While tonight’s game doesn’t require pay-per-view, a subscription to a streaming service will suffice for a tilt both the Nashville Predators and Minnesota Wild. A game fans from either city have expected since New Year’s Eve.
Nashville forward Zachary L’Heureux was called for slew-footing Minnesota captain Jared Spurgeon back on the final day of 2024 in Xcel Energy Center.
“As long as I’ve been here, and I’ve been on the other side of it, these are always intense games. I don’t expect anything different,” head coach Andrew Brunette said addressing what he anticipates in tonight’s game.
“I thought both games in Minnesota were fun games to coach and watch. There was a little bit of everything in it. I expect the same tonight.”
Zach L’Heureux given a match penalty after slewfooting Wild captain Jared Spurgeon. Shades of his past life in junior coming out tonight. pic.twitter.com/7MmjWWKh1B
— Nick Kieser🏒 (@KieserNick) January 1, 2025
After Nashville’s recent 5-3 loss in Minnesota against the Wild the young rookie did reach out to Spurgeon after the slew-foot took place.
Since then the animosity toward L’Heureux has built up and Nashville’s veterans have spoken to the rookie before the event tonight.
“We talked to Zach. He knows and I don’t think it was intentional but stuff happens out there, he plays with an edge. He never wanted to hurt him,” Roman Josi said. “I think for him just letting him know we’re a team and we’re going to be here for him. It’s going to be an intense game, it always is against Minnesota, he knows he made a mistake but I don’t think he intended to hurt anyone.”
Over in The Athletic Wild forward Marcus Foligno made it clear that it “Needs to be answered for” and tonight is the first time the Wild can take measures in their hands after Spurgeon was injured.
“Foligno I know after playing with him that he sticks up for his teammates and I expect that it’s going to be a physical and emotional game. It’s part of hockey and we’ll be ready for it,” Ryan O’Reilly said.
In terms of what the Predators have in store for tonight’s game, it looks as if defenseman Adam Wilsby will make his return to the lineup after missing the last seven games.
Brunette called him a game-time decision before the game at his press conference. Spencer Statsney would be the odd man out based on what the lines were in rushes this morning.
Meanwhile, one player who has seized his opportunity with elevated playing time is Justin Barron. Since being acquired from the Montreal Canadiens he’s played with Josi in six games.
“He’s a really good skater, I think that’s been the one thing that’s impressed me the most about him,” Josi said. “He jumps into holes and plays with confidence. He’s not afraid to make plays and skate the puck up. It’s been fun to play with him.”
Offensively the Predator’s top line has been rolling as of late and Gustav Nyquist has been down on the second line with O’Reilly. The winger had 35 points by this time last season and right now he has 18.
Nyquist broke his 18-game goal drought in Vancouver a few weeks ago, however, he’s not scored with a goalie defending him since Oct. 28 in Tampa Bay.
“They feed off each other and complement each other, and unfortunately for Gus, he’s missed some unbelievable looks this year,” Brunette said. “He’s a creator and highly intelligent player, he plays good with everybody. I think he and O’Reilly, they’ve been together for a year and a half, it seems like whoever plays with them plays pretty well.”
Follow Nick Kieser on Twitter/X: @KieserNick
Photos courtesy of the Nashville Predators
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