The Preds may be starting their season on the other side of the world as part of the 2022 NHL Global Series, but they will act as the home team in Friday's game.
"Obviously, it's a little bit different," Head Coach John Hynes said after Thursday's open practice in Prague. "You're in Europe versus North America. So there's some differences there. But I think we tried to do a good job of making sure everything's very routine. You can even see today in practice, I think the guys were zoned in on the details in the execution of what we wanted to have."
Despite having an abbreviated training camp, the Preds feel prepared for the season and believe that the team as a whole is in a better position to succeed than they were this time last year.
"We've had a great camp," forward Colton Sissons said Thursday. "Guys have certainly taken some steps. We all wanted to come back just a little bit better. If we do that collectively as a group, I think we're going to make some serious strides this year."
The Good Guys
Roman Josi, a finalist for the Norris Trophy and Ted Lindsay Award, led NHL defensemen and was tied for 11th in the NHL in points with 96 (23g-73a) in 2021-22. He broke the franchise record for points in a season, previously held by Paul Kariya in 2005-06.
Matt Duchene led the Predators and was eighth in the NHL in goals with a career-high 43 in 2021-22; his 43 goals were the most in a season in franchise history. He was one of six players in the NHL to record at least 43 goals and 43 assists.
Juuse Saros was a finalist for the Vezina Trophy in 2021-22 after finishing third in the NHL in wins with 38, a career high and the fourth-most in a season in Predators history. Saros, who was named an All-Starfor the first time in his career, also led NHL goaltenders in minutes played (3,931:23) and starts (67).
The Other Guys
The Sharks will be looking to get their new season off to a fast start as Head Coach David Quinn enters his first full season behind the bench. San Jose went 32-37-13 in 2021-22, scoring 214 goals and allowing 264.
All-Time Meetings
The Predators are 40-29-(2)-8 all-time against the Sharks. Nashville won the last meeting on April 12, 2022, in overtime at home.
Notables vs. San Jose
Josi has 23 points (6g-17a) in 28 career games against the Sharks, including four points (4g) on March 5, 2022.
Filip Forsberg is averaging a point per game against San Jose, with 21 points (8g-13a) in 21 contests.
Watch & Listen
Coverage for Friday's game begins at 12:30 p.m. CT with the Predators LIVE!Pregame show on Bally Sports South, hosted by Lyndsay Rowley alongside analyst Hal Gill. Play-by-play announcer Willy Daunic and analyst Chris Mason, who have the call on the television side, will chronicle their trip to Prague and talk about the history of hockey in the city during Predators LIVE! Additionally, Bally Sports South will have sound from Predators players on their excitement to play overseas in the NHL Global Series, showcase the NHL in front of a passionate hockey fanbase and bonding as a team while on the trip.
Pete Weber and Terry Crisp will broadcast the game on 102.5 The Game and the Predators Radio Network. Pregame coverage on the radio begins at 12 p.m.CT with Max Herz.
