With the NHL Lockout at its end, we can finally get back to hockey. One of the main talking points of the NHL Lockout was ex-predator Ryan Suter jumping ship to sign with the Minnesota Wild, which many looked at as terrible for the Predators. But, although Suter’s exit will be felt, the door now opens for Team Captain Shea Weber to continue his incredible growth, and second year standouts can make their names. Weber notched 19 goals and 30 assists last season, and now Craig Smith, the Predators’ standout center, can build on his incredible start to last season, while defenseman Ryan Ellis will see plenty of ice time in the power play. Of course, Nashville fans can look forward to solid output from last season’s leading goal scorer and assist man, left winger Martin Erat, who led the team with 58 points last season on 19 goals and 39 assists.
The 2013 Nashville Predators schedule has them taking the ice at home in Bridgestone Arena for their opener against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday, January 19th. The puck is set to drop at 8:00 PM, and Jackets Coach Todd Richards always has his squad ready to play. Other highlight games in this 48-game regular season include a January 22nd trip to play the Minnesota Wild, where former Predator Ryan Suter now calls home. On January 31st the squad will travel to Hollywood to take on the defending Stanley Cup champion Los Angeles Kings, and at the Chicago Blackhawks on February 10th. We’ve got plenty of Nashville Predators tickets for you to catch every game this season, so be sure to get yours now.