Nashville Predators: Top 3 takeaways from Winter Classic loss to Stars

DALLAS, TEXAS - JANUARY 01: Ryan Johansen #92 and Roman Josi #59 of the Nashville Predators skate by the Predators bench to celebrate after teammate Dante Fabbro #57 (not in photo) scored during the first period of the 2020 NHL Winter Classic between the Nashville Predators and the Dallas Stars at Cotton Bowl on January 01, 2020 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Dave Sandford/NHLI via Getty Images) /

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Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images /

2. The Predators Are Screwed Without Ryan Ellis

Though the Nashville Predators scored two power play goals in the first period, it came at a very hefty price. Stars wing Corey Perry elbowed defenseman Ryan Ellis in the head. He got a well-deserved game misconduct and he ought to sit for at least two more games. Perry’s intent isn’t relevant. He elbowed Ellis in the head. That’s not acceptable.

This game showed how completely screwed the Predators are without Ellis. They had to play most of the game with five defensemen. By the end of the third period, their defensemen looked gassed. And who can blame them?

Ellis is such a key part to the Predators. He has the second-most points on the team and forms a very lethal pairing with team captain Roman Josi. Ellis is listed as having an “upper body injury”, but let’s not kid ourselves, it’s a head injury. He got hit in the head by Perry’s elbow.

Head injuries are weird. Sometimes, players can come back quickly. But other times, some players don’t come back quickly. Ellis was on the ground for well over a minute, so it certainly didn’t look good. If I were a betting man (and I am not), I’d bet he has a concussion.

The Predators absolutely need Ellis to be healthy to have any chance of turning around their season. If he’s out for any time, they’re going to dearly miss him. Hopefully, Ellis is OK because he’s such an important player for the Predators and he’s also one of my favorite players to watch.

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