If Nashville falls to Detroit, it's the first 0-5 start in franchise history
By Anthony Pellegrino @Pellegrinoap50 IceInsider.com Predators All Access Reporter
*Shortened version today due to availability*
BOSTON--Franchise records aren't typically frowned upon. The Predators came just three games short of passing the team's all-time win streak record last season, winning eight games in a row; following the cancellation of the ever-so-famous U2 concert.
The record that's capable of the team passing tonight, is quite the opposite.
If Nashville falls to Detroit tonight, it's the fifth-straight loss to start the season. Also dubbed statistically, as the Predators worst start to the season, in franchise history. They happened to tie the franchise record (0-4) Thursday night in a 4-2 loss to Edmonton. Which only happened on one other occasion in the team's history; the 2002-2003 season.
Marchessault showed frustration following Thursday's loss:
"In the offseason, everyone says how good you are, we're a good team, but then we're not good enough."
So in an unfortunate spot for the Predators, there was just one. One team, without a point in the standings, out of all 32 teams. The Nashville Predators.
Nashville's Projected Lineup
Forsberg-O'Reilly-Nyquist
Stamkos-Novak-Evangelista
Jankowski-Sissons-Marchessault
Smith-McCarron-Tomasino
Josi-Fabbro
Skjei-Schenn
Lauzon-Carrier
**Saros
Wedgewood
Prior to the 4-2 loss to Edmonton, Head Coach Andrew Brunette touched on the fact that he's going to mix the forwards, until chemistry is shown. It's expected that the first line will remain the same, with the bottom nine up for grabs.
Filip Forsberg earned his second goal of the campaign against Edmonton. He's been the most consistent offensive talent for the Predators, through the first four games.
Free agent signing Jonathan Marchessault scored his first goal of the season also, against Edmonton on Thuesday. He's up to three points in four games for Nashivlle.
Detroit's Projected Lineup:
Tarasenko-Larkin-Raymond
Debrincat-Compher-Kane
Rasmussen-Kasper-Berggren
Copp*-Veleno-Fischer
Chiarot-Seider
Edvinsson-Holl
Maatta-Gustafsson
*Talbot
Lyon
Injury luck for Detroit has hit the team since game one. Jeff Petry remains out of the lineup due to an upper-body injury, suffered weeks ago. Tyler Motte who accompanied fourth-line linemates Joe Veleno and Jonatan Berggren when Nashville lined up against the Red Wings last week, was ruled day-to-day by Head Coach Derek Lalonde.
Andrew Copp centered the third line for the Red Wings last weekend against Nashville. He's ruled day-to-day, after taking the team's morning skate yesterday for a maintenance day.
In the wake of the situation, Marco Kasper makes his season debut for the Red Wings. Appearing in two games thus far with Grand Rapids, Kasper has a goal and assist for two points.
Starting Goaltenders:
Juuse Saros is slated to start in goal for the Predators. He's coming off a 32-save performance against Edmonton, featuring the deadly duo of Connor McDavid, and Leon Draisitl.
He has a .878 SV%, and 3.83 GAA in three games for the Predators. In last weekend's outing against Detroit, Saros stopped 19 of 21 for a .905 SV%, in a 3-0 loss.
On the other end, Nashville will see 31-year-old Alex Lyon, who wasn't in net last weekend, where Nashville was blanked by Cam Talbot.
Appearing in two games for Detroit, Lyon has a .929 SV% and 2.11 GAA. He's 0-1, and came in relief in the other outing.
Game Prediction:
While it isn't the greatest feeling to say I see Nashville falling for the fifth straight game to start a season, for the first time in franchise history, it seems likely. The Predators just don't seem to be on the same level as opponents thus far.
My prediction: Nashville falls 3-1 to Detroit. Seemingly, not capitalizing on chances once again.
*Article shortened compared to normal gameday articles, due to time availiblity*
Predators Hurricane Helene Relief: Donate Here
Single-game tickets for Predators 2024-25 home games at Bridgestone Arena are now available at Ticketmaster.com. Watch tonight's game on Bally Sports South, hosted by Lyndsay Rowley and Hal Gill, with Play-by-play announcer Willy Daunic and analyst Chris Mason on the call.
Ice Insider is your go-to source for Predators news, updates, and more!
Comments