Predators Rookies Hungry for Another Win at NHL Prospect Showcase

Just hours after an exciting 5-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning's prospect squad, the Nashville Predators rookies were back on the ice to get in a quick practice session before Sunday morning's contest against the Carolina Hurricanes.

Huntington - who's headed into his fourth AHL season after being acquired from Tampa in March - was designated an alternate captain for Nashville's three-game Prospect Showcase run, alongside fellow Milwaukee Admirals Egor Afanasyev and Marc Del Gaizo.
"I kind of expected it a little bit," Huntington said. "It's my fourth year coming here, so I've got more leadership to show the young guys how it goes in the pros a little bit. But I mean, everyone has to be kind of a leader. Yes, I have an A, Egor has an A and [Del Gaizo] has an A, but everyone can say something or do their little part."

If everyone was looking to chip in, there was certainly no shortage of chances to do it, as the Predators found themselves in numerous power play and penalty kill situations throughout a physical, even rowdy debut outing.
"That was the last message [Coach Karl Taylor] told us," Huntington said. "If something happens, just stick together, stick up for yourself and stick up for your teammates, and that's what happened."
Nashville's rookies clearly heard the message, and came onto the ice Friday eager to let Tampa's squad know.
"I know every game there's a chance my gloves might come off, with just the way that I play," said forward prospect Navrin Mutter, who traded punches late in the third. "If you hit guys and play that physical game, then the element of fighting will come in and you've just got to be willing to go."

With a larger stage and a home crowd advantage in favor of their opponents, Nashville will look to carry that same intensity into Sunday's game against the Hurricanes.
"Just come in here and come together," Mutter said. "I think me and my linemates have a little more chemistry now after playing one game… We have big lines, so we just have to play with a lot of energy. The rink is a lot bigger, so we'll get around the ice a lot quicker and just play with intensity."
"I think we should prepare the same as we did with Tampa," Huntington said. "I think if we can play like we did yesterday against Tampa, we have a good chance to win three games in a row."
You can follow the action Sunday at 9 a.m. CT
via livestream on NashvillePredators.com
. And follow the Predators on social media for live updates and behind-the-scenes content.
Click here for the full Prospect Showcase roster
and see below for the remaining tournament schedule:
Sunday, Sept. 18 @ 9 a.m. CT - Predators vs. Hurricanes, PNC Arena (Raleigh, N.C.)
Monday, Sept. 19 @ 9 a.m. CT - Predators vs. Panthers, PNC Arena (Raleigh, N.C.)