Predators' Coach Andrew Brunette admits "reality has set in" amid playoff hopes

Brunette explains where the team stands heading into final games before two-week break

(Brunette/C/ Predators)

By Anthony Pellegrino @Pellegrinoap50 IceInsider.com Predators All Access Reporter

NASHVILLE--The impending reality has set in for the Nashville Predators; playoff hopes have reached an ultimate conclusion- put on hold until next season.

They now sit 16 points outside of a wild-card spot heading into the "All-Star" break, currently on a five-game skid.

Head Coach Andrew Brunette admitted the unfortunate reality, heading into tonight's back-to-back as Nashville closes out the unofficial halfway point of the regular season this weekend in a back-to-back at Chicago and vs. Buffalo.

"(I've said it) the other night, reality has set in here, now we have to find some fun and enjoy each other," Brunette said following Thursday's practice. "Usually, when you do that, you play better."

Nashville followed up a five-game winning streak with a current five-game losing streak. Brunette explained that capitalizing on the back-to-back is where the focus remains.

"It's an opportunity here you have two games then a little reset. For us, if we can play our best two games we'll feel a little bit better going into the break, and coming back out."

(C/ Nashville Predators)

Veteran Steven Stamkos remains without a point throughout the losing streak.

"I think he (Stamkos) had a good stretch. Just seems his game has fallen off a little bit. Not skating quite like he was there for that stretch," Brunette said.

"I think (the first line) was still creating the first few games (of the loosing streak), I find the last couple games have been pretty quiet. We're a much better team when we have those two lines going. Right now we're having a hard time again, kind of like in November, when we don't really have anyone going (right now)."

Amid Nashville putting playoffs aside until next season, GM Barry Trotz called up Predators 2020 First Round Pick, forward Joakim Kemell from Milwaukee. He's expected to make his NHL debut tonight.

"He's definitely stronger." Andrew Brunette said, following practice, "In practice today, I thought he skated really well. And his whole 200-foot game has been much better."

On advice for Kemell, "I think just using his speed. He can really shoot it. When he relies on his shot before skating, that's when we get (the other) teams in trouble. "

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