Nash Daily: Predators’ Losing Streak, Okposo Leading Panthers Playoff Charge

After a franchise-record 18-game win streak, the Nashville Predators have suddenly lost two straight games — the team’s first losing streak since Feb. 13-15.

The Predators were outscored 15-8 in back-to-back losses to the Arizona Coyotes and Colorado Avalanche, and both Juuse Saros and Kevin Lankinen each surrendered six goals in their respective starts.

Cody Glass and Dante Fabbro both returned to the lineup after extended absences, getting on the scoresheet in their return games, but aside from Jason Zucker (2 goals, 1 assist), Filip Forsberg (1 goal, 2 assists) and Roman Josi (3 assists), the rest of Nashville’s offense was hot-and-cold.

The Predators have a big upcoming week with games against the Boston Bruins (Tuesday), St. Louis Blues (Thursday) and New York Islanders (Saturday).

Nashville Hockey Now

Predators’ 2023 first-round pick Matthew Wood is entering the NCAA transfer portal, and several Big Ten teams are reportedly interested in the 19-year-old forward.

The Predators signed one of their top defensive prospects Ryan Ufko to a three-year, entry-level contract on Friday. Since his ELC doesn’t start until July, Ufko agreed to an amateur tryout with the Milwaukee Admirals over the weekend, and he’ll be with the team for the rest of the season.

Central Division Standings

1. Dallas Stars — 47-19-9, 103 points
2. Colorado Avalanche — 47-21-6, 100 points
3. Winnipeg Jets — 44-24-6, 94 points
4. Nashville Predators – 43-27-4, 90 points
5. St. Louis Blues — 39-31-4, 82 points
6. Minnesota Wild – 35-29-9, 79 points
7. Arizona Coyotes — 31-38-5, 67 points
8. Chicago Blackhawks — 22-47-5, 49 points

Wild Card Standings

1. Nashville Predators – 43-27-4, 90 points
2. Los Angeles Kings — 38-24-11, 87 points
3. St. Louis Blues — 39-31-4, 82 points
4. Minnesota Wild – 35-29-9, 79 points

Around the NHL and National Hockey Now

Kyle Okposo Knocked the Panthers Out Once. Now, He Wants to Win with Florida (Florida Hockey Now)

Boston Bruins Built for Desperate Hockey (Boston Hockey Now)

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NHL Prospect Cossa Extends Goalie Points Streak to 17 Games (Detroit Hockey Now)

Devils Star Defenseman ‘Probably’ Won’t Return this Season (New Jersey Hockey Now)

The Devils Show the Blackhawks Why a Patient Rebuild Takes Precedence (Chicago Hockey Now)

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