บทถอดความฉบับเต็มของ Training Camp Conversations: FEATURING Matthew Wood

What went into the decision to take the NCAA route for you? 00:05:26.240 --> 00:05:36.399 Um, yeah, I think I just wanted to try to have a little bit more time in the gym and um working on my game off the ice. 00:05:36.480 --> 00:05:42.240 And the fewer games in college allowed me to do that uh compared to major junior. 00:05:42.399 --> 00:05:53.680 And um, you know, that was kind of my biggest dis like deciding factor, and also playing against um older and stronger competition. 00:05:53.759 --> 00:05:57.120 I felt like it prepared me more uh to make the jump to the next level. 00:05:57.199 --> 00:06:04.800 So those two um kind of went hand in hand, and um that those ultimately led to to my decision. 00:06:05.360 --> 00:06:17.839 When you started in the NCAA at UConn, you were the youngest Division I player that was out there, and yet you finished the season absolutely excellent. 00:06:17.920 --> 00:06:22.720 And if you look at your statistics, I always say statistics tell the truth unless they're lying. 00:06:22.879 --> 00:06:32.800 But if you look at your statistics, your statistics at the NCAA level, excellent when you took that step when you went to University of Minnesota, the same thing. 00:06:32.959 --> 00:06:44.319 And then when you stepped into the NHL, your statistics tell a story that you have always been ready to take the next step, that you've always kind of hit the next level at the right time. 00:06:44.480 --> 00:06:46.399 Does it feel like that to you? 00:06:47.279 --> 00:07:01.360 Yeah, I definitely feel when I try to put myself in a position, I'm as prepared as I can be and um go into it with uh you know nothing to lose. 00:07:01.519 --> 00:07:20.480 And um I mean, I every single time that I'm you know trying, I always have goals that I want to hit and I try to focus on those uh quite a bit throughout the summer and throughout the season to try to um put myself in the best position that I can put myself in and help my team. 00:07:20.639 --> 00:07:34.800 And um I mean I I just enjoy trying to improve my game and improve um you know all aspects of my life, try to um just become, you know, a better person every day. 00:07:34.959 --> 00:07:40.720 And uh I think that is a big motivator for me and it's been it's been working. 00:07:41.040 --> 00:07:41.680 Yeah. 00:07:42.160 --> 00:07:52.560 When you look back at this past season, 71 NHL games, what do you feel like steadily improved over the course of last season in your game? 00:07:53.920 --> 00:08:01.279 Um yeah, I think it was you know a great um learning learning experience first year for me. 00:08:01.360 --> 00:08:06.959 And um, I had a lot of fun and learning uh you know how the NHL works. 00:08:07.120 --> 00:08:11.920 You know, you have to come to the rink and take care of your body away from the rink every day. 00:08:12.079 --> 00:08:16.240 And um, I mean, it was so much fun. 00:08:16.319 --> 00:08:24.720 I think we had such a tight group of guys, and um, you know, our leadership group really helped all the younger guys out. 00:08:24.879 --> 00:08:30.240 And um, I think that's why you know we we had that really good push at the end of the season. 00:08:30.319 --> 00:08:36.799 Um, all the credit I would give to the older guys who kept everyone in it and showed and led by example. 00:08:36.960 --> 00:08:58.000 And um I think I I learned about everything and um just tried to you know soak in as much information as I can um and use that to uh you know affect all my training throughout the summer and come to camp and and for the season ready. 00:08:58.320 --> 00:09:09.360 We got a chance today at training camp to talk with Jonathan Marchisau when we were having a conversation with him about veterans working with younger players, and he actually used you as an example. 00:09:09.519 --> 00:09:12.559 He said that when you first came in, you were really, really quiet. 00:09:12.799 --> 00:09:15.679 But he said he kind of started giving you a little bit of sass. 00:09:15.919 --> 00:09:18.960 And he did say that by the end you were giving some sass back. 00:09:19.120 --> 00:09:23.600 So, like, what is your what is your smack talk level with the veterans? 00:09:23.919 --> 00:09:29.840 Um, I mean, everyone, everyone likes to joke around and um it's all in good fun. 00:09:30.320 --> 00:09:42.320 Uh everyone is, you know, that's I think the great part about our or especially our veteran group is everyone treats everyone as equals and no one's above anything. 00:09:42.399 --> 00:09:58.159 So everyone likes to um, you know, joke around and have fun with each other, and um maybe coming in as a little bit quieter and and nervous, and uh I think everyone's made me feel really comfortable and I'm I'm grateful to have such great teammates to you know welcome me. 00:09:58.240 --> 00:10:07.200 And I think everyone welcomes um all the younger guys, all the new guys, whether they're young or old, and everyone feels really comfortable here, and it's a great place to play. 00:10:07.440 --> 00:10:12.639 That's great, especially with all of the new faces and the young players that are that are here this season. 00:10:12.799 --> 00:10:14.320 I think that's gonna be huge. 00:10:14.559 --> 00:10:25.120 We always talk to players, we ask a lot about game day routines, but I'm curious what post-game looked like for you because 71 NHL games, that's a lot of hockey. 00:10:25.279 --> 00:10:32.240 Did you sort of figure out over the course of the season what worked best for you when it comes to you know came to things like recovery? 00:10:33.440 --> 00:10:40.000 Um, yeah, it was uh I think it was that that was a big learning process for me. 00:10:40.159 --> 00:10:54.000 And um like I'd say at the start of the year, I kind of was trying everything out and seeing what worked for me, and ended up towards the end of the year finding a routine that worked for me. 00:10:54.080 --> 00:10:58.720 And I think that's what um a lot of the older guys do, and I

learned from them. 00:10:58.799 --> 00:11:05.440 And um, it's not about you know one specific thing that works, it's you gotta find what works personally for you. 00:11:05.600 --> 00:11:23.519 And um, I think that was uh a big big help when I found my my routine near the end of the season there, and um just try to you gotta keep your body in really good condition because you know no matter what happens, win or lose, you gotta come back the next day and do it again. 00:11:23.600 --> 00:11:35.440 And um, you know, that's the beauty of of hockey is there's all next game in a day or two, and um, so there's always another opportunity to you know bring your best. 00:11:36.000 --> 00:11:40.799 You mentioned over the course of the season that you had started working with a mental skills coach. 00:11:40.879 --> 00:11:42.720 What can you tell me about that? 00:11:42.879 --> 00:11:45.840 What you get out of that, and what is sort of the process? 00:11:47.600 --> 00:12:00.720 Yeah, I started working with uh my mental skills coach, Steven, when I was 15, and um I was struggling uh at the junior level. 00:12:00.960 --> 00:12:16.240 Um and I think you know, I've just ever since then been building my game uh on and off the ice and and with him, and um, you know, there's there's tons of different little things that you know he's helped me with along the way. 00:12:16.320 --> 00:12:22.240 And um, you know, at the start when I was younger, I was uh a little bit timid. 00:12:22.320 --> 00:12:41.120 And when I was playing against older and bigger guys, I was a little bit scared and just kind of started off with getting you know that out of my head and um ended up to you know more recently just um trying to focus on you know bringing the best that I can every every single day. 00:12:41.279 --> 00:12:49.039 And um, you know, I think it's a really important part of the game because everyone's always looking to get one percent better. 00:12:49.120 --> 00:12:56.960 And if you can, you know, have that little extra bit of focus on on that one play or on that one day, it's gonna make a big difference in the end. 00:12:57.279 --> 00:13:04.720 You mentioned playing with some older players and veteran players, you know, so far in camp, we've seen you spend some time with Philip Forsberg. 00:13:04.799 --> 00:13:06.559 What do you like about that opportunity? 00:13:06.639 --> 00:13:11.600 And what are sort of your own personal expectations when it comes to this upcoming season? 00:13:12.080 --> 00:13:22.000 Yeah, obviously, um, you know, I'm trying to do my best at camp, and it's been, you know, great getting some reps in with Phil and all the other guys. 00:13:22.159 --> 00:13:31.600 And uh, I mean, we have some really big names on our team, you know, O'Reilly, Stam Kos, Marshus, Yossi, and you know, everyone else. 00:13:31.759 --> 00:13:38.240 It's it's really uh, you know, there's a lot of great players to play with, even, you know, all the new guys, all the young guys. 00:13:38.320 --> 00:13:40.240 It's I really enjoy playing with everyone. 00:13:40.399 --> 00:13:45.840 And um, you know, I'm just looking forward to you know showing my best and continuing to have a strong camp. 00:13:46.000 --> 00:13:50.799 And um, you know, I'm really looking forward to trying to improve on my on my next season. 00:13:50.879 --> 00:13:56.720 And, you know, I put in a lot of work this summer to you know improve the things that I thought I needed to improve on. 00:13:56.879 --> 00:14:09.519 And um I'm really uh hoping to improve personally and as a team, and I think our team's you know looking great and everyone's excited for the season and uh it's gonna be a fun season for sure. 00:14:09.759 --> 00:14:13.360 Yeah, there's a lot of energy, it seems like already at training camp. 00:14:13.440 --> 00:14:15.360 It's really fun to watch and be around. 00:14:15.519 --> 00:14:18.639 To wrap this up, I just want to ask you five quick questions. 00:14:18.879 --> 00:14:23.840 These are like so easy questions, but just kind of to know a little bit more about you. 00:14:24.159 --> 00:14:28.879 You told me something in the middle of the season, and I have to tell you, Matthew, this this has stuck with me. 00:14:28.960 --> 00:14:31.279 You said you just don't get nervous to play hockey. 00:14:31.519 --> 00:14:34.399 So I'm curious, what is something that does make you nervous? 00:14:36.960 --> 00:14:42.000 Uh I would probably say I don't really like flying. 00:14:42.159 --> 00:14:43.440 I think that's a personal thing. 00:14:43.759 --> 00:14:44.399 It's so legit. 00:14:44.559 --> 00:14:45.600 It's so legit. 00:14:46.000 --> 00:14:50.000 I definitely I'm more nervous after the game and get on the plane. 00:14:50.080 --> 00:14:52.159 So I respect that. 00:14:52.320 --> 00:14:53.120 I respect that. 00:14:53.360 --> 00:14:55.840 Is there a significance to the number 71? 00:14:55.919 --> 00:14:58.720 I know you wore that at you know in college as well. 00:14:58.879 --> 00:15:00.960 Is there something specific about that? 00:15:01.360 --> 00:15:08.159 Uh well, I grew up uh with my favorite player being Evgeny Malkin, and uh I always loved the number 71. 00:15:08.399 --> 00:15:14.480 Um, so I I really loved watching him and tried to model my game after him. 00:15:14.639 --> 00:15:16.159 So uh that's the reason. 00:15:16.480 --> 00:15:18.799 That's that is very honorable. 00:15:19.039 --> 00:15:21.840 Um, did you watch the NHL playoffs? 00:15:22.799 --> 00:15:24.000 Yes, I watched. 00:15:24.080 --> 00:15:27.279 I can't say I watched every single game, but I was definitely watching for sure. 00:15:27.519 --> 00:15:32.320 Yeah, I always wonder if you all need a fast or if you're like, nope, I still want to keep watching. 00:15:32.559 --> 00:15:48.639 Well, yeah, like you don't want to watch, and then you end up getting, you know, really interested and watching and trying to um I mean, you try I guess to not get upset that you're not there, but it's it

is fun to watch at the end of the day. 00:15:48.879 --> 00:15:49.039 Yeah. 00:15:49.200 --> 00:15:51.759 What was your favorite class that you took in college? 00:15:52.720 --> 00:15:54.240 Oh, that's a good question. 00:15:54.480 --> 00:16:09.600 Um I would probably have to say I took one French class where I mean that I would probably say I learned a lot. 00:16:09.759 --> 00:16:14.799 I don't remember any of it now, but I remember when I was in the class, I was like, hey, like I'm kind of getting this. 00:16:14.879 --> 00:16:16.000 But that's amazing. 00:16:16.320 --> 00:16:17.360 Now it's all gone. 00:16:17.600 --> 00:16:18.399 It's all gone. 00:16:18.639 --> 00:16:18.879 Yeah. 00:16:19.360 --> 00:16:25.519 The last question, and this is something I wanted to talk to you about hockey, of course, but I really wanted to talk to you about this. 00:16:25.679 --> 00:16:29.360 What can you tell us about your dogs who are adorable? 00:16:29.759 --> 00:16:30.320 Yeah. 00:16:30.559 --> 00:16:39.120 Um, I have two dogs uh living with uh me and my girlfriend now, Jasper and Rocky, and then my family dog at home, Brady. 00:16:39.600 --> 00:16:44.879 Um, and Brady usually doesn't like other dogs, but he became friends with with the other two this year. 00:16:45.039 --> 00:16:47.519 Nice right here. 00:16:48.000 --> 00:16:49.519 He doesn't like to leave my side. 00:16:49.679 --> 00:16:51.759 So what kind of dogs are they? 00:16:52.480 --> 00:16:57.039 Uh they're Australian Labradoodle minis. 00:16:57.200 --> 00:16:59.759 So Australian Shepherd and Labradoodle mini. 00:17:00.000 --> 00:17:01.039 So they're smart, is what you're doing. 00:17:02.399 --> 00:17:07.519 Sometimes they're smart, they're definitely energetic, but they're definitely they're definitely fun to be around. 00:17:07.599 --> 00:17:10.400 So they are so fun to to watch. 00:17:10.559 --> 00:17:13.039 I always appreciate your dog content when you post it. 00:17:13.119 --> 00:17:15.119 So thank you for sharing about your dogs. 00:17:15.680 --> 00:17:18.319 No, thank you so much for your time, Matthew. 00:17:18.640 --> 00:17:20.720 Really excited about this upcoming season. 00:17:20.880 --> 00:17:23.680 Excited to see what it holds for you and for the predators. 00:17:23.839 --> 00:17:26.079 And again, I just really appreciate your time. 00:17:26.319 --> 00:17:27.359 Yeah, thank you so much. 00:17:27.440 --> 00:17:28.480 I really appreciate it. 00:17:28.880 --> 00:17:32.160 It was certainly great to get an opportunity to talk with Matthew Wood. 00:17:32.240 --> 00:17:35.599 It was also very cool to get a chance to meet his dogs. 00:17:35.759 --> 00:17:40.079 Uh, Matthew Wood is going to be a player that you're gonna want to keep your eye on. 00:17:40.240 --> 00:17:44.000 A lot of discussion about him already in training camp. 00:17:44.240 --> 00:17:48.160 Matthew Wood finished last season uh playing center for the predators. 00:17:48.240 --> 00:17:52.079 It was something that he really enjoyed

and had some success at as well. 00:17:52.160 --> 00:17:54.079 And it impressed Andrew Brunett. 00:17:54.400 --> 00:18:08.640 Going into this preseason, we weren't really sure what to expect about a role for Matthew Wood as far as center or wing, because again, Chris McFarland brought in a lot of players to kind of fill out down the middle. 00:18:08.880 --> 00:18:15.200 But what we're seeing so far in training camp is that Matthew Wood does have an opportunity to play center. 00:18:15.359 --> 00:18:22.319 Uh, he has been playing a lot of ice time with Philip Forces, which is something to definitely keep your eye on. 00:18:22.640 --> 00:18:26.079 Andrew Brunett talked about Matthew Wood playing center. 00:18:26.160 --> 00:18:28.720 He said he really likes giving him that opportunity. 00:18:28.880 --> 00:18:32.480 He was very impressed with what he did with it last season. 00:18:32.720 --> 00:18:35.839 And he's gonna kind of wait and see how it sorts out. 00:18:36.000 --> 00:18:42.559 But also, Brunett said, look, if he's not playing center, I'm super comfortable with what he does on the wing as well. 00:18:42.799 --> 00:18:52.640 So Wood is gonna be a player to definitely watch uh through this preseason in some of these upcoming home preseason games, but also at the beginning of the season. 00:18:52.720 --> 00:19:04.240 I think Matthew Wood could be one of the players that really takes another step forward in his development, which is something that the predators are going to need this season. 00:19:05.119 --> 00:19:17.440 Now, another conversation that we had at training camp that had all of us in the media talking the moment it ended was a great conversation with Jonathan Marchisot. 00:19:17.680 --> 00:19:20.799 Of course, Marchisot had a rough season last year. 00:19:20.880 --> 00:19:27.759 He's coming off of his worst full NHL season, in which he scored just 12 goals in 62 games. 00:19:28.160 --> 00:19:35.039 Talking with Jonathan Marchisot is always an interesting experience because Marchisot just says the things. 00:19:35.279 --> 00:19:39.359 And this conversation we had with him at training camp was no exception. 00:19:39.599 --> 00:19:43.599 He talked about how he felt about Chris McFarland coming on. 00:19:43.759 --> 00:19:51.759 He talked about his season last year, he talked about what looks different going forward this season. 00:19:52.319 --> 00:19:58.720 One of the things that we heard from him at the end of last season at Locker Room Clean out is he talked about not being in a good headspace. 00:19:59.119 --> 00:20:01.279 And so he was asked about that. 00:20:01.440 --> 00:20:03.839 How are you feeling coming into this season? 00:20:04.079 --> 00:20:06.960 And what maybe has gotten you to a better place? 00:20:07.200 --> 00:20:10.400 This is just a part of what Jonathan Marchisot had to say. 00:20:10.720 --> 00:20:15.359 You never expect to have a bad year like I had last year. 00:20:15.599 --> 00:20:19.119 So uh everything was really new to me. 00:20:19.279 --> 00:20:24.720 I could have just kept going and say that's a fluke or something like that. 00:20:24.960 --> 00:20:27.839 But this summer I just took a different approach. 00:20:28.000 --> 00:20:30.880 I changed workout, I changed trainer, I changed everything. 00:20:31.039 --> 00:20:39.920 So uh and I definitely improved uh my workouts and my uh dedication to my professionalism. 00:20:40.079 --> 00:20:45.920 So I think it translates to how I feel on the ice uh this year so far. 00:20:46.000 --> 00:20:52.000 And I mean I tell myself like I can't be worse than last year, so it's only up that I can go now. 00:20:52.160 --> 00:20:58.720 So uh so yeah, I've uh obviously I'm part of the unsuccess. 00:20:58.880 --> 00:21:04.400 Well, we did we had a decent success last year, but like the four-point difference of making the playoffs. 00:21:04.480 --> 00:21:12.480 Sometimes it's one guy that makes more better plays and can contribute to a win or two or three or more and makes you in the playoffs. 00:21:12.559 --> 00:21:17.920 So yeah, I think some of that is uh towards me and I take accountability to that. 00:21:18.079 --> 00:21:26.720 But this year I want to make sure that I can help my team and and help uh the production to to be good on and off the ice. 00:21:27.039 --> 00:21:35.119 So when we got done having this conversation with Jonathan Marchisau, we all kind of looked at each other and said, that was a great conversation. 00:21:35.680 --> 00:21:48.720 I love that he spoke about his last season, shared with us, here are things that I am doing differently to come into the season, different, taking accountability for the struggle that he had last year. 00:21:49.039 --> 00:21:59.599 But what really stood out in all of the conversation that we had with Marchot is that he really is coming into the season with what feels like a little bit of a different. 00:22:00.240 --> 00:22:00.720 Vibe. 00:22:00.880 --> 00:22:11.759 And I think that there are a couple of things that are helping him maybe get back on the ice feeling more fresh, feeling more optimistic. 00:22:12.000 --> 00:22:15.279 One of the things is the addition of Maverick Bork. 00:22:15.680 --> 00:22:19.200 We talked with Maverick Bork this week as well at training camp. 00:22:19.359 --> 00:22:23.279 And he was saying that Marchisot is the player that's sort of taken him under his wing. 00:22:23.359 --> 00:22:27.920 He's had him over, they've spent a lot of time talking, they've been on the ice together. 00:22:28.160 --> 00:22:31.599 And that was something that was really um important to Maverick Bork. 00:22:31.759 --> 00:22:34.640 But also we asked Marchisot about that. 00:22:34.880 --> 00:22:39.119 And Marchisot's reply was very Jonathan Marchisot. 00:22:39.200 --> 00:22:43.359 He said, you know, as a veteran, you have two choices. 00:22:43.680 --> 00:22:47.920 You can be an a-hole to the young players, that's roughly translated. 00:22:48.400 --> 00:22:53.200 Or

you can be a guy who takes them under your wing and welcomes them in. 00:22:53.519 --> 00:22:58.559 And he said, I remember the guys who were the a-holes to me. 00:22:58.720 --> 00:23:02.240 And I remember the guys who invested in me. 00:23:02.480 --> 00:23:06.079 And he is paying that forward with Maverick Bork. 00:23:06.480 --> 00:23:09.119 And you're seeing that chemistry on the ice. 00:23:09.279 --> 00:23:13.519 We talked about Forbesburg and Wood being a pairing we saw a lot of. 00:23:13.680 --> 00:23:16.559 We've seen a lot of Marchot and Maverick Bork. 00:23:16.720 --> 00:23:29.039 So keep your eye on that as these preseason games happen and as training camp continues to go on, because that is a pairing that we may see opening night if it continues. 00:23:29.279 --> 00:23:36.400 So the addition of Maverick Bork and building that relationship, I think, has been energizing for March Sow. 00:23:37.119 --> 00:23:48.000 The other thing that I think really changes his perspective, and this is something that we heard across the board from veterans and young players. 00:23:48.240 --> 00:23:56.720 The hiring of Chris McFarland has really changed a lot when it comes to how this locker room feels. 00:23:57.119 --> 00:24:06.400 Marchisot said the way he heard the news about McFarland is his agent called him, and his agent said, You are not going to believe who Nashville just hired. 00:24:06.799 --> 00:24:23.680 Marchisot, Stamcos, Yossi, Ryan O'Reilly, all of these veterans talked about what it meant to them to have Chris McFarland become the general manager and president of Hockey Ops and take over the reins here in Nashville. 00:24:24.640 --> 00:24:33.759 They have mad respect for this guy because Chris McFarland comes in with a resume that has done the things. 00:24:34.000 --> 00:24:36.160 And that means something to these players. 00:24:36.240 --> 00:24:40.559 And I think they feel like there is a clear vision, there is a clear plan. 00:24:40.880 --> 00:24:43.359 They've seen the moves that he has done. 00:24:43.599 --> 00:24:52.640 And here's what's real the players all said how much they're going to miss Luca Evangelista, that they love what he brought on the ice, that they were great friends with him off the ice. 00:24:52.880 --> 00:24:56.559 But they all said, We trust Chris McFarland. 00:24:57.200 --> 00:24:59.920 They know who he is, they know what he's done. 00:25:00.079 --> 00:25:08.079 And trust was the word that we heard over and over again from players so far at training camp when it comes to Chris McFarland doing the things. 00:25:08.160 --> 00:25:17.119 When Chris McFarland, Chris McFarland's, these players are going to say, okay, they believe that this team has gotten better with the additions he's already made. 00:25:17.279 --> 00:25:25.200 They know that he'll probably make some more additions, but there's not this false sense of, well, we're contenders now. 00:25:25.359 --> 00:25:30.559 Like I think Chris McFarland has a very accurate idea of where this team is. 00:25:30.799 --> 00:25:34.720 I think this team has an accurate picture of where they are. 00:25:34.960 --> 00:25:38.960 They believe, again, they have gotten better this offseason. 00:25:39.279 --> 00:25:47.680 And they realize, look, we're going to need some things to really break our way for us to be competitive and make the playoffs in the central. 00:25:47.920 --> 00:25:54.400 But there is a new hope and a new vision that I think is going to translate on the ice. 00:25:54.559 --> 00:26:00.960 So these are things behind the scenes that may impact what we see on the ice. 00:26:01.440 --> 00:26:06.559 We did get a chance to talk with Chris McFarland, a couple of things that he shared with us of note. 00:26:06.880 --> 00:26:11.680 He said that there are realistically probably four or five open roster spots. 00:26:11.839 --> 00:26:19.680 So they are taking a look at a lot of these young players, these kind of players on the bubble and evaluating them. 00:26:20.160 --> 00:26:39.440 There are some, again, pairings that we're seeing pretty often in training camp, in on the ice, in practices, but there are a lot of opportunities here, and they're trying to sort of put together these new players and young players and veterans. 00:26:39.680 --> 00:26:43.119 So the work is still happening. 00:26:43.200 --> 00:26:46.880 And remember, the work is happening in a shortened off-season. 00:26:46.960 --> 00:26:50.000 There's about a week less of off-season. 00:26:50.160 --> 00:26:54.079 And of course, there are only four preseason games as well. 00:26:54.240 --> 00:26:57.440 So all of this is happening in a condensed period of time. 00:26:57.599 --> 00:27:00.079 So there is a challenge here for Andrew Brunett. 00:27:00.160 --> 00:27:02.480 There is a challenge here for these veterans. 00:27:02.640 --> 00:27:08.319 But the message to them from Chris McFarland is do not dip your toe in the water. 00:27:08.640 --> 00:27:10.400 Get out there and get after it. 00:27:10.559 --> 00:27:13.680 You know, you were drafted into the NHL for a reason. 00:27:13.839 --> 00:27:16.960 Go out on the ice and show us what that reason is. 00:27:17.039 --> 00:27:18.319 Don't be tentative. 00:27:18.720 --> 00:27:21.359 And that is a message for the entire team. 00:27:21.440 --> 00:27:32.079 And it really points to one of the things, again, in the conversations that we heard over and over again, from coach to general manager to veterans to young players. 00:27:32.319 --> 00:27:35.759 And that has to do with getting off to a strong start. 00:27:35.920 --> 00:27:40.960 Friends, this is something the Predators have not been able to do under Andrew Brunett. 00:27:41.119 --> 00:27:50.720 And Chris McFarland was clear: you cannot finish October six or eight points out of a spot in the central division and claw your way back in. 00:27:50.880 --> 00:27:54.000 So the focus is getting off to good starts. 00:27:54.319 --> 00:27:59.279 It is incorporating these new players that McFarland's brought in into the lineup. 00:27:59.440 --> 00:28:03.039 Also, Andrew Brunett is making some adjustments to his system. 00:28:03.440 --> 00:28:07.359 So the veterans are also having to work on some new things. 00:28:07.519 --> 00:28:12.079 There is a lot going on at training camp, a lot more to come at training camp. 00:28:12.160 --> 00:28:21.839 And we're going to get a better picture of where this team is at and how these changes are working their way into the lineup as the preseason games unfold. 00:28:22.079 --> 00:28:27.519 Coming up this week, Tuesday, the Predators will have their first home preseason game. 00:28:27.599 --> 00:28:29.839 They're going to host Tampa Bay Lightning at 7 p.m. 00:28:29.920 --> 00:28:31.200 at Bridgestone Arena. 00:28:31.359 --> 00:28:34.559 Thursday, Preds are on the road in Carolina. 00:28:34.640 --> 00:28:35.759 That's a 6 p.m. 00:28:35.920 --> 00:28:37.680 Central Time puck drop. 00:28:37.839 --> 00:28:42.720 And then Saturday afternoon hockey, Carolina is going to come here to Nashville. 00:28:42.880 --> 00:28:46.079 The Preds will host the Hurricanes at 2 p.m. 00:28:46.480 --> 00:28:48.000 at Bridgestone Arena. 00:28:48.160 --> 00:29:01.839 I am sure we are going to have a lot more interesting conversations happening at training camp as Andrew Brunett and Chris McFarland continue to make decisions about this team, moving through the preseason. 00:29:02.000 --> 00:29:04.480 Of course, stay tuned here at Second Intermission. 00:29:04.640 --> 00:29:08.480 I will be bringing you all of those conversations as they happen. 00:29:08.720 --> 00:29:13.119 You can find the podcast, of course, anywhere you get your favorite audio podcast. 00:29:13.200 --> 00:29:16.240 You can like and subscribe to the podcast on YouTube. 00:29:16.799 --> 00:29:27.680 You can also find my written work at ankimel.substack.com where I will keep you updated on everything that's happening at training camp again this week. 00:29:27.920 --> 00:29:30.480 That is going to do it for today's podcast. 00:29:30.640 --> 00:29:39.200 I hope that you found something at Second Intermission today that made you think, made you laugh, or just helped you enjoy hockey a little bit more. 00:29:39.359 --> 00:29:43.440 Take care, and I'm going to see you at the next Second Intermission. 00:29:47.839 --> 00:29:51.279 That's going to do it for this edition of Second Intermission. 00:29:51.599 --> 00:29:59.119 If you enjoyed today's conversation, be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and watch full episodes on YouTube. 00:30:00.000 --> 00:30:06.559 For more coverage, behind the scenes moments, and the latest from around the break, follow me on social media. 00:30:06.720 --> 00:30:08.880 Thanks for spending part of your day with us. 00:30:09.119 --> 00:30:13.839 Until next time, we'll save you a sick for the next second.