Nashville shuts out Utah for the team's first win since Nov. 2
By Anthony Pellegrino @Pellegrinoap50 IceInsider.com Predators All Access Reporter
BOSTON--Change was inevitable; it was clear. Either the Predators would need to turn around the disappointing start to the season, or the lineup would begin to look quite different.
After beginning the season 4-9-1, following a free agency where GM Barry Trotz spent a capital of around $18 Million, bringing in Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault, and Brady Skjei, Trotz knew the direction had to change:
"If we don't get it going, I'm going to start our rebuild plan," Trotz told 102.5 The Game prior to Saturday's win against Utah..."(If) we don't become a good team, we're going to see a lot of our kids (starting their process)."
He alluded to the fact that the team could bring up the next generation of players from Milwaukee, and begin the next phase and plan, that he wrote up for the team:
"If we fall into a position that things aren't happening or it doesn't come together, then I'm going to start (probably) that process, and you'll see some kids. We'll get them the games that they need and develop them. where it's not We'll shake it up if we can't get things going soon."
Making a clear statement to the group that the direction has to change, otherwise, roster changes are inevitable. Following yesterday's morning skate, defenseman Dante Fabbro was placed on waivers by Nashville.
Fabbro is pointless through six games this season with Nashville. Rotating in and out of the defensive slot with Marc Del Gaizo, he's remained a healthy scratch since playing at Tampa on October 28th.
The Predators selected Fabbro in the 2016 NHL Draft, 17th overall. During his time with Boston University, he was a highly touted prospect, yet has struggled to find a permanent role with Nashville, during the past six seasons.
As of the hour, Fabbro remains unclaimed. Nevertheless, the statement was reciprocated clearly by the Predators group.
The motivation was evident as Nashville shut out Utah 4-0 last night. Filip Forsberg scored his third power-play goal beating Connor Ingram's blocker side just 2:37 into the outing.
"I thought that was a pretty complete game from our club," Forsberg said following the victory..."I thought we came out really good in the first. (Obviously) got two on the power play, but other than that I thought it was a solid defensive performance."
In adition to the power play goal, he tallied a second goal midway through the second, when he charged through a pair of Utah defenseman, powering past Ingram's blocker.
It was a play solely fueled by urgency:
"I'm not the fastest guy in the world, but I tried to weave through and find an opening...That's what I want to do every night. Lead with power."
Goaltender Juuse Saros began the season with areas of inconsistency, coming off a pre-season lower-body injury. His last four appearances have proved that the Predators remain confident in Saros to lead the position, for a reason (2-2, .941 SV%, 1.75 GAA)
He was perfect against Utah, stopping all 26 shots that came his way
"I think the energy, the urgency was there," Saros said following the victory..."It's what we needed, what we will need going forward...I think they were quick to the rebounds and quick to go to the pucks."
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