Nashville staying alive for Wild Card spot
Over the last 12 games, the Nashville Predators have managed to go 6-4-2 since returning from the Olympic break.
Saturday’s 4-1 win over the Vegas Golden Knights was the third time the Predators have won three games in a row this season.
Immediately after the victory, Nashville put itself in the final Wild Card spot with 73 points.
After Steven Stamkos scored 40 seconds into the game, Vegas outshot Nashville 20-4, and Justus Annunen helped keep the Golden Knights off the board.
“The first period was playoff hockey. If we want playoff hockey, that’s what it’s going to look like,” head coach Andrew Brunette said.
“We weren’t ready for it, and I thought we eased into that first period, and we got on our heels pretty bad. It’s a learning lesson for us, but it’s going to be like that down the stretch. I’m glad we went through it.”
One reason Nashville is back in a playoff position is in large part due to the rookies stepping up to the plate. Matthew Wood and Filip Forsberg have been the largest contributors to Nashville’s offense, but Wood’s name is the one that jumps off the page.
After a quick trip to the Milwaukee Admirals last month, the forward has eight points in 12 contests with the Predators. Over that stretch, he leads all NHL rookies with six goals.
“No, I wouldn’t say surprised. A lot of guys have played up here, and we know them,” Roman Josi said of the rookie’s performance this last week.
“We knew what we were getting when they came up, and they brought so much energy, and they’re playing great, and they’re playing better and better.”
In eight of those games, Wood has played center as well and complemented the players around him.
Head coach Andrew Brunette believes the young gun can play a significant role there long-term as he kicks off his career.
It may no longer be an experiment; however, Brunette has been pleased with the results since making the change to play him down the middle after the trade deadline.
“I think he’s comfortable there. He could be our deadliest player through the middle of the ice coming up with speed,” Brunette said on Thursday during his radio visit on 102.5 The Game.
“He’s made some unbelievable plays that some were even goals. You can see that vision and creativity through the middle.”
Philosophically, Brunette sees Wood as a center throughout his NHL career, and the way he benefits the depth chart can strengthen how Nashville builds for the future.
“If we can get him there, I think that will make it a strength that you need to win at this level through the middle of the ice,” Brunette said. “The more you have of them, the better off you’ll be. I see him as a center, and I love speed and creativity through the middle of the ice, and he brings that.”
Wood has spent significant time with Forsberg, Jonathan Marchessault, and Luke Evangelista during his switch to being a centerman.
“You play with those players you’re always going to, if you’re capable, elevate your game, and he’s elevated his game,” Brunette continued.
“Good for him, we’re watching him grow before our eyes here. There will be some speed bumps here, but hopefully he can keep that momentum he’s got going right now and keep building his game.”
While Wood has been on his tear, the Predators have also seen Forsberg drop 12 points in 12 games, Steven Stamkos put up 11 points, and O’Reilly score two game-winning goals.
Frankly, the Predators have been more reliant on the veterans for most of the season, but as the team was on the road, it was a different tune.
“There were parts of the road trip where us older guys didn’t play that well and the young guys stepped up and won some games for us, which is huge for us, and they’ve been great for us,” Josi said.
Aside from Wood’s play, another rookie who has stepped up is defenseman Ryan Ufko. He scored his first career goal against the Seattle Kraken as he took advantage of an open lane and exploited the Kraken defenders all the way to the net.
Playmaking like that will be crucial as the Predators aim to take advantage of having the next three of four games being at home.
Sunday’s game in Chicago looms large for the Predators as well, with the Blackhawks looking to spoil Nashville’s push to the postseason.
Goalie Matthew Murray may be the starter in that matchup, but Brunette said Nashville will reassess when they arrive in Chicago.
“If [Annunen] does get in, I think he’d be welcome to the challenge. We just have to make sure we do right with him and his body, making sure he’s ready,” Brunette said.
Follow Nick Kieser on Twitter/X: @KieserNick
