The Predators also had won seven of their last eight home openers and 11 of 14. 614 winning percentage in season openers, fourth-highest in NHL history for franchises with at least 10 such games.
Roman Josi and Eeli Tolvanen scored for Nashville, and Filip Forsberg had two assists. “And sometimes at the end, it isn’t always pretty, but we’ve got to play that way to win and today we did whatever it takes.” “We really wanted this win,” Wennberg said. He said getting that first franchise victory mattered more. That’s not the tactic they’ll want in the future. Wennberg said the Kraken took a bit of a step back in the third, trying to play safe protecting the lead. “It’s always difficult to get the first one out of the way, and we did.” “Overall, we grinded it out,” Grubauer said. The goalie credited the Kraken keeping it simple, even as they will need to quit giving up so many shots in the final period. Grubauer made 12 saves in the third as Nashville outshot Seattle 30-26 in the game. The Predators couldn’t beat Grubauer again, even with goalie Juuse Saros still out for the extra attacker. Mikael Granlund, who also had two assists, scored with 39.9 seconds left to pull Nashville within 4-3. Tanev’s second goal on Seattle’s lone shot in the third period was the winner. It’s the first win in franchise history, that’s a big deal for everybody.”
I know guys were really excited to be able to get the first win, especially as it sinks in. “I think you saw a little bit of that stress in us in our play in the third period,” Hakstol said. Coach Dave Hakstol said it was good to get the first win in franchise history.