out of a cannon in BU’s exhibition games with 8 goals in only 2 games. Dante Fabbro also tallied 2 goals. Here are some highlights from those two exhibition games.
Links from Around the World of Hockey
NBC analysts high on Predators, Penguins | NHL.com
Maybe Pierre can convince the NBC Executives he was talking with at lunch to get the Predators on National TV for more than 2 games (see article below.) While he’s at it he can tell them about how Calle Jarnkrok rose up the ranks in Sweden’s legendary Brynas IF hockey system, got drafted by the Detroit Red Wings, and was traded to the Predators in 2014. Oh yeah, and he can also mention he is cousins with 2013 5th overall pick and Carolina Hurricanes draft pick Elias Lindholm. Thanks Pierre!!
P.K. Subban, Connor McDavid lead 10 most fascinating NHL players for 2016-17 | CBSSports.com
“[The Predators are] still not going to be on national TV much, which is a shame because they play a fun brand of hockey, but they are going to be a team national media and fans across the world will be paying attention to.” Chris Peters is a man after our own hearts.
Chatterbox, Vol. 139 | Admirals Roundtable
The Milwaukeee Admirals kicked off their preseason home opener last night with a 4-1 loss against the Rockford Ice Hogs. Hear from Dean Evason, Juuse Saros, and newly signed (AHL contract) Eric Robinson.
Oilers deal Yakupov to Blues for pick, prospect | TSN
It’s funny how a player like Yakupov (who still is a decent, but not great player) only garners a 2nd round draft selection. He’s still an NHL player but Edmonton is getting a pick back that they have probably less than a 30% chance of hitting on. Kind of mind boggling.
Two NHL goalies to debut color-changing masks | NHL.com
Okay… this is freaking sweet.
NHL keeper rankings 2016–17: The top 21 players under 21 | Sportsnet.ca
It’s time to restock your keeper-league prospect cupboard, and these are the young men you want to fill it with.
Fantasy hockey primer: Central Division | NHL
Sean Allen explores what’s new for all seven teams of the Central Division, including players trending up and down, plus the goaltender concern index.
Sportsnet’s 2017 NHL Draft Prospect Rankings | WHL Network
The Nolan Patrick draft is upon us.
Our NHL Mount Rushmore of NYC sports | NY Daily News
Can’t disagree with this quartet.
Explaining the rationale behind my controversial NHL point projections | USA Today
Kevin Allen talks about some of the improvements or lack thereof of teams in the NHL and where he sees them ending up in April.
The 2016 Uni Watch NHL preview | ABC News
That Florida Panthers jersey tho.