On March 19 at Bridgestone Arena, the Nashville Predators made history.
With a decisive 8-2 victory over the San Jose Sharks, the Predators improved to 13-0-2 in their last 15 games dating back to Feb. 17 and matched their franchise record for longest point streak, which ended exactly six years ago (14-0-1 from Feb. 19–March 19, 2018).
"The confidence is high," Predators captain Roman Josi said after the win. "We talked about it before the game. We're very grateful for this opportunity to have this point streak. You can't take it for granted. There's a lot of work that we've put in to get to this point, and obviously we want to keep it going as long as we can. We're realizing as a group what made us get here and the way we've played to get to this point."
Josi had three points (1 goal, 2 assists) on the night. He was one of 13 Predators players to find the scoresheet, one of six to record a multipoint game and one of four to put up a three-point performance; the others were Filip Forsberg (1 goal, 2 assists), Ryan McDonagh (3 assists) and Kiefer Sherwood (3 assists).
Josi gave the Predators a 1-0 lead just over halfway through the first period on a one-timer from the point. Per NHL PR, Josi's game-opening goal was the 22nd such goal of his NHL career. He passed Ryan Johansen and Jason Arnott (21 each) to tie Colton Sissons for eighth place on the franchise’s all-time list in that category.
Michael McCarron was credited with the Predators' third goal against the Sharks, but the play to make it happen was all Josi. He drove to the net, through traffic, shedding several Sharks defenders to get the puck to Sherwood, who put a shot on goal before McCarron was able to put away the rebound.
Josi also assisted on the highlight-reel goal by Luke Evangelista late in the second period to record the 35th three-point game of his NHL career and extend his franchise record for most by a defenseman.
“He’s just on an insane stretch right now,” Evangelista said. “It feels like we’re going into every game relying on him to put up one or two points at least. He’s really carrying us right now and playing some great hockey, so it’s a pleasure to be a part of.”
Josi now has seven goals and 18 points in his last 12 games and is currently riding a four-game point streak (3 goals, 5 assists). He leads all NHL defensemen with 18 goals on the season and ranks third with 70 points. Performances like the one he had against San Jose have propelled him into the Norris Trophy conversation, and he isn't showing any signs of slowing down.
"He's been doing it all year, but I think he took over the game a little bit," Predators head coach Andrew Brunette said. "He made some really special plays. He's having a great year. People overlook him because he's done it for so long and he's had so much success, but I'm grateful to have him on our team."
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