Nash Daily: Predators Break Franchise Point Streak, Caps’ Wilson In Hot Water

The Nashville Predators not only beat one of the top teams in the NHL Thursday night, they also set a new franchise record with their 16th straight game with a point as they knocked off the Florida Panthers 3-0 at Amerant Bank Arena.

Goaltender Kevin Lankinen recorded his third career shutout and his first since March 25, 2021, as he turned away 33 shots and kept the potent Panthers power-play off the scoreboard. The plus/minus report from the game can be read here.

Washington Capitals forward Tom Wilson is no stranger to controversy. The 29-year-old forward, who has a bit of a reputation as a dirty player, will have an in-person hearing with the NHL Department of Player Safety on Friday for high-sticking Toronto Maple Leafs forward Noah Gregor in Washington’s 7-3 loss on Wednesday.

Wilson was assessed a double minor after recklessly swinging his stick and clocking Gregor in the face. As a repeat offender, Wilson is likely looking at a suspension of six games or more, which would mark the sixth suspension of his 11-year career.

Nashville Hockey Now

Prior to Nashville’s win over Florida, Predators coach Andrew Brunette reflected on how he felt when the Panthers didn’t offer him their full-time head-coaching job after the 2021-22 season wrapped up.

A 14-0-2 run in their last 16 games turned the Predators season around. Much of that success came once the team figured out how to close out games and take the fight to their opponents in the third period.

P.K. Subban knows firsthand how dangerous the Predators can be once they find their groove. Which is why the former NHLer-turned-ESPN analyst is surprised the national media isn’t giving the red-hot Predators more attention.

Central Division Standings

1. Winnipeg Jets | 44-19-5, 93 points
2. Colorado Avalanche | 44-20-5, 93 points
3. Dallas Stars | 42-19-9, 93 points
4. Nashville Predators | 41-25-4, 86 points
5. St. Louis Blues | 37-30-3, 77 points
6. Minnesota Wild | 34-28-8, 76 points
7. Arizona Coyotes | 28-35-5, 61 points
8. Chicago Blackhawks | 19-44-5, 43 points

Wild Card Standings

1. Nashville Predators | 41-25-4, 86 points
2. Vegas Golden Knights | 36-25-7, 79 points
3. St. Louis Blues | 37-30-3, 77 points
4. Minnesota Wild | 34-28-8, 76 points

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