Predators Will Have Defensive Decisions to Make When Luke Schenn Returns

It hasn't just been experienced veterans who have performed well for the defense. When McDonagh went down after the Seattle game, Nashville recalled Marc Del Gaizo, who made his NHL debut on November 4 in the win against the Edmonton Oilers. Del Gaizo played six games for the Predators and impressed head coach Andrew Brunette with his play. 

"I thought he's gotten better every game," Brunette said of Del Gaizo before the November 11 game against Arizona. "I really liked his game against Winnipeg, one of the few guys I thought played well. You see he's getting a little bit more comfortable every day."

On November 14, the Predators recalled Spencer Stastney from Milwaukee after sending Del Gaizo back to the AHL. Stastney played eight games for the Predators at the end of last season and earned a chance to return to Nashville this month. Getting back to the NHL meant a few adjustments for Stastney under Andrew Brunette's new system.

"I think the systems are definitely different," Stastney said but he pointed out that the changes are opening up some new parts of his game in Nashville.

"It's instilling some confidence in using my feet, joining the rush, and saying it's OK to sometimes just go," Stastney said. "Maybe in Milwaukee or last year I would have thought maybe I'm going to stay back."

Stastney has shared ice time with veteran Tyson Barrie and the combination of Barrie's experience and Stastney's skill adds another successful pair to the blue line. The Predators already have some top defensive pairings in the league this season. 

Now the challenge for Andrew Brunette is deciding who will play and who will sit. It's a great problem to have. 

"They'll be a competition," Brunette said.

"I think Fabs has been actually really consistent this year. I thought Stas [Spencer Stastney] showed a little bit of what he can really bring, and I thought he's played really well. So I think it's a healthy competition. It's going to get interesting back there, but a competition is good for your team."

Brunette says the players will ultimately determine who is in and who is out of the lineup based on their performances, but with the way the blue line has played recently, he'll have his work cut out for him. 

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