As the NHL season heats up, the Nashville Predators are gearing up for a crucial stretch. Head Coach Andrew Brunette, fresh off a rare break thanks to the Olympic Winter Games, is ready to dive back into the action. “I probably had four good sleeps,” Brunette joked, highlighting the brief moment of relaxation before the storm.
With the Olympic hiatus wrapping up, the Predators are back on the ice at Centennial Sportsplex, prepping for the final 25 games of the season. The pressure is on, especially with the NHL Trade Deadline looming on March 6.
But as Preds forward Steven Stamkos emphasized, the focus remains on maintaining their momentum. “We played well for a two-and-a-half month stretch.
Now, you have to make a push,” Stamkos noted, underlining the urgency of the situation.
The Predators have transformed into one of the league’s hottest teams, adopting a “win the week” mentality that’s kept them in the playoff hunt. They’re just four points shy of a Wild Card spot, with critical matchups against Utah, Los Angeles, Anaheim, and San Jose on the horizon. These games are pivotal, offering the chance for significant standings swings.
The season’s grind has been intense, with a packed schedule that included a trip to Sweden. The Olympic break provided a much-needed breather. “Getting that recovery from the body - it was just so much hockey,” said center Ryan O’Reilly, reflecting on the physical toll.
Despite entering the break with losses in six of their last nine games, the Preds see this week as an opportunity to refine their game. Brunette is focused on tightening up areas that need improvement, ensuring the team is ready to hit the ground running when they face Connor Bedard and the Chicago Blackhawks next Thursday.
The upcoming schedule is daunting, with five games in eight days and 15 games in March, including several back-to-backs. But with Roman Josi, Filip Forsberg, Erik Haula, and Juuse Saros returning from Olympic duty, the team is poised to make a strong push.
Preds winger Luke Evangelista summed up the team’s mindset: “We need to pick up where we left off and get running right out of the gate. It’s exciting.
This is what we want.” As the Predators look to convert relaxation into rejuvenation, they’re ready to trade sleep for success, aiming to stack points and secure their playoff spot.