After posting back-to-back 40-point seasons, Nashville Predators forward Tommy Novak has struggled to repeat what he did in his first two full years with the organization.
He was a staple in the lineup alongside Luke Evangelista, but the two have veered in the opposite direction this season, as have other skaters on the team.
“We’ve gotten a lot of looks the last four or five games. They’re not falling as much as we’d like, but I think as a line and a team we’ve created a lot of chances,” Novak said. “Things are looking up for us, just trying to stay positive with everything and keep going.”
While Evangelista has missed the last four games with a lower-body injury Novak has been moved to play left wing. He’s been skating with rookie Fedor Svechkov who can also move over to play wing if need be.
“It’s frustrating for the both of us. Trying to start over each day recharged with a clean slate and bring the best we have every game because every game is a new day,” Novak said of he and Evangelista’s season.
However, head coach Andrew Brunette would like to keep Svechkov down the middle with an older player like Novak playing with him on the third forward line.
“Svechkov has played really well in his second time coming up. We want to keep building him at center ice. I don’t really want to be moving him in and out. Tommy has been around a little longer and I think he can handle it,” Brunette said.
In the meantime, Novak has shown glimpses of his creativity in full effect. He found Svechkov in the slot for a slick assist over the weekend against the Minnesota Wild.
Svechkov snaps one home!@PredsNHL | #smashville pic.twitter.com/OJuE8OU2tY
— Predators On FanDuel Sports Network (@FDSN_Predators) January 19, 2025
“I pride myself on making plays and creating offense, that’s been hard to come by,” Novak said. “It’s tough to say what my best area is. There have been stretches where we’ve played well and I have played well and things haven’t gone in. Hopefully, the tides will turn here in a bit. Just working hard and trying to control my effort.”
He doesn’t defer to play center or wing when asked. Regardless, he’s been a plug-and-play skater for the organization since he arrived.
“There’s some differences but a lot of times with me on the wing I’ll play center or first man back,” Novak said. “Just like Jankowski, we played center when it’s called for. I’ve enjoyed it, I like getting the puck on the wall and seeing what it’s like.”
He’ll continue to play with Svechkov as Evangelista is still out with his injury and perhaps it’s a line that could use a familiar face at wing when he’s healthy.
“He’s not afraid to try to make plays which is good, it’s nice,” Novak said of Svechkov. “He has a hell of a shot so hopefully I can keep feeding him some pucks.”
Brunette said he’s felt bad for Novak with goals not falling his way despite his effort. The versatility of being able to play wing or center is something that Novak provides and Brunette covets to have in his lineup.
He’ll continue to be what Nashville asks of him as they attempt to climb out of the cellar with 36 games remaining before playing the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday evening.
Follow Nick Kieser on Twitter/X: @KieserNick
Photos courtesy of the Nashville Predators
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