Predators tensions continue to arise amid losing streak, Marchessault speaks out
By Anthony Pellegrino @Pellegrinoap50 IceInsider.com Predators All Access Reporter
NASHVILLE--November 23rd: a 4-1 win over ironically, the Winnipeg Jets, who currently sit third in NHL standings. It happens to be the last time the Nashville Predators have won; in any fashion.
A loss to New Jersey, followed by a trio of 3-2 overtime losses, rolled into a Canadian road trip, where the Predators scored just three total goals.
In the past ten games, Nashville has won just two, shut out in two, and scored more than two just twice.
Offensive production has continued to decline--therefore tensions are arising.
"We'll break free (at some point)." Brunette said following the 3-1 loss to Ottowa on Saturday..."We've got to break free. The effort's there to break free, but we have got to break free."
Putting all the blame on Brunette certainly doesn't solve problems within the team. Although his system for players like Jonathan Marchessault, and Steven Stamkos certainly hasn't worked as expected this season; amongst various factors.
On the bright side, the Predators have defensively found a rhythm. Nick Blankenburg and Adam Wilsby bring extra depth to the blue line. Roman Josi has begun to find his yearly offensive stride.
As a group, finding offensive momentum has not been an easy task.
The team ranks last by far, in goals scored per game (2.18). Far worse than the Chicago Blackhawks (2.41), a team mid-rebuild, who fired Head Coach Luke Richardson this past week.
Here’s how Chicago GM Kyle Davidson described the firing: "I don't believe this is a last-place team."
It's evident if the Predators elect to forward a push for the playoffs with the current roster, change could be on the horizon.
Jonathan Marchessault spoke out on what could be a disconnect internally:
(Translated)"Every time I wonder who I'm going to jump on the ice with...I had players in warm-ups, and I started the game with other guys."
It's not the first time the Quebec City native has called out the group. Back in October when the Predators found themselves in a 0-4 start to the season, Marchessault called out the teams start to the season:
“Right now, I think we’re a little fragile group,” Marchessault said post-game, per NHL.com. "and we maybe have to think that we’re a good team but not good enough. We’ve got to work harder than the opponent.”
A disconnect on the bench during games has led to Nashville leading the leauge in bench-minor penalties.
"The onus is on the guy jumping on the ice," Brunette explained on the issue..."That's something we've talked about at length. We're having to learn the hard way."
Luke Evangelista and Mike McCarron (perhaps) learned the hard way weeks ago. When in practice, an on-ice altercation between the two led to what appeared to be a fight separated by teammates.
McCarron would become a scratch following the intrasquad fight with Evangelista which happened to be for an injury.
The team, sitting second to last in the standings just behind the Chicago Blackhawks, wasn't orchestrated by GM Barry Trotz in the offseason to be a contender for last place, rather than for a playoff spot.
The direction the team goes if a move is made could dictate the future of the team. As for now, the team's focus remains on finding offensive stability.
Soemthing is rotten in the state of Denmark. Perhaps, in Nashville as well.
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