Hockey players often liken the thrill of NHL Opening Night to a child’s excitement on Christmas morning, with the key difference being that the main reward doesn’t arrive until later in the evening. This Thursday at Bridgestone Arena, fans will get their first look at the Nashville Predators’ impressive lineup—featuring new acquisitions and familiar stars—as they launch the 2024-25 season against the Dallas Stars. Some might say it’s the most eagerly awaited season opener in the franchise’s history, especially after a bustling free agency period beginning July 1, which heightened the excitement. With training camp and preseason behind them, the real action is finally starting. “Excitement is high,” said Preds Alternate Captain Ryan O’Reilly.
We have a fantastic team this year. We’ve put in the work during training camp, and we’re ready to get started after a long summer.” Captain Roman Josi echoed this sentiment: “There’s a buzz in the locker room and around the city. The fans are clearly excited, which is awesome. Our new teammates have integrated well since arriving in August, and we can’t wait to play in front of a lively Bridgestone Arena tomorrow night.” Indeed, the Smashville crowd is eager to see offseason signings Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault, and Brady Skjei make their debuts with a team that has high hopes for the season. The Predators also have high expectations for themselves as they progress into the new season. “No doubt, expectations have risen for a team that was already strong last year,” said Stamkos. “With new players joining us over the summer, we’re focused on building off last season’s success. We’re not here to do anything drastic; we just want to be good teammates and fulfill the roles management expects from us.” Head Coach Andrew Brunette, entering his second season, has clear goals for the team. “My main focus is for us to establish our identity. If we can do that, I feel confident about our direction. I’m not thinking long-term; I just want us to improve each game and be present every day. Growth is my objective.” Brunette also emphasizes the importance of extending the excitement of Opening Night into the season’s performance. “I want to see that enthusiasm combined with our work ethic as we return to our playing style. We’ve trained hard, and while the preseason had its challenges, it’s crucial we maintain that effort now.
The Predators will face a challenging opponent in the Dallas Stars, a top team from last season often in pursuit of the Stanley Cup. “I’m excited about taking on Dallas on Opening Night,” O’Reilly commented. “They’ve consistently been one of the best teams lately; it’s an important test for us. Preseason serves its purpose, but now we’re in full swing, and it’s going to be an excellent experience.” When the game ends on Thursday night, the Predators hope to emerge with two points, but regardless of the outcome, they recognize this is merely the beginning of a much larger journey. After all the analysis, practice, and preparation, the team feels ready to showcase their potential. “We have all the pieces needed for success,” O’Reilly stated. “Our ultimate goal is to win the Cup, and we believe we can do it. But it requires hard work, attention to detail, and consistent effort. We know our capabilities and are eager to embark on this journey.”
Leave a Reply