Predators Depth Clicking, Josi’s Constant Refinement

Since the Nashville Predators’ point streak started a new line of Mark Jankowski, Tommy Novak, and Luke Evangelista formed.

Head coach Andrew Brunette solidified his lineup from that point forward and since then he’s been impressed with what he’s seen.

“They all help each other out in different ways,” Brunette said. “With Jankowski, he’s very reliable on both ends of the ice, in faceoffs, he’s got good offensive instinct to think with those guys. He’s a nice safety blanket for those two guys in Novak and Evangelista.”

Before Jankowski jumped in Kiefer Sherwood, Cody Glass, Cole Smith, and Juuso Pärssinen all spent time with Novak and Evangelista this season.

At different times late into games Brunette didn’t see that line being as dependable, and now that they’ve had more reps together the branch has grown stronger.

As chemistry has developed in the locker room Nashville has been benefiting from the depth of their lineup putting up points.

Jankowski said the root of his line playing as well as they have is due to their tenacious and relentless nature to be on pucks.

Mark Jankowski celebrates his goal against the Colorado Avalanche on March 30, 2024.

Since joining that line Jankowski and his linemates have combined for 35 points in 20 games.

“That’s what compliments each other so well, we all have a little bit of a different style,” Jankowski said. “We’ve gained some chemistry together and we all have that work ethic and ability to make plays to be able to play together.”

Jankowski added that his wingers have been elusive on the ice to help make plays. The skill to see from them is “unbelievable” and in the meantime, Jankowski is there to force turnovers and go to the net.”

What’s been helpful is Evangelista played with Jankowski while they were both with Milwaukee Admirals last season. The duo developed even more as Milwaukee made a run to the Western Conference Final against Coachella Valley.

Making the jump to Nashville is different for each player that goes through Milwaukee and for Novak he took the approach to keep what he does best at the forefront.

“Keep what you do well, it’s important to bring those qualities from what you were doing down there to try and change the game here,” Novak said. “It can be tough to jump up to the NHL but it’s important to keep your confidence level high and do what do well.”

Learning to play against men is what Novak had to do and since then he earned a new contract with Nashville for the next three seasons.

On the flip side, the Predators are focused on the next few games in front of them. For Roman Josi he wants to see the consistency level back where it was the last few weeks.

“We need to tighten it down more defensively, it’s the little things we have to correct,” Josi said.

Roman Josi celebrates his overtime game-winner against Vegas on March, 26, 2024.

The captain pointed to giving Colorado too much time on offense. Josi would like to see his team capture the same attitude and mentality that they had on the point streak, and when they do all the cylinders are firing at full steam.

As the Swiss defenseman continues to flaunt his skills game after game Josi points to having a curious mind to see what all of the other successful defenders are doing in order to be so dominant.

“I always try to find new things to get better and take care of myself,” Josi said. “I think it’s a mix of everything for me.”

His process has certainly changed in how he takes care of himself and trains but Josi is fortunate to realize these things now as he continues to elevate his team.

“I’m one of those guys that changes his summer program a lot and try to find new things and keep it fresh that way,” Josi said.

His old habits have died from when he was a younger player with the Predators and now he’s reaping the benefits of taking care of his body and mind as he tries to lead this team to the penultimate goal of having success in the playoffs.