Roman Josi's epic homecoming – and more Nashville Predators takeaways vs. SC Bern
BERN, SWITZERLAND – It was difficult to make this occasion any more extraordinary, but Roman Josi found a way.
Back in his hometown arena, the captain scored twice in leading the Nashville Predators to a 4-3 victory over his old team SC Bern. Played in a charged, noisy atmosphere comparable to a European soccer match, this was as exceptional – and fun – as an NHL preseason exhibition game could get.
“We had a feeling (Josi) was going to play pretty well tonight, but I don't think it could have worked out better,” Predators coach John Hynes said. “Both teams played very competitive. It was an excellent hockey game. The fans were fantastic.”
Josi’s big night
From his introduction to his goals to when he was the game’s first star afterward, Josi was vigorously cheered throughout by a sold-out crowd of 17,031 at PostFinance Arena.
“I’m really grateful I had the chance to do this,” said Josi, a part-owner of SC Bern who grew up near the arena. “It's something I'll never forget. ... It's been emotional for me these last couple of days, something I've been looking forward to for a long time.”
Filip Forsberg and Matt Duchene added goals for the Predators, who trailed 2-1 after the first period but then didn’t permit another goal past Kevin Lankinen until the game’s final seconds.
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This was good for the Preds
Beyond the fun and emotion, this was a good test for the Predators in advance of Friday’s season-opener in Prague against the San Jose Sharks.
SC Bern was skilled and fast and fed off the atmosphere, taking an early lead and pushing the Predators into a tough challenge. In addition to perhaps some lingering jetlag, they were having to skate more on a larger sheet of ice than they are accustomed to in the NHL. But the Predators responded and outplayed their smaller-league opponent in the final two periods.
“To end with this type of game going into the regular season should benefit us,” Hynes said.
Backup goalie may be settled
Lankinen started Monday’s game – with Connor Ingram behind him – and played the entire way, saving 15 of the 18 shots he saw. It seemed a sign that Lankinen is likely set to be the Predators’ No. 2 goalie when the regular season begins.
Hynes stopped short of affirming that when asked, though he was complimentary of Lankinen.
“Kevin played well,” Hynes said. “Every preseason game, he played well. ... He's made a real strong case for himself, and we feel real comfortable with him in the net.”
The power play looks good
After scoring three power-play goals Friday night against the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Predators needed only 15 seconds to find the net with Duchene’s power-play goal in Bern.
The power play – so often troublesome before last season – is looking solid entering the regular season, with Duchene, Forsberg, Ryan Johansen, Mikael Granlund and Josi comprising a formidable first unit.
Heads up for Sherwood
Kiefer Sherwood got time on the power play Monday and on the second line alongside Nino Niederreiter and Johansen. Hynes noted before the game that they wanted to take a longer look at Sherwood, who is clearly being considered for a significant role after previously being a fringe NHL player for Anaheim and Colorado.
Reach Tennessean sports columnist Gentry Estes at gestes@tennessean.com and on Twitter @Gentry_Estes.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Roman Josi had epic homecoming in Nashville Predators exhibition in Bern
