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Nashville Predators’ rookie Kevin Fiala opened the team’s game against the Winnipeg Jets with his first NHL goal, on his first shift, in the first period of the game.
Fiala, with assists from new Predators teammate Ryan Johansen and goalie Pekka Rinne, rebounded the shot into the goal at just 59 seconds into the first period. Center Johansen took a shot on Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck which was blocked, and Fiala scored off the rebound.  The puck went into the net, but reflected out and play resumed, but upon the next stop of play, it was reviewed and a goal was granted.
The 19-year-old Fiala played on the left wing of the top line, with Johansen and right winger James Neal. This was Fiala’s second regular-season game of his career, and he definitely left an impression by scoring the first of the four goals the Predators scored that night. Â The other Nashville goals came from Johansen, Eric Nystrom, and Neal, while the Jets goals came from Nikolaj Ehlers, Bryan Littles and two goals from Dustin Byfuglien.
The game was an even tie by the time the third period ended, mostly due to strong play from both teams on the ice. While the Predators fell to the Jets, 5-4, breaking the tie in the overtime period, Nashville still played a strong game.
Fiala’s presence on the ice brought a good air to the Predators, as did the former Columbus Blue Jacket Johansen. The Predators are getting a new surge of play as the season passes, and their new players have been helping them do exactly that. The Predators take the ice against the Minnesota Wild on Saturday and are hoping for a win.
