New York. Suddenly, sparks are flying around the Nashville Predators.
They picked up their fourth straight win last night, away to Ottawa, and now have a real stake in the Western race.
– We created more pressure in attack and we don’t have to defend ourselves as often, says top scorer Philipp Forsberg to Sportbledet after the 3-0 win.
The Breeds had a rough start to the season and only a few weeks ago seemed more or less stalled, but a dramatic change of scenery has occurred recently in Music City.
They’re suddenly playing stellar hockey, winning night after night and for the first time since the series’ inception, they’re near the playoff line. After tonight’s victory in Ottawa – their fourth in a row – they are actually just one point ahead of Edmonton for the final Wild Card spot. Three fewer matches were played.
– It’s tough in all departments, but especially in the middle and it’s been every year since I’ve been here. Of course, it feels good that we have a little bit of a feeling now,” Philip Forsberg says when we got him at the Canadian Tire Center.
– We also started to play better at the end. Particularly aggressive. We have more pressure in attacks and we don’t have to defend as much. But when we need it, we also do it better.
Since then, Finnish goalkeeper Joos Saros has also started in earnest. He was sensational again tonight, taking 38 shots and keeping two clean sheets.
For us on the team, it’s not that exciting. We see him every day and know his amazing talent. But yeah, he was great in this match too, Philippe continues.
That started right up on its part. He scored again against the Senators and now has a total of six goals in his last six games.
– I lost in a duel with Juuso Pärssinen and thought for a long time about passing, but their back pushed him away so I had time to aim and shoot, so I did. It was good to see that drive go in, we were 2-0 at that point and had some breathing room with a third goal.
Seattle’s winning streak continues in the East. They picked up their fourth consecutive win – and fifth overall – by defeating Montreal 4-0 at the Bell Center last night.
It was a really good start and we were already 3-0 up in the first period. Coach Dave Huxtol says that’s how you want away games to start and it’s made all the difference.
Andrei Burakovsky contributed assistance.