Smashville Scope: November 9

Every NHL player feels like they're "living the dream" for most - if not the entirety of their career - and Philip Tomasino is in the infancy stages of that illusion.
But this is real life for Nashville's rookie forward, a happy-go-lucky kid who just about everyone thought, even expected, would make the team's Opening Night roster out of training camp last month.
Tomasino did just that, and with 10 NHL games now on his resume, he's beginning to figure out this whole professional hockey player occupation.

His first goal came in just his second-career outing, a meeting with the Rangers in Nashville on Oct. 21, and then he converted on the power play two nights later in Winnipeg. Tomasino deposited another marker on the man advantage on Friday night in Vancouver - a goal that ultimately proved to be the game-winner - and he's seen time on a line with top centerman Ryan Johansen as of late.
Of course, there are growing pains, too - that's to be expected with any 20-year-old who was born three years after the Predators franchise came into existence - but Tomasino is finding his way night after night.
"Phil's been competitively consistent, and I think that's what you're looking for from a young player," Preds Head Coach John Hynes said of Tomasino on Sunday in Chicago. "He seems like he can handle the night-in and night-out rigors of the game right now. I like his speed, he's a player that the puck finds when he does generate offense, and I think that's good, but that's the thing where you have confidence in a young player is he cares about his game without the puck. He understands how we want to be able to play, and I think he values offense, for sure, and he's very talented in that area, but I think he also values and understands that you have to be a responsible player and be able to check well when you don't have the puck. He makes some young-player mistakes at times, but I think more often than not, the intentions and the effort are there, and that's what you're looking for in a young player as he continues to develop."

Predators Captain Roman Josi has seen those flashes from Tomasino too, confirming why the former 100-point scorer in the Ontario Hockey League was selected by Nashville in the first round of the 2019 Draft. The skill has always been there for the Mississauga, Ontario native, but now Tomasino is fine-tuning the other aspects of the game that any player needs to be successful at the NHL level.
Josi is well-established as one of the best defensemen in the League nowadays, but it wasn't all that long ago when he was in Tomasino's skates, so to speak. From that perspective, Josi recognizes everything the rookie is dealing with at this point in his career, and the Captain has been impressed.
"As a young kid, when you come in, you've got to figure out a lot of things," Josi said of Tomasino. "For me personally, you just kind of try to find your game, find the player you are and you've kind of got to learn what works and what doesn't. Some guys come from juniors, I came from Switzerland or from the AHL the year before, so it's a little bit of a different game. Every game, you try to learn what works and what doesn't work and what your game is, and there's definitely some similarities [between every young player]. But [Tomasino's] been doing an amazing job there. [He's] always learning, [he's] always trying to get better, and I'm sure [he] will."
And as for Tomasino living the dream? That's a good way to put it.
"It's a dream come true," Tomasino said of playing in the NHL. "I mean, every day I'm happy and I'm happy to be here, so it's awesome. I try not to take every day for granted because it's the best kind of job in the world. So, every day I come to the rink, I'm just trying to work as hard as I can, try to be the best player and teammate I can be and do anything I can to help the team win. I don't really know how to describe it, but I'm just trying to get better every day and get better every game. I think I've done a pretty good job so far, but I think there's definitely a lot more to learn, and so I'm looking forward to learning more stuff and hopefully getting better as the year goes on."

Ekholm Set to Hit 600-Game Milestone:

Appearing in 600 NHL games, while impressive, isn't necessarily something that garners much attention. But doing so with the same franchise, especially here in Nashville, is worth an extra mention.
Preds defenseman Mattias Ekholm is just two games away from the feat, and all of his 598 outings to this point have come with the only NHL team he's ever known. He'll likely have at least a couple hundred more in the seasons to come, after signing a four-year deal last month to remain with the organization, but Ekholm is among a select few to spend this much time in a Nashville uniform.

When Ekholm reaches game No. 600, he'll tie fellow defenseman Dan Hamhuis for seventh in all-time games played in franchise history. From there, only David Legwand (956), Shea Weber (763), Martin Erat (723), Roman Josi (692), Pekka Rinne (683) and Craig Smith (661) sit higher on the list.
Legwand's record will be there for at least the next few years, but Josi and Ekholm may have something to say about it as their careers continue in Nashville.
In the meantime, congrats on 600, No. 14, and here's to many more.

Preds to Host Annual Hockey Fights Cancer Game on Saturday:

When the Predators return home to Bridgestone Arena on Saturday to host Arizona following a six-game road trip, they'll be doing so on one of the most special occasions of the year - and fans can help support the cause.
Purchase a HFC ticket package now, and receive an exclusive HFC themed Preds Beanie. Plus, $10 of every ticket purchased will be donated to the 365 Pediatric Cancer Fund presented by Twice Daily.
Last November, the Preds kicked off the initiative - created by the NHL and the NHLPA to unite the hockey community in support of cancer patients and their families - and raised over $100,000 for the 365 Pediatric Cancer Fund presented by Twice Daily, which raises funds and awareness for the vital cancer research that takes place at Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt. The goal remains to encourage every single Preds fan to contribute to this campaign - through a donation, purchasing an item at our HFC store, posting who you fight for or visiting our HFC social posts.
Click here for more information
, and help the Preds in their Hockey Fights Cancer initiatives this year.

Goal of the Week:

Assist of the Week:

Save of the Week:

Predators Official Podcast:

Episode 150 of the Preds Official Podcast is here, and we're celebrating two of Nashville's best. Hear from former goaltender Pekka Rinne as the Predators get set to retire his No. 35. Plus, Preds broadcaster Terry Crisp joins the show as he begins his farewell tour ahead of retirement at the end of the season. Additionally, Brooks Bratten and Kara Hammer discuss the start to Nashville's six-game road trip.

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:
Nov. 10: The 55th Annual CMA Awards (As another CMA Awards ceremony is navigated with COVID-19, please know that protocols must be followed in compliance with all applicable local health and safety regulations, venue requirements and requirements from the television unions. All ticketed audience members attending the 2021 CMA Awards will be required to show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination in addition to wearing an appropriate face covering.)
Click here for tickets
.
Nov. 14: MercyMe inhale (exhale) fall 2021 tour with Micah Tyler (negative COVID-19 test or vaccination card required for entry).
Click here for tickets
.
Nov. 17: RESCHEDULED: Jeff Dunham.
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.

Week In Review:

Predators Recall Olivier, McCarron from Milwaukee
Preds Foundation, KABOOM! Partner for Tenth Annual Playground Build
Preds Earn Point in Overtime Loss to Blackhawks
Saros, Special Teams Lead Preds to Victory in Vancouver
Hall of Fame Classic Roundup: Nashville Welcomes North Dakota, Penn State
Rinne Honored by Jersey Retirement, Excited to Celebrate with Preds Fans
Predators Reassign Ingram to Milwaukee; Place Rittich on Active Roster
Predators Prospect Report: November 4, 2021
Preds Finish Back-to-Back Set with Loss in Edmonton
Bridgestone Arena Introduces Updated COVID Protocols for Fans, Guests
Rinne's Jersey Retirement is Perfect Way to Honor Face of Preds Franchise
Preds to Retire Rinne's No. 35 on Feb. 24, 2022 at Bridgestone Arena
Saros, Duchene Lead Preds to Overtime Win Against Flames in Calgary