In the extensive history of the Nashville Predators spanning over 25 years, it’s uncertain if anyone relished being a part of the team more than Matt Duchene. Last summer, he was released from his contract before free agency and ultimately found himself joining the rival Dallas Stars. In his second game back in Nashville, Duchene and his teammates put on an impressive performance, culminating in what could be considered an unforgettable victory lap.
Returning to Nashville in December, the Stars emerged victorious with a 3-2 win in Duchene’s homecoming game. The teams faced each other two more times in January, both games taking place in Dallas, and both resulted in victories for the Predators. However, the Stars made another visit to Music City on Thursday night and secured a resounding triumph with an astonishing score of 9-2. This outcome ensured that every game in the season series between the two teams was won by the visiting side.
Duchene clearly feels at ease at Bridgestone Arena, evident by his ability to score two goals during the game. While we will delve into his affinity for playing in Nashville, it’s undeniable that this achievement brought him immense satisfaction. As reported by The Tennessean, on Wednesday night, Duchene showcased his musical talents at Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, conveniently located across the street from where he and his teammates humiliated his former team. It seems that Duchene’s passion for music contributed to his sense of belonging in Nashville.
Recently, Duchene disclosed the difficulty he faced upon learning that GM Barry Trotz had decided to terminate the remainder of his contract. However, it appears that this decision may have been beneficial for Duchene. Currently, the Stars are leading the Central Division, which includes formidable teams like the Colorado Avalanche and Winnipeg Jets. On the other hand, the Predators currently hold the fifth position in the division and are two points away from securing the last wild card spot in the Western Conference.
According to the Source outkick.com