Predators Seek Swedish Shift to Revitalize Season
The Nashville Predators are hoping their upcoming trip to Sweden for the 2025 NHL Global Series presented by Fastenal will spark a much-needed turnaround for their struggling season. Facing the Pittsburgh Penguins at Avicii Arena on Friday (2 p.m. ET; FDSNSO, SN-PIT, NHLN, SN) and Sunday (9 a.m. ET; FDSNSO, SN-PIT, NHLN, SN), the Predators are looking to replicate the positive impact a similar international trip had on the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2017. Following a trip to Stockholm that year, the Lightning went on to win the Stanley Cup, with a ring eventually finding its way onto Steven Stamkos’ finger.
Currently holding a 5-9-4 record and enduring a five-game losing streak (0-3-2), Nashville isn’t yet considered a Stanley Cup contender. Though, players believe the two games against Pittsburgh could be pivotal.
“With where we are as a group, we have to approach it that way,” Stamkos said. “We have to tell ourselves that this is something that could help us get back to the peak of the race. That’s really just what we’re thinking about, trying to accumulate as many points as possible. We have to think like this, think that this can become a turning point in our season.”
Stamkos emphasized the need for improvement, stating, “It can’t be two more matches like the others. We need to dig into our reserves and try to gain momentum here.”
Filip Forsberg echoed this sentiment, expressing a desire for a “post-Sweden surge,” referencing Stamkos’ past success following a trip to Stockholm.
the team is acutely aware of their need for wins. after a 6-3 loss to the Rangers on Monday,defenseman Brady Skjei stated,”I think it’s been a little too long. We need to get back in the win column very soon.That’s the most important thing.”
The journey itself is intended to provide a fresh perspective. Both Swedish players on the Predators, Filip Forsberg and Adam Wilsby, reportedly benefited from the over seven-hour flight from New York to Stockholm, using the time to reset after a disappointing start to the season.
“I think it’s a good breath of fresh air for our group,” said coach Andrew Brunette.
Despite the positive outlook, the Predators acknowledge their current position is far from ideal. “We are not in the position we hoped for,” admitted Forsberg.
The team’s struggles stem from inconsistency across all facets of the game – scoring, defence, power play, and penalty kill. This pattern began last season, where despite adding players like Stamkos, Skjei, and Jonathan Marchessault, Nashville finished with the third-lowest point total in the Western Conference (30-44-8).
Forsberg believes the team is improving despite the results, stating, “The results resemble [last season] but the process is much better… I feel like it’s not entirely fair to compare things to last year.Currently, we are facing good teams and we are very close every night.”
A key focus for improvement is the power play, currently ranked 23rd in the NHL with a 17.5% conversion rate. recent games have shown slight improvement,with the predators scoring 3-of-8 on the power play in their last two games after only scoring three power play goals in the previous five.They currently average 2.56 goals per game, ranking 30th in the League, despite scoring seven goals in their last two outings.
