Last night the Nashville Predators defeated the Calgary Flames 4-2, and while it was a total team effort to get the win — and a bit of redemption after a poor performance on November 7 against the Flames — the return of veteran defenseman Ryan McDonagh played a big part in securing the win. McDonagh missed seven games with a lower body injury but was finally able to return to the lineup last night. McDonagh recorded two assists in his return, but his impact on the team goes far beyond the scoresheet.
"He was unbelievable tonight," Ryan O'Reilly said of McDonagh after the game. "Defensively, offensively, he made some great plays. He just does so many things well."
McDonagh earned his first assist by shooting the puck from the blue line off the boards behind the net to get it in an area where Gustav Nyquist and Ryan O'Reilly could make a play. His second assist came on the power play late in the third period.
McDonagh played with defensive partner Roman Josi. After the game McDonagh talked about sharing ice time with Josi.
"I just love his anticipation," McDonagh said of working with Josi. "He just anticipates, reads the plays so well when there's something to be made offensively or when it's time to be defensive."
When Andrew Brunette was asked what McDonagh's return meant for the team on the ice and in the locker room, he replied, "Everything."
"He understands how to win games and when to make the right plays and right decisions," Brunette said. "As a coach you feel comfortable when you see him out there."
The Predators are hoping to get another veteran defenseman back in the next week. Luke Schenn has been on the ice for the last two practices, and Andrew Brunette mentioned the team hopes to have him return to the lineup in the next week or so.
McDonagh and the Predators hope to extend their winning streak as they head to St. Louis to take on the Blues tomorrow afternoon.
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