Smashville Scope: October 7

A total of five assists through two games for Matt Duchene is impressive to begin with, but he's also adding his name to the record books.
The Nashville centerman recorded three helpers in his Predators' debut during Thursday's Opening Night win, before following it up with another two assists on Saturday night against Detroit. In the process, Duchene set noteworthy marks on both nights.
Duchene's three-point night on Thursday was one away from tying Steve Sullivan's record of four points (3g-1a) in a Preds' debut, which he set on Feb. 18, 2004. It was also the most points by a Preds player in the opening game of the regular season since Ryan Johansen picked up three assists against Chicago to begin the 2016-17 campaign.

His five assists are the most, and his five points are tied with Sullivan (2g-3a in 2006-07) and David Legwand (2g-3a in 2011-12) for the most by a Preds player in the team's first two games of a season. The center was one point shy of the Preds franchise record for most by a player in his first two games with the team, held by Sullivan, who tallied six (4g-2a) from Feb. 18-20, 2004.
Translation: Not a bad first impression.
"Just his ability to create," Preds Head Coach Peter Laviolette said Monday of what has impressed him most about Duchene. "He seems to fit right in and hasn't had any issue, and I think he seems really comfortable to me. Inside of Nashville, inside of our team, inside of our locker room, on the ice, off the ice, it's been an easy transition so far for him."
Duchene's numbers would agree with that sentiment, and even though the Predators are only two games into the 2019-20 season with a 1-1-0 record, there's a lot to like from those in Gold.
"Oh, the sky is the limit for us," Duchene said. "It's exciting. Seeing what this group is capable of and watching guys around here with the little things they do, how elite some of the skillsets are, it's pretty special.
"We all know what we're capable of in here, and it's about not letting it be pressure but letting it be exciting and be an opportunity."

Ford Ice Center Bellevue Grand Opening This Saturday:

The Predators will officially cut the ribbon on Nashville's newest ice sheets this weekend.
Ford Ice Center Bellevue will officially open its doors to the general public and Predators fans everywhere with a ceremony and watch party this Saturday, Oct. 12.
The celebrations will begin at 2 p.m. (CT) in the Ford Ice Center Bellevue parking lot, complete with inflatables, children's activities and Preds mascot GNASH. At 3 p.m., Ford Ice Center Bellevue will host a special presentation and ribbon-cutting ceremony. Following the ceremony, the doors will open for fans to go inside, check out the state-of-the-art facility and participate in a public skating session on the brand-new ice.
Following the public skate, visit Ford Ice Center Bellevue's second-floor restaurant, Draft Picks, to watch as the Preds visit the Los Angeles Kings at 5 p.m. CT.
The entire event will be open to the public and will kick off the start of the Ford Ice Center Bellevue's hockey and skating programs.

Goal of the Week:

Save of the Week:

Quote of the Week:

Preds Head Coach Peter Laviolette on Matt Duchene's debut in Smashville: "This is where he wanted to be, we wanted to have him, and it finally happened. He's stepped right in; I mean, this is, I think if you ask him, this is his home, like Nashville is his home. He wants to be here, he wants this to be a place where he thrives, and he's bringing that to work right now and it really shows."

Shot of the Week:

...and there's more where that came from.
Preds vs. Wild Photo Gallery
Preds vs. Red Wings Photo Gallery

Preds in the Community:

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The Week Ahead:

Tuesday vs. San Jose Sharks, 7 p.m. CT
TV: NBCSN Radio: 102.5 The Game
Buy Tickets
Thursday vs. Washington, 7 p.m. CT
TV: Fox Sports Tennessee Radio: 102.5 The Game
Buy Tickets
Saturday at Los Angeles, 5 p.m. CT
TV: Fox Sports Tennessee Radio: 102.5 The Game

Predators Official Podcast, Episode 55:

Preds forward Viktor Arvidsson joins this week's show as the 2019-20 season arrives. Brooks Bratten and Thomas Willis discuss Matt Duchene's three-assist debut, and the podcast takes a look at how the Preds chose the 22 players on their final roster

In Case You Missed It:

The Man In Black: Matt Duchene Channels Johnny Cash in Preds Debut
Preds Foundation, Smile Direct Club Announce First SuperGrant Recipient
Preds Announce Single-Game Ticket Promotions for 2019-20 Season
Preds Unveil Shoulder Patch Logo for 2020 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic
Bridgestone, Preds Extend Naming Rights Agreement for Arena Through 2030