Smashville Scope: December 13

The Smashville Scope presented by JOCKEY prepares fans for the week ahead with news, videos and clips from the past week, plus, game and event info for the next seven days. Use promo code "GOAL" to save 25% on your next JOCKEY purchase.
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As David Poile made his weekly call to the Darren, Daunic & Chase show on ESPN 102.5 The Game last Tuesday, the Predators general manager was asked about defenseman Mark Borowiecki's physical prowess and willingness to drop the gloves and stick up for teammates that has been evident almost nightly through the first 28 games of the season.
Without hesitation, Poile went a step further in his answer, calling Borowiecki the team's most-improved player at this point of the campaign.
The rugged blueliner may not be the first to come to mind for many when considering that accolade year over year, but the compliment was well-earned from the GM, and it goes to show how the Preds have valued not only Borowiecki's contributions, but also those from his defense partner.

Paired together at the start of last season as well, Borowiecki and Matt Benning were signed two offseasons ago to make up Nashville's third defensive tandem. But with hurdles brought on by the circumstances of the shortened period, and then a season-ending injury suffered by Borowiecki last March, there wasn't much to speak of from the two after year one.
But a rejuvenated Borowiecki returned to Predators training camp, and combined with Benning - who played an important role for Nashville as they made their run to the postseason last spring - have teamed up once more, and they're doing everything asked of them and then some.
"I appreciate David saying that," Borowiecki said last week upon hearing of the praise from his GM. "It means a lot, too, no matter how long you play. It's always nice to hear stuff like that, and I do feel much better. I'm not going to beat a dead horse here - I think everyone knows some of the hurdles I've cleared in the past - but I certainly have a lot more mental clarity, and I think in turn, that leads to success physically on the ice for me. I feel like I have a lot of jump, and this coaching staff has given me a lot of support and a pretty clearly defined role. That's really helped me focus and refocus after last year. I'm really enjoying it, and obviously I really love playing with Matt Benning. We have a really good chemistry, and we do a specific job together well."

Borowiecki, who leads the Predators with 50 penalty minutes, also co-leads the team with four major penalties, three of them for fighting. He's also been effective when it comes to getting the opposition riled up, as he co-leads Nashville with 11 penalties drawn this season, and his physical play is tough to miss, ranking third on the team with 56 hits despite averaging less than 13 minutes of ice time per game.
Benning and Borowiecki are important penalty killers for Nashville as well, ranking sixth and seventh on the club in shorthanded ice time, and only three players average more ice time during the penalty kill than Benning.
That's exactly how Predators Head Coach John Hynes wants to use them, and the bench boss likes what he's seen.
"When you look at the two of them now, they're very difficult to play against," Hynes said. "They're physical players, they're defensively responsible, they're hard to play against, their puck decisions [are good] and moving the puck, they're playing to their identity when they see a play, and they move it up quick. They're not trying to do things that aren't in their skill set. They're really playing within their skill set, which is important to a team. To have those guys as a pair, to rely on them the way that we do, and the consistency level that they're playing with has been really important. They've both been very good on the penalty kill as well, and that's why we've kept them together, and that's what we're looking for with that group. That's why we acquired those players, and now they're coming through and playing the way that we need them to play."

For Borowiecki in particular, getting back to playing the way he knew he was capable of at the NHL level is perhaps the most satisfying part of all. He's never felt better physically - and especially mentally - and it shows in the best way possible.
In short, Nashville's third pair is exactly what they should be, and that's all Borowiecki ever wanted.
"To the coaching staff's credit, they have given us a role," Borowiecki said. "Way back when I first came into the League [with Ottawa, the late] Bryan Murray sat me down and told me, 'The key to longevity in this League is to carve out a role and play to it.' Last year, I felt kind of untethered a little bit, and I think this year, the staff has given me and Matt a job to do, and that's to play against heavier, physical lines and match that physicality, if not exceed it, something we take a lot of pride in. Matt, he's got such a calm demeanor… To Matt's credit, he just really helps keep me kind of centered, and I really do enjoy being around him."

The New York Metro Sweep - A Rare Feat:

When the final horn sounded on Sunday night at Madison Square Garden in Manhattan to conclude a 1-0 victory for the Predators over the Rangers, Nashville accomplished something for just the second time in franchise history.
A 4-3 win on Long Island on Thursday, a 3-2 triumph in New Jersey on Friday and a shutout for the exclamation point on Sunday gave the Preds a sweep through the New York metro area - wins against the Islanders, Devils and Rangers on the same trip - a feat earned only once before.

From Oct. 16-19, 2006, the Preds also found success in and around the Big Apple. The trip began with a 2-1 victory in the shootout against the Islanders with Steve Sullivan scoring in regulation before Sullivan and Paul Kariya both converted in the shootout.
Two nights later, Tomas Vokoun made 38 saves, and Jason Arnott, Scott Nichol and Jerred Smithson all found the back of the net in a 3-0 win over the Rangers. Then, the next evening in New Jersey, the Preds once again prevailed in a shootout with a 4-3 result against the Devils. Arnott, Martin Erat and Nichol tallied in regulation, but the Devils forced overtime with two goals in the final three minutes of the third period. Erat scored the lone goal in the shootout, while Chris Mason earned the win to finish the trip.

Flames vs. Predators Game Postponed:

For the second time this season, the Predators have had a game postponed due to a COVID-19 outbreak with their scheduled opponent.
Nashville was set to host the Calgary Flames on Tuesday night at Bridgestone Arena, but the NHL announced Monday six Calgary players and one staff member had entered COVID protocols and Flames contests had been postponed through at least Dec. 16.
In addition to the Dec. 14 game against Calgary, the Preds also need a new date for their game in Ottawa with the Senators that was postponed back in November. The League will announce rescheduled dates when available. Nashville's next game is now scheduled for Thursday night against the Colorado Avalanche at Bridgestone Arena.

Predators Foundation 2022 Calendars Now On Sale:

The Preds and their dogs - need we say more?
The 2022 Nashville Predators Foundation calendar is now available for preorder on NashvilleLockerRoom.com, and with the new year right around the corner, there's no better time to check off another item on your shopping list.
Plus, while you're at NashvilleLockerRoom.com, check out all of the new 2022 NHL Stadium Series gear, including jerseys, shirts, hats and more.

Milwaukee Admirals Update:

Milwaukee's hot streak continued with a two-game sweep of the Iowa Wild on Friday and Saturday.
The Admirals have now won four straight outings, and the weekend began with a 4-3 victory in overtime with Cody Glass playing the role of hero with his third goal of the season. Graham Knott, Mitch McLain and Matt Tennyson also scored in the win, and Devin Cooley made 30 saves in net.
One night later, a 4-2 victory for the Ads saw goals from Michael McCarron, Grant Mismash, Rocco Grimaldi and Cole Schneider while Connor Ingram made 23 saves for the win.
Schneider continues to lead the team in scoring with eight goals and 22 points, followed by Glass (3g-15a) with 18 points and Grimaldi who has eight goals and 12 points in 13 games.

Goal of the Week:

Assist of the Week:

Save of the Week:

Predators Official Podcast:

The Preds are out east, and they're collecting points once more. Eeli Tolvanen can't stop tipping pucks into the twine, Yakov Trenin embodies Nashville's identity and the Predators are staying in the thick of the Central Division. Preds Defense Development Coach Rob Scuderi stops by to discuss his role and how he helps the next generation of blueliners carve out a career. Plus, Brooks Bratten and Kara Hammer look back on the career of a Predators mainstay and answer your Twitter questions.

Upcoming Bridgestone Arena Events:

In addition to Predators hockey, there are plenty of other exciting events coming to Bridgestone Arena. Make plans to attend your next concert or show today.
Coming Soon:
Dec. 18: Battle at Bridgestone - UT vs Memphis Men's Basketball.
Click here for tickets
.
Jan. 3-9: U.S. Figure Skating Championships.
Click here for tickets
.

Week In Review:

Preds Complete Perfect Road Trip, Shut Out Rangers in New York
NHL All-Star Fan Vote Now Open; Preds Players Up for Central Captain
Trenin, Tolvanen Contribute Again as Preds Beat Devils in New Jersey
Trenin, Tolvanen Lead Preds to Dramatic Victory Over Islanders
Helper's Impact on Preds, Hockey Worthy of Praise as Retirement Arrives
Preds Senior Vice President, Advisor Gerry Helper Announces Retirement
Five Different Preds Find Twine to Start Trip with Victory In Detroit